List of Counties in Minnesota
Minnesota has 87 counties. The most populous counties are Hennepin County (Minneapolis), Ramsey County (St. Paul), Dakota County, Anoka County, Washington County, Stearns County, Olmsted County (Rochester), St. Louis County (Duluth), Scott County, and Wright County. Hennepin County, home to Minneapolis, is the largest by population and serves as a cultural and economic hub. Ramsey County, where St. Paul is located, is also highly populous. The counties surrounding the Twin Cities are part of the larger metropolitan area, contributing to the state’s economy.
List of All Counties in Minnesota
- Aitkin County, Minnesota
- Anoka County, Minnesota
- Becker County, Minnesota
- Beltrami County, Minnesota
- Benton County, Minnesota
- Big Stone County, Minnesota
- Blue Earth County, Minnesota
- Brown County, Minnesota
- Carlton County, Minnesota
- Carver County, Minnesota
- Cass County, Minnesota
- Chippewa County, Minnesota
- Chisago County, Minnesota
- Clay County, Minnesota
- Clearwater County, Minnesota
- Cook County, Minnesota
- Cottonwood County, Minnesota
- Crow Wing County, Minnesota
- Dakota County, Minnesota
- Dodge County, Minnesota
- Douglas County, Minnesota
- Faribault County, Minnesota
- Fillmore County, Minnesota
- Freeborn County, Minnesota
- Goodhue County, Minnesota
- Grant County, Minnesota
- Hennepin County, Minnesota
- Houston County, Minnesota
- Hubbard County, Minnesota
- Isanti County, Minnesota
- Itasca County, Minnesota
- Jackson County, Minnesota
- Kanabec County, Minnesota
- Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
- Kittson County, Minnesota
- Koochiching County, Minnesota
- Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota
- Lake County, Minnesota
- Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota
- LeSueur County, Minnesota
- Lincoln County, Minnesota
- Lyon County, Minnesota
- Mahnomen County, Minnesota
- Marshall County, Minnesota
- Martin County, Minnesota
- McLeod County, Minnesota
- Meeker County, Minnesota
- Mille Lacs County, Minnesota
- Morrison County, Minnesota
- Mower County, Minnesota
- Murray County, Minnesota
- Nicollet County, Minnesota
- Nobles County, Minnesota
- Norman County, Minnesota
- Olmsted County, Minnesota
- Otter Tail County, Minnesota
- Pennington County, Minnesota
- Pine County, Minnesota
- Pipestone County, Minnesota
- Polk County, Minnesota
- Pope County, Minnesota
- Ramsey County, Minnesota
- Red Lake County, Minnesota
- Redwood County, Minnesota
- Renville County, Minnesota
- Rice County, Minnesota
- Rock County, Minnesota
- Roseau County, Minnesota
- Saint Louis County, Minnesota
- Scott County, Minnesota
- Sherburne County, Minnesota
- Sibley County, Minnesota
- Stearns County, Minnesota
- Steele County, Minnesota
- Stevens County, Minnesota
- Swift County, Minnesota
- Todd County, Minnesota
- Traverse County, Minnesota
- Wabasha County, Minnesota
- Wadena County, Minnesota
- Waseca County, Minnesota
- Washington County, Minnesota
- Watonwan County, Minnesota
- Wilkin County, Minnesota
- Winona County, Minnesota
- Wright County, Minnesota
- Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota
1. St. Louis County
Overview
St. Louis County is the largest county by land area in Minnesota, located in the northeastern part of the state. It is bordered by Lake County to the east, Koochiching County to the northwest, and the Canadian province of Ontario to the north. The county seat is Duluth, a major port city on Lake Superior that has long been a hub for shipping, mining, and tourism. St. Louis County is known for its vast wilderness, including parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Superior National Forest, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Iron Range, a significant iron mining region, has historically been a central part of the county’s economy. Established in 1855, St. Louis County has a rich mining history, and Duluth has grown into one of the key cities in Minnesota.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 200,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Duluth
- Major Airports: Duluth International Airport
- Major Highways: I-35, US-53, US-2, MN-169
2. Hennepin County
Overview
Hennepin County is located in southeastern Minnesota and is the most populous county in the state. It is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and is bordered by Anoka County to the north and Carver County to the west. The county seat is Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota and a key economic and cultural center. Hennepin County’s economy is driven by diverse sectors, including healthcare, finance, technology, and education. The county is home to several Fortune 500 companies and renowned institutions like the University of Minnesota. Established in 1852, Hennepin County is named after Father Louis Hennepin, a French explorer, and has played a central role in the development of the state.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 1.3 million (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Minneapolis
- Major Airports: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
- Major Highways: I-35W, I-94, I-394, I-494
3. Beltrami County
Overview
Beltrami County is located in northern Minnesota, bordered by Clearwater County to the west and Lake of the Woods County to the north. The county seat is Bemidji, a city known as the first city on the Mississippi River and a hub for outdoor activities, particularly fishing and hiking. Beltrami County is home to large tracts of wilderness, including portions of the Chippewa National Forest and Red Lake. The county’s economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and government services, with Bemidji serving as the regional center for healthcare and education. Established in 1866, Beltrami County is named after the Italian explorer Giacomo Beltrami, who explored the region in the early 19th century.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 47,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Bemidji
- Major Airports: Bemidji Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-2, US-71, MN-197
4. Otter Tail County
Overview
