Minneapolis and St. Paul, known as the "Twin Cities," are unique and vibrant cities in Minnesota with several key differences and similarities. Both offer a variety of cultural, social, and economic opportunities but have their individual characteristics that might be suited to different tastes. The following comprehensive comparison between the two cities explores various aspects from crime/safety to healthcare to aid those who are considering a relocation or planning a visit.
Distance between
Minneapolis, MN and
St. Paul, MN : 7.6 miles
Minneapolis's population is larger by 39%. Its population has grown by 42,718 people (11.2%) since 2000. The population of St. Paul has grown by 20,042 people (7.0%) during that time.
Comparatively, St. Paul has been considered a safer city than Minneapolis. In recent years, crime rates in Minneapolis, particularly violent crimes, have been significantly above the national average. St. Paul also experiences crime, but its rates are less than those in Minneapolis. However, both cities have been implementing measures to improve safety and security for residents and visitors alike.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 189 registered sex offenders living in Minneapolis and 92 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Minneapolis is 2,189 to 1; the ratio in St. Paul is 3,287 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Minneapolis than in St. Paul.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Minneapolis is typically higher compared to St. Paul. Housing costs, particularly, play a significant part in this discrepancy, with home prices and rents being generally higher in Minneapolis. Other costs, including groceries, healthcare, and utilities, are also somewhat higher in Minneapolis than in St. Paul.
Income Tax
The state of Minnesota has a progressive income tax, and the rate is the same for both cities. The income tax rates range from 5.35% to 9.85%, depending on the income level.
Property Tax
Property taxes vary slightly between the two cities. Minneapolis typically has higher property tax rates, around 1.26%, while St. Paul has an average rate of approximately 1.20%.
Sales Tax
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have the same sales tax rate as they are in the same state. The combined city and state sales tax rate is 7.875%, which is relatively high compared to the national average.
Income
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Estimated median household income
$69,397
$66,098
Estimated per capita income
$44,836
$36,313
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
115.8
114.5
If you make $50,000 in St. Paul, you will have to make $50,568 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, both cities offer beautiful landscapes. Minneapolis, often called the "City of Lakes," has 22 lakes within the city limits, while St. Paul, situated along the Mississippi River, boasts romantic riverside views and parks.
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul boast strong educational systems, with multiple public, private, and charter schools. Minneapolis is home to the University of Minnesota, a reputable research institution, while St. Paul hosts several private colleges and universities, including Macalester College and St. Thomas University. Both cities provide enriching educational opportunities for students.
Minneapolis has a more diverse and larger economy, hosting numerous Fortune 500 companies. The city is known for its high concentration of corporate headquarters. St. Paul, on the other hand, has a more government and healthcare-oriented economy, with the State of Minnesota being one of the biggest employers.
Biggest Employers
In Minneapolis, some of the largest employers include Target, US Bancorp, and Wells Fargo. In St. Paul, the State of Minnesota, HealthPartners, and the U.S. Postal Service employ thousands of individuals.
There were 63 building permits issued in Minneapolis in 2012 (14 more than in 2011) compared to 77 building permits issued in St. Paul in 2012 (46 more than in 2011).
In Minneapolis (Hennepin County), 62.5% voted for Democrats and 35.4% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In St. Paul (Ramsey County), 66.6% voted for Democrats and 31.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
2020
70.7%
71.8%
27.4%
26.3%
1.9%
1.9%
2016
63.4%
65.2%
28.3%
26.0%
8.3%
8.8%
2012
62.5%
66.6%
35.4%
31.2%
2.1%
2.2%
2008
63.6%
66.2%
34.9%
32.2%
1.4%
1.6%
2004
59.7%
63.5%
39.7%
35.9%
0.6%
0.7%
2000
53.7%
57.0%
39.4%
36.1%
6.9%
7.0%
1996
54.4%
58.7%
33.2%
29.3%
12.5%
12.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.7%
24.5%
8.7%
11.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
10.8%
7.8%
12.6%
14.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.6%
1.4%
4.1%
3.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
1.1%
2.1%
3.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.8%
2.7%
1.3%
CONSERV CONGREG CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
0.5%
0.0%
0.5%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.7%
1.3%
3.4%
NATIONA ASSOCIA CONGREG CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
2.9%
1.6%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.4%
0.6%
1.4%
2.1%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
0.4%
0.4%
0.8%
Weather
Both cities experience a typical Midwestern climate characterized by hot summers and fairly cold, snowy winters. Minneapolis is slightly colder than St. Paul during the winters due to its geographical location. Similarly, it can be slightly warmer during summer. The fall can be particularly beautiful in both cities.
