Twin Cities population growth continues to be steady

Shakopee and Blaine post the largest population gains since 2000

Contact: Bonnie Kollodge
651.602.1357

ST. PAUL—July 16, 2008 - The Twin Cities metro area’s population grew to 2.85 million in 2007, according to the Metropolitan Council’s annual population estimates. The estimates, released today, show developing suburban communities continue to lead metro-area growth, with Shakopee in the southwest and Blaine to the north posting the largest population gains so far this decade.

Since 2000, the region’s population has grown by 8 percent, or 207,000 people. The number of households is up 10 percent over the same period. Meanwhile, average household size continues its downward slide – with smaller, “empty nest” households establishing themselves as a major demographic force.

"The demographics at work here are longer life expectancies and baby-boomers beginning to reach retirement age,” said Council forecaster Todd Graham. “It translates into smaller household sizes and a larger population of empty nesters.”

Fourteen of the 15 cities experiencing the most growth between 2000 and 2007 are developing suburbs, including Shakopee and Blaine.

"These are communities that have the room to grow, in terms of available land, as well as the desire to grow, providing the planning and services that encourage and accommodate growth,” said Graham.

Shakopee and Blaine each added nearly 12,000 residents since 2000. Among the central cities, population growth in Minneapolis of 5,273 reflects substantial central-city housing development.

	Population 4/1/2007	Population Added 2000-07

Shakopee	32,567	11,999
Blaine	56,575	11,561
Woodbury	57,279	10,816
Lakeville	53,829	10,701
Maple Grove	59,458	9,093
Eden Prairie	62,090	7,189
Rosemount	20,917	6,298
Farmington	18,589	6,224
Prior Lake	22,111	6,194
Chaska	23,775	6,172
Hugo	12,022	5,659
Brooklyn Park	72,724	5,336
Minneapolis	388,020	5,273
Plymouth	71,147	5,253
Hastings	22,439	4,235

"I think it’s encouraging,” said Council Chair Peter Bell. “There’s no question that growth poses challenges. But steady growth is a far better problem to have than no growth or decline. With good planning and appropriate investment, steady, continued growth serves the region well.”

In recent years, the Council’s estimates have shown greater regional growth overall than those of the U.S. Census Bureau, primarily because the Council and Census Bureau use different methodologies. Council estimates are based on housing gains and losses and are more likely to accurately reflect local changes. Historically, estimates from the Council have been more accurate when benchmarked against later decennial Census counts.

To review local population and household estimates online, please visit “Population and Household Estimates by Community” at http://www.metrocouncil.org/metroarea/stats.htm. Or, contact the Regional Data Center at 651.602.1140 or data.center@metc.state.mn.us.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. It runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, manages regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

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