The demographics of Minnesota are tracked by the United States Census Bureau, with additional data gathered by the Minnesota State Demographic Center. According to the most recent estimates, Minnesota's population as of 2020 was approximately 5.7 million, making it the 22nd most populous state in the United States. The total fertility rate in Minnesota was roughly 1.87 in 2019, slightly below the replacement rate of 2.1.
For decades, Minnesota has been characterized by a higher number of births than deaths. The state has seen significant population growth in the past century, both through natural increase and immigration. In 2020, approximately 8% of the population was foreign-born.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Minnesota was a significant destination for European immigrants, especially from Germany, Norway, and Sweden. In more recent years, the state has become a new home for refugees and immigrants from Latin America, East Africa (especially Somalia), and Southeast Asia (primarily Hmong and Vietnamese communities).
The population of Minnesota is not only diverse in terms of birthplace and ancestry but also in terms of age and socioeconomic status. Minnesota boasts a well-educated populace, with one of the highest high school graduation rates in the nation and a robust system of public and private colleges and universities. With a median household income of around $70,000 in 2019, Minnesota is a predominantly middle-class state. However, income disparities and child poverty rates have been persistent issues, reflecting broader national trends.
As of 2020, Minnesota was among the top states in the nation for life expectancy, health care access, and quality of life. The state's robust healthcare system and progressive social policies contribute to these rankings. Furthermore, Minnesota is known for its commitment to environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation, with numerous state parks, forests, and water bodies. However, the state faces challenges related to aging infrastructure, racial disparities, and environmental sustainability.
Population
Minnesota's population experienced significant growth over the years. In 1850, the state had fewer than 6,100 residents, which expanded to over 1.75 million by 1900. Throughout the following six decades, there was a consistent increase of 15.0% in population, reaching 3.41 million in 1960. Subsequently, the growth rate slowed, with an 11.0% rise to 3.8 million in 1970. Over the next three decades, the population continued to grow at an average rate of 9.0%, resulting in a population of 4.91 million according to the 2000 census. In 2020, the population was approximately 5.7 million.
Minnesota's population trends, age distribution, and gender ratios closely approximate the national average. However, it is worth noting that minority groups in Minnesota constitute a smaller proportion of the overall population compared to the nation as a whole.
The center of population in Minnesota is located in Hennepin County, specifically in the city of Rogers.
The population distribution by age in the 2019 American Community Survey was: Under 5 years: 6.2% 5–9 years: 6.5% 10–14 years: 6.5% 15–19 years: 6.6% 20–24 years: 6.8% 25–34 years: 13.7% 35–44 years: 12.7% 45–54 years: 12.6% 55–59 years: 7.1% 60–64 years: 6.3% 65–74 years: 9.3% 75–84 years: 4.4% 85 years and over: 1.3%
Approximately 60% of the state's population lives within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and 40% in the remainder of the state. This is a result of the migration of jobs from farming, mining, and logging, prevalent in the 19th century, to the current concentration in professional, office, and service jobs, concentrated in the metropolitan areas.
Most populous counties
Race and ethnicity
As of the 2020 United States Census, the racial and ethnic composition of Minnesota was diverse and multifaceted. The state's population was predominantly White, making up approximately 77.5% of the total population (76.3% non-Hispanic Whites). This group primarily consists of individuals of Northern and Western European descent, with a significant proportion of residents claiming being German, Norwegian, Irish, Swedish, and English ancestry.
The African American community constituted about 7.0% of the population, a figure that has seen a steady increase over the years. This growth is largely attributed to the influx of immigrants from East Africa, particularly Somalia and Ethiopia, who reside mainly in cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul.