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Population and Demography of Minnesota

Minnesota is a state in the upper Midwestern United States. Its border is to the east by Wisconsin, to the west by South Dakota and North Dakota, to the south by Iowa, and to the north by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. 

Minnesota is the 22nd most populous state in the United States. The total Land area is 79,6267 square miles (206,232 sq. km) and there is an average of 69 people for every square mile. This makes Minnesota the 31st most densely populated state in the US. As per the United States Census Bureau, the population of Minnesota in 2020 is 5,706,494 (5.7 million) 

Estimated Population of Minnesota in 2024: 5,737,915 or 5.74 million

Minnesota Population (2010-2020)

Minnesota has a population growth rate of 7.6% during 2010-2020. It has had a population increase of  402,569  since 2010. The median age is 37.8 years of age, with 50.3% Female, and 49.3% Male.

Minnesota Census 2020
Total Population5,706,494 ( 5.7 million)
Median Age37.8 years
Population Rank22nd
Total Land Area79,626.74 sq mi (206,232 km2)
Area Rank12th
Population Density68.9/sq mi (26.6/km2)
Capital CitySaint Paul
Largest CityMinneapolis

Source: US Census 2020 and estimates

Minnesota Historical Population

Minnesota has a population growth rate during 2010-2020 of 7.6%. In the year 1910, Minnesota’s Population was 1.75 million and in 2020 it reached 5.7 million, an increase of almost 4 million.

Let’s look at decade population & percentage change 

CensusPopulation% Percentage
18506,077
1860172,0232730.70%
1870439,706155.60%
1880780,77377.60%
18901,310,28367.80%
19001,751,39433.70%
19102,075,70818.50%
19202,387,12515.00%
19302,563,9537.40%
19402,792,3008.90%
19502,982,4836.80%
19603,413,86414.50%
19703,804,97111.50%
19804,075,9707.10%
19904,375,0997.30%
20004,919,47912.40%
20105,303,9257.80%
20205,706,4947.60%

Source: US Census 2020

Religion and affiliations

Christianity is the majority religion in Minnesota followed by 74% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in Minnesota is Protestant (50%); Roman Catholic (22%); Mormonism (1%).

Next comes the Unaffiliated population, 21% of the population doesn’t follow or adhere to any faith or religion. Other non-Christian-based religions and faiths are followed by 5% of the population and include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jews, Islam, and other smaller faiths.

For more details read Religion in Minnesota

Race and Ethnicity

In 2020, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population was the largest racial or ethnic group in Minnesota, comprising 76.30% of the total population. It was followed by the Black or African American population whose share was 6.88%. Hispanic or Latino was the third largest group at 6.06%. The Asian population is fourth with a share of 5.21%. Two or more races are at 4.14%.

Ancestry in Minnesota

As per Census Studies & estimate German, Norwegian, Irish, Swedish, and English have made the five largest ancestry groups in Minnesota

For more Details read Race and Ethnicity in Minnesota

Cities and Counties in Minnesota

A county is an administrative subdivision of a US state or territory. As of 2022, Minnesota is divided into 87 counties. The most populated counties in Minnesota are Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Hennepin has over one million residents, while Ramsey is home to just over 500,000 residents.

There are three cities in Minnesota with a population of more than 100,000. Minneapolis is by far the largest, with a population of 433,111. At Second place is Saint Paul (306,717) followed by Rochester (119,862).

read about cities and counties in Minnesota 

Minnesota Population 2024 | Minnesota Demographics