Weather and climate
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Temperature - Average
45.3°F
45.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
74.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
84%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
30.4 in
31.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
98.6 in
98.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
15.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.8%
61.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
37%
37%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
37%
37%
Wind speed - Average
10.5 mph
10.5 mph
Average climate in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Average climate in St. Paul, Minnesota
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Minneapolis
St. Paul
2018
81
81
0.24
0.24
14.1
11.6
28.2
28.2
N/A
N/A
20.4
20.4
8.5
8.5
1.3
1.0
2017
71
71
0.26
0.26
13.4
11.9
27.9
27.9
N/A
N/A
17.5
19.5
7.8
7.5
1.4
1.2
2016
76
76
0.28
0.28
12.6
11.2
26.7
26.7
N/A
N/A
16.7
18.2
7.3
6.8
1.5
1.2
2015
80
80
0.28
0.28
13.8
12.4
27.8
27.8
N/A
N/A
19.4
21.3
8.8
7.5
1.1
1.0
2014
83
83
0.25
0.25
15.9
14.2
26.8
26.8
N/A
N/A
21.2
23.1
7.0
8.1
1.0
0.9
2013
81
81
N/A
N/A
12.8
11.6
32.1
32.1
N/A
N/A
20.9
22.6
6.7
7.2
0.9
0.9
2012
80
80
N/A
N/A
7.7
7.7
29.0
29.0
N/A
N/A
23.8
25.6
8.4
8.3
0.2
0.2
2011
90
90
0.22
0.22
7.8
7.8
29.7
30.1
N/A
N/A
23.4
25.4
9.8
10.0
0.1
0.3
2010
101
101
N/A
N/A
9.6
9.6
27.8
28.3
0.003
0.002
24.7
24.7
9.6
11.1
0.5
0.5
2009
103
103
N/A
N/A
7.4
7.4
N/A
N/A
0.004
0.002
21.4
21.4
9.4
11.0
1.1
1.1
2008
92
92
N/A
N/A
8.8
8.8
N/A
N/A
0.003
0.004
18.3
18.3
10.1
11.0
1.0
1.0
2007
102
102
N/A
N/A
9.2
9.2
N/A
N/A
0.003
0.004
21.6
21.6
11.6
11.4
0.6
0.6
2006
88
88
N/A
N/A
9.5
9.5
N/A
N/A
0.006
0.007
20.5
20.5
10.5
10.4
1.8
1.2
2005
107
107
N/A
N/A
12.3
12.3
N/A
N/A
0.004
0.004
22.0
22.0
10.6
12.1
2.1
1.5
2004
103
103
N/A
N/A
11.0
11.0
N/A
N/A
0.005
0.004
23.9
23.9
10.5
11.9
3.3
2.3
2003
114
114
N/A
N/A
12.5
12.5
N/A
N/A
0.004
0.004
25.9
25.9
11.9
13.0
3.0
2.2
2002
95
95
0.42
0.42
15.7
15.7
N/A
N/A
0.007
0.006
N/A
N/A
10.9
11.1
1.8
1.1
2001
82
82
0.75
0.75
17.5
17.5
32.4
32.4
0.011
0.011
N/A
N/A
9.3
9.3
2.0
1.1
2000
68
68
0.75
0.75
16.6
16.6
31.2
31.2
0.009
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.9%
129.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
44.5%
43.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
18%
Transportation
Both cities have robust public transit systems, with the METRO light rail connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minneapolis has more bike lanes and walking paths, making it slightly more bike-friendly and walkable than St. Paul. Both cities offer comparable commuting experiences with similar driving commute times.
