Minnesota is divided into 87 counties that serve as the primary administrative subdivisions of the state. Counties provide local government services across urban, suburban and rural areas, and they form the framework for many public functions such as law enforcement, courts, property records, public health, road maintenance and elections.
Structure and functions
Each county typically has an elected board or commission and officials such as a sheriff, auditor, treasurer and county attorney. County seats—often a town or city centrally located within the county—house courthouses and administrative offices. County size and responsibilities vary: some are dominated by a single large city and metropolitan services, while others cover extensive rural territory with agricultural, forestry or resource-management duties.
Notable counties
Within the state, the Twin Cities area is centered in counties like Hennepin (Minneapolis) and Ramsey (St. Paul), which are among the most populous and urbanized. In contrast, St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota is notable for its large land area and for including parts of the Iron Range and the Boundary Waters region. Smaller or more remote counties have very different economic and service needs.
History and names
The pattern of counties evolved during and after territorial times, with many counties established in the mid-19th century as settlement expanded; Minnesota became a state in 1858. County names reflect a mix of influences, including Indigenous place names, U.S. presidents and politicians, early explorers and geographic features.
Regions, economy and uses
Counties are commonly grouped by region—Twin Cities metropolitan, northern Arrowhead and Iron Range, central agricultural belts, and the southeastern river valleys. Their economies range from metropolitan commerce and industry to farming, mining, tourism and forestry. Counties are essential for planning, emergency management, social services and local infrastructure.
Finding the complete list
For a full, sortable list of all 87 counties, including county seats and administrative details, see the complete list of Minnesota counties. For information about state-wide government structures and county responsibilities consult Minnesota state resources or general information about the state itself at Minnesota. Useful groupings include:
- Twin Cities metropolitan counties
- Northern Arrowhead and Iron Range counties
- Central agricultural counties
- Southeastern river valley counties