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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 14.8% of the population. Watonwan County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 11,169.
Median household income is $70,593, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.2%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $151,600, with typical rent around $807.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.8%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.
Watonwan County, MN Climate
Watonwan County, MN has an average annual temperature of 7.3°C (45°F) and receives about 699 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.3°C
Avg Temp
699
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 13° | 14 mm |
| February | -7° / 20° | 15 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 42 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 68 mm |
| May | 15° / 60° | 82 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 102 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 102 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 89 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 78 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 52 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 35 mm |
| December | -8° / 18° | 20 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 Watonwan County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Watonwan County, MN are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Watonwan County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.