Washington County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 5th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Washington County, Minnesota is 272,298 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $114,457, the median home value is $400,900, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Washington County has grown 18.8% since 2010 (238,933 → 283,960), a +1.24% annualized rate.
272,298
Population
+1.24%
Annual growth
708
People / sq mi
$114,457
Median Income
$400,900
Median Home Value
Washington County covers 385 sq mi of land at 707.7 people per square mile.
About Washington County, MN
What sets Washington County apart is money: median household income runs $114,457, above the US median of $78,538. With 272,298 residents, Washington County is a county in Minnesota. It is the #5-largest of all counties in Minnesota nationally.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $114,457, putting Washington County near the top of US counties. Very few residents live in poverty — 3.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $400,900, with typical rent around $1,637.
Washington County is among the best-educated US counties: 48.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 21.5% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Washington County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Washington County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Washington County had a population of 238,933 in 2010 and 283,960 in 2024, a 18.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 283,960 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.24%.
283,960
Population (2024)
238,933
Population (2010)
283,960
Peak (2024)
1.24%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 238,933 |
| 2011 | 241,428 |
| 2012 | 243,720 |
| 2013 | 246,002 |
| 2014 | 248,580 |
| 2015 | 250,482 |
| 2016 | 252,655 |
| 2017 | 255,717 |
| 2018 | 258,969 |
| 2019 | 262,541 |
| 2020 | 268,400 |
| 2021 | 272,904 |
| 2022 | 276,530 |
| 2023 | 279,398 |
| 2024 | 283,960 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.7% |
| Black or African American | 4.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
16.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $114,457+$26,901 vs state |
| Mean household income | $148,315 |
| Per-capita income | $56,650 |
| Poverty rate | 3.3%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Washington County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
68.5%
Public transit
21.5%
Work from home
24.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$400,900+$95,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,637
Median rent
81.2%
Homeownership rate
107,035
Total housing units
96.6%
Occupied
3.4%
Vacant
18.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.6%
With health insurance
97.2%
With broadband internet
23.4%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
9.6%
With a disability
88.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.3%
High School+
48.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington County, Minnesota has a population of 272,298 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 708 people per square mile.
The population of Washington County has grown 18.8% since 2010 (238,933 → 283,960), a +1.24% annualized rate.
The median household income in Washington County, Minnesota is $114,457, with mean (average) household income of $148,315 and per-capita income of $56,650. 3.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Washington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.7%), Black or African American (4.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Washington County, Minnesota is 39.9 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Washington County is $400,900 and median monthly rent is $1,637. 81.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 107,035 total housing units, 3.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Washington County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Washington County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Minnesota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.