Saint Paul, Minnesota: Size, Geography, and Capital City Profile

Minnesota's Capital by the Numbers

Saint Paul, Minnesota's capital and second-largest city, covers a well-defined footprint along the Mississippi River.

Area Statistics

• Total Area: 56.25 sq mi (145.71 km²)
• Land Area: 53.75 sq mi (139.21 km²)
• Water Area: 2.50 sq mi (6.47 km²) — 4.45%

Geographic Context

• County: Ramsey County (smallest, most densely populated county in MN)
• Region: Twin Cities Metro / East Metro
• Riverfront: ~26 miles of Mississippi River shoreline within city limits
• Elevation: 695–1,000 ft (212–305 m) above sea level

Population & Rank

• 2023 Estimate: ~303,000 residents
• State Rank: 2nd (after Minneapolis)
• National Rank: ~65th largest U.S. city
• Metro Rank: Core of 16th-largest U.S. metro area (3.7M)

Urban Form

Saint Paul's street grid follows the river's curves, creating distinct neighborhoods (Summit Hill, Macalester-Groveland, Frogtown, West Side, Dayton's Bluff, Payne-Phalen). Its compact, walkable downtown contrasts with Minneapolis's more expansive core. The city hosts the State Capitol, Cathedral of Saint Paul, numerous colleges, and a thriving arts scene.