Carlton County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Carlton County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 36,457. It is the 30th most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 9 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Carlton County is 41.7 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Carlton County is $80,042. This is 9% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% higher. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%. This is 21% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.0%. This is 3% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $232,000. Housing costs are 24% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Carlton County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Carlton County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.3% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 2.1%. The Black or African American population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 6.2%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

25.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 34% 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 93.5%.