POPULATION GEOGRAPHY SINCE 1950

Overall, since 1950 the population of Minnesota has increased 39%!  Minnesota continues to outpace the population growth of its neighbors.  Ranked 21st in the nation by total population, Minnesota is one of the fastest growing states in the Northeast and Midwest according to the 2000 census.  One of the main reasons for this change upward is migration.  Since the 1990 census, Minnesota has seen a net gain of people migrating from other states and countries.  Listed below are charts and tables that provide a snapshot of Minnesota's population.

CLICK HERE FOR MINNESOTA DETAILED POPULATION INFORMATION

POPULATION CHANGE 1960-1990 CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE

POPULATION DENSITY BY COUNTY SQUARE MILE CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE

CLICK HERE FOR MINNESOTA POPULATION INCREASE FROM 1850 TO PROJECTIONS IN 2150!!! YOWZA!

Even Minnesota cannot escape the American phenomenon of URBAN SPRAWL.  Urban sprawl is traditionally caused by factors ranging from federal highway subsidies to the pursuit of  more affordable and better public schools.  Notwithstanding a recent upwward trend of gentrification (people moving back into central cities), Minnesota is no different than other states.  For example, the urban land area of the Minneapolis-St.Paul metropolitian area increased by 32% between 1970 and 1990.  During this same time, the amount of acreage per person increased from .2709 acres per capita in 1970 to .3271 acres per capita.

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