Minnesota Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

by countryaah · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated October 27, 2024

How many counties are there in Minnesota? As of 2024, there are a total of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Among them, Benton County is the oldest one (established in 1849) while Lake of the Woods County is the youngest (established in 1923). With population of 1,152,425, Hennepin County is the most populated. The biggest county by land area is Saint Louis County (16,123 km²) and the smallest is Ramsey County (403 km²).

Largest Counties in Minnesota

1. St. Louis County

County Seat: Duluth

Area: 6,860 square miles
Population: Approximately 200,231
Area Codes: 218
Latitude and Longitude: 47.5135° N, 92.3621° W

Location and History

St. Louis County is located in northeastern Minnesota, bordering Lake Superior and Canada. It is the largest county in Minnesota by area and one of the largest in the United States. The county was established in 1855 and named after the St. Louis River. Historically, the region was inhabited by the Ojibwe people before European explorers and fur traders arrived in the 17th century. St. Louis County played a pivotal role in the iron ore industry, with the Mesabi, Vermilion, and Cuyuna iron ranges contributing significantly to the county’s development. Duluth, the county seat, became a major shipping port due to its location on Lake Superior, facilitating the export of iron ore and other goods.

Major Highways and Landmarks

St. Louis County is served by several major highways, including Interstate 35, which connects Duluth to the Twin Cities, and U.S. Route 53, which runs north-south through the county. Minnesota State Highway 61 follows the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. Notable landmarks include the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast wilderness area known for its pristine lakes and outdoor recreation opportunities, and the Split Rock Lighthouse, an iconic structure on Lake Superior’s shore. Duluth is home to the Aerial Lift Bridge, a symbol of the city, and the Canal Park area, which offers shopping, dining, and access to the lakefront.

2. Hennepin County

County Seat: Minneapolis

Area: 607 square miles
Population: Approximately 1,281,565
Area Codes: 612, 763, 952
Latitude and Longitude: 44.9778° N, 93.2650° W

Location and History

Hennepin County is located in southeastern Minnesota and is the most populous county in the state. Established in 1852, the county was named after Father Louis Hennepin, a French explorer who was one of the first Europeans to visit the area. The county is part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, and its history is deeply intertwined with the development of Minneapolis. The city grew rapidly in the 19th century, driven by the milling industry powered by St. Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River. Over time, Hennepin County became a major center for commerce, education, and culture, with Minneapolis serving as the economic and cultural hub of the state.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Hennepin County is crisscrossed by major highways, including Interstates 35W and 94, which connect Minneapolis to other parts of Minnesota and neighboring states. U.S. Route 169 and Minnesota State Highway 62 are also key routes within the county. Notable landmarks include the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture, and the Walker Art Center, one of the nation’s leading contemporary art museums. The county is also home to the Mall of America in nearby Bloomington, the largest shopping mall in the United States, and the Chain of Lakes, a popular area for outdoor activities in Minneapolis.

3. Stearns County

County Seat: St. Cloud

Area: 1,390 square miles
Population: Approximately 161,075
Area Codes: 320
Latitude and Longitude: 45.5602° N, 94.3142° W

Location and History

Stearns County is located in central Minnesota and is known for its rich agricultural land and vibrant communities. The county was established in 1855 and named after Charles Thomas Stearns, a member of the Minnesota Territorial Legislature. St. Cloud, the county seat, grew as a hub for commerce and education, with the Mississippi River providing a vital transportation route. The county has a strong German Catholic heritage, reflected in its many churches and cultural institutions. Over time, Stearns County has evolved into a mix of rural, suburban, and urban areas, with agriculture, manufacturing, and education as key components of its economy.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Stearns County is served by major highways such as Interstate 94, which runs east-west through the county and connects it to the Twin Cities and Fargo, North Dakota. U.S. Route 10 and Minnesota State Highway 23 are also important routes in the region. Notable landmarks include the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, a popular site for hiking, swimming, and rock climbing, and the Munsinger Gardens, located along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud. The county is also home to St. John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict, two prominent liberal arts colleges with beautiful campuses that attract students from across the country.

