U.S. Census Bureau: Minnesota’s population tops 5.6 million in 2018
Domestic migration is fueling the state’s population growth for a second consecutive year
Saint Paul — Minnesota’s population increased by 43,000 people between 2017 and 2018, bringing its total to 5,611,200 residents, according to new estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The new population numbers represent the second year in a row that state-to-state migration has resulted in a net gain of residents to Minnesota. The pattern stands in contrast to the 15 years of consecutive net losses prior to 2017. For example, Minnesota gained an average of 7,400 residents each year in 2017 and 2018 as a result of state-to-state migration. By contrast, domestic migration resulted in an average net loss of 5,900 residents from Minnesota annually between 2010 and 2016.
In addition to the population growth from state-to-state migration, Minnesota gained another 10,700 residents in 2018 from international immigration and 25,800 residents from “natural increase,” the balance of births over deaths.
As the 2020 Census nears, population growth takes on new significance for the state. The 2020 count will determine the number of seats Minnesota has in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the number of the state’s Electoral College votes. The 2020 Census count will also guide the distribution of more than $8 billion in funding per year between 2020 and 2030 to Minnesota communities.
“Minnesota’s population growth of 0.8 percent over the past year is very strong for a Midwestern state,” noted State Demographer Susan Brower. “However, other regions are growing much faster than the Midwest and Minnesota’s moderate population growth since the last census puts it at risk for losing a congressional seat. A faster-growing state like Texas is poised to gain two congressional seats after the 2020 Census count.”
“Today’s data underscores the importance for Minnesota to count every person in the 2020 Census,” said Administration Commissioner and Complete Count Committee co-Chair Matt Massman. “Minnesota’s growth among Midwestern states coupled with above average participation in the 2020 Census are critical to retaining our current federal representation.”
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For additional information, contact:
State Demographer Susan Brower at (651) 201-2472 or susan.brower@state.mn.us
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