2023 Dakota County, Minnesota Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Dakota County, Minnesota, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Dakota County, Minnesota Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Dakota County, Minnesota Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following statistics highlight Dakota County, Minnesota population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 442,204
- Median Age (Total)
- 38.4 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 37.4 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 39.4 years
Dakota County, Minnesota Age Distribution Comparison with Minnesota 2023
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota age demographics with Minnesota to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 38.4 yrs | 39.2 yrs | -0.8 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 6.10% | 5.50% | +0.6pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 18.08% | 16.78% | +1.3pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 7.72% | 8.97% | -1.3pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 26.67% | 25.26% | +1.4pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 15.36% | 18.23% | -2.9pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 65.39 | 68.11 | -2.7 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 65.39
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 39.99 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 25.40 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Dakota County, Minnesota Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Dakota County, Minnesota
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Dakota County, Minnesota are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 43.75
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota racial and ethnic demographics with Minnesota to understand regional diversity patterns.
Dakota County, Minnesota Diversity
43.75
moderateMinnesota Diversity
42.65
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 73.85% | 74.73% | -0.9pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 8.44% | 6.71% | +1.7pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 7.23% | 7.47% | -0.2pp |
| Asian Alone | 5.14% | 5.23% | -0.1pp |
| Two or More Races | 4.60% | 4.67% | -0.1pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.55% | 0.41% | +0.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.18% | 0.74% | -0.6pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.01% | 0.05% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 43.75 | 42.65 | +1.1 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Dakota County, Minnesota Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Dakota County, Minnesota, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $105,212 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 171,630
Income Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota household income with Minnesota to understand regional economic patterns.
Dakota County, Minnesota
$105,212
Minnesota
$87,117
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 5.72% | 9.38% | -3.7pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 6.89% | 8.17% | -1.3pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 8.24% | 9.14% | -0.9pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 13.75% | 16.16% | -2.4pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 34.73% | 32.69% | +2.0pp |
| $150,000 or more | 30.67% | 24.45% | +6.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Minnesota.
Dakota County, Minnesota Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Dakota County, Minnesota, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $362,100
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 129,327 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota property values with Minnesota to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Dakota County, Minnesota
$362,100
Minnesota
$344,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.35% | 2.16% | -0.8pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 1.32% | 1.70% | -0.4pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 1.55% | 3.09% | -1.5pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 5.79% | 11.21% | -5.4pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 68.97% | 59.77% | +9.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 20.64% | 20.90% | -0.3pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.40% | 1.17% | -0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Minnesota.
Dakota County, Minnesota Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Dakota County, Minnesota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 95.50%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 44.61%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 301,129
Education Level Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota educational attainment with Minnesota to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Dakota County, Minnesota
44.61%
Bachelor's+ in Minnesota
40.03%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 4.50% | 5.80% | -1.3pp |
| HS Graduate | 19.65% | 22.98% | -3.3pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 31.24% | 31.19% | +0.0pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 29.94% | 26.04% | +3.9pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 14.66% | 13.99% | +0.7pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 95.50% | 94.20% | +1.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Minnesota.
Dakota County, Minnesota Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Dakota County, Minnesota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 3.8%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 16,730
- Total Civilian Population
- 439,866
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota health insurance coverage with Minnesota to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Dakota County, Minnesota
3.8%
Uninsured in Minnesota
5.1%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 2.4% | 2.7% | 3.8% | 3.6% |
| 18-34 years | 9.2% | 6.2% | 10.7% | 8.0% |
| 35-64 years | 4.1% | 4.1% | 6.7% | 4.9% |
| 65+ years | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Dakota County, Minnesota Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Dakota County, Minnesota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 96.0% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 25,499 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 17,547
Citizenship Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota citizenship and nativity with Minnesota to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Dakota County, Minnesota
96.0%
Citizenship in Minnesota
96.2%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 89.2% | 89.9% | -0.7pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.0pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.9% | 0.8% | +0.1pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 5.8% | 5.3% | +0.5pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 4.0% | 3.8% | +0.2pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 96.0% | 96.2% | -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Minnesota.
