Douglas County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Douglas County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 39,354. It is the 27th most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 11 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Douglas County is 44.3 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 10.6% 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 Douglas County is $77,264. This is 12% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%. This is 10% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.7%. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $291,700. Housing costs are 5% lower than the state median of $305,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x. 76.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Douglas County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.1%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 6.2%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

29.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% 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 96.0%.