4. Dakota County

County Seat: Hastings

Area: 587 square miles
Population: Approximately 440,424
Area Codes: 651, 952
Latitude and Longitude: 44.7319° N, 93.2177° W

Location and History

Dakota County is located in southeastern Minnesota, forming part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Established in 1849, the county was named after the Dakota Sioux who originally inhabited the region. Dakota County’s history is closely tied to the development of agriculture, transportation, and industry in the region. The county’s proximity to the Twin Cities facilitated its growth as a suburban area in the 20th century, with significant residential and commercial development. Hastings, the county seat, is one of the oldest cities in Minnesota and played an important role in the early settlement of the state.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Dakota County is well-connected by major highways, including Interstate 35, which splits into I-35E and I-35W as it approaches the Twin Cities, and U.S. Route 52, which runs north-south through the county. Minnesota State Highway 55 also serves as a key east-west route. Notable landmarks include the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, one of the largest zoos in the United States, and the historic Sibley House in Mendota, the oldest stone house in Minnesota. The county is also home to the scenic Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which offers hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation, and the historic downtown area of Hastings, with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.

5. Anoka County

County Seat: Anoka

Area: 446 square miles
Population: Approximately 363,887
Area Codes: 763
Latitude and Longitude: 45.2746° N, 93.2475° W

Location and History

Anoka County is located in eastern Minnesota, just north of the Twin Cities. The county was established in 1857 and named after the city of Anoka, which itself was named after the Dakota word “anokatan,” meaning “on both sides” (referring to the Rum River). Anoka County has a mix of urban and suburban communities, with rapid growth in the latter half of the 20th century as the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area expanded. The county’s history is closely linked to the development of the lumber industry, with the Rum River playing a key role in transporting logs to sawmills in the early days of settlement.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Anoka County is traversed by major highways such as U.S. Route 10, which runs northwest-southeast through the county, and Minnesota State Highway 47, which provides a direct route to Minneapolis. Interstate 35W also serves the southern part of the county, facilitating commuter traffic to the Twin Cities. Notable landmarks include the Bunker Hills Regional Park in Coon Rapids, a popular destination for golfing, swimming, and outdoor recreation, and the Anoka Halloween Capital of the World, where the city of Anoka hosts one of the longest-running Halloween celebrations in the United States. The county is also home to the Rum River Central Regional Park, offering scenic views and access to the Rum River.

6. Otter Tail County

County Seat: Fergus Falls

Area: 2,225 square miles
Population: Approximately 58,746
Area Codes: 218
Latitude and Longitude: 46.4415° N, 95.7697° W

Location and History

Otter Tail County is located in west-central Minnesota, known for its rolling hills, lakes, and agricultural land. The county was established in 1858 and named after Otter Tail Lake, one of the largest lakes in the region. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people, and European settlers began arriving in the mid-19th century. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming and crop production, has long been the backbone of the county’s economy. Fergus Falls, the county seat, developed as a key center for commerce and government in the region, with the Otter Tail River providing both a transportation route and a source of water power.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Otter Tail County is accessible via major highways such as U.S. Route 59, which runs north-south through the county, and Minnesota State Highway 210, which runs east-west, connecting Fergus Falls to other parts of the state. Notable landmarks include the Glendalough State Park, offering camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities in a pristine natural setting, and the historic Phelps Mill, a well-preserved flour mill from the late 19th century. The county is also known for its many lakes, with Otter Tail Lake, Pelican Lake, and Battle Lake being popular destinations for fishing, boating, and summer recreation.

7. Beltrami County

County Seat: Bemidji

Area: 3,055 square miles
Population: Approximately 47,188
Area Codes: 218
Latitude and Longitude: 47.6151° N, 94.8650° W

Location and History

Beltrami County is located in north-central Minnesota, known for its vast forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The county was established in 1866 and named after Giacomo Beltrami, an Italian explorer who traveled extensively in the region. Beltrami County’s history is closely tied to the logging industry, with the area’s dense forests providing a rich source of timber. The county seat, Bemidji, is famous for being the first city on the Mississippi River and is a major center for tourism, education, and healthcare in the region. The county’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities have made it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Beltrami County is served by major highways such as U.S. Route 2, which runs east-west through the county, and U.S. Route 71, which runs north-south. Minnesota State Highway 89 also provides access to the northern parts of the county. Notable landmarks include Lake Bemidji State Park, offering camping, hiking, and access to Lake Bemidji, and the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues in Bemidji, which are iconic symbols of Minnesota’s folklore. The county is also home to the Chippewa National Forest, a vast wilderness area that offers opportunities for fishing, hunting, and exploring the natural beauty of northern Minnesota.

