The Twin Cities Metro Region is the center of life in Minnesota, built around the major cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This metropolitan area is the state’s largest and most dynamic region, home to more than half of Minnesota’s population. It combines modern urban energy with lakes, parks, trails, and strong local identity. The region’s transportation network, cultural institutions, universities, and economic opportunities make it one of the most influential metro areas in the Midwest.
Geography
The metro region stretches across multiple counties and covers a wide mix of landscapes. More than 900 lakes are located within the greater metropolitan area, shaping the region’s outdoor lifestyle. City parks, riverfront paths, and lake systems create a unique blend of nature and urban design, offering year-round recreation from boating and biking to winter sports.
Economy
The Twin Cities Metro Region is the commercial engine of Minnesota. It is home to several Fortune 500 companies, major healthcare systems, and a strong technology and finance sector. The retail and service industries thrive alongside manufacturing, logistics, and education. The region supports stable economic growth and continues to attract new businesses and professionals.
Culture
The cultural life of the Twin Cities is known nationwide. The region hosts professional sports, performing arts, large museums, festivals, and a vibrant dining scene. Local communities reflect a wide range of backgrounds, contributing to multicultural neighborhoods, diverse events, and international cuisine. With its blend of creativity, innovation, and welcoming community spirit, the Twin Cities Metro Region stands as the cultural heart of Minnesota.
| City | Population (estimate) | County |
|---|---|---|
| Albertville | 8,700 | Wright County |
| Andover | 33,600 | Anoka County |
| Anoka | 18,700 | Anoka County |
| Apple Valley | 55,000 | Dakota County |
| Arden Hills | 9,400 | Ramsey County |
| Belle Plaine | 7,500 | Scott County |
| Big Lake | 13,100 | Sherburne County |
| Blaine | 76,300 | Anoka County |
| Bloomington | 88,300 | Hennepin County |
| Brooklyn Center | 31,300 | Hennepin County |
| Brooklyn Park | 87,000 | Hennepin County |
| Buffalo | 17,000 | Wright County |
| Burnsville | 65,000 | Dakota County |
| Cambridge | 9,200 | Isanti County |
| Champlin | 24,600 | Hennepin County |
| Chanhassen | 25,700 | Carver County |
| Chaska | 30,700 | Carver County |
| Columbia Heights | 22,000 | Anoka County |
| Coon Rapids | 63,900 | Anoka County |
| Corcoran | 8,900 | Hennepin County |
| Cottage Grove | 43,700 | Washington County |
| Crystal | 23,300 | Hennepin County |
| Dayton | 11,600 | Hennepin County |
| Delano | 7,800 | Wright County |
| Eagan | 66,900 | Dakota County |
| Eden Prairie | 62,600 | Hennepin County |
| Edina | 53,600 | Hennepin County |
| Elk River | 28,000 | Sherburne County |
| Farmington | 24,200 | Dakota County |
| Forest Lake | 21,000 | Washington County |
| Fridley | 31,000 | Anoka County |
| Golden Valley | 22,900 | Hennepin County |
| Ham Lake | 17,600 | Anoka County |
| Hastings | 23,000 | Dakota County |
| Hopkins | 19,400 | Hennepin County |
| Hugo | 16,500 | Washington County |
| Inver Grove Heights | 36,300 | Dakota County |
| Jordan | 7,500 | Scott County |
| Lake Elmo | 10,900 | Washington County |
| Lakeville | 76,000 | Dakota County |
| Lino Lakes | 22,000 | Anoka County |
| Mahtomedi | 8,200 | Washington County |
| Maple Grove | 73,300 | Hennepin County |
| Maplewood | 39,700 | Ramsey County |
| Mendota Heights | 11,500 | Dakota County |
| Minneapolis | 435,000 | Hennepin County |
| Minnetonka | 52,300 | Hennepin County |
| Monticello | 15,000 | Wright County |
| Mound | 8,900 | Hennepin County |
| Mounds View | 12,700 | Ramsey County |
| New Brighton | 23,700 | Ramsey County |
| New Hope | 21,000 | Hennepin County |
| North Branch | 12,600 | Chisago County |
| Oakdale | 31,000 | Washington County |
| Otsego | 24,800 | Wright County |
| Plymouth | 81,000 | Hennepin County |
| Prior Lake | 28,100 | Scott County |
| Ramsey | 29,300 | Anoka County |
| Richfield | 36,400 | Hennepin County |
| Robbinsdale | 13,800 | Hennepin County |
| Rockford | 4,500 | Wright County |
| Rogers | 14,000 | Hennepin County |
| Rosemount | 31,800 | Dakota County |
| Roseville | 35,500 | Ramsey County |
| Saint Louis Park | 49,900 | Hennepin County |
| Saint Michael | 21,700 | Wright County |
| Saint Paul | 313,000 | Ramsey County |
| Savage | 33,000 | Scott County |
| Shakopee | 49,500 | Scott County |
| Shoreview | 26,900 | Ramsey County |
| South Saint Paul | 20,900 | Dakota County |
| Stillwater | 20,500 | Washington County |
| Vadnais Heights | 13,100 | Ramsey County |
| Victoria | 12,300 | Carver County |
| Waconia | 13,800 | Carver County |
| Wayzata | 4,900 | Hennepin County |
| West Saint Paul | 21,500 | Dakota County |
| White Bear Lake | 25,700 | Ramsey County |
| White Bear Township | 11,000 | Ramsey County |
| Woodbury | 81,000 | Washington County |
| Wyoming | 8,200 | Chisago County |
| Zimmerman | 6,500 | Sherburne County |