Winona County, Minnesota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in Minnesota
The population of Winona County, Minnesota is 49,705 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in Minnesota. The median household income is $70,198, the median home value is $222,900, and the median age is 36.1.
The population of Winona County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (51,432 → 49,973), a -0.21% annualized rate.
49,705
Population
-0.21%
Annual growth
79
People / sq mi
$70,198
Median Income
$222,900
Median Home Value
Winona County covers 626 sq mi of land at 79.4 people per square mile.
About Winona County, MN
The poverty rate is what most separates Winona County from the typical county: 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 49,705 residents, Winona County is a county in Minnesota. It ranks #19 among counties in Minnesota by population.
The typical household here earns about $70,198, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.8%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $222,900, with typical rent around $866.
About 32.1% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. About 9.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Winona County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Winona County had a population of 51,432 in 2010 and 49,973 in 2024, a -2.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 51,432 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.20%.
49,973
Population (2024)
51,432
Population (2010)
51,432
Peak (2010)
-0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 51,432 |
| 2011 | 51,359 |
| 2012 | 51,353 |
| 2013 | 51,349 |
| 2014 | 51,085 |
| 2015 | 50,859 |
| 2016 | 50,912 |
| 2017 | 50,787 |
| 2018 | 50,877 |
| 2019 | 50,659 |
| 2020 | 49,672 |
| 2021 | 49,819 |
| 2022 | 49,585 |
| 2023 | 49,846 |
| 2024 | 49,973 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.1
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
18.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 18.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,198$-17,358 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,289 |
| Per-capita income | $37,447 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Winona County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.2%
Drive alone
6.0%
Carpool
75.4%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
17.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$222,900$-82,600 vs state
Median home value
$866
Median rent
68.8%
Homeownership rate
21,763
Total housing units
93.2%
Occupied
6.8%
Vacant
31.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
31.5%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
11.2%
With a disability
95.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.9%
High School+
32.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Minnesota
Other counties in Minnesota
Part of Minnesota
Metro areas in Minnesota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Winona County, Minnesota has a population of 49,705 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in Minnesota. Population density is 79 people per square mile.
The population of Winona County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (51,432 → 49,973), a -0.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Winona County, Minnesota is $70,198, with mean (average) household income of $89,289 and per-capita income of $37,447. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Winona County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.8%), Black or African American (1.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Winona County, Minnesota is 36.1 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Winona County is $222,900 and median monthly rent is $866. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,763 total housing units, 6.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Winona County, Minnesota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Minneapolis is among the largest cities associated with Winona 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.