Population114,379 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
River Landscapes Between Town And Countryside
Carver County, MinnesotaCarver County lies southwest of the Twin Cities, combining suburban communities with a rural landscape and a connection to the Minnesota River. Chaska serves as the county seat, while the area’s earlier Big Woods setting helps explain a different chapter of its local character. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 114,379 residents in Carver County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.
Carver County at a Glance
Population114,379 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatChaska
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1855
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water375.903 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-55 - IL-16 - IL-127
Area Codes217
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Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Carver County
Carver County
Established in 1855 and named for Jonathan Carver, the county initially placed its seat in San Francisco Township. Chaska became the seat in 1856. The historical society describes a landscape once associated with the Big Woods, providing context for later settlement and community development. The shift of the county seat and the changing use of land are complementary stories: one concerns public institutions, while the other explains the setting in which those institutions and towns took root.
Chaska provides a civic starting point for exploring Carver County, but the wider area is best understood through its mixture of towns, rural land and river connections. Use local historical resources to picture the earlier woodland landscape as you plan a route. The county's position near the Twin Cities does not erase those older layers. Leave room to explore an individual community rather than treating the county only as a metropolitan extension.
What Shapes Us
Place And Character
Carver County lies southwest of the Twin Cities, combining suburban communities with a rural landscape and a connection to the Minnesota River.
The Local Story
Established in 1855 and named for Jonathan Carver, the county initially placed its seat in San Francisco Township. Chaska became the seat in 1856.
Explore The County
Chaska provides a civic starting point for exploring Carver County, but the wider area is best understood through its mixture of towns, rural land and river connections.
Find local character between river, town and countryside.
A Closer Look
Carver County
Places and perspectives from Carver County
MPR News — Minnesota
MPR News hosts Senate debate between Flanagan, Tafoya
Democratic nominee Peggy Flanagan and Republican nominee Michele Tafoya appear at noon Friday in their only scheduled debate…
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Carver County
Stories from every corner of Carver County.
MPR News hosts Senate debate between Flanagan, Tafoya
Democratic nominee Peggy Flanagan and Republican nominee Michele Tafoya appear at noon Friday in their only scheduled debate…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Sam Zimmerman paints his North Shore roots
A collection of paintings and stories by Sam Zimmerman captures memories of life in northern Minnesota. His new…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
St. Cloud races could decide who controls Legislature
The mixed politics of St. Cloud-area voters have led to some razor-thin outcomes in past elections. And it…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Grandmother, daughters and grandson among 6 victims who died in a Wisconsin plane crash
Family members say a grandmother, two of her adult daughters and her grandson were among the six people…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Teen shooter kills 4 at Oregon elementary school before being shot by a witness
Authorities say a 16-year-old opened fire at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Central Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-05. 655 7TH ST SW, NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA, MN 55368. 952-467-7300.
Cologne Academy – Elementary; grades KG-08. 1221 VILLAGE PKWY, COLOGNE, MN 55322. 952-466-2276.
Carver Elementary School – Elementary; grades KG-05. 1717 IRONWOOD DRIVE, CARVER, MN 55315. 952-556-1900.
Minnetonka West Middle – Middle; grades 06-08. 6421 HAZELTINE BLVD, EXCELSIOR, MN 55331. 952-401-5300.
Bayview Elementary – Elementary; grades KG-05. 24 S WALNUT ST, WACONIA, MN 55387. 952-442-0630.
World Learner Charter School – Elementary; grades 01-08. 112050 HUNDERTMARK RD, CHASKA, MN 55318. 952-368-7398.
Watertown-Mayer Elementary School – Elementary; grades KG-04. 500 PAUL AVE, WATERTOWN, MN 55388. 952-955-0300.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Ridgeview Medical Center – Acute Care Hospitals. 500 South Maple Street, Waconia, MN 55387. 952-442-2191.
Public Safety Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Emergency Services Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
State Parks Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Trails Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Utilities Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Chanhassen Public Library – 7711 Kerber Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317. 952-303-0401.
Carver County Law Library – 604 East Fourth Street, Chaska, MN 55318. 952-361-1564.
Norwood Young America Public Library – 314 Elm Street West, Norwood-Young Americ, MN 55368. 952-303-0403.
Victoria Library – 1670 Stieger Lake Lane, Victoria, MN 55386. 952-303-0404.
Waconia Public Library – 217 S. Vine Street, Waconia, MN 55387. 952-303-0405.
Watertown Public Library – 309 Lewis Avenue, Watertown, MN 55388. 952-303-0406.
