Minnesota population estimates

Population estimates give information on the present and past population. Estimates rely on statistical methods and administrative records.

Projections tell about the population at future dates. If you want information about expected future population, go the the Projections page or look under "Population forecasting" on the A to Z index.

About MN State Demographic Center Estimates

The Minnesota State Demographic Center is required by law to produce annual population and household estimates for counties, cities and townships. Estimates are released in July and are benchmarked to April 1 of the previous year. The estimates are used to determine local government aid and levy limits. We do not produce independent population estimates for the years when the U.S. Census Bureau conducts the decennial census (2000, 2010, etc.).

2011 Estimates

Our latest estimates for Minnesota counties, cities and towns (incorporated places and minor civil divisions) — dated to April 1, 2011 — were released July 15, 2012. These files contain 2011 estimates of the total population, households, and persons per household. Similar figures from the 2010 and 2000 decennial census are provided in the same file for comparison.

To download, save file and open in spreadsheet or database.

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Annual estimates of city and township population, households, and persons per household, 2011: Prepared by the MN State Demographic Center (Dataset).
Annual estimates of county population, households, and persons per household, 2011: Prepared by the MN State Demographic Center (Dataset).

Interactive Tool: 2000-2011 Minnesota Population, Household and Persons Per Household Estimates

Obtain a report by selecting an area and category followed by any number of years. To select multiple years, hold down the "Ctrl" key and click on the desired years. Data for 2000 and 2010 are decennial census counts. All other years are estimates prepared by our office.

Select a geographic area	Select a category	Select year(s)

Source: Minnesota State Demographic Center.

Twin Cities metro estimates

Population and household estimates for cities and townships within the seven-county Twin Cities area as well as the counties themselves (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties) are produced independently by the Metropolitan Council.

Historical statistics

Annual city and township population and household estimates: 2000 to 2009 estimates. These estimates are not updated to reflect 2010 Census results.
Annual county population and household estimates: 2000 to 2009 estimates. These estimates are not updated to reflect 2010 Census results.
Annual population and household estimates: 1990 to 1999 estimates. These estimates are not updated to reflect 2000 Census results.
2000 Census SF1 and SF3: Report and Mapping Menu: 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000 Census population.

U.S. Census Bureau Estimates

U.S. Census Bureau population estimates: Click "Current estimates data" to see list of most recent estimates or "Historical data" to see estimates prior to 2010. Estimates include total population, age and sex, and race and ethnicity. Geographic areas include states, counties, cities and metropolitan areas. Not all types of data are available for all areas.

Can't find it? Try our A-Z index