Changing Demographics

The population of Minnesota has always changed over time. Ethnic make-up of Minnesotans, our lifespans, where we live, and the norms of each generation are in continual evolution.

While change is a constant reality, it also occurs in waves. The decade ahead holds the promise—and the challenge—of a wave of rapid change in a number of key areas directly related to the work of city governments:

  • Aging of the baby-boomer generation;
  • The need to engage younger generations in civic life and directly in the work of city governments;
  • Population shifts within Minnesota; and
  • Increasing immigration—particularly from Africa, Central America, and Mexico—with settlement occurring in all regions of the state.

2010 Census

The 2010 Census will help cities get a better understanding of demographic changes. The U.S. Census Bureau is encouraging local governments and others to become a 2010 Census partner. The census surveys will be mailed to households in March.

In addition to a better understanding of your demographic makeup, a complete census count is important to cities for several reasons. Population figures guide the distribution of $300 billion in government funding and determine how many congressional representatives each state has. Minnesota may lose a congressional seat after the 2010 census. At the local level, census data is used in the distribution formula for local government aid. Cities frequently use census data in planning developments and when applying for grant funding.
Read more about the 2010 Census

The League co-sponsored a webinar about the 2010 Census and how city officials can ensure a complete count of their community.

Demographics toolkit from the League

To explore the issues and trends related to changing demographics, especially in the areas listed above, the League convened a Demographics Task Force. The work of the task force resulted in a toolkit called Community Conversations: Minnesota's Changing Demographics, which includes booklets on populations trends, the growing senior population, the growing immigrant population, and engaging younger generations.

Since each city faces unique circumstances and will experience demographic changes in different ways, the toolkit provides broad information on demographic trends and suggestions for obtaining more detailed data. The primary purpose of the Community Conversations toolkit is to support a dialogue among community members.

Every member city received this kit in the mail. The four booklets are also available here in PDF format. In addition, you can download customizable discussion guides and PowerPoint presentations here for use in city council and community meetings.

Access the Community Conversations booklets, discussion guides, and PowerPoint presentations:

Other information about demographic change