New census figures find growing Minnesota suburbs

New estimates from the U.S. Census bureau show the rapid growth of suburban Minnesota is starting to slow down slightly.

Wright and Scott counties have grown dramatically in the last decade, but the jumps have been at a more measured pace in the last few years, according to 2008 figures based on building permits, mobile home shipments and other housing data.

The two western suburban counties have grown by more than 30 percent since 2000, according to the figures, but they're both showing half the annual growth they did earlier in the decade.

By comparison, Rochester's growth has been picking up in recent years, as it has widened its margin as the state's third largest city.

The population in Minneapolis has remained steady, while both St. Paul and Duluth have managed to edge slight gains after declines in 2005 and 2006.

The state as a whole grew by about 38,000 people to 5.22 million.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.