Stearns County, Minnesota

Income Data

+1% vs. Minnesota average
$76,447
Median Household Income
$37,806
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$76,447
+1% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,806
-4% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Minnesota
#26 / 87
by median household income

How Stearns County Compares

Stearns County$76,447
Minnesota Average$75,757
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$76,447
Median Household Income
$37,806
Per Capita Income
$256,500
Median Home Value
29.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Stearns County, Minnesota

Stearns earns above the national average

At $76,447, Stearns County's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,692. This places the county in the upper-middle income tier nationally, reflecting a stable economy anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing jobs.

Above average in Minnesota

Stearns ranks above Minnesota's state average of $75,757, making it one of the more prosperous counties in the region. The county's median income is driven by strong employment in the St. Cloud metro area and its surrounding communities.

Competitive with nearby counties

Stearns' $76,447 median income trails Steele County ($83,448) but exceeds Stevens ($71,060), Swift ($62,601), and Todd ($63,039). Among central Minnesota peers, Stearns holds solid middle ground with consistent wage growth across diverse industries.

Housing costs stay manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.6%, Stearns residents spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing—well below the national threshold where affordability becomes strained. A median home value of $256,500 reflects a balanced market where homeownership remains achievable for middle-income households.

Build your financial future now

Stearns' stable income levels create opportunity for retirement savings and wealth building—start by automating monthly contributions to retirement accounts and investment funds. Even modest amounts invested consistently can compound significantly over a career, especially in a county with steady employment prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Stearns County, Minnesota?
The median household income in Stearns County, Minnesota is $76,447, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Stearns County?
The per capita income in Stearns County is $37,806, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $76,447.
How does Stearns County compare to the Minnesota average?
Stearns County's median household income of $76,447 is higher than the Minnesota state average of $75,757. The per capita income is $37,806, compared to the state average of $39,335.
What is the per capita income in Stearns County, Minnesota?
The per capita income in Stearns County, Minnesota is $37,806, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Stearns County income higher than the Minnesota average?
Stearns County's median household income of $76,447 is higher than the Minnesota average of $75,757. This difference of $690 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Stearns County rank for income in Minnesota?
Stearns County ranks #26 out of 87 counties in Minnesota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $76,447 and per capita income of $37,806, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.