Metro areas in Minnesota: income, rent and home values
Minnesota has 9 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Minneapolis, MN with 3.8 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Minneapolis, MN ($102,351). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Fargo, ND (25.4%) and the largest in Rochester, MN (32.6%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is La Crosse, WI (+23.0%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN | 3,790,295 | $102,351 | $1,504 | $396,700 | 29.9% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 315,496 | $86,761 | $1,213 | $334,200 | 28.7% |
| Duluth, MN | 281,219 | $75,389 | $1,122 | $265,100 | 29.5% |
| Fargo, ND | 269,528 | $82,912 | $1,132 | $329,400 | 25.4% |
| Rochester, MN | 231,184 | $92,945 | $1,348 | $337,500 | 32.6% |
| St. Cloud, MN | 205,854 | $81,240 | $1,129 | $300,600 | 27.2% |
| La Crosse, WI | 171,182 | $72,965 | $1,164 | $298,700 | 30.0% |
| Grand Forks, ND | 105,046 | $76,115 | $993 | $276,700 | 27.6% |
| Mankato, MN | 104,907 | $80,574 | $1,162 | $288,300 | 28.6% |
Includes 6 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Minnesota at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Minnesota for renters?+
Fargo, ND, where renters spend a median 25.4% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Minnesota has the highest income?+
Minneapolis, MN, with a median household income of $102,351 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Minnesota?+
9 metropolitan statistical areas in Minnesota have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.