Aitkin County

As of the 2020 Census, Aitkin County, Minnesota had a population of approximately 15,697. The racial composition was predominantly White at around 94.7%, with Native Americans making up about 2.2%, and other races including African American, Asian, and those identifying as two or more races totaling around 3.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population was roughly 1.2%. The median age was approximately 53.1 years, reflecting a relatively older population. The county covers an area of about 1,995 square miles, with a population density of 8.1 people per square mile.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau.

As of the latest data, Aitkin County, MN, has a median home value of approximately $175,000. The median household income is about $50,000, with a homeownership rate of around 80%. The area features low property tax rates, ranging from 0.5% to 1.5% of the property's assessed value. Housing availability includes single-family homes, lakefront properties, and cabins. The rental vacancy rate is roughly 7%, with average rental costs for a two-bedroom apartment at about $700 per month. Population density is low, contributing to a rural, spacious living environment.

Aitkin County, MN, holds elections for various local, state, and federal positions. Key positions include County Commissioners, Sheriff, County Attorney, and other local offices.

For the 2022 elections:

• County Commissioner (Districts 1, 3, 5): Notable candidates included Bill Pratt (District 3) and Mark Wedel (District 5).
• County Sheriff: Incumbent Dan Guida ran for re-election.
• County Attorney: Not a contested race in 2022.

At the state level, Aitkin County falls within Minnesota's 8th Congressional District, and is represented in the Minnesota Legislature by representatives of District 10A and senators of District 10.

In 2020:

• U.S. Presidential Election: Donald Trump (R) received 8,609 votes (67.9%), while Joe Biden (D) garnered 3,777 votes (29.8%).

Voter turnout and participation statistics are available from the Aitkin County Auditor's Office.

As of recent data, Aitkin County, MN, shows educational attainment as follows: approximately 93% of residents 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which aligns closely with the national average of around 88%. However, the percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is about 20%, which is lower than the national average of 33% and the Minnesota state average of 36%. Furthermore, the county has a lower proportion of advanced degree holders, indicating a gap in higher education attainment compared to broader benchmarks.

Overall, Aitkin County displays a solid high school graduation rate but lags behind in higher education when compared to state and national averages.

Aitkin County, MN, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 57%, lower than both the Minnesota state average of around 70% and the national average of 63%. As of the latest data, the unemployment rate in Aitkin County hovers around 4-5%, slightly above the state average of 3-4% but in line with the national rate of approximately 4-5%.

Top industries in Aitkin County include healthcare and social assistance (employing about 18% of the workforce), retail trade (14%), and education services (14%). Comparatively, at the national level, healthcare and retail also rank high but the proportions are somewhat lower on average. Statewide, Minnesota has a significant portion of employment in manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services, sectors that are less dominant in Aitkin County. The county's higher reliance on healthcare and retail is reflective of its service-oriented local economy.

As of the most recent data, the median household income in Aitkin County, MN, is approximately $51,950. This figure is lower than both the state and national averages. To provide context, the median household income in Minnesota is around $71,306, while the national median is approximately $68,703.

Here's a comparative statistics table:

This comparison indicates that Aitkin County's median household income is significantly below both the Minnesota state average and the national average.

As of the most recent data, Aitkin County, MN, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate in Aitkin County is approximately 1,500 incidents per 100,000 people annually. The key types of crime and their rates are as follows:

Violent crimes include offenses such as assault and robbery. The property crime rate comprises theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. The relatively low rates reflect the county's smaller population and rural setting.