County · Minnesota
Douglas County, Minnesota
Douglas County, Minnesota. Douglas County had 40,120 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, up 2.9% since 2020, faster than Minnesota (+2.2%). It holds 31 places (11 cities, villages and boroughs and 20 towns and townships) and 11 census tracts. GEOID 27041.
Douglas County is the county of the Alexandria, MN micropolitan statistical area (the Census Bureau's July 2023 delineation).
Residents, July 2025 estimate
40,120
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 39,006 · ACS 2020-2024: 39,575
Median household income
$79,043
±$3,167 (90% margin)
Minnesota: $89,062
Median home value
$321,400
±$10,241 (90% margin)
Minnesota: $329,300
Median gross rent
$927
±$60 (90% margin)
Minnesota: $1,280
How many people live in Douglas County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 39,006 residents in Douglas County. The Census Bureau estimates 40,120 for July 1, 2025, up 2.9% since 2020, faster than Minnesota (+2.2%). The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 39,575 over 637 square miles of land.
| Measure | Douglas County | Minnesota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 39,575 | 5,739,445 | +2,062 |
| Households | 17,519±327 | 2,307,955 | +856 |
| Average household size | 2.22±0.04 | 2.43 | no clear change |
| Housing units | 22,332±52 | 2,545,030 | +1,180 |
Douglas County's population since 2000
From 32,821 in 2000 to 40,120 in 2025: up 22.2%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); PEP Vintage 2025 (CO-EST2025); 2020 Census · Check it at data.census.gov
What cities and towns are in Douglas County?
Douglas County holds 31 places: 11 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places) and 20 towns and townships (county subdivisions with their own government). The largest is Alexandria with 15,045 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Alexandria | 14,335 | $61,374 |
|---|---|---|
| La Grand Township | 4,279 | $94,122 |
| Alexandria Township | 2,964 | $93,864 |
| Carlos Township | 2,221 | $104,352 |
| Osakis | 1,771 | $50,833 |
| Ida Township | 1,404 | $103,250 |
| Lake Mary Township | 1,158 | $102,969 |
| Hudson Township | 944 | $103,125 |
| Miltona Township | 914 | $80,893 |
| Holmes City Township | 799 | $81,250 |
| Brandon Township | 763 | $99,286 |
| Moe Township | 763 | $98,393 |
| Osakis Township | 681 | $90,417 |
| Evansville | 603 | $64,028 |
| BrandonGEOID 2707336 | 501 | $73,375 |
| Carlos | 497 | $69,792 |
| Spruce Hill Township | 462 | $79,375 |
| Miltona | 431 | $62,917 |
| Millerville Township | 417 | $83,750 |
| Leaf Valley Township | 404 | $103,750 |
| Orange Township | 351 | $87,065 |
| Garfield | 349 | $56,696 |
| Lund Township | 346 | $71,875 |
| Belle River Township | 341 | $100,192 |
| Urness TownshipGEOID 2704166406 | 277 | $100,000 |
| Kensington | 266 | $46,000 |
| Solem TownshipGEOID 2704161078 | 232 | $99,375 |
| Evansville TownshipGEOID 2704119916 | 222 | $108,750 |
| NelsonGEOID 2745106 | 182 | $57,188 |
| Forada | 170 | $80,500 |
| MillervilleGEOID 2742254 | 100 | $71,591 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 place-by-county parts · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Douglas County?
The median resident of Douglas County is 44.5 years old; 21.4% are under 18 and 24.4% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 93.7%, then Hispanic or Latino residents (of any race) at 2.3%. 1.5% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Douglas County | Minnesota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 44.5±0.3 | 38.8 | no clear change |
| Under 18 years | 21.4% | 22.9% | – |
| 65 years and over | 24.4%±0.2 pts | 17.3% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% | 6.4% | +0.6 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 93.7%±0.4 pts | 75.9% | −2.2 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 0.5%±0.2 pts | 6.9% | no clear change |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 0.5%±0.2 pts | 5.1% | – |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.1 pts | 0.7% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.2 pts | 0.0% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 2.2%±0.5 pts | 4.5% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.3%±0.3 pts | 0.5% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 1.5%±0.3 pts | 8.7% | no clear change |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 2.5%±0.5 pts | 12.4% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 7.9%±0.7 pts | 5.9% | – |
| With a disability | 11.7%±1.0 pts | 11.6% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 4.0%±0.7 pts | 4.7% | +1.0 pts |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 96.0%±0.7 pts | 93.9% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 29.7%±1.5 pts | 39.4% | +3.7 pts |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 9.6%±1.0 pts | 13.8% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 1.1%±0.4 pts | 1.8% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Douglas County earn?
