St. Paul Population Tops 300K For 1st Time Since '70s

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For the first time since the days of polyester and shag carpet, St. Paul's population tallies more than 300,000.

The city announced the latest findings from the U.S. Census Bureau, which confirmed an estimated population of 300,353 in 2015. Since the 2010 Census, St. Paul has gained 15,285 residents, for an overall growth rate of 5.4 percent.

Meanwhile, Minneapolis -- which recently passed a milestone of its own when it topped 400,000 -- has gained nearly 30,000 new residents since 2010, for a growth rate of 7.8 percent.

"This is an incredible milestone for Saint Paul," Mayor Chris Coleman said. "It affirms the work we've done to build vibrancy and attract families and businesses to our city -- and it underscores that our focus on equity as we continue to grow is critically important for all who choose to call Saint Paul home. Our city will be at its strongest when everyone is strong within our community."

At its peak in 1960, St. Paul's population was at 313,000. Coleman has said in the past he's confident St. Paul can surpass that point eventually.

It will likely take a lot longer for Minneapolis to surpass its standing population record. Its population after the 1950 Census listed 521,718 residents.

The seven-county metro area, however, continues to reach new benchmarks. The 2015 numbers show the metro area population topping 3 million for the first time.