Blue Earth County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Blue Earth County, MN has a population of approximately 69,112. The racial composition is predominantly White (89.0%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (3.8%), Asian (2.8%), and Hispanic or Latino (4.3%). The median household income is around $57,900, and the county has a median age of 31.8 years. Additionally, 29.5% of the population is under 18, and 14.9% of the population is 65 or older.

As of 2021, Blue Earth County, MN had a median home value of approximately $214,000. The median rent was around $925 per month. There are about 27,000 housing units in the county, with an owner-occupied rate of about 65%. Housing vacancy rate stands at roughly 8%. The county’s median household income is approximately $61,000. Home appreciation over the last 10 years has been roughly 4% annually.

Blue Earth County, MN, held its most recent general elections on November 8, 2022. Key races included:

• U.S. House, District 1: Brad Finstad (R) vs. Jeff Ettinger (D). Finstad won with 49.8% of votes.

• Governor/Lt. Governor: Tim Walz/Peggy Flanagan (D) ran against Scott Jensen/Matt Birk (R). Walz won with 52.3%.

• Attorney General: Keith Ellison (D) vs. Jim Schultz (R). Ellison retained his seat.

• State Senate, District 23: Nick Frentz (D) vs. Scott Sanders (R). Frentz won with 56.3%.

• State House, District 23B: Bjorn Olson (R) vs. Mary Hinnenkamp (D). Olson won.

Voter turnout was approximately 74%.

For local offices, council and school board seats were also contested, with several incumbents and new candidates vying for positions. For complete results and more information, visit the Blue Earth County elections website.

As of the latest available data, Blue Earth County, MN, shows a strong educational profile. Approximately 94.6% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, slightly above the national average of 88.5% and Minnesota's average of 93.0%. Furthermore, 35.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, outpacing the U.S. average of 33.1% but slightly below Minnesota's average of 38.0%. The county is home to institutions like Minnesota State University, Mankato, which boosts local educational attainment levels. Overall, Blue Earth County demonstrates a higher-than-average educational level compared to national figures and aligns closely with state averages.

As of the latest available data, Blue Earth County, MN has an employment rate of approximately 3.2% unemployment, slightly below the national average of around 3.7% and the Minnesota state average of approximately 3.3%. The county’s workforce totals around 38,000 people.

Top industries in Blue Earth County include:

1. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Employing around 20% of the workforce, a higher percentage compared to the national average of approximately 14.5%.
2. Educational Services: Approximately 15%, due to the presence of institutions like Minnesota State University, Mankato.
3. Retail Trade: Comprising about 12%, which aligns with the national average.
4. Manufacturing: Accounts for around 11%, somewhat above the national average of 8.5%.
5. Accommodation and Food Services: About 10%, similar to the national average of around 9.8%.

These industries play a critical role in the county's economy, reflecting both local strengths and broader industry trends.

As of the most recent data, Blue Earth County, MN exhibits the following average income figures:

• Median Household Income: $58,379
• Per Capita Income: $30,939

When compared to the national and state averages:

• U.S. Median Household Income: $68,703
• Minnesota Median Household Income: $73,382
• U.S. Per Capita Income: $35,672
• Minnesota Per Capita Income: $39,025

Blue Earth County's income levels are below both the state and national averages, reflecting regional economic variations.

As of the latest data available in 2023, Blue Earth County, MN has a varying crime rate, showing fluctuations across different types of offenses. The overall crime rate averages around 20 crimes per 1,000 residents annually. The data reveals more property crimes compared to violent crimes.

Blue Earth County Crime Statistics:

These statistics help illuminate the safety aspects and areas requiring more attention in Blue Earth County. Violent crime remains relatively low, with property crimes being more prevalent.