Chaska Public Library – 3 City Hall Plaza, Chaska, MN 55318. 952-303-0402.
Courts Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
DMV
Transportation Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Carver County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Carver County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
114,379 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
375.903 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with these official Minnesota resources: Locations; Disability parking certificates; Renew my tabs. Choose the page for the service you need, then check its office or online instructions before making a trip. These links cover state services; they do not establish that every transaction is available at a county office.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for the mailing ZIP Code of a specific street address. Use the USPS location finder to search for nearby postal facilities and available services. An address lookup is more useful for mailing than assuming the entire county shares one ZIP Code.
The VA explains how to find and appoint an accredited representative for benefit claims. Contact a representative to confirm availability before appointing them. For education benefits, use the GI Bill application guidance. These are national VA services available to eligible local residents, rather than a listing of county offices.
Search USAJOBS for federal positions and the Apprenticeship Finder for apprenticeship opportunities, using location filters to narrow the results. USAGov job-training guidance points to training programs and state resources. Check each listing for current availability, eligibility and application instructions; a search result does not guarantee an opening in the county.
Established in 1855 and named for Jonathan Carver, the county initially placed its seat in San Francisco Township. Chaska became the seat in 1856. The historical society describes a landscape once associated with the Big Woods, providing context for later settlement and community development. The shift of the county seat and the changing use of land are complementary stories: one concerns public institutions, while the other explains the setting in which those institutions and towns took root.
Chaska provides a civic starting point for exploring Carver County, but the wider area is best understood through its mixture of towns, rural land and river connections. Use local historical resources to picture the earlier woodland landscape as you plan a route. The county’s position near the Twin Cities does not erase those older layers. Leave room to explore an individual community rather than treating the county only as a metropolitan extension.
The 2020 Census geography figures record 354.022 square miles of land and 21.881 square miles of water in Carver County. The county’s total area includes both. These are geographic measurements for that Census vintage, not a measurement of current water levels or public recreation access.
In the Census Bureau’s 2025 estimate series, Carver County had an estimated 107,308 residents on July 1, 2020, and 114,379 on July 1, 2025. Over that interval, the estimated population increased by 7,071 residents, or about 6.6%. Both figures come from the same estimate vintage, which revises earlier years for a consistent comparison.
Chaska is the county seat listed for Carver County by the National Association of Counties. For an office visit, confirm the specific department’s address before traveling. NACo county profile.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time to ExploreBrowse local places by the kind of day you have in mind.
Kids' Fun
- Highland Playgroup
- Wonder Works Science Center
- Giggle Junction
- Little Explorers Museum
- Discovery Park
- Greenfield Splash Pad
- Storytime Corner
- Adventure Zone
- Mini Makers Studio
- County Fairgrounds
- Family Fun Center
- Junior Nature Club
Restaurants
- Olive & Oak
- The Daily Dish
- Harbor House Grill
- Sunrise Diner
- Greenfield Table
- County Line Cafe
- Brick Oven Kitchen
- Maple Street Bistro
- The Local Plate
- Hometown Barbecue
- River Bend Grill
- Harvest Kitchen
Shopping & Retail
- Market Square General Store
- Home & Hearth
- The Book Nook
- Local Threads
- Greenfield Mercantile
- County Market
- Garden Gate Goods
- Prairie Home Supply
- Cornerstone Gifts
- Main Street Finds
- Heritage Antiques
- Artisan Hall
Clothing & Boutiques
- Uptown Boutique
- Thread & Co.
- Modern Muse
- Vintage Charm
- Willow & Co.
- Prairie Rose Apparel
- Sunday Best
- County Clothiers
- Evergreen Outfitters
- The Wardrobe
- Oak & Linen
- Market Street Style
Outdoor Fun
- Riverfront Adventures
- Summit Trail Outfitters
- Lakeside Kayaks
- Trailhead Co.
- Greenfield Lake
- Prairie Ridge Trail
- County Conservation Area
- Hillsboro Sports Park
- Sunset Campground
- Oak Valley Stables
- Meadow Creek Preserve
- Scenic Route 16
Free Things To Do
- City Park
- Downtown Walking Tour
- Community Art Wall
- Farmers Market
- Courthouse Square
- Public Library Events
- Lake Overlook
- Historic Marker Trail
- Summer Concert Series
- Community Garden
- Heritage Museum Day
- Holiday Main Street Walk
A New Stop, a Local ConnectionExplore the Listings Below