Douglas County Public RecordsMinnesota

As of the 2020 Census, Douglas County, MN, had a population of 39,006. About 50.4% were female and 49.6% male. The median age was 43.6 years, with 20.4% under 18 and 20.9% aged 65 or older. Racially, the county was 95.6% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.7% Asian, and 1.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Douglas County, MN, had 27,500 registered voters in 2022, with turnout near 80% in the general election. The county conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices, including city councils and school boards. In the 2020 presidential election, 66% voted Republican and 32% Democrat. Polling locations number 16 across precincts. Key issues include agricultural policy and rural infrastructure. Elections are administered by the county auditor’s office, with major parties being Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor. Early and absentee voting are available to all eligible voters, supporting flexible participation in election processes.

Douglas County, MN has 19 public schools, including 3 high schools, serving around 6,000 students. About 93% of adults have a high school diploma, while 25% hold a bachelor’s degree. Average public school rankings are above the state median, with a graduation rate near 90%. School safety measures are robust, with all schools participating in safety drills and resource officer programs. Douglas County offers adult education and vocational programs through Alexandria Technical & Community College, enrolling over 3,500 students annually. Educational initiatives support STEM, arts, and special education for comprehensive student development.

As of 2022, Douglas County, MN had an employment rate of approximately 65%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (20%), manufacturing (18%), and retail trade (13%). Leading occupations are in management, sales, and office support. The median commute time is about 17 minutes, with 82% of workers driving alone and 12% carpooling. Most residents (over 80%) work within the county, primarily in the city of Alexandria, the county’s economic hub.

Douglas County, MN has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with median home values around $276,000 in 2024. Median rent is approximately $1,100/month. The housing market has seen property values rise roughly 6% year-over-year. Predominant housing types are single-family homes, with some lakefront properties and newer developments, especially near Alexandria. Popular neighborhoods include Lake Le Homme Dieu and Victoria Heights. Property tax rates average 1.1% of home value, translating to around $3,000 annually for a median-priced home.

Douglas County, MN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported 234 total crimes, including 18 violent crimes and 216 property crimes, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The violent crime rate is about 1 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 12 per 1,000. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office promotes community safety through active crime reporting and neighborhood watch programs, contributing to the area’s overall sense of security.