Largest cities in Minnesota

Minnesota, known for its lakes and friendly communities, is a state that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 5.7 million, it ranks as the 22nd most populated state in the U.S. Minnesota has experienced steady population growth, driven by its appealing living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by Canada to the north, Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the south, and South Dakota and North Dakota to the west, Minnesota offers a variety of living environments across its roughly 853 cities and towns.

Living in Minnesota provides residents with numerous benefits, including a high quality of life, excellent schools, and abundant natural beauty. The state's low population density allows for spacious living and a slower pace of life, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and community engagement. Minnesota's economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The state's steady population growth supports a balanced and sustainable development path. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in Minnesota, is compiled using data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, highlights Minnesota cities by population, showcasing the state's most significant urban centers.

Minneapolis Population: 424,536 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 140 KM² Density (sq mi): 7,862 Med. Household Income: $66,068

Minneapolis, MN, known as 'The Mill City,' offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Located in southeastern Minnesota, Minneapolis is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Saint Paul and Bloomington enhance its status as a central point in the region. Minneapolis's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

St. Paul Population: 305,877 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 135 KM² Density (sq mi): 5,885 Med. Household Income: $59,717

St. Paul, MN, known as 'The Saintly City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in eastern Minnesota, St. Paul is a large city that serves as the capital and a major cultural and economic hub of the state. Major nearby cities like Minneapolis and Bloomington enhance its status as a central point in the region. St. Paul's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Rochester Population: 117,134 Livability Score: 92

Area Size: 143 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,107 Med. Household Income: $76,034

Rochester, Minnesota, known as "Med City," is renowned for its world-class healthcare and vibrant community. Home to the Mayo Clinic, one of the most prestigious medical centers in the world, Rochester offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of healthcare excellence, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere makes living in Rochester an attractive option.

Duluth Population: 85,852 Livability Score: 80

Area Size: 186 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,198 Med. Household Income: $54,084

Duluth, MN - The Zenith City of the Unsalted Seas"; echo "

Bloomington Population: 85,226 Livability Score: 76

Area Size: 90 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,456 Med. Household Income: $78,224

Bloomington, MN - A Hub of Commerce and Nature"; echo "

Brooklyn Park Population: 80,173 Livability Score: 80

Area Size: 68 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,075 Med. Household Income: $73,207

Brooklyn Park, MN - A Thriving Suburb with Easy Access to Minneapolis"; echo "

Plymouth Population: 78,879 Livability Score: 85

Area Size: 85 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,411 Med. Household Income: $112,631

Plymouth, MN - A Thriving Suburb with Proximity to Minneapolis"; echo "

Maple Grove Population: 71,569 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 84 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,197 Med. Household Income: $113,793

Woodbury Population: 71,298 Livability Score: 88

Area Size: 90 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,043 Med. Household Income: $108,055

St. Cloud Population: 68,390 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 104 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,710 Med. Household Income: $50,335

Full list of the largest cities in Minnesota

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Minneapolis	424,536	140	$66,068	78
2	St. Paul	305,877	135	$59,717	81
3	Rochester	117,134	143	$76,034	92
4	Duluth	85,852	186	$54,084	80
5	Bloomington	85,226	90	$78,224	76
6	Brooklyn Park	80,173	68	$73,207	80
7	Plymouth	78,879	85	$112,631	85
8	Maple Grove	71,569	84	$113,793	81
9	Woodbury	71,298	90	$108,055	88
10	St. Cloud	68,390	104	$50,335	83
11	Eagan	66,377	81	$93,332	85
12	Lakeville	65,710	94	$112,020	84
13	Blaine	65,048	88	$86,796	70
14	Eden Prairie	64,481	84	$115,227	84
15	Coon Rapids	62,706	59	$76,169	85
16	Burnsville	61,536	64	$76,017	79
17	Minnetonka	53,760	70	$100,363	75
18	Apple Valley	53,728	44	$90,162	86
19	Edina	52,215	40	$108,576	79
20	St. Louis Park	48,874	28	$84,694	89
21	Moorhead	43,409	58	$61,220	76
22	Mankato	42,685	49	$52,411	77
23	Shakopee	41,423	73	$90,642	89
24	Maplewood	40,684	44	$72,959	75
25	Cottage Grove	37,120	87	$102,600	76
26	Richfield	36,253	17	$70,091	84
27	Roseville	36,139	34	$74,571	81
28	Inver Grove Heights	35,492	72	$83,155	75
29	Andover	33,019	88	$112,967	70
30	Savage	31,758	40	$116,895	77
31	Brooklyn Center	30,755	21	$64,023	73
32	Oakdale	27,925	28	$74,303	74
33	Fridley	27,789	26	$65,669	73
34	Ramsey	27,201	75	$97,779	69
35	Shoreview	26,922	28	$97,633	78
36	Prior Lake	26,775	41	$108,481	70
37	Winona	26,772	49	$48,653	80
38	Chaska	26,753	44	$90,161	79
39	Chanhassen	25,965	53	$124,184	82
40	White Bear Lake	25,718	21	$70,981	78
41	Owatonna	25,716	38	$66,037	75
42	Austin	25,180	33	$48,730	79
43	Champlin	24,980	21	$96,469	89
44	Elk River	24,894	110	$87,755	71
45	Rosemount	24,792	86	$110,573	89
46	Faribault	23,853	39	$54,832	76
47	Farmington	22,996	38	$95,326	75
48	Crystal	22,937	15	$70,724	82
49	Hastings	22,796	27	$75,026	74
50	New Brighton	22,663	17	$75,099	83

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in Minnesota, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.