Half of Douglas County's 17,519 households earn less than $79,043 a year (±$3,167), against $89,062 in Minnesota. In 2015-2019 it was $78,542 in 2024 dollars; the margins of error cannot tell the two periods apart. 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Douglas County | Minnesota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $79,043±$3,167 | $89,062 | no clear change |
| Mean household income | $101,237±$4,022 | $118,304 | – |
| Per capita income | $44,466±$1,675 | $48,237 | no clear change |
| People below the poverty line | 9.0%±1.1 pts | 9.3% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 8.8%±2.3 pts | 10.3% | no clear change |
| Households receiving SNAP | 6.0%±1.1 pts | 7.9% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 88.8%±1.4 pts | 91.6% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Douglas County?
Owners occupy 76.5% of Douglas County's occupied homes and renters 23.5%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $321,400 by its owner (±$10,241). The median renter pays $927 a month including utilities, and 31.5% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Douglas County | Minnesota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $321,400±$10,241 | $329,300 | +$57,047 |
| Median gross rent | $927±$60 | $1,280 | no clear change |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 31.5%±4.8 pts | 38.4% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,733±$48 | $1,947 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 76.5%±1.6 pts | 72.2% | +2.2 pts |
| Housing units | 22,332±52 | 2,545,030 | +1,180 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.8%±0.4 pts | 0.6% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 5.9%±3.5 pts | 5.3% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 77.6%±1.5 pts | 66.0% | – |
| Mobile homes | 4.0%±0.7 pts | 2.9% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 1.7%±0.3 pts | 1.9% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 12.1%±1.1 pts | 15.6% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Douglas County building?
Builders took permits for 319 new housing units across Douglas County in 2025 (157 single-family), 8.0 per 1,000 residents.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual county files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Douglas County get to work?
78.9% of Douglas County's workers drive alone and 11.5% work from home. The average trip to work takes 20.5 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 2.9%.
| Measure | Douglas County | Minnesota | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 63.0%±1.0 pts | 68.1% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9%±0.8 pts | 4.1% | no clear change |
| Drove alone to work | 78.9%±1.4 pts | 68.9% | – |
| Carpooled | 6.0%±1.0 pts | 7.5% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.3%±0.1 pts | 1.8% | – |
| Walked | 1.8%±0.5 pts | 2.5% | – |
| Worked from home | 11.5%±1.2 pts | 17.6% | +4.0 pts |
| Mean travel time to work | 20.5 min±1.1 | 22.7 min | +2.3 min |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What are Douglas County's census tracts?
Douglas County is divided into 11 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $44,702 (Tract 4507.04) to $102,672 (Tract 4509).
| Tract 450127041450100 | 3,424±169 | $85,938 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 450227041450200 | 3,815±251 | $89,605 |
| Tract 450527041450500 | 4,962±277 | $94,844 |
| Tract 4506.0127041450601 | 3,612±362 | $59,771 |
| Tract 4506.0227041450602 | 3,210±285 | $72,663 |
| Tract 4507.0227041450702 | 2,672±322 | $76,311 |
| Tract 4507.0327041450703 | 2,661±271 | $57,236 |
| Tract 4507.0427041450704 | 3,106±298 | $44,702 |
| Tract 450827041450800 | 3,772±241 | $80,912 |
| Tract 450927041450900 | 3,705±314 | $102,672 |
| Tract 451027041451000 | 4,636±532 | $102,308 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Douglas County compare with Minnesota's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 27th of 87 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 22nd of 87 |
| Residents per square mile | 25th of 87 |
| Median household income | 24th of 87 |
| Median home value | 13th of 87 |
| Median gross rent | 33rd of 87 |
| Poverty rate | 58th of 87 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23rd of 87 |
| Median age | 22nd of 87 |
Source: PlainCities ranks from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Douglas County are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' school search.