Population1,284,784 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
City Arts and Lakes Beyond the Skyline
Hennepin County, MinnesotaHennepin County extends from Minneapolis into western suburbs and lakeside communities. Art institutions including the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art add cultural depth, while the Mississippi River and the county’s wooded, lake-filled landscape provide a different way to understand its metropolitan setting. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 1,284,784 residents in Hennepin County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.
Hennepin County at a Glance
Population1,284,784 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatMinneapolis
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1852
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water606.793 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesInterstate 35W; Interstate 94; Interstate 394; Interstate 494; Interstate 694
Area Codes217
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Discover Hennepin County
Hennepin County
Hennepin County was established in 1852 and named for seventeenth-century explorer Louis Hennepin. Minneapolis serves as the county seat, but the county extends well beyond the city into western suburbs and lakeside communities. Saint Anthony Falls places the Mississippi River within the area’s historical geography. The county’s wider pattern of woods, hills, and lakes provides another layer of identity, connecting its metropolitan development with a landscape that remains visible between its many municipalities.
Minneapolis offers major art institutions, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and Weisman Art Museum. The Guthrie Theater adds another cultural anchor. Beyond the city, communities such as Wayzata, Hopkins, and Minnetonka provide different local settings within Hennepin County. A plan that combines one cultural destination with time in another community can reveal the county’s range without assuming its metropolitan identity is confined to downtown Minneapolis.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Art institutions including the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art add cultural depth, while the Mississippi River and the county’s wooded, lake-filled landscape provide a different way to understand its metropolitan setting.
Community History
Hennepin County was established in 1852 and named for seventeenth-century explorer Louis Hennepin. Minneapolis serves as the county seat, but the county extends well beyond the city into western suburbs and lakeside communities.
Around the County
Minneapolis offers major art institutions, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and Weisman Art Museum. The Guthrie Theater adds another cultural anchor.
Art, water, and neighborhood life share the landscape.
A Closer Look
Hennepin County
Places and perspectives from Hennepin County
MPR News — Minnesota
MPR News hosts Senate debate between Flanagan, Tafoya
Democratic nominee Peggy Flanagan and Republican nominee Michele Tafoya appear at noon Friday in their only scheduled debate…
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Hennepin County
Stories from every corner of Hennepin County.
MPR News hosts Senate debate between Flanagan, Tafoya
Democratic nominee Peggy Flanagan and Republican nominee Michele Tafoya appear at noon Friday in their only scheduled debate…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Sam Zimmerman paints his North Shore roots
A collection of paintings and stories by Sam Zimmerman captures memories of life in northern Minnesota. His new…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
St. Cloud races could decide who controls Legislature
The mixed politics of St. Cloud-area voters have led to some razor-thin outcomes in past elections. And it…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Grandmother, daughters and grandson among 6 victims who died in a Wisconsin plane crash
Family members say a grandmother, two of her adult daughters and her grandson were among the six people…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Teen shooter kills 4 at Oregon elementary school before being shot by a witness
Authorities say a 16-year-old opened fire at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Augsburg Fairview Academy – High; grades 09-12. 3109 50TH ST E, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55417. 612-333-1614.
Aurora Charter School – Elementary; grades PK-04. 2103 E 26TH ST, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55404. 612-870-3891.
El Colegio High School – High; grades 09-12. 4137 BLOOMINGTON AVE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55407. 612-728-5728.
Agamim Classical Academy – Elementary; grades KG-08. 5300 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH, EDINA, MN 55410. 952-856-2531.
Aim Academy of Science & Technology – High; grades 06-12. 2831 12TH AVE S, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55407. 612-452-2274.
Evergreen Park Elementary-STEM – Elementary; grades PK-05. 7020 DUPONT AVE N, BROOKLYN CENTER, MN 55430. 763-506-2500.
Athlos Leadership Academy – Elementary; grades PK-08. 10100 NOBLE PKWY N, BROOKLYN PARK, MN 55443. 763-777-8942.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 6401 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435. 952-924-5000.
Maple Grove Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 9875 Hospital Drive, Maple Grove, MN 55369. 763-581-1000.
Abbott Northwestern Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 800 East 28Th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407. 612-863-4000.
Hennepin County Medical Center – Acute Care Hospitals. 701 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55415. 612-873-3000.
M Health Fairview University Of Mn Medical Center – Acute Care Hospitals. 2450 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454. 612-624-1765.
North Memorial Health Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 3300 Oakdale North, Robbinsdale, MN 55422. 763-520-5200.
Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 6500 Excelsior Blvd, Saint Louis Park, MN 55426. 952-993-5000.
Public Safety Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Emergency Services Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
State Parks Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Trails Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Utilities Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Minneapolis Central Library – 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401. 612-543-8000.
Oxboro Library – 8801 Portland Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420. 612-543-5775.
