Blue Earth County Public RecordsMinnesota

As of 2022, Blue Earth County, MN has a population of approximately 70,000. The median age is about 31.5 years, reflecting a sizable student population from Mankato. Gender distribution is roughly equal, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female. The county is 87% White, 5% Black or African American, 3% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 4% Hispanic or Latino, with other races making up the remainder.

Blue Earth County, MN had approximately 45,000 registered voters in 2022. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with over 30 polling locations, including sites in Mankato. In recent general elections, voter turnout surpassed 70%. Election administration is managed by the Blue Earth County Elections Office. Major parties active are the DFL and GOP; in 2020, Joe Biden received 52% and Donald Trump 45% of votes countywide. Issues often debated include local taxes and land use. Voters can also use absentee ballots and early voting, increasing accessibility and participation in elections.

Blue Earth County, MN, features 23 public schools, including Mankato West and East High Schools, with graduation rates around 88%. Approximately 36% of adults hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. Average public school test scores are above the state average, with an ACT composite around 22. Adult education is supported by South Central College and extension programs. School safety is emphasized with a low incident rate and clear protocols. Educational programs include STEM, college credit classes, and robust extracurriculars, fostering well-rounded student development.

Blue Earth County, MN, boasts an unemployment rate of approximately 2.8% (2023). Leading employment sectors include health care and social assistance (20%), educational services (15%), and retail trade (11%). Most employed residents work as office/administrative support (13%), sales (10%), and food preparation/serving (9%). About 85% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 17 minutes. The majority of jobs are located in Mankato, the county seat, drawing commuters from nearby rural areas.

Blue Earth County, MN, has a homeownership rate of about 62%, with median home values around $255,000 in 2023. Rental occupancy is approximately 38%, and median gross rent stands near $990 monthly. The most common housing types are single-family homes and apartments, with popular neighborhoods including Mankato Hilltop and West Mankato. Property values have risen around 6% year-over-year. Property tax rates average 1.1% of home value. The area offers a mix of historic and newer developments, appealing to families and students due to proximity to Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Blue Earth County, MN, reported a crime rate of 2,113 per 100,000 residents in 2023, below the national average. Violent crimes, such as assault and robbery, accounted for 12% of total incidents, while property crimes made up 65%. Law enforcement received over 1,800 incident reports, focusing on theft, burglary, and vandalism. The county’s clearance rate for major crimes was 48%, reflecting effective policing. Safety initiatives and community outreach have contributed to a steady 5% decline in overall crime since 2021, making Blue Earth County relatively safe compared to state and national figures.