Kanabec County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Kanabec County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 16,261. It is the 52nd most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 5 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Kanabec County is 44.5 years. This is 15% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Kanabec County is $71,915. This is 18% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%. This is 6% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.9%. This is 24% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $221,100. Housing costs are 28% lower than the state median of $305,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 83.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Kanabec County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.7%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 6.2%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

15.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 59% 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 91.2%.