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.
Washington County, MN Climate
Washington County, MN has an average annual temperature of 6.9°C (44°F) and receives about 773 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.9°C
Avg Temp
773
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 12° | 23 mm |
| February | -7° / 19° | 19 mm |
| March | -1° / 31° | 43 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 66 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 86 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 113 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 100 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 104 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 87 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 63 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 42 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 27 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Washington County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Washington County, MN are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Washington County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.