Watonwan County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Watonwan County, Minnesota is 11,169 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $70,593, the median home value is $151,600, and the median age is 40.6.
The population of Watonwan County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (11,195 → 11,204), a +0.01% annualized rate.
11,169
Population
+0.01%
Annual growth
26
People / sq mi
$70,593
Median Income
$151,600
Median Home Value
Watonwan County covers 435 sq mi of land at 25.7 people per square mile.
About Watonwan County, MN
Watonwan County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 11,169. It ranks #65 among counties in Minnesota by population. The median age is 40.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Watonwan County is $70,593, below the US median of $74,580. 10.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $151,600, with monthly rent averaging $807. The homeownership rate of 78.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Watonwan County reflects 18.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.8 minutes each way.
Watonwan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Watonwan County had a population of 11,195 in 2010 and 11,204 in 2024, a 0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,245 in 2022. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
11,204
Population (2024)
11,195
Population (2010)
11,245
Peak (2022)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,195 |
| 2011 | 11,168 |
| 2012 | 11,114 |
| 2013 | 11,046 |
| 2014 | 10,978 |
| 2015 | 11,013 |
| 2016 | 11,002 |
| 2017 | 10,911 |
| 2018 | 10,964 |
| 2019 | 10,846 |
| 2020 | 11,238 |
| 2021 | 11,161 |
| 2022 | 11,245 |
| 2023 | 11,179 |
| 2024 | 11,204 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.6
Median Age
49.5%
Female
50.5%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.3% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,593$-16,963 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,633 |
| Per-capita income | $35,659 |
| Poverty rate | 10.2%+4.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Watonwan County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.4% of workers.
How residents commute
1.8%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
75.0%
Public transit
6.8%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$151,600$-153,900 vs state
Median home value
$807
Median rent
78.2%
Homeownership rate
4,904
Total housing units
88.0%
Occupied
12.0%
Vacant
21.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.0%
With health insurance
92.2%
With broadband internet
14.8%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
76.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.4%
High School+
18.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Watonwan County, Minnesota has a population of 11,169 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 26 people per square mile.
The population of Watonwan County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (11,195 → 11,204), a +0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Watonwan County, Minnesota is $70,593, with mean (average) household income of $89,633 and per-capita income of $35,659. 10.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Watonwan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.9%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Watonwan County, Minnesota is 40.6 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
The median home value in Watonwan County is $151,600 and median monthly rent is $807. 78.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,904 total housing units, 12.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Watonwan County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Watonwan County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
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Statewide data for Minnesota
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.