Otter Tail County is located in west-central Minnesota, bordered by Becker County to the north and Douglas County to the south. The county seat is shared between Fergus Falls and Perham. Otter Tail County is known for its more than 1,000 lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation. The county’s economy is largely based on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Established in 1858, Otter Tail County was named after the nearby Otter Tail Lake. The region has a long history of farming and was one of the first areas in Minnesota to be settled by European immigrants.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 60,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Fergus Falls and Perham (shared)
- Major Airports: Fergus Falls Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: I-94, US-59, MN-78
5. Stearns County
Overview
Stearns County is located in central Minnesota, bordered by Benton County to the east and Pope County to the west. The county seat is St. Cloud, which serves as a major economic center for the region, particularly in retail, healthcare, and education. Stearns County’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and higher education, particularly St. Cloud State University, playing key roles. The county is known for its large dairy farms and agricultural production. Established in 1855, Stearns County was named after Charles Stearns, a prominent Minnesota legislator, and has grown into an important agricultural and educational hub in central Minnesota.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 160,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: St. Cloud
- Major Airports: St. Cloud Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-94, US-10, MN-23
6. Lake County
Overview
Lake County is located in northeastern Minnesota along the shores of Lake Superior. It is bordered by St. Louis County to the west and Cook County to the northeast. The county seat is Two Harbors, a small town known for its historic ties to the iron ore and shipping industries. Lake County is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including portions of the Superior National Forest and popular tourist destinations such as Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse. The county’s economy is primarily based on tourism, forestry, and mining. Established in 1856, Lake County’s history is deeply connected to the mining and logging industries, which were crucial in the development of northern Minnesota.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 10,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Two Harbors
- Major Airports: Duluth International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: US-61, MN-1
7. Polk County
Overview
Polk County is located in northwestern Minnesota, bordered by North Dakota to the west and Pennington County to the north. The county seat is shared between Crookston and East Grand Forks. Polk County is part of the Red River Valley, one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the United States, and the economy is dominated by farming, particularly wheat, sugar beets, and soybeans. In addition to agriculture, education and healthcare are significant economic drivers in the county. Established in 1858, Polk County was named after James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 31,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Crookston and East Grand Forks (shared)
- Major Airports: Grand Forks International Airport (nearby in North Dakota)
- Major Highways: US-2, US-75, MN-9
8. Crow Wing County
Overview
Crow Wing County is located in central Minnesota, bordered by Aitkin County to the northeast and Morrison County to the south. The county seat is Brainerd, a popular destination for outdoor activities and tourism due to its proximity to the Brainerd Lakes area. The economy of Crow Wing County is driven by tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing. The region’s many lakes, resorts, and golf courses attract visitors year-round. Established in 1857, Crow Wing County was named after the Crow Wing River, which flows through the county. The area has a long history of Native American settlement and fur trading.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 66,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Brainerd
- Major Airports: Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport
- Major Highways: MN-371, MN-210, MN-18
9. Anoka County
Overview
Anoka County is located in southeastern Minnesota and is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. It is bordered by Hennepin County to the south and Isanti County to the north. The county seat is Anoka, a city known for its annual Halloween celebrations, claiming the title “Halloween Capital of the World.” Anoka County’s economy is largely based on manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and professional services, with many residents commuting to Minneapolis or St. Paul for work. Established in 1857, Anoka County has grown rapidly due to suburban expansion and remains an important part of the Twin Cities metropolitan region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 365,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Anoka
- Major Airports: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-35W, US-10, MN-65
10. Itasca County
Overview
Itasca County is located in northern Minnesota, bordered by St. Louis County to the east and Cass County to the west. The county seat is Grand Rapids, a city historically known for its involvement in the timber industry. Itasca County is home to large tracts of forested land, lakes, and rivers, including the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park. The economy of Itasca County is based on forestry, mining, and tourism. Established in 1849, Itasca County is named after Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi River, and has a rich history tied to logging and outdoor recreation.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 45,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Grand Rapids
- Major Airports: Range Regional Airport (nearby in Hibbing)
- Major Highways: US-2, US-169, MN-38