The latest census data confirms a significant demographic uptick for the region, with the population of the Minneapolis metro area now exceeding 2.9 million residents. This represents a substantial gain of approximately 59,000 people since the 2010 census, underscoring the area’s growing appeal. The Metropolitan Council, the regional planning agency, points to this growth as a sign of the region’s vitality and its ability to attract new residents from across the country.
This expansion is part of a broader national trend where individuals and families are increasingly drawn to major metropolitan hubs. The sustained rise in the population of the Minneapolis metro area suggests that the Twin Cities region is successfully competing for new residents, offering a combination of opportunities and amenities that are in high demand. This growth sets the stage for a deeper look at the specific contributions of its two core cities.
Minneapolis Leads the Charge in Metropolitan Growth
As the region’s undeniable hub, Minneapolis has been the primary engine for this demographic expansion, adding a remarkable 9,430 people between 2010 and 2012. This surge brought the city’s estimated population to 392,008, solidifying its position as Minnesota’s most populous and fastest-growing city. The city’s growth rate significantly outpaces its twin, highlighting its magnetic pull for new residents seeking an urban lifestyle.
This impressive increase is largely attributed to a visible building boom, particularly in the construction of new apartment buildings throughout the city. The skyline of Minneapolis has been transformed by cranes, responding to a powerful demand for housing in its vibrant downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The strategic development of new residential units has directly accommodated the influx of people, making the rising population of the Minneapolis metro area a tangible reality.
St. Paul’s Steady Contribution to the Metro’s Expansion
While Minneapolis has seen the most dramatic growth, St. Paul has also played a crucial role in the region’s overall expansion. As the state’s second-largest city, St. Paul grew by 4,202 people over the same two-year period, reaching an estimated population of 289,270. This steady growth demonstrates that the appeal of the region is not confined to a single city but is a shared phenomenon across the metropolitan core.
The combined growth of these two anchor cities creates a powerful synergy that benefits the entire region. St. Paul’s development, often characterized by its distinct neighborhoods and historic charm, offers a different yet complementary urban experience. Together, the sustained growth of both Minneapolis and St. Paul forms the solid foundation for the increasing population of the Minneapolis metro area, creating a diverse and dynamic urban center.
The Driving Forces Behind the Demographic Shift
According to Met Council demographer Todd Graham, the growth is not accidental but driven by clear economic and social trends. “We’re seeing a greater interest in both urban living and rental housing,” Graham stated. He explained that while some of this shift may be due to homebuyers’ cautiousness following the Great Recession, a more profound, long-term change is underway in residential preferences.
This change is being fueled by two major generational cohorts. Both Baby Boomers, who are downsizing, and newly independent Millennials, who are entering the housing market, are placing a greater value on central locations and urban amenities. This shared preference for walkable neighborhoods, access to transit, and proximity to entertainment and jobs is a fundamental force propelling the population of the Minneapolis metro area upward.
Planning for a Sustainable Metropolitan Future
The strategic management of this growth is a key priority for regional leaders. Met Council Chair Susan Haigh expressed approval that the growth is “occurring primarily where there’s infrastructure to support it.” This focus on infill development—building within existing urban areas—is seen as a model of efficiency and smart planning for the continued upward trend in the population of the Minneapolis metro area.
Haigh emphasized that this approach creates economies of scale and promotes regional efficiency. By concentrating new residents in areas that already have roads, utilities, and public services, the region can make better use of its resources. This prudent strategy allows the metro to channel its energy and funding into broader economic development initiatives, ensuring that the growing population of the Minneapolis metro area is supported by a strong and sustainable foundation for the future.