Lincoln County Public RecordsMinnesota

Lincoln County, MN had 3,502 registered voters for the 2022 general election, with turnout reaching 79%. Elections include federal, state, county, and local offices, plus referenda. In the 2020 presidential race, 69% voted Republican, 29% Democratic. There are 10 polling locations across its precincts. Key issues involve agriculture and rural healthcare. Elections are administered by the Lincoln County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office. Major parties represented are Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL). Absentee and early voting options are available to accommodate approximately 5,500 county residents.

Lincoln County, MN, serves about 640 K-12 students across 3 public schools, including Lincoln HI and Lake Benton Elementary. Around 87% of adults have a high school diploma, while approximately 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Schools score an average of 6/10 on GreatSchools ratings. The district offers programs in STEM, agriculture, and the arts. School safety is rated above the state average, with incidents below 2 per 1,000 students annually. Adult education is available through regional community colleges, supporting ongoing learning for county residents.

As of 2022, Lincoln County, MN, had an employment rate of approximately 61%. Major industries are agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, employing 18%, 15%, and 14% of workers respectively. Common occupations include management (21%) and production (13%). About 70% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes; around 62% work within the county, while 38% commute to neighboring areas like Lyon and Pipestone counties.

Lincoln County, MN, has a high homeownership rate of around 82%, with a median home value of $122,700 (2022 ACS). The median gross rent is approximately $651. Detached single-family homes dominate the housing stock, though some duplexes and small apartment buildings exist in towns like Ivanhoe and Lake Benton. Property values have remained relatively stable, with minor annual increases. Neighborhoods are quiet and rural, with low population density. The average property tax rate is about 1.0% of assessed value, making taxes affordable compared to state averages.

Lincoln County, MN, consistently reports low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county recorded only 6 reported violent crimes and 32 property crimes, resulting in a property crime rate of approximately 5.4 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 1.0 per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement emphasizes community engagement and proactive patrols, contributing to high levels of safety. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, and the county maintains transparent crime reporting through annual sheriff’s office statistics. Overall, Lincoln County remains one of Minnesota’s safest regions.

As of 2023, Lincoln County, MN, has a population of approximately 5,640. The median age is about 45 years, with 20% under 18 and 24% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is nearly equal, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. The county is predominantly White (94.5%), with small minorities including Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (0.7%), Asian (0.6%), and Native American (0.3%).