Dakota County, Minnesota Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Dakota County, Minnesota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 77.0%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 1.7%
- Work From Home Rate
- 18.9%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 235,728
Transportation Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota commuting patterns with Minnesota to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Dakota County, Minnesota
77.0%
Drove in Minnesota
78.9%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 77.0% | 78.9% | -1.9pp |
| Public transportation | 1.7% | 1.8% | -0.1pp |
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 0.6% | -0.4pp |
| Walked | 1.3% | 2.6% | -1.3pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 0.9% | 1.5% | -0.6pp |
| Worked from home | 18.9% | 14.7% | +4.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Minnesota.
Dakota County, Minnesota Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Dakota County, Minnesota by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 239,334
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota employment patterns with Minnesota to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Dakota County, Minnesota
5.5% (M) / 7.5% (F)
Government Employment in Minnesota
5.2% (M) / 7.6% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 40.9% F: 31.7% | M: 39.2% F: 30.1% | M: +1.7pp F: +1.6pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.2% F: 7.0% | M: 4.2% F: 8.5% | M: -1.0pp F: -1.5pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.5% F: 7.5% | M: 5.2% F: 7.6% | M: +0.3pp F: -0.1pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 2.2% F: 2.0% | M: 3.2% F: 2.0% | M: -1.0pp F: 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Minnesota.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Dakota County, Minnesota Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Dakota County, Minnesota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 20,850
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
6,384 veterans (30.6%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota veteran demographics with Minnesota to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Dakota County, Minnesota
20,850
Total Veterans in Minnesota
267,133
- Dakota County, Minnesota: Vietnam Era Only (30.6%)
- Minnesota: Vietnam Era Only (36.7%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 30.6% (6,384) | 36.7% (98,125) | -6.1pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 18.6% (3,871) | 14.2% (37,895) | +4.4pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 18.3% (3,812) | 14.8% (39,640) | +3.5pp |
| Gulf War Only | 11.0% (2,297) | 10.9% (29,241) | +0.1pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 8.0% (1,665) | 8.7% (23,167) | -0.7pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 5.3% (1,096) | 4.7% (12,667) | +0.6pp |
| Korean War Only | 4.7% (977) | 6.5% (17,452) | -1.8pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.2% (256) | 0.9% (2,303) | +0.3pp |
| WWII Only | 1.1% (232) | 1.6% (4,370) | -0.5pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.5% (98) | 0.2% (628) | +0.3pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.4% (80) | 0.3% (715) | +0.1pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.4% (73) | 0.2% (553) | +0.2pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.0% (9) | 0.1% (342) | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Dakota County, Minnesota Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following data categorizes families in Dakota County, Minnesota by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 3.3% (3,793 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 18.5% (21,568 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 78.2% (91,217 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota poverty levels with Minnesota to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Dakota County, Minnesota
3.3%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Minnesota
5.7%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 3.3% (3,793) | 5.7% (83,579) | -2.4pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 18.5% (21,568) | 22.8% (331,462) | -4.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 78.2% (91,217) | 71.5% (1,038,899) | +6.7pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 1.2% | 2.7% | -1.5pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.0% | 1.5% | -0.5pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.0% | 1.6% | -0.6pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 1.8% | 2.1% | -0.3pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 1.6% | 2.4% | -0.8pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.4% | 2.6% | -0.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Minnesota.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Dakota County, Minnesota SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Dakota County, Minnesota
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Dakota County, Minnesota, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 8,289 (4.83% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 3,725 (44.94% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 171,630
SNAP Participation Comparison with Minnesota
Compare Dakota County, Minnesota SNAP participation with Minnesota to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Dakota County, Minnesota
4.83%
8,289 householdsSNAP Participation in Minnesota
8.34%
197,010 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Dakota County, Minnesota | Minnesota | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 14.14% (1,172) | 8.47% (702) | 14.60% (28,762) | 5.63% (11,094) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 3.47% (288) | 1.53% (127) | 4.51% (8,880) | 2.70% (5,328) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 26.83% (2,224) | 5.65% (468) | 20.70% (40,785) | 8.35% (16,444) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.49% (41) | 39.41% (3,267) | 0.76% (1,491) | 42.75% (84,226) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 8,289 (4.83% of households) | 197,010 (8.34% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.