Wilkin County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 77th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Wilkin County, Minnesota is 6,413 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $69,635, the median home value is $172,300, and the median age is 42.0.
The population of Wilkin County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (6,591 → 6,268), a -0.36% annualized rate.
6,413
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
9
People / sq mi
$69,635
Median Income
$172,300
Median Home Value
Wilkin County covers 751 sq mi of land at 8.5 people per square mile.
About Wilkin County, MN
Wilkin County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 9 people per square mile. Wilkin County is a county in Minnesota with a population of 6,413.
Median household income is $69,635, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $172,300, with typical rent around $561.
Roughly 21.5% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 8.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Wilkin County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Wilkin County had a population of 6,591 in 2010 and 6,268 in 2024, a -4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,594 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.35%.
6,268
Population (2024)
6,591
Population (2010)
6,594
Peak (2012)
-0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,591 |
| 2011 | 6,577 |
| 2012 | 6,594 |
| 2013 | 6,499 |
| 2014 | 6,470 |
| 2015 | 6,369 |
| 2016 | 6,337 |
| 2017 | 6,342 |
| 2018 | 6,255 |
| 2019 | 6,223 |
| 2020 | 6,480 |
| 2021 | 6,413 |
| 2022 | 6,363 |
| 2023 | 6,330 |
| 2024 | 6,268 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.0
Median Age
47.0%
Female
53.0%
Male
19.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 19.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,635$-17,921 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,280 |
| Per-capita income | $36,057 |
| Poverty rate | 7.5%+2.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Wilkin County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
4.6%
Carpool
77.7%
Public transit
8.2%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$172,300$-133,200 vs state
Median home value
$561
Median rent
79.7%
Homeownership rate
2,977
Total housing units
90.4%
Occupied
9.6%
Vacant
20.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.3%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
32.3%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
13.8%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.4%
High School+
21.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Wilkin County, Minnesota has a population of 6,413 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 9 people per square mile.
The population of Wilkin County has declined 4.9% since 2010 (6,591 → 6,268), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Wilkin County, Minnesota is $69,635, with mean (average) household income of $84,280 and per-capita income of $36,057. 7.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Wilkin County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.6%), Hispanic or Latino (2.8%), Black or African American (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Wilkin County, Minnesota is 42.0 years. Residents are 47.0% female and 53.0% male.
The median home value in Wilkin County is $172,300 and median monthly rent is $561. 79.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,977 total housing units, 9.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Wilkin County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Wilkin County, Minnesota, with a population of 426,845.
Wilkin County, MN Climate
Wilkin County, MN has an average annual temperature of 5.6°C (42°F) and receives about 553 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.6°C
Avg Temp
553
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -14° / 8° | 15 mm |
| February | -10° / 15° | 10 mm |
| March | -2° / 28° | 24 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 47 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 69 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 91 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 84 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 70 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 63 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 48 mm |
| November | -2° / 28° | 20 mm |
| December | -10° / 14° | 12 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 Wilkin County, MN
The most comfortable months to visit Wilkin 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 -19°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Wilkin County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.