Houston County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Houston County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 18,768. It is the 51st most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 6 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Houston County is 45.0 years. This is 17% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Houston County is $77,087. 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 6.5%. This is 29% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 1.9%. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $226,300. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Houston County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 84.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Houston County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.5%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 6.2%. The Asian population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

28.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 28% 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 94.4%.