#2025 HAPPY CITY INDEX This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are. (Plato)

City Profile: MINNEAPOLIS, MN
 
General Overview
    Country: United States
    Population of the city: 423 250
    Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 152,8
    Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 0,12%
    GDP PER PERSON: 67742
    REAL GDB - GROWTH: 2.9
    Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 14.00%
 
Education & Innovation
    The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: 151-200
    The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 26.7%
    Percentage of population of the city with a master's degree: 24.6%
    Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 20.00%
    Percentage of population with digital skills: 76.00%
    Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 10.02
 
Governance & Transparency
    Voter turnout in the last local elections (%): 31.70%
    City have its own open data website, or does it regularly report and publish its data on the national open data platform managed by a government agency: yes
    Datasets containing information about the city and its residents which are available on the open data portal managed by the city or a government agency to which the city provides information: 217
    E-services: fault reporting, electronic payments, on-line appointment scheduling: yes
    Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
    Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 4
 
Health & Well-being
    Percentage of population with medical insurance: 92.00%
    Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 3.6
    Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 79.1
    Obesity rate: 41.9%
    Average number of working hours: 36.4
    Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 23%
    The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 0.14
 
Mobility & Transport
    Existence of electronic payment system for transportation services, such as payments by card at terminals or via a mobile app: yes
    Payment via the city's mobile application: yes
    Payment via a special payment card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
    Payment via a debit or credit card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
    Existence of intelligent traffic management system (ITS): yes
    Public transport network km per 100 resident: 0.5
    Percentage of public transport vehicles (e.g., buses, metro, trams) fully adapted for people with mobility disabilities: 80
    Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 0.5
 
Environment & Sustainability
    Efficient use of electricity (per GDP): 0.17
    Average PM10 value in the city: 14
    Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
    Number of parks per square kilometre: 1.18
    Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
 
Economy & Business
    Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 474.10
    Number of new businesses per 1,000 residents: 10.67
    Unemployment rate: 3.00%
    Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 1.2
    Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 4.00%
 
 


The 2025 Happy CITY INDEX was developed with contributions from over 150 researchers worldwide, ensuring reliable and comparable data. While we strive to address data gaps and limitations, all data used in our analysis comes from verified sources.

Our methodology is designed to reduce potential errors and ensure accuracy in the final results. However, if you identify any inaccuracies, please email
[email protected] with verifiable sources supporting the correction.

We appreciate your understanding and your willingness to contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on sustainable urban development.
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Rank:

GOLD

Points:

845



Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, stands as a thriving urban center in the Midwest United States. With a population of 423,250, the city covers an area of 152.8 km² and accounts for 0.12% of the national population. It boasts a strong economy, with a GDP per capita of $67,742 and an annual real GDP growth of 2.9%. A notable 14% of all employed individuals work in public administration, reflecting the city’s structured governance.

Education plays a crucial role in Minneapolis, with 24.6% of residents holding a master’s degree. The city hosts world-renowned educational institutions, with its highest-ranked university placing between 151-200 globally. However, higher education requires 26.7% of an individual’s income to cover tuition expenses. Minneapolis fosters innovation, with 10.02 patents granted per 10,000 residents, and 76% of its population possessing digital skills. Additionally, 20% of residents are proficient in at least one foreign language, contributing to a diverse and globally connected workforce.

Governance in Minneapolis is characterized by transparency and civic engagement, with 217 datasets available on its open data portal. The city maintains an up-to-date development strategy and enforces four valid sectoral strategies. The recent local elections witnessed a 31.7% voter turnout, demonstrating moderate political participation. Residents benefit from various e-services, including online payments, appointment scheduling, and fault reporting, enhancing administrative efficiency.

Health and well-being are key priorities, as reflected by the 92% medical insurance coverage rate. The city has 3.6 doctors per 1,000 residents, ensuring relatively accessible healthcare services. The life expectancy at birth is 79.1 years, though the city faces health challenges such as an obesity rate of 41.9%. Mental health support is well-integrated, with 23% of adults receiving coordinated mental healthcare. Minneapolis also records 0.14 suicide attempts per 1,000 residents, highlighting the importance of continued mental health initiatives.

Mobility and transportation in Minneapolis are highly developed, offering multiple electronic payment options for public transportation, including mobile apps, debit and credit card payments, and specialized transit cards. The city operates an intelligent traffic management system (ITS) to optimize transport efficiency. Public transport infrastructure extends 0.5 km per 100 residents, with 80% of vehicles fully adapted for passengers with mobility disabilities. Safety remains a focus, with 0.5 traffic-related fatalities per 10,000 residents.

Sustainability and environmental efforts are a priority in Minneapolis, with an efficient electricity usage rate of 0.17 per GDP. Air quality remains relatively good, with an average PM10 value of 14. The city actively protects biodiversity and has a comprehensive strategy promoting renewable energy. Residents enjoy access to green spaces, as the city offers 1.18 parks per km², fostering recreational opportunities and environmental well-being.

The economy of Minneapolis is robust and business-friendly, hosting 474.1 businesses per 1,000 residents, with 10.67 new businesses emerging per 1,000 residents annually. The city maintains a low unemployment rate of 3.0%. Earnings in Minneapolis exceed the national average by 4%, making it an attractive destination for professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

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