ST. PAUL, Minn.— Minnesota came close to losing a seat in the U.S. House in the just-released 2020 U.S. census – ever so close, by only 89 people. Hamline University political scientist David Schultz, noted that although the state grew 7.4% over the previous 10 years, the growth rate was 19th among the states. Eighty-nine fewer people in 2020 and Minnesota would have lost one of its eight House seats, Schultz said. Without the 89, New York would have benefited and retained its 28 seats rather than losing one, he said. Minnesota was aided by a stronger-than-usual response to the decennial Census Bureau survey, Schultz said. Roughly75% of Minnesota residents voluntarily responded during the initial phase of the census — more than any other state and more than the national 66% average, he said
Minnesota population
2010: 5.3 million
2020: 5.7 million
Olden times
Minnesota’s U.S. House seats peaked at 10 following the 1910 and 1920 censuses. The number fell to nine after the 1930 census and eight after then 1960 census.
