Big Stone County, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,127
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,400/yr
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,001
0.6% year-over-year change

Big Stone County population

How many people live in Big Stone County

Big Stone County is home to 5,127 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Big Stone County locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
5,127
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
2,577
Female
49.7%
2,550
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,577 50.3% -1.3%
Female 2,550 49.7% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Big Stone County is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.5% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
47
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
20.5%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
26.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 935 18.2% -1.6%
15 to 24 492 9.6% 3.4%
25 to 44 1,052 20.5% -0.1%
45 to 64 1,270 24.8% -2.8%
Over 65 1,378 26.9% 0.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Big Stone County, 97.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,018 97.9% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 61 1.2% -12.9%
Non-citizens 48 0.9% 29.7%
Racial breakdown
White
94.1%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.1%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 4,823 94.1%
Black or African American 14 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0.2%
Asian 38 0.7%
Two or more races 157 3.1%
Other 83 1.6%

Households in Big Stone County

A peek inside Big Stone County households

Big Stone County has 2,136 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.6% are families, while the remaining 37.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,136
-2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
800
Family households
1,336
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 800 37.4% -2.3%
Family households 1,336 62.6% -1.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Big Stone County

The housing landscape of Big Stone County

Big Stone County's housing consists of 3,001 units, with 82.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,001
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,472 82.4%
1 unit, attached 69 2.3%
2 units 34 1.1%
3 or 4 units 6 0.2%
5 to 9 units 56 1.9%
10 to 19 units 66 2.2%
20 to 49 units 135 4.5%
Mobile home 163 5.4%
Homes built since 2020
44
15.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Big Stone County

In Big Stone County, the median construction year is 1959. About 33.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,016 33.9% -0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 209 7% -5.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 295 9.8% -17.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 302 10.1% -6.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 424 14.1% 11.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 152 5.1% 4.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 212 7.1% 7.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 189 6.3% 9.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 158 5.3% 22.5%
Built in 2020 or later 44 1.5% 15.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Big Stone County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,136 occupied housing units in Big Stone County, 79.7% are owner-occupied, while 20.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 28.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,136
-2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
433
Owner occupied
1,703
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 433 20.3% -3.6%
Owner occupied 1,703 79.7% -1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
28.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Big Stone County housing costs

Housing costs in Big Stone County come to a median of $779 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $745.

Median housing costs per month
$779/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Big Stone County
$745/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Big Stone County

Big Stone County education at a glance

About 39.9% of the population in Big Stone County went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 15.1% earned an associate degree and 15.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 96 2.4% -23.8%
High school diploma 1,596 39.9% -5.0%
College diploma 718 18% -3.6%
Associate degree 603 15.1% -5.2%
Bachelor's degree 623 15.6% 20.0%
Graduate degree 364 9.1% 17.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Big Stone County

How much people earn in Big Stone County

The average annual household income in Big Stone County was $95,274 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +13.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,400, reflecting a +7.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Big Stone County
$95,274/year
13.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Big Stone County
$70,400/year
7.5% year-over-year change

Big Stone County income by age

In Big Stone County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,981. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $50,893, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,050 in earnings. Overall, 87.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $50,893 4.4%
25 - 44 $82,981 9.9%
45 - 64 $95,250 20.7%
Over 65 $52,050 11.9%
Above poverty level
4,300
Below poverty level
633
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,300 87.2% -1.0%
Below poverty level 633 12.8% 12.4%

Employment in Big Stone County

Workforce and job types in Big Stone County

The job market in Big Stone County is powered by 2,298 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.6% run their own businesses, 55.1% are employed by private companies, and 13.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,298
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,692
Blue collar
606
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,692 73.6% 3.0%
Blue collar 606 26.4% -4.6%
Employer type
Self employees
18.6%
Private companies
55.1%
Governmental workers
13.7%
Not for profit companies
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 428 18.6% -7.8%
Private companies 1,267 55.1% 7.3%
Governmental workers 314 13.7% 5.7%
Not for profit companies 289 12.6% -13.7%
Unemployment rate
1.8%
-40.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Big Stone County stands at 1.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Big Stone County

How people get around in Big Stone County

Commuting methods vary: 83.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,833 83.8% 0.4%
Bus or trolleybus 17 0.8% -39.3%
Bicycle 3 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 105 4.8% -10.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Big Stone County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56210 16 5 $83,750 $121,620
56211 484 179 $83,250 $115,773
56221 731 343 $74,583 $81,861
56225 734 294 $95,978 $110,709
56227 215 93 $97,604 $86,128
56240 796 348 $76,500 $98,514
56276 256 94 $76,250 $91,315
56278 2,698 1,149 $63,203 $91,307

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FAQs about Big Stone County demographics 

What is the total population of Big Stone County?

Big Stone County has a total population of 5,127 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Big Stone County?

The gender ratio in Big Stone County is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (2,577 residents)
  • 49.7% females (2,550 residents)

What is the median age in Big Stone County?

The median age in Big Stone County is 47.

What is the age distribution of the population in Big Stone County?

The age distribution in Big Stone County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (935 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (492 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.5% (1,052 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (1,270 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.9% (1,378 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Big Stone County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Stone County is as follows:
  • White: 94.1% (4,823 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (14 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (38 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.1% (157 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (83 residents)

What percentage of the population in Big Stone County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.9% of the population in Big Stone County.

How many housing units are there in Big Stone County?

There are 3,001 housing units in Big Stone County, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Big Stone County and what is the average household size?

Big Stone County has a total of 2,136 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Big Stone County?

Big Stone County has a median household income of $70,400, representing a +7.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Big Stone County?

The employment rate is 98.2% in Big Stone County, with a workforce of 2,298 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.6% (1,692 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.4% (606 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.6% (428 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.1% (1,267 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.7% (314 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.6% (289 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025