Nicollet County, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
34,411
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$79,756/yr
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,596
0.5% year-over-year change

Nicollet County population

How many people live in Nicollet County

Nicollet County is home to 34,411 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Nicollet County locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
34,411
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
17,253
Female
49.9%
17,158
Value Percent YoY change
Male 17,253 50.1% -0.3%
Female 17,158 49.9% 0.6%
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 Nicollet County is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 17.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
17.6%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,038 17.6% -1.7%
15 to 24 6,046 17.6% 5.5%
25 to 44 8,412 24.4% -2.1%
45 to 64 7,872 22.9% -1.4%
Over 65 6,043 17.6% 2.3%
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 Nicollet County, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.7% of locals are Caucasian, 4.6% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 32,538 94.6% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,152 3.4% 14.2%
Non-citizens 721 2.1% -12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
86.7%
Black or African American
4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 29,832 86.7%
Black or African American 1,586 4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 145 0.4%
Asian 566 1.6%
Two or more races 1,507 4.4%
Other 775 2.2%

Households in Nicollet County

A peek inside Nicollet County households

Nicollet County has 13,002 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.5% are families, while the remaining 37.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,002
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,874
Family households
8,128
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,874 37.5% 1.4%
Family households 8,128 62.5% -0.6%
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 Nicollet County

The housing landscape of Nicollet County

Nicollet County's housing consists of 13,596 units, with 69.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% 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 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,596
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,438 69.4%
1 unit, attached 581 4.3%
2 units 442 3.2%
3 or 4 units 493 3.6%
5 to 9 units 463 3.4%
10 to 19 units 416 3.1%
20 to 49 units 792 5.8%
50 or more units 350 2.6%
Mobile home 569 4.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 52 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
184
82.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nicollet County

In Nicollet County, the median construction year is 1979. About 17.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,366 17.4% 6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 509 3.7% 34.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,007 7.4% -8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,202 8.8% -8.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,967 14.5% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,441 10.6% -10.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,445 10.6% 0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,058 15.1% -5.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,417 10.4% 17.9%
Built in 2020 or later 184 1.4% 82.2%
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.

Nicollet County occupancy rates

Out of the 13,002 occupied housing units in Nicollet County, 72.2% are owner-occupied, while 27.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,002
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,613
Owner occupied
9,389
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,613 27.8% 0.3%
Owner occupied 9,389 72.2% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
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.

Nicollet County housing costs

Housing costs in Nicollet County come to a median of $1,138 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $970.

Median housing costs per month
$1,138/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 Nicollet County
$970/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 Nicollet County

Nicollet County education at a glance

About 31% of the population in Nicollet County went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 12.9% earned an associate degree and 21.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 498 1.8% 39.1%
High school diploma 8,371 31% 0.7%
College diploma 6,214 23% -2.0%
Associate degree 3,478 12.9% -1.2%
Bachelor's degree 5,792 21.4% 3.5%
Graduate degree 2,676 9.9% -4.0%
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 Nicollet County

How much people earn in Nicollet County

The average annual household income in Nicollet County was $112,374 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $79,756, reflecting a -0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nicollet County
$112,374/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nicollet County
$79,756/year
-0.8% year-over-year change

Nicollet County income by age

In Nicollet County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,806. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,176 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $71,122, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,389 in earnings. Overall, 91.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $71,122 1.4%
25 - 44 $85,806 4.5%
45 - 64 $107,176 0.6%
Over 65 $57,389 2.7%
Above poverty level
29,000
Below poverty level
2,554
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 29,000 91.9% 1.9%
Below poverty level 2,554 8.1% -16.5%

Employment in Nicollet County

Workforce and job types in Nicollet County

The job market in Nicollet County is powered by 18,611 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 61.5% are employed by private companies, and 15.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
18,611
-1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
14,388
Blue collar
4,223
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 14,388 77.3% -1.4%
Blue collar 4,223 22.7% -2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
61.5%
Governmental workers
15.4%
Not for profit companies
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,512 8.1% -0.2%
Private companies 11,454 61.5% -3.2%
Governmental workers 2,861 15.4% 2.4%
Not for profit companies 2,784 15% -0.4%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
32.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Nicollet County stands at 2.2%, 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 Nicollet County

How people get around in Nicollet County

Commuting methods vary: 77.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.4% 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 14,114 77.7% -1.0%
Bus or trolleybus 25 0.1% 4.2%
Railroad 27 0.2% 0.0%
Motorcycle 14 0.1% 27.3%
Bicycle 73 0.4% -50.3%
Walk 1,171 6.4% 3.6%
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 Nicollet County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55332 1,667 706 $62,361 $81,205
55335 1,666 674 $62,206 $93,950
56003 15,258 6,349 $82,538 $124,160
56021 1,108 441 $96,563 $110,130
56054 853 328 $93,214 $106,629
56058 6,067 2,575 $86,677 $93,932
56073 17,339 7,344 $70,250 $88,435
56074 1,845 699 $92,813 $116,432
56082 14,606 4,941 $71,456 $96,890

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FAQs about Nicollet County demographics 

What is the total population of Nicollet County?

Nicollet County has a total population of 34,411 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nicollet County?

The gender ratio in Nicollet County is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (17,253 residents)
  • 49.9% females (17,158 residents)

What is the median age in Nicollet County?

The median age in Nicollet County is 38.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nicollet County?

The age distribution in Nicollet County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (6,038 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.6% (6,046 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (8,412 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (7,872 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (6,043 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nicollet County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nicollet County is as follows:
  • White: 86.7% (29,832 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.6% (1,586 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (145 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (566 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (1,507 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (775 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in Nicollet County.

How many housing units are there in Nicollet County?

There are 13,596 housing units in Nicollet County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Nicollet County has a total of 13,002 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nicollet County?

Nicollet County has a median household income of $79,756, representing a -0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.8% in Nicollet County, with a workforce of 18,611 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.3% (14,388 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.7% (4,223 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (1,512 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.5% (11,454 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.4% (2,861 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15% (2,784 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