Austin, TX and Minneapolis, MN, both vibrant cities in their respective parts of the United States, provide unique experiences for both residents and tourists alike. While Austin's sun-soaked Southern locale contrasts with Minneapolis' frigid winters and milder summers, both cities provide a rich cultural experience. The cost of living, economy, infrastructure and numerous other factors make Austin and Minneapolis incredibly unique - yet both fantastic in their own right.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Minneapolis, MN : 1,041.9 miles
Austin's population is larger by 127%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Minneapolis has grown by 42,718 people (11.2%) during that time.
When it comes to safety, both cities have their pros and cons, but overall, Minneapolis seems to have a slightly higher crime rate than Austin. According to the FBI, Minneapolis' crime rate is approximately 50% higher than the national average. In contrast, Austin's crime rate is less than 20% above the national average making it a bit safer statistically. However, safety can vary greatly by neighborhood in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 181 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Minneapolis is 2,285 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Austin than that in Minneapolis.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is somewhat higher than in Minneapolis. Austin's housing costs are particularly high when compared to the national average. However, in terms of everyday expenses such as groceries and transportation, both cities are fairly comparable, and close to national averages.
Income Tax
Texas, where Austin is located, has no state income tax. However, Minnesota, home to Minneapolis, does have a state income tax, with rates ranging from 5.35% to 9.85% depending on income.
Property Tax
Property taxes are relatively high in both cities, but are higher in Minneapolis. The average effective property tax rate in Minneapolis is 1.21%, while in Austin it's 1.83%.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Austin is 8.25%, which includes both city and state sales taxes. Minneapolis has a slightly higher sales tax of 8.63%, when combining both city and state taxes.
Income
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$69,397
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$44,836
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
115.8
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $60,062 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in Central Texas, and features a mix of rolling hills and lakes. Minneapolis, located in southeastern Minnesota, is known for its "Land of 10,000 Lakes" scenery and its proximity to both rural and urban environments.
Both cities boast strong educational systems. Austin is home to the University of Texas, which is one of the largest universities in the U.S. In Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota provides excellent educational opportunities. Furthermore, both cities have highly rated public and private school systems for K-12 students.
Austin's economy is diverse with strong sectors in technology, education, and entertainment. Minneapolis also has a solid economy, with financial services, healthcare, and retail trade as particularly strong sectors. Both cities have low unemployment rates compared to the national average.
Biggest Employers
Some of Austin's biggest employers are Dell, the University of Texas at Austin and SXSW. Minneapolis' top employers include UnitedHealth Group, Target Corporation, and the University of Minnesota.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 63 building permits issued in Minneapolis in 2012 (14 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Minneapolis (Hennepin County), 62.5% voted for Democrats and 35.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Minneapolis
Austin
Minneapolis
Austin
Minneapolis
2020
71.7%
70.7%
26.5%
27.4%
1.8%
1.9%
2016
65.8%
63.4%
27.2%
28.3%
7.0%
8.3%
2012
60.2%
62.5%
36.2%
35.4%
3.6%
2.1%
2008
63.8%
63.6%
34.4%
34.9%
1.8%
1.4%
2004
56.1%
59.7%
42.1%
39.7%
1.8%
0.6%
2000
41.7%
53.7%
47.0%
39.4%
11.3%
6.9%
1996
52.4%
54.4%
40.0%
33.2%
7.7%
12.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Minneapolis
Austin
Minneapolis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
18.7%
4.5%
8.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
0.1%
22.8%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.7%
2.8%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.7%
0.7%
2.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
10.8%
2.5%
12.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
1.6%
2.1%
4.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
2.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.4%
0.1%
1.3%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.1%
0.4%
0.3%
1.4%
NATIONA ASSOCIA CONGREG CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
0.0%
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
Weather
Weather-wise, Austin offers a warmer, more temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters. On the other hand, Minneapolis is known for its cold, snowy winters and warm, comfortable summers. Minneapolis also experiences a markedly larger difference in temperatures between seasons compared to Austin.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
45.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
74.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
30.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
98.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
15.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
61.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
37%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
37%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
10.5 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Minneapolis
Austin
Minneapolis
Austin
Minneapolis
Austin
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Austin
Minneapolis
Austin
Minneapolis
2018
76
81
N/A
0.24
4.9
14.1
26.7
28.2
N/A
N/A
20.4
N/A
8.7
8.5
0.2
1.3
2017
76
71
N/A
0.26
4.6
13.4
29.7
27.9
N/A
N/A
17.5
N/A
8.3
7.8
0.3
1.4
2016
71
76
N/A
0.28
4.2
12.6
29.5
26.7
N/A
N/A
16.7
N/A
8.2
7.3
0.2
1.5
2015
78
80
N/A
0.28
4.4
13.8
28.9
27.8
N/A
N/A
19.4
N/A
8.6
8.8
0.3
1.1
2014
74
83
N/A
0.25
5.2
15.9
28.3
26.8
N/A
N/A
21.2
N/A
8.7
7.0
0.5
1.0
2013
78
81
0.09
N/A
5.5
12.8
29.5
32.1
N/A
N/A
20.9
N/A
8.6
6.7
0.5
0.9
2012
86
80
0.13
N/A
5.5
7.7
30.1
29.0
N/A
N/A
23.8
N/A
8.6
8.4
N/A
0.2
2011
83
90
0.11
0.22
2.6
7.8
33.0
29.7
N/A
N/A
23.4
N/A
9.1
9.8
N/A
0.1
2010
77
101
0.05
N/A
3.2
9.6
29.4
27.8
0.003
N/A
24.7
N/A
8.8
9.6
N/A
0.5
2009
76
103
0.05
N/A
2.6
7.4
29.7
N/A
0.004
N/A
21.4
N/A
9.0
9.4
N/A
1.1
2008
81
92
0.12
N/A
3.2
8.8
30.7
N/A
0.003
N/A
18.3
N/A
9.7
10.1
N/A
1.0
2007
82
102
0.12
N/A
3.1
9.2
27.1
N/A
0.003
N/A
21.6
N/A
9.8
11.6
N/A
0.6
2006
89
88
0.14
N/A
3.8
9.5
31.3
N/A
0.006
N/A
20.5
N/A
10.0
10.5
0.2
1.8
2005
92
107
0.15
N/A
4.4
12.3
29.0
N/A
0.004
N/A
22.0
N/A
10.7
10.6
0.2
2.1
2004
74
103
0.16
N/A
3.3
11.0
26.8
N/A
0.005
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
10.5
N/A
3.3
2003
85
114
0.26
N/A
4.2
12.5
28.9
N/A
0.004
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
11.9
0.1
3.0
2002
83
95
0.33
0.42
3.9
15.7
27.2
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
N/A
1.8
2001
83
82
0.31
0.75
4.2
17.5
25.5
32.4
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
N/A
2.0
2000
86
68
0.28
0.75
4.7
16.6
27.8
31.2
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
129.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
44.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
17%
Transportation
In Austin, most commuters drive to work, although there are also many bike routes and public transit options available. Minneapolis has a greater emphasis on public transit, with an extensive bus and light rail system that reaches most parts of the city.
Transport
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
911
284
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Bicycle
0.8%
1.9%
Bus
1.5%
6.6%
Carpooled
7.9%
9%
Car alone
85.9%
74.3%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.6%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
2%
5.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Average
29.9 min
27.4 min
Other means
22.7 min
20.3 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
32.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.2%
87.5%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
10.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Austin tends to lean more towards the expensive side, with home values well above the national average. Minneapolis real estate is more affordable in comparison, with home values similar to the national average.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have thriving neighborhoods with unique personalities. For example, Austin