Populations decline in 26 Twin Cities suburbs

Published 1:18 pm Thursday, March 24, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — Much of the chatter about the latest Census data highlights suburban growth, but a record number of Twin Cities suburbs actually saw declines.

The 2010 Census data released last week showed that 26 suburbs, including Bloomington, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Falcon Heights and Roseville, lost residents.

State Demographer Tom Gillaspy said it’s likely the result of aging populations in those areas; children growing up and moving away. Suburbs have a life cycle: building and population boom, years of stability and then declining family sizes.

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Other experts say it could be the result of aging housing stocks.

In all, the seven-county metro area grew by nearly 8 percent from the 2000 census, driven by suburban growth elsewhere.