Big Stone County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Big Stone County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 5,152. It is the 83rd most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 8 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Big Stone County is 47.4 years. This is 23% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 12.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Big Stone County is $65,475. This is 25% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 17% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%. This is 25% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.0%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $135,700. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Big Stone County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Big Stone County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.5%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.5%) is well below the state average of 6.2%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

21.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.3%.