Lake County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Lake County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 10,911. It is the 66th most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Lake County is 49.6 years. This is 28% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 11.4% 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 Lake County is $75,621. This is 14% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 4% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%. This is 9% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.4%. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $222,900. Housing costs are 27% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Lake County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 84.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Lake County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.4%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 6.2%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

25.8% 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 93.2%.