Living in Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis is the 46th-largest city in the US, home to about 430,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (104.8 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 430,324+0.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $362,2004.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,371/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $80,846median, per year
- Price level
- 104.8US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 24° / 83°lows 9° / 65°
- Average commute
- 22 min26% work from home
- State income tax
- 9.85%top rate, graduated
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County: Hennepin County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 830 ft
Metro area: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Cost of living in Minneapolis
The median home in Minneapolis is worth $362,200 and the median household earns $80,846 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,371 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area at 104.8, with housing at 111.8 and goods at 103.1 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $78,600 here. Minnesota taxes wages at a top rate of 9.85%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Minnesota is 8.14%.
What would my salary be worth in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis weather
Average highs run from 24°F in January to 83°F in July, and January nights average 9°F. It gets 32 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 51 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 147 times a year. The most comfortable months are May and July to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Minneapolis
People and work
The median resident is 33.4 years old, and 56% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 48% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 26% of workers work from home and 7% take public transit.
- Median age
- 33.4100th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 56%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 48%of households
- People per sq mile
- 7,96954.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 7%6% walk, 2% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 16%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1951median year
Who moves to Minneapolis, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Chicago (Cook County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Duluth (St. Louis County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Chicago (Cook County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Duluth (St. Louis County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Hennepin County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, winter weather, hail, strong wind.
Home prices
+2.6% in a year
Up 27% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
55% good days
11 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Minneapolis
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Target Field in Minneapolis
- Normandale Community College 11 miles
- University of St Thomas 5 miles
- Metropolitan State University 10 miles
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College 14 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Minneapolis
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport MSP | 7 mi | 18,054,481 |
| Rochester International Airport RST | 83 mi | 98,537 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Minneapolis
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | 2 mi | 31,855 | $17,330 | 85% |
| Normandale Community College | 11 mi | 7,044 | $18,780 | 21% |
| University of St Thomas | 5 mi | 6,245 | $31,532 | 74% |
| Metropolitan State University | 10 mi | 5,616 | $26,556 | 46% |
| Anoka-Ramsey Community College | 14 mi | 4,201 | $20,159 | 31% |
| North Hennepin Community College | 10 mi | 3,451 | $19,985 | 18% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Minneapolis
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 23, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 6 and the first frost comes around October 18.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Minneapolis/St Paul Airport, MN, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Minneapolis.
Wildfire smoke in Minneapolis
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Minneapolis on about 132 days a year, including about 45 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Minneapolis
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 192,734 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Public School District | Pre-K to 12 | 29,928 | 96 | 11.9 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Anoka-Hennepin Public School District (38,354 students), St. Paul Public School District (33,041 students), Osseo Public School District (21,138 students), Wayzata Public School District (12,951 students), Mounds View Public School District (11,934 students), Robbinsdale Public School District (10,810 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Minneapolis's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Minneapolis's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Farmington Hills, MI71% matchCompare
- Ithaca, NY71% matchCompare
- Manchester, NH69% matchCompare
- Elgin, IL69% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Minneapolis
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Minneapolis
- Hyland Hills Ski Area 11 miles
- Buck Hill 18 miles
- Afton Alps 25 miles
- Welch Village 39 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Minneapolis
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data A highly educated city: 56% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Minnesota's top income tax rate is 9.85%, among the highest in the country.
- Data Winters are snowy: about 51 inches a year.
Minneapolis report card from locals
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Minneapolis through locals' eyes
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Cities near Minneapolis
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN | 8 mi | 306,684 | $294,500 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Brooklyn Park, MN | 10 mi | 83,543 | $336,200 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Plymouth, MN | 10 mi | 78,942 | $491,200 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Bloomington, MN | 11 mi | 89,034 | $361,700 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Blaine, MN | 14 mi | 76,603 | $352,400 | 104.8 | Compare |
| Woodbury, MN | 18 mi | 81,558 | $450,200 | 104.8 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Rogers, Victoria and Lakeville lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Minneapolis.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Minneapolis with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Minneapolis a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show short commutes; the trade-offs are heavy snow. Compare Minneapolis side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Minneapolis?
The Census Bureau estimates Minneapolis had 430,324 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 429,984 in April 2020 (+0.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Minneapolis?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $78,600 in the Minneapolis area. The median household here earns $80,846.
When is the best time to visit Minneapolis?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May and July to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 83°F and January 24°F for daytime highs.
What county is Minneapolis in?
Minneapolis is in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Minneapolis in?
Minneapolis is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Minneapolis?
About 830 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Minnesota have a state income tax?
Yes. Minnesota has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 9.85% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Minneapolis. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Minneapolis/St Paul Airport, MN station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.