Saint Paul, Minnesota by Population
With a population of 308,096 as of 2018, Saint Paul is the capital and second-most populous city in the state of Minnesota in the United States.
History
Saint Paul has a long and rich history. The city was founded in 1838 by Pierre Parrant and Pierre Louis, two French-Canadian fur traders. They named the settlement “Pig’s Eye” after Pierre Parrant’s nickname. In 1841, the name was changed to Saint Paul to honor the apostle Paul.
For more on the history of Saint Paul, visit the Minnesota History Center.
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Saint Paul had a population of 308,096 residents. It is the second largest city in Minnesota after Minneapolis. The racial makeup of Saint Paul is approximately 50.8% White, 15.7% African American, 1.1% Native American, 18.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 9.2% from other races, and 4.7% from two or more races. 17.5% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Saint Paul has seen steady population growth over the past several decades. It reached 300,000 residents in 2015. Population growth is expected to continue in the coming years.
Economy and Major Employers
Saint Paul has a diverse economy with major industries including technology, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and financial services. Some of the top employers in Saint Paul include:
- HealthPartners – 8,900 employees
- Minnesota Wild – 400 employees
- Securian Financial Group – 3,564 employees
- Regions Hospital – 5,808 employees
- University of St. Thomas – 2,405 employees
For more on the Saint Paul economy and business, visit the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.
Landmarks and Attractions
Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Saint Paul include:
- Fort Snelling – Historic fort located at 200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111. GPS coordinates: 44.88358° N, 93.15995° W
- James J. Hill House – Historic mansion located at 240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102. GPS coordinates: 44.94809° N, 93.10991° W
- Split Rock Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse located north of Two Harbors, MN. GPS coordinates: 47.292° N, 91.383° W
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – Zoo and gardens located at 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103. GPS coordinates: 44.99111° N, 93.16361° W
- Mill City Museum – Museum focused on the city’s flour milling history. Located at 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401. GPS coordinates: 44.97989° N, 93.25389° W
For more on things to do and see in Saint Paul, visit the Visit Saint Paul tourism website.
Transportation
Saint Paul is served by the Metro Transit public transportation system, which includes bus and light rail services. The Green Line light rail connects downtown Saint Paul to downtown Minneapolis. The city also has access to major highways including I-94 and I-35E.
Saint Paul Downtown Airport (STP) provides General Aviation services just south of downtown. Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), Minnesota’s largest airport, is located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Saint Paul.
Education
Public education in Saint Paul is provided by Saint Paul Public Schools. The district oversees approximately 36,000 students in 63 schools. There are also many private and charter school options in the city.
Saint Paul is home to several top colleges and universities including:
- University of St. Thomas – Private Catholic University
- Hamline University – Private Methodist liberal arts college
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design – Private visual arts and design college
- Metropolitan State University – Public university focused on professional education
Local Government
Saint Paul is the county seat of Ramsey County. The Ramsey County Government Center is located at:
90 Plato Blvd W
Saint Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 266-2000
The city government is headquartered at:
15 Kellogg Blvd W #310
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 266-8560
The current mayor of Saint Paul is Melvin Carter. The city uses a strong mayor system with a city council made up of 7 ward representatives.
For more information on city government services and departments, visit the City of Saint Paul website.
Local Culture and Sports
Saint Paul has a thriving arts and culture scene. Major institutions include:
- Xcel Energy Center – Home to the NHL’s Minnesota Wild
- Ordway Center for the Performing Arts – Concert hall and theater venue
- Schubert Club – Performing arts organization
- Minnesota Opera – Professional opera company
- Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – Full-time professional chamber orchestra
For more on events, music, theater, and the arts in Saint Paul, visit the Visit Saint Paul arts and entertainment page.
Additional Local Resources
Here are some additional useful resources for Saint Paul residents and visitors:
- Ramsey County Library – Public library system with multiple branch locations
- Housing – Resources for finding housing in Saint Paul
- Parks & Recreation – Information on local parks, trails, recreation centers, and fitness programs
- Public Safety – Police, fire, and emergency services information
- Garbage, Recycling & Waste – Waste management services
- Birth/Marriage Certificates – Obtain vital records from the Minnesota Department of Health
- Chamber of Commerce – Information on local businesses and economic development