Population estimates reveal fastest-growing parts of Twin Cities metro
New population estimates reveal that the Twin Cities metro population grew by 9.3 percent between 2010 and 2018.
The metro population stood at an estimated 3,114,035 as of the end of 2018, according to the Metropolitan Council, compared to 2,849,567 in 2010.
But the figures also highlight the growing issue with housing access in the Twin Cities, with the 9.3 percent increase outstripping the 6.4 percent increase in housing units during the same period.
This, the Met Council said, has resulted in rising house prices and rents, with the shortage of housing and affordable housing now reaching "critical proportions."
The figures show that Minneapolis added the most new residents over the 9 years, with 46,804 additional residents – a 12.2 percent increase – with St. Paul second at 27,942, a rise of 9.8 percent.
But they were both outstripped by the northern suburb of Blaine, which has seen its population increase by 16.6 percent to now stand at 66,667.
The south metro cities of Lakeville and Woodbury also saw population growth that outstripped Minnesota's two largest cities.
Metropolitan Council
"Steady growth is a sign of our diverse and competitive economy and livable cities," said Met Council Chair Nora Slawik. "But the challenge remains of ensuring housing, and housing that’s affordable, is available to all families who want to make this their home and place of work.
“Housing is no different from other infrastructure, like sanitary sewers, and transit and transportation that allows us to grow and prosper. We need housing production to keep pace with growth and meet the needs of residents now and in the future."
The estimates released on Monday will now be available for comment from local government officials, before the estimates are finalized on July 15, where they'll be used to determine local government and street funding.
Here's a look at the population growth in each city, town and township across the metro area.
