10 Largest Cities In Minnesota

There is plenty of room for people to spread out in Minnesota because it is a large state, coming in at number 12 out of 50 in terms of land area. It is also the 22nd most populous state in the contiguous United States. Only three of the 853 municipalities in the state have populations of more than 100,000. The largest cities that the North Star State has to offer are among all-time favorites. You're aware of the cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul that are often in the news, and that make it to the top of the list. However, the other 8 largest cities of Minnesota also come with their own attractions and aura. 

1. Minneapolis - 439,430

The county seat of Hennepin County and the most populous city in Minnesota is Minneapolis. It ranks as the 45th most populated city in the US, with a population of 439,430. It is situated where the Minnesota River and the Mississippi River meet. Three of the state's four major professional sports teams are based in this city. Along with its neighbor St. Paul, Minneapolis makes up one of the "Twin Cities." As Minnesota's largest city, Minneapolis is frequently confused with Saint Paul as the state's capital.

2. Saint Paul - 316,819

Ramsey County's County seat is St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota. St. Paul is the center of navigation on the Mississippi River near the point where it converges with the Minnesota River and is located in the southeast of the state. With a population of 316,819, the city ranks as the 11th-most populous in the Midwest and the country's 65th-largest city. The financial center of the state of Minnesota is shared by the twin cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. One of the nation's highest literacy rates is also associated with the twin cities. 

3. Rochester - 124,321

With 124,321 residents, Rochester is Minnesota's third-largest city and the county seat of Olmsted County. In the region between Minneapolis-St. Paul and the southern state boundary, Rochester is the largest city that isn't a part of that metro area. There are more than 85 miles of paved paths and more than 3500 acres of parkland to visit. 

4. Bloomington - 91,405

On the north bank of the Minnesota River in Hennepin County, Minnesota, is the suburban city of Bloomington. With 91,405 residents, it is Minnesota's fourth-largest city. The city of Bloomington lies in the heart of Twin Cities activity and is only ten minutes south of Minneapolis-St. Paul and MSP Airport. As a post-World War II housing boom suburb connected to Minneapolis's urban street network, Bloomington was founded. Due in part to the presence of the Mall of America, the largest enclosed shopping mall in the United States, the city has more jobs per resident than Minneapolis or Saint Paul. 

5. Brooklyn Park - 88,618

Brooklyn Park is a suburban community located in northern Hennepin County upstream from downtown Minneapolis on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Brooklyn Park is a significant suburb of the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul with a population of 88,618, making it the fourth largest city in the metropolitan area and the sixth largest city in Minnesota. The city has 67 parks in total and 47 miles of nature trails, earning it the title "Tree City USA."

6. Duluth - 86,783

The county seat for St. Louis County is Duluth. It is situated in Minnesota's Arrowhead Region on Lake Superior. With 86,783 inhabitants, it is Minnesota's fourth-largest city. At the head of the St. Louis River, across from Superior, Wisconsin, on the western end of Lake Superior, it is one of the biggest cities in Minnesota and a notable inland port. The Twin Ports is a common name for the two cities. With access to the Atlantic Ocean2,300 miles (3,700 km) away, Duluth is the largest metropolitan area, the second-largest city, and the biggest US city on the lake. 

7. Plymouth - 83,116

With an estimated 83,116 residents, the city of Plymouth ranks as Minnesota's seventh-largest city. The third-largest suburb of Minneapolis-Saint Paul is situated in Hennepin County, 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Minneapolis. The city came in first place in Money magazine's 2008 and eleventh on the 2010 lists of "America's Best Places to Live." Amy Klobuchar, a US senator from Minnesota, was born and raised in Plymouth. 

8. Woodbury - 77,730

Eight miles (13 km) east of Saint Paul, in the US state of Minnesota, is the city of Woodbury. With a population of 77,730, Woodbury, one of Minnesota's fastest-growing cities, is currently the eighth-largest city in the state. According to Money Magazine's 2014 "Best Places to Live" list, it came in at number 12. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan region includes it.

9. Blaine - 72,830

The US State of Minnesota's Anoka and Ramsey Counties contain the small suburban city of Blaine. Previously a small town, Blaine's population has grown considerably during the past 60 years. Blaine is a prospering, growing city. It frequently ranks at the top of lists for new home construction and has one of Minnesota's greatest population growth rates. With 72,830 residents, it is currently the ninth-largest city in the state.

10. Lakeville - 72,198

Daokota County's largest city, Lakeville, completes this list at number 10. It is an exurb of Minneapolis and Saint Paul located about 32 km from the downtown of both these cities. Lakeville has a flourishing agricultural and industrial sector and one of the fastest growing cities in the area. As of 2022, it houses a population of 72,198.

When comparing the overall geographical area of Minnesotan cities, it's noteworthy that none of Minnesota's three largest cities is included among the ten most populous in the state.

30 Biggest Cities In Minnesota