Houston County

As of the 2020 Census, Houston County, Minnesota, has a population of approximately 18,843 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (96.1%), with smaller percentages of other races: African American (0.7%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.6%). Hispanics or Latinos of any race constitute 1.7% of the population. The county spans an area of around 552 square miles, resulting in a population density of about 34.1 people per square mile. Houston County has a median household income of around $62,000 and a median age of approximately 44.

Houston County, MN has a median home value of approximately $153,000. The median rent is around $650 per month. The homeownership rate stands at 78.7%, with about 21.3% of residents renting. The housing market primarily consists of detached single-family homes, accounting for nearly 70% of the housing units. The vacancy rate hovers around 10%, providing some availability for new buyers and renters. Housing prices have seen a steady increase of about 4% annually over recent years.

As of 2023, Houston County, MN holds elections for various local, state, and federal positions. Key numbers from the 2022 general elections include:

• Voter Turnout: Approximately 74%
• Registered Voters: Around 11,500
• Actual Voters: About 8,510

Notable positions and candidates include:

• County Commissioner District 1: Jack Miller (Winner) - 3,050 votes
• County Commissioner District 2: Teresa Walter - 2,910 votes
• Sheriff: Mark Inglett (Incumbent) - 5,500 votes
• State Senate District 28: Jeremy Miller (R) - 25,000 votes
• U.S. House District 1: Brad Finstad (R) - 110,000 votes

These figures are approximations and reflect the most current data available. Voter participation and candidate lists can vary each election cycle. For precise figures and details, refer to the official Houston County elections website or contact their office directly.

Houston County, MN, exhibits a high level of educational attainment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data:

• High school graduation rate: Approximately 94%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 22%

When compared to the national averages:

• High school graduation rate: 88.6%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 33.1%

Minnesota state averages also show:

• High school graduation rate: 93.2%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 36.1%

Houston County's high school graduation rate surpasses both the national and state averages. However, it lags behind in the percentage of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to both the national and state averages. This indicates that while foundational education is strong, tertiary educational attainment could be improved in Houston County.

As of the latest available data, Houston County, MN has an employment rate reflective of broader rural Minnesota trends. Key industries in the county include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, and education. This county has approximately 10,000 employed individuals. Here's a comparison:

1. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Represents around 20% of employment in Houston County, in line with Minnesota's average but slightly above the national average of 18%.
2. Manufacturing: Accounts for about 15% of jobs, higher than the national average of 8.5% and the state average of 11%.
3. Retail Trade: Comprises roughly 12% of the workforce, close to both the state and national averages of around 12%.
4. Education Services: Similar to state trends, representing about 10% of local employment.

This comparison shows a more manufacturing-heavy economy in Houston County compared to national trends.

As of the latest available data, the median household income for Houston County, MN is approximately $61,000. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, and in the state of Minnesota, it stands at approximately $71,300. Below is a table summarizing these statistics:

Houston County's median income is lower than both the national and state averages.

Note: These figures are approximate and based on the most recent data available at the time of writing.

Houston County, MN, is considered a relatively safe area with lower crime rates compared to state and national averages. According to the latest data, the overall crime rate in Houston County stands at approximately 12.5 per 1,000 residents. The breakdown of crime types is as follows:

These rates indicate a community with generally low violent and property crime occurrences. Regular law enforcement activity and community engagement contribute to maintaining safety and security.