2023 Washington County, Minnesota Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Washington County, Minnesota, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Washington County, Minnesota Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
272,298
Median Age
39.9 years
Median Household Income
$114,457
Bachelor's Degree+
48.88%
Uninsured Rate
3.4%
Total Households
103,411
Total Workers
141,950
Citizenship Rate
97.4%
Total Veterans
11,919
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
3.3%
Families in Poverty
2,462
SNAP Recipients
4.35%
Households w/ SNAP
4,499

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Washington County, Minnesota by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Washington County, Minnesota is 272,298. The median age of the population in Washington County, Minnesota is 39.9 years. The median age for males is 39.0 years, and for females it is 40.9 years.

The age distribution of the population in Washington County, Minnesota by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 5.65%
5–17 years (children) 18.52%
18–24 years (young adults) 7.75%
25–34 years 11.37%
35–54 years 26.81%
55–64 years 13.75%
65 years and over (seniors) 16.15%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Washington County, Minnesota

The total dependency ratio in Washington County, Minnesota is 67.57. The youth dependency ratio is 40.50, and the old-age dependency ratio is 27.06. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Washington County, Minnesota, including Saint Paul (55125) (44,929), Cottage Grove (55016) (39,925), and Saint Paul (55110) (37,272).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Washington County, Minnesota?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Washington County, Minnesota
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Washington County, Minnesota is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Washington County, Minnesota is calculated at 37.44, suggesting a low level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Washington County, Minnesota by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 78.36%
Asian Alone 7.28%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 5.07%
Black/African American Alone 4.81%
Two or More Races 3.70%
Some Other Race Alone 0.56%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.19%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.04%

Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Washington County, Minnesota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Washington County, Minnesota over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $114,457. This figure is based on a total of 103,411 households.

The distribution of household income in Washington County, Minnesota across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 5.13%
$20,000 to $34,999 6.15%
$35,000 to $49,999 6.35%
$50,000 to $74,999 11.95%
$75,000 to $149,999 34.65%
$150,000 or more 35.77%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Washington County, Minnesota, explore the data for: Lake Elmo (55042) ($154,779), Saint Paul (55129) ($152,500), and Hugo (55038) ($127,194).


Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Washington County, Minnesota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Washington County, Minnesota is based on a total of 83,919 properties.

The property value distribution in Washington County, Minnesota across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 1.46%
$25,000 to $49,999 1.31%
$50,000 to $99,999 0.70%
$100,000 to $199,999 4.41%
$200,000 to $499,999 61.05%
$500,000 to $999,999 30.18%
$1,000,000 or more 0.89%

Educational Attainment in Washington County, Minnesota (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Washington County, Minnesota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Washington County, Minnesota, totaling 185,385 individuals.

96.25% of Washington County, Minnesota population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 48.88%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 3.75%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 18.67%
Some college or associate's degree 28.70%
Bachelor's Degree 31.40%
Graduate or professional degree 17.48%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Washington County, Minnesota?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Washington County, Minnesota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Washington County, Minnesota shows that 3.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 9,159 individuals out of a total population of 269,625 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 10.4% for males and 5.1% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 3.3% of males and 3.4% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Washington County, Minnesota, uninsured rates for children are 2.3% for males and 2.3% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.2% for males and 0.4% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 2.3% 2.3%
18-34 years 10.4% 5.1%
35-64 years 3.3% 3.4%
65+ years 0.2% 0.4%

Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Washington County, Minnesota based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Washington County, Minnesota shows that 97.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 265,085 individuals out of a total population of 272,298 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 91.2% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.7% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 5.3% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (14,469 individuals), while 2.6% are non-citizens (7,213 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 91.2%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.1%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.7%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 5.3%
Not a U.S. citizen 2.6%
Total U.S. Citizens 97.4%

Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Washington County, Minnesota.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Washington County, Minnesota show that 75.6% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 105,302 workers out of a total workforce of 139,216 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.8% (1,159 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (0.9%) and bicycling (0.2%).

21.5% of workers in Washington County, Minnesota report working from home. An additional 0.9% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 75.6% 105,302
Public transportation 0.8% 1,159
Bicycle 0.2% 337
Walked 0.9% 1,272
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 0.9% 1,266
Worked from home 21.5% 29,880
Total Workers - 139,216

Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Washington County, Minnesota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Washington County, Minnesota totals 141,950 workers. Of these, 73,551 (51.8%) are male and 68,399 (48.2%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Washington County, Minnesota is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 56,300 (39.7%) 43,040 (30.3%)
Private Non-Profit 5,514 (3.9%) 11,264 (7.9%)
Government (All Levels) 8,273 (5.8%) 10,724 (7.6%)
  • Local Government 4,350 6,704
  • State Government 2,486 2,987
  • Federal Government 1,437 1,033
Self-Employed 3,320 (2.3%) 3,265 (2.3%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Washington County, Minnesota.


Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Washington County, Minnesota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 11,919 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Washington County, Minnesota.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 3,729 veterans (31.3% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Post-9/11 Only, with 2,049 veterans (17.2%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Washington County, Minnesota is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 3,729 31.3%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 2,049 17.2%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 1,650 13.8%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 1,330 11.2%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 1,144 9.6%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 890 7.5%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 780 6.5%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 186 1.6%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 68 0.6%
Between Korean War and World War II 35 0.3%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 32 0.3%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 18 0.2%
Korean War and World War II 8 0.1%
Total Veterans 11,919 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Washington County, Minnesota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 73,805 families in Washington County, Minnesota.

Of these families, 2,462 (3.3%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 11,090 families (15.0%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 60,253 families (81.6%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Washington County, Minnesota is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 1,047 1.4%
50-74% of Poverty 746 1.0%
75-99% of Poverty 669 0.9%
100-124% of Poverty 784 1.1%
125-149% of Poverty 1,103 1.5%
150-174% of Poverty 1,191 1.6%
175-184% of Poverty 441 0.6%
185-199% of Poverty 1,409 1.9%
200-299% of Poverty 6,162 8.3%
300-399% of Poverty 9,187 12.4%
400-499% of Poverty 9,678 13.1%
500%+ of Poverty 41,388 56.1%
Total Families 73,805 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Washington County, Minnesota 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Washington County, Minnesota, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 103,411 total households in Washington County, Minnesota. Of these, 4,499 households (4.35%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 2,144 (47.66%) have children under 18 years, while 2,355 (52.34%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Washington County, Minnesota, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 915 (20.34%) 315 (7.00%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 141 (3.13%) 146 (3.25%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 1,080 (24.01%) 453 (10.07%)
Nonfamily Households 8 (0.18%) 1,441 (32.03%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Washington County, Minnesota. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Washington County, Minnesota is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years5.65%
5–17 years (children)18.52%
18–24 years (young adults)7.75%
25–34 years11.37%
35–54 years26.81%
55–64 years13.75%
65 years and over (seniors)16.15%

The racial and ethnic composition of Washington County, Minnesota is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 78.36%, Asian Alone: 7.28%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 5.07%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Washington County, Minnesota is $114,457. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Washington County, Minnesota is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 5.13%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 6.15%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 6.35%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 11.95%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 34.65%, High Income ($150,000+): 35.77%.

Approximately 57.43% of households in Washington County, Minnesota earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Washington County, Minnesota is: Less than $25,000: 1.46%, $25,000-$49,999: 1.31%, $50,000-$99,999: 0.70%, $100,000-$199,999: 4.41%, $200,000-$499,999: 61.05%, $500,000-$999,999: 30.18%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.89%.

There are 83,919 owner-occupied housing units in Washington County, Minnesota. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 31.06% of owner-occupied housing units in Washington County, Minnesota are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Washington County, Minnesota, 48.88% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Washington County, Minnesota (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 3.75%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 18.67%, Some college or associate's degree: 28.70%, Bachelor's degree: 31.40%, Graduate or professional degree: 17.48%.

In Washington County, Minnesota, 96.25% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Washington County, Minnesota, 3.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 9,159 individuals out of a total population of 269,625 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Washington County, Minnesota. For young adults (18-34 years), 10.4% of males and 5.1% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 3.3% of males and 3.4% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Washington County, Minnesota have uninsured rates of 2.3% for males and 2.3% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.2% for males and 0.4% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Washington County, Minnesota, 97.4% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 272,298 people, 265,085 are U.S. citizens.

Washington County, Minnesota has 14,469 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 5.3% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Washington County, Minnesota is: 91.2% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.7% were born abroad of American parent(s), 5.3% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 2.6% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Washington County, Minnesota, 75.6% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 139,216 total workers, 105,302 use personal vehicles for their commute.

1,159 workers in Washington County, Minnesota use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.8% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Washington County, Minnesota include: 21.5% work from home, 0.9% walk to work, 0.2% bicycle, and 0.9% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Washington County, Minnesota. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Washington County, Minnesota has 141,950 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 39.7% of male workers and 30.3% of female workers in this category.

In Washington County, Minnesota, there are 8,273 male government workers and 10,724 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 5.8% of male workers and 7.6% of female workers.

Self-employment in Washington County, Minnesota includes 3,320 males (2.3%) and 3,265 females (2.3%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Washington County, Minnesota, 4,499 households (4.35% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 103,411 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Washington County, Minnesota, 2,144 (47.66%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Washington County, Minnesota include diverse household types. Among households with children, 1,080 (24.01%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 915 (20.34%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Washington County, Minnesota, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 11,919 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Washington County, Minnesota. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Washington County, Minnesota is Vietnam Era Only, with 3,729 veterans (31.3% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 2,049 veterans (17.2%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Washington County, Minnesota provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 50.4% of all veterans in Washington County, Minnesota. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 6,005 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Washington County, Minnesota, 2,462 families (3.3% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 73,805 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Washington County, Minnesota, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Washington County, Minnesota has 11,090 families (15.0%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 3,078 families (4.2%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Washington County, Minnesota, 1,047 families (1.4%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 60,253 families (81.6%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.