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Twin Cities population grows to 2.87 million, according to Metro Council estimates

Shakopee posts the largest population gain since 2000

Contact: Bonnie Kollodge
651.602.1357

ST. PAUL—July 20, 2009--The Twin Cities metro area’s population grew to 2.87 million in 2008, according to Metropolitan Council annual population estimates.  The estimates, released today, show most growth continues to occur in developing suburbs.

Since 2000, the region’s population has grown by almost nine percent, or 228,000 people. The number of households is up almost 11 percent over the same period.

"Each year, about 100,000 people move to the Twin Cities. Another 100,000 leave the Twin Cities,” said Council forecaster Todd Graham.  “The growth we’re experiencing is primarily internal gains resulting from higher birth rates and longer life expectancies.”

Fourteen of the 15 cities experiencing the most growth between 2000 and 2008 are developing suburbs. Shakopee added 13,400 residents since 2000. Woodbury, Blaine, Lakeville, and Maple Grove are also among the communities to experience higher levels of growth.

"These communities have available land and the room to grow. They also provide the planning and services that encourage and accommodate growth,” said Graham.

Population Growth Leaders: 2000-2008

 

In Minneapolis, substantial housing development has brought the city’s population to 390,000 – close to the city’s population in the mid-1970s. St.  Paul has a population of 288,000, a gain of 1,200 since Census 2000.

"We’re pleased to see the central cities remaining stable,” said Council Chair Peter Bell. “We believe that’s an important objective for the region.

"In addition, the region seems to be holding its own in terms of growth, despite one of the most difficult economic times in the history of our nation.  Based on current trends, we may not add the million more people to the region between 2000 and 2030 that was previously forecasted. But we still expect to be pretty close,” Bell said.

According to Council Research staff, the region’s net growth has slowed during the last several years, following more robust growth earlier in the decade.  Population growth from 2000 to 2004 averaged 32,000 residents a year. Between 2004 and 2008, population growth averaged 25,000 residents a year.

Historically, estimates prepared by the Metropolitan Council have been accurate when compared against later decennial Census counts. The U.S. Census Bureau will conduct a decennial Census in the spring of 2010.  The Metropolitan Council urges residents to participate to help the Census and Council get good data, promote informed planning and infrastructure investment and ensure the region and communities secure federal funding that is based on population.

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. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.

 

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