Stearns County Public RecordsMinnesota

As of the 2020 Census, Stearns County, MN had a population of approximately 158,292. The median age is 35.5 years, with about 50.5% male and 49.5% female residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (89%), with smaller proportions of Black or African American (3.7%), Asian (2.7%), and Hispanic or Latino (3.5%). Other races, including Native American and multiracial, together make up about 4% of the population.

Stearns County, MN, had approximately 104,000 registered voters for the 2022 general election. The county conducts federal, state, county, and municipal elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 55% voted for the Republican candidate and 42% for the Democrat. There are over 90 polling locations across 84 precincts. Key issues include rural broadband and property taxes. Elections are administered by the Stearns County Auditor’s Office. Major parties are Republican and Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL). Voter turnout frequently exceeds 75%.

Stearns County, MN, hosts over 35 public K-12 schools, with high school graduation rates at approximately 91%. Higher education is prominent, with schools like St. Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict, contributing to 30% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores average B+ (Niche), and educational programs include STEM, arts, and robust adult education at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. The county emphasizes safe environments and diverse opportunities, making education accessible and effective for learners of all ages.

As of 2023, Stearns County, MN has an unemployment rate of approximately 2.7%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (17%), manufacturing (16%), and retail trade (12%). The leading occupation types are office and administrative support (14%), production (12%), and sales (10%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 19 minutes. Most employees work locally, especially in St. Cloud, the county seat, with around 70% of residents employed within the county.

Stearns County, MN, has a homeownership rate of about 73%, with a median home value around $253,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $970 per month. The area offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with growing developments in St. Cloud and Sartell. Recent years have seen a 7% annual increase in property values. Neighborhoods range from urban St. Cloud to rural communities like Albany. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed home value. The market remains competitive, with low inventory contributing to rising prices.

Stearns County, MN, reported a total of 2,180 crimes in 2022, with a crime rate of approximately 2,040 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crimes comprised the majority, with 1,725 cases, including 1,324 thefts and 205 burglaries. Violent crimes were lower, with 162 incidents, including 85 assaults and 27 robberies. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office regularly publishes crime statistics and encourages public crime reporting through digital platforms to enhance community safety and transparency.