Olmsted County Public RecordsMinnesota

Olmsted County, MN has a 2023 estimated population of about 166,000. The median age is roughly 38 years; 22% are under 18 and 16% are 65 or older. Females make up 51% and males 49% of the population. Racially, 77% are White, 8% Asian, 7% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% two or more races, reflecting increasing diversity in recent years.

Olmsted County, MN, had 107,445 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts federal, state, and local elections, including primaries and referenda. In the 2020 presidential election, Olmsted voted 53.1% for Joe Biden and 44.3% for Donald Trump. There are over 30 polling locations managed by Olmsted County Elections, addressing accessibility and cybersecurity concerns. Major parties include Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) and Republican. The Elections Office, overseen by the Auditor-Treasurer, administers voter registration, absentee ballots, and election logistics, aiming for transparency and integrity in the electoral process.

Olmsted County, MN, boasts a strong education system with 26 public schools and multiple private options. The high school graduation rate is approximately 88%, while 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average ACT score in the county is 22. School safety is prioritized, with Olmsted schools ranking above state averages for safety protocols. Educational programs include Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and robust adult education opportunities, including Rochester Community and Technical College. The county also offers STEM and vocational training programs, supporting diverse career pathways.

As of 2023, Olmsted County, MN boasts a labor force participation rate of approximately 70%, with an unemployment rate near 2.6%. The healthcare and social assistance sector dominates employment (about 40%), driven by the Mayo Clinic. Other significant industries include education, retail trade, and manufacturing. Major occupations are in healthcare, office/administrative support, and management. Around 80% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 18 minutes. A majority, over 75%, both live and work within the county, reflecting its strong local employment opportunities.

Olmsted County, MN, notably Rochester, has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with the median home value around $318,000 (2023). Median monthly rent is approximately $1,200. Property values have risen about 8% year-over-year. Housing includes single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses, with family-friendly neighborhoods like Byron, NW Rochester, and Historic SW. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value. The county mixes suburban and urban lifestyles, accommodating diverse needs and budgets.

Olmsted County, MN, generally maintains lower crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported a violent crime rate of 182.7 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,568.3 per 100,000. Most common incidents include larceny-theft and burglary. The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office encourages community reporting, with over 3,200 total crimes documented annually. Initiatives like neighborhood watch and proactive policing contribute to maintaining community safety.