Brookdale Library – 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. 612-543-5600.
Brooklyn Park Library – 8500 W Broadway Avenue, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445. 612-543-6225.
Champlin Library – 12154 Ensign Avenue North, Champlin, MN 55316. 612-543-6250.
Rockford Road Library – 6401 42Nd Avenue North, Crystal, MN 55427. 612-543-5875.
Eden Prairie Library – 565 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. 612-543-6275.
Courts Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
DMV
Transportation Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Hennepin County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Hennepin County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
1,284,784 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
606.793 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Elections, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with these official Minnesota resources: Locations; Disability parking certificates; Renew my tabs. Choose the page for the service you need, then check its office or online instructions before making a trip. These links cover state services; they do not establish that every transaction is available at a county office.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for the mailing ZIP Code of a specific street address. Use the USPS location finder to search for nearby postal facilities and available services. An address lookup is more useful for mailing than assuming the entire county shares one ZIP Code.
The VA explains how to find and appoint an accredited representative for benefit claims. Contact a representative to confirm availability before appointing them. For education benefits, use the GI Bill application guidance. These are national VA services available to eligible local residents, rather than a listing of county offices.
Search USAJOBS for federal positions and the Apprenticeship Finder for apprenticeship opportunities, using location filters to narrow the results. USAGov job-training guidance points to training programs and state resources. Check each listing for current availability, eligibility and application instructions; a search result does not guarantee an opening in the county.
Hennepin County was established in 1852 and named for seventeenth-century explorer Louis Hennepin. Minneapolis serves as the county seat, but the county extends well beyond the city into western suburbs and lakeside communities. Saint Anthony Falls places the Mississippi River within the area’s historical geography. The county’s wider pattern of woods, hills, and lakes provides another layer of identity, connecting its metropolitan development with a landscape that remains visible between its many municipalities.
Minneapolis offers major art institutions, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and Weisman Art Museum. The Guthrie Theater adds another cultural anchor. Beyond the city, communities such as Wayzata, Hopkins, and Minnetonka provide different local settings within Hennepin County. A plan that combines one cultural destination with time in another community can reveal the county’s range without assuming its metropolitan identity is confined to downtown Minneapolis.
The 2020 Census geography figures record 554.037 square miles of land and 52.756 square miles of water in Hennepin County. The county’s total area includes both. These are geographic measurements for that Census vintage, not a measurement of current water levels or public recreation access.
In the Census Bureau’s 2025 estimate series, Hennepin County had an estimated 1,281,663 residents on July 1, 2020, and 1,284,784 on July 1, 2025. Over that interval, the estimated population increased by 3,121 residents, or about 0.2%. Both figures come from the same estimate vintage, which revises earlier years for a consistent comparison.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time to ExploreBrowse local places by the kind of day you have in mind.
Kids' Fun
- Highland Playgroup
- Wonder Works Science Center
- Giggle Junction
- Little Explorers Museum
- Discovery Park
- Greenfield Splash Pad
- Storytime Corner
- Adventure Zone
- Mini Makers Studio
- County Fairgrounds
- Family Fun Center
- Junior Nature Club
Restaurants
- Olive & Oak
- The Daily Dish
- Harbor House Grill
- Sunrise Diner
- Greenfield Table
- County Line Cafe
- Brick Oven Kitchen
- Maple Street Bistro
- The Local Plate
- Hometown Barbecue
- River Bend Grill
- Harvest Kitchen
Shopping & Retail
- Market Square General Store
- Home & Hearth
- The Book Nook
- Local Threads
- Greenfield Mercantile
- County Market
- Garden Gate Goods
- Prairie Home Supply
- Cornerstone Gifts
- Main Street Finds
- Heritage Antiques
- Artisan Hall
Clothing & Boutiques
- Uptown Boutique
- Thread & Co.
- Modern Muse
- Vintage Charm
- Willow & Co.
- Prairie Rose Apparel
- Sunday Best
- County Clothiers
- Evergreen Outfitters
- The Wardrobe
- Oak & Linen
- Market Street Style
Outdoor Fun
- Riverfront Adventures
- Summit Trail Outfitters
- Lakeside Kayaks
- Trailhead Co.
- Greenfield Lake
- Prairie Ridge Trail
- County Conservation Area
- Hillsboro Sports Park
- Sunset Campground
- Oak Valley Stables
- Meadow Creek Preserve
- Scenic Route 16
Free Things To Do
- City Park
- Downtown Walking Tour
- Community Art Wall
- Farmers Market
- Courthouse Square
- Public Library Events
- Lake Overlook
- Historic Marker Trail
- Summer Concert Series
- Community Garden
- Heritage Museum Day
- Holiday Main Street Walk
A New Stop, a Local ConnectionExplore the Listings Below