8. Polk County

County Seat: Crookston

Area: 1,998 square miles
Population: Approximately 31,364
Area Codes: 218
Latitude and Longitude: 47.7746° N, 96.6044° W

Location and History

Polk County is located in northwestern Minnesota, along the Red River of the North. The county was established in 1858 and named after James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States. The county’s history is closely linked to agriculture, with the fertile Red River Valley providing ideal conditions for farming, particularly wheat and sugar beets. Crookston, the county seat, developed as a key agricultural and transportation center, with railroads playing a significant role in the county’s growth. Over time, Polk County has maintained its agricultural heritage while also developing a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, education, and healthcare.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Polk County is traversed by major highways such as U.S. Route 2, which runs east-west through the county, and U.S. Route 75, which runs north-south. Minnesota State Highway 32 is also an important route within the county. Notable landmarks include the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that offers birdwatching, hiking, and environmental education, and the University of Minnesota Crookston, a campus that provides higher education opportunities and contributes to the local economy. The county is also home to the Red River State Recreation Area, which offers camping, fishing, and access to the Red River, a key waterway in the region.

9. Itasca County

County Seat: Grand Rapids

Area: 2,927 square miles
Population: Approximately 45,130
Area Codes: 218
Latitude and Longitude: 47.3418° N, 93.5409° W

Location and History

Itasca County is located in north-central Minnesota, known for its dense forests, lakes, and rich natural resources. The county was established in 1849 and named after Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi River. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people, and European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, drawn by the area’s abundant timber. Logging became a major industry in the county, with Grand Rapids, the county seat, developing as a key center for the timber industry. Today, Itasca County is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with its natural beauty attracting visitors year-round.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Itasca County is accessible via major highways such as U.S. Route 2, which runs east-west through the county, and Minnesota State Highway 38, known as the “Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway.” U.S. Route 169 also serves the area, connecting Grand Rapids to other parts of the state. Notable landmarks include the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, which offers insights into the county’s logging history, and the Judy Garland Museum, dedicated to the famous actress who was born in Grand Rapids. The county is also home to the scenic Chippewa National Forest and the nearby Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

10. Pine County

County Seat: Pine City

Area: 1,435 square miles
Population: Approximately 29,122
Area Codes: 320, 651
Latitude and Longitude: 45.8321° N, 92.9274° W

Location and History

Pine County is located in eastern Minnesota, between the Twin Cities and Duluth. The county was established in 1856 and named for the abundant pine forests that once covered the region. The county’s history is closely tied to the logging industry, with pine logging driving the early economy. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people, and European settlers began arriving in the mid-19th century. Pine County has maintained its rural character, with agriculture, forestry, and tourism being key components of the economy. Pine City, the county seat, serves as the cultural and commercial hub of the county.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Pine County is served by major highways such as Interstate 35, which runs north-south through the county and connects it to the Twin Cities and Duluth. U.S. Route 61, also known as the “Scenic Byway,” follows the St. Croix River along the eastern edge of the county. Notable landmarks include the St. Croix State Park, Minnesota’s largest state park, which offers camping, hiking, and access to the St. Croix River. The county is also home to the Hinckley Fire Museum, which commemorates the devastating Hinckley Fire of 1894, and the North West Company Fur Post, a reconstructed fur trading post that offers insights into the region’s early history.

List of All Counties in Minnesota Alphabetically

Below please see all Minnesota counties which are listed in alphabetical order.

Minnesota Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

Largest Counties in Minnesota

1. St. Louis County

County Seat: Duluth

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

2. Hennepin County

County Seat: Minneapolis

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

3. Stearns County

County Seat: St. Cloud

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

4. Dakota County

County Seat: Hastings

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

5. Anoka County

County Seat: Anoka

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

6. Otter Tail County

County Seat: Fergus Falls

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

7. Beltrami County

County Seat: Bemidji

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

8. Polk County

County Seat: Crookston

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

9. Itasca County

County Seat: Grand Rapids

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

10. Pine County

County Seat: Pine City

Location and History

Major Highways and Landmarks

List of All Counties in Minnesota Alphabetically

Map of Minnesota Counties

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