Largest cities in Minnesota

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

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: 439,880 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 140 KM² Density (sq mi): 8,146 Med. Household Income: $99,202

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: 315,338 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 135 KM² Density (sq mi): 6,067 Med. Household Income: $90,139

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: 121,687 Livability Score: 92

Area Size: 143 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,211 Med. Household Income: $111,580

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: 87,821 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 186 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,223 Med. Household Income: $81,452

Living in Duluth, MN offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and vibrant community life. Known as the 'Zenith City of the Unsalted Seas,' Duluth is situated on the shores of Lake Superior, providing stunning views and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. The cityâ€™s Canal Park is a major attraction, featuring the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, waterfront dining, and shops, making it a hub of activity in Duluth.

Bloomington Population: 87,234 Livability Score: 76

Area Size: 90 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,514 Med. Household Income: $115,075

Living in Bloomington, MN offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Known for being home to the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States, Bloomington is a hub of commerce and entertainment. The cityâ€™s retail offerings are complemented by a vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from international cuisine to local Minnesota favorites.

Brooklyn Park Population: 83,324 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 68 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,195 Med. Household Income: $109,999

Living in Brooklyn Park, MN offers a suburban lifestyle with the convenience of being close to a major urban center. Located just northwest of Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park is one of the largest suburbs in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The city is known for its diverse community, beautiful parks, and strong local economy, making it an attractive place to live for families and professionals alike.

Plymouth Population: 81,485 Livability Score: 85

Area Size: 85 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,492 Med. Household Income: $168,476

Living in Plymouth, MN offers a suburban lifestyle with the convenience of being close to a major urban center. Located just west of Minneapolis, Plymouth is one of the largest suburbs in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The city is known for its beautiful parks, strong local economy, and vibrant community life, making it an attractive place to live for families and professionals alike.

Maple Grove Population: 74,291 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 84 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,281 Med. Household Income: $171,244

Woodbury Population: 72,852 Livability Score: 89

Area Size: 90 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,088 Med. Household Income: $160,848

St. Cloud Population: 69,805 Livability Score: 85

Area Size: 104 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,745 Med. Household Income: $75,349

Full list of the largest cities in Minnesota

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Minneapolis	439,880	140	$99,202	78
2	St. Paul	315,338	135	$90,139	83
3	Rochester	121,687	143	$111,580	92
4	Duluth	87,821	186	$81,452	82
5	Bloomington	87,234	90	$115,075	76
6	Brooklyn Park	83,324	68	$109,999	82
7	Plymouth	81,485	85	$168,476	85
8	Maple Grove	74,291	84	$171,244	81
9	Woodbury	72,852	90	$160,848	89
10	St. Cloud	69,805	104	$75,349	85
11	Eagan	68,193	81	$140,795	86
12	Lakeville	67,943	94	$163,722	84
13	Blaine	66,645	88	$131,788	71
14	Eden Prairie	65,950	84	$169,320	85
15	Coon Rapids	65,205	59	$114,347	86
16	Burnsville	63,628	64	$114,193	81
17	Apple Valley	55,842	44	$135,624	86
18	Minnetonka	55,235	70	$150,767	75
19	Edina	53,873	40	$159,150	80
20	St. Louis Park	50,208	28	$126,616	89
21	Moorhead	44,762	58	$92,904	76
22	Mankato	43,578	49	$78,663	77
23	Shakopee	42,849	73	$133,190	90
24	Maplewood	41,599	44	$109,585	75
25	Cottage Grove	38,398	87	$150,702	77
26	Roseville	37,577	34	$111,747	80
27	Richfield	37,149	17	$102,343	85
28	Inver Grove Heights	36,356	72	$125,839	76
29	Andover	33,930	88	$166,474	72
30	Savage	32,591	40	$172,594	78
31	Brooklyn Center	31,682	21	$96,266	73
32	Fridley	28,718	26	$97,031	75
33	Oakdale	28,648	28	$112,448	75
34	Shoreview	27,771	28	$144,713	79
35	Ramsey	27,748	75	$148,035	69
36	Chaska	27,617	44	$132,267	80
37	Prior Lake	27,582	41	$162,226	71
38	Winona	27,459	49	$73,011	80
39	Chanhassen	26,836	53	$188,357	82
40	Owatonna	26,702	38	$97,617	76
41	White Bear Lake	26,260	21	$103,888	77
42	Austin	26,125	33	$72,312	80
43	Champlin	25,860	21	$143,561	90
44	Elk River	25,478	110	$128,473	72
45	Rosemount	25,406	86	$167,328	89
46	Faribault	24,714	39	$81,911	76
47	Farmington	23,819	38	$142,868	74
48	Crystal	23,618	15	$105,778	83
49	New Brighton	23,459	17	$114,052	85
50	Hastings	23,352	27	$113,463	75

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.