Fairmont, Minnesota – The city of Fairmont’s official population is 10,487, according to the 2020 decennial
census conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The census is taken every ten years and provides vital
statistics data for communities and their economies.
It was estimated in 2019 that Fairmont’s population would decrease by about six percent. The official count of
10,487 is only a 1.6 per cent decrease from Fairmont’s 2010 population of 10,666. This is a positive result for the
community because it shows the community is stable and hoping to grow.
The State of Minnesota categorizes cities based on their size. As a result of the 2020 census, Fairmont remains a
Class 3 city (one with population over 10,000). The implications of this classification are extensive – affecting
funding levels for programs including infrastructure, education, and health.
The coronavirus pandemic presented significant challenges in completing an accurate census. Many local
individuals, representing a number of local groups and organizations, participated in the process to ensure a
complete and accurate count of the community’s population. The Martin County/Fairmont Complete Count
Committee met several times to prepare for the count, share information about how important the census was,
and reach out to their communities.
“Thanks to all who worked on the census,” City Administrator Cathy Reynolds said to volunteers and staff,
“Your efforts and hard work throughout the pandemic for our community are greatly appreciated.”
A variety of population statistics can be accessed by browsing census.gov. For questions about how the City
uses these statistics, residents can contact Peter Bode, Planner/Code Enforcement Technician at
pbode@fairmont.org or 507-238-3940.
