Long-Range Forecasts
How the region's population, households, and jobs will change by 2050
Metropolitan Council develops forecasts of when, where, and how much population, household, and job growth the seven-county region and local jurisdictions can expect over a 30-year horizon. Forecasts provide a shared foundation for coordinated, comprehensive planning.
Regional forecast
The regional forecast looks at the seven-county region’s position within the larger national economy. Our region's business conditions and competitive advantages determine economic and employment levels, which in turn drive population growth by attracting people to the Twin Cities. The regional forecast is updated every two years.
Note: The initial 2023 update to the regional forecast does not include households, only population and jobs. A forecast of households will be published later in April 2023.
2023 Update - Quick stats
| |
2010 |
2020 |
2030 |
2040 |
2050 |
| Population |
2,850,00 |
3,163,000 |
3,364,000 |
3,555,000 |
3,820,000 |
| Employment |
1,541,000 |
1,581,000 |
1,802,000 |
1,895,000 |
2,074,000 |
Local forecasts
Modeling only takes our forecasts so far, however. We work with local governments and planners to incorporate their on-the-ground knowledge about local development to adjust our results.