Transport
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
284
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Bicycle
1.9%
1%
Bus
6.6%
4.4%
Carpooled
9%
9.4%
Car alone
74.3%
79.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.6%
0.2%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.2%
Walked
5.2%
3.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Average
27.4 min
25.8 min
Other means
20.3 min
20.7 min
Public transportation
32.6 min
34.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.5%
87.5%
In 2 person carpool
10.3%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Minneapolis is more expensive compared to St. Paul due to demand and location. However, both cities offer a range of options from urban condos to suburban single-family homes. Housing appreciation rates have been high in both cities.
Neighborhoods
Minneapolis is known for its trendy, urban neighborhoods like North Loop and Mill District. St. Paul offers quieter, family-friendly neighborhoods such as Highland Park and Macalester-Groveland. Both cities provide diverse living environments for various lifestyles.
Houses and residents
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
Houses
203,633
131,275
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.5
Median year apartment built
1967
1966
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
188,681 (92.7%)
121,964 (92.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
93,981 (49.8%)
67,642 (55.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
94,700 (50.2%)
54,322 (44.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,777
$1,437
Median monthly housing costs
$1,369
$1,207
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$238,504
$431,254
Estimated median house or condo value
$319,100
$267,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.3
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$398,431
$311,442
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$353,466
$296,942
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$335,939
$253,376
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$317,891
$282,309
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$376,360
$352,916
Median house price - All housing units
$383,883
$309,562
Median house age
70
67
Renting percentage
50.8%
48.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
3,709.7
2,487.8
House value disparities
30.1%
29.1%
Household income disparities
45.3%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$113,268
$95,328
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$70,111
$76,318
Housing units without a mortgage
1,756 (2.5%)
934 (1.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,107 (8.7%)
3,112 (6.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
68,555 (97.5%)
47,031 (98.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
203 (0.3%)
441 (0.9%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,699 (10.9%)
4,559 (9.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.7%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Minneapolis
St. Paul
One, detached
41.8%
50.0%
One, attached
3.6%
3.7%
Two
7.4%
6.4%
3 or 4
3.8%
4.0%
5 to 9
3.7%
4.9%
10 to 19
6.2%
6.0%
20 to 49
9.8%
7.5%
50 or more
23.3%
17.2%
Mobile homes
0.3%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,397
6,217
State government workers
12,526
9,418
Unpaid family workers
516
0
Industries and Occupations
In Minneapolis, finance, commerce, healthcare, and transportation are prominent industries. In St. Paul, healthcare, education, and public administration largely drive the economy. Both cities offer diverse job opportunities for residents.
Both cities excel in healthcare. Minneapolis, being larger, has several notable healthcare systems, including Hennepin Healthcare and M Health Fairview. St. Paul boasts top-rated medical facilities such as Regions Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Minneapolis boasts more modern, denser infrastructure with a skyline dominated by high rises. St. Paul, being the state capital, has a more laid-back infrastructure with lower-rise buildings. Both cities have efficient public services and amenities.
Infrastructure
Type
Minneapolis
St. Paul
TV stations
17
18
Arenas or stadiums
4
1
Bank branches located here
86
12
Bank institutions located here
26
8
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
10
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Minneapolis
St. Paul
1999
1,420
808
2000
428
747
2001
294
597
2002
272
577
2003
1,151
841
2004
1,818
1,156
2005
3,008
1,803
2006
3,221
1,781
2007
1,812
1,123
2008
710
467
2009
372
216
Culture and Food
Both cities offer rich cultural scenes, but each has its distinct flavor. Minneapolis is well-known for its music scene, art galleries, and innovative food culture. St. Paul is renowned for its well-preserved historic architecture, museums, and diverse food with a special affinity for comfort foods.
Sports Teams
As for sports teams, both cities share the love. The Twin Cities are home to the Vikings (NFL), the Twins (MLB), the Timberwolves (NBA), and the Wild (NHL). However, Minneapolis is the center of most sports events as it hosts three major sports stadiums.
Minneapolis, MN
St. Paul, MN
