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

Total population
160,865
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,066/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
66,625
0.6% year-over-year change

Stearns County population

How many people live in Stearns County

Stearns County is home to 160,865 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Stearns County locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
160,865
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
81,383
Female
49.4%
79,482
Value Percent YoY change
Male 81,383 50.6% 1.0%
Female 79,482 49.4% 0.9%
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 Stearns County is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 18.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
18.5%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 31,397 19.5% 1.0%
15 to 24 29,698 18.5% 0.4%
25 to 44 38,409 23.9% 1.6%
45 to 64 35,490 22.1% -0.8%
Over 65 25,871 16.1% 3.0%
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 Stearns County, 91.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.7% of locals are Caucasian, 9.1% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.9%
Non-citizens
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 146,907 91.3% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,858 4.9% 3.2%
Non-citizens 6,100 3.8% 12.0%
Racial breakdown
White
81.7%
Black or African American
9.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 131,456 81.7%
Black or African American 14,649 9.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 188 0.1%
Asian 3,136 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 84 0%
Two or more races 7,989 5%
Other 3,363 2.1%

Households in Stearns County

A peek inside Stearns County households

Stearns County has 61,403 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
61,403
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
23,941
Family households
37,462
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 23,941 39% 2.8%
Family households 37,462 61% -0.5%
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 Stearns County

The housing landscape of Stearns County

Stearns County's housing consists of 66,625 units, with 68.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.5% 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 2.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
66,625
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 45,754 68.7%
1 unit, attached 2,305 3.5%
2 units 700 1%
3 or 4 units 1,557 2.3%
5 to 9 units 1,199 1.8%
10 to 19 units 3,239 4.9%
20 to 49 units 5,539 8.3%
50 or more units 4,895 7.4%
Mobile home 1,428 2.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0%
Homes built since 2020
998
80.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Stearns County

In Stearns County, the median construction year is 1985. About 11.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10% 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 7,479 11.2% -0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,641 4% -3.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,590 5.4% -6.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,061 9.1% 3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,661 14.5% 0.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,152 12.2% -4.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 9,842 14.8% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11,532 17.3% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,669 10% 7.2%
Built in 2020 or later 998 1.5% 80.5%
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.

Stearns County occupancy rates

Out of the 61,403 occupied housing units in Stearns County, 67.8% are owner-occupied, while 32.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
61,403
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
19,740
Owner occupied
41,663
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 19,740 32.2% 0.7%
Owner occupied 41,663 67.8% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.8%
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.

Stearns County housing costs

Housing costs in Stearns County come to a median of $1,173 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,068.

Median housing costs per month
$1,173/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 Stearns County
$1,068/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 Stearns County

Stearns County education at a glance

About 31.4% of the population in Stearns County went to high school, while 26.9% pursued college studies. Another 13.1% earned an associate degree and 17.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,051 3.3% -0.2%
High school diploma 38,619 31.4% 2.3%
College diploma 33,097 26.9% -1.7%
Associate degree 16,126 13.1% 3.6%
Bachelor's degree 21,045 17.1% 1.2%
Graduate degree 9,916 8.1% -0.3%
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 Stearns County

How much people earn in Stearns County

The average annual household income in Stearns County was $98,367 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,066, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Stearns County
$98,367/year
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Stearns County
$77,066/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Stearns County income by age

In Stearns County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,626. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $99,038 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,386, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,464 in earnings. Overall, 87.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,386 -2.3%
25 - 44 $88,626 3.4%
45 - 64 $99,038 2.6%
Over 65 $52,464 -1.3%
Above poverty level
132,806
Below poverty level
19,682
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 132,806 87.1% 0.1%
Below poverty level 19,682 12.9% 7.0%

Employment in Stearns County

Workforce and job types in Stearns County

The job market in Stearns County is powered by 84,860 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 65.7% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
84,860
1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
62,406
Blue collar
22,454
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 62,406 73.5% 0.0%
Blue collar 22,454 26.5% 4.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
65.7%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,620 9% 3.8%
Private companies 55,787 65.7% 1.9%
Governmental workers 10,549 12.4% 1.6%
Not for profit companies 10,904 12.8% -4.7%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
-3.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Stearns County stands at 4.1%, 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 Stearns County

How people get around in Stearns County

In Stearns County, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
-1.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 68,840 82.6% 0.7%
Taxicab 294 0.4% -7.5%
Bus or trolleybus 1,038 1.2% -5.4%
Railroad 63 0.1% -19.2%
Ferryboat 10 0% 150.0%
Motorcycle 26 0% -13.3%
Bicycle 297 0.4% -33.9%
Walk 3,587 4.3% -2.0%
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 Stearns County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55320 5,998 2,229 $113,973 $147,602
55329 2,219 793 $79,453 $98,313
55353 3,361 1,191 $83,854 $97,306
55382 3,691 1,436 $93,661 $121,937
55389 2,384 886 $96,786 $104,016
56301 35,580 12,609 $73,142 $95,260
56303 25,827 11,184 $65,198 $77,857
56307 5,385 1,999 $84,097 $98,677
56310 5,431 1,981 $105,164 $119,600
56312 2,270 886 $70,000 $89,627

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Stearns County demographics 

What is the total population of Stearns County?

Stearns County has a total population of 160,865 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Stearns County?

The gender ratio in Stearns County is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (81,383 residents)
  • 49.4% females (79,482 residents)

What is the median age in Stearns County?

The median age in Stearns County is 35.1.

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

The age distribution in Stearns County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (31,397 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.5% (29,698 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (38,409 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (35,490 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.1% (25,871 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Stearns County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Stearns County is as follows:
  • White: 81.7% (131,456 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.1% (14,649 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (188 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (3,136 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (84 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5% (7,989 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (3,363 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.3% of the population in Stearns County.

How many housing units are there in Stearns County?

There are 66,625 housing units in Stearns 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 Stearns County and what is the average household size?

Stearns County has a total of 61,403 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Stearns County?

Stearns County has a median household income of $77,066, 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 Stearns County?

The employment rate is 95.9% in Stearns County, with a workforce of 84,860 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.5% (62,406 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.5% (22,454 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (7,620 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.7% (55,787 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (10,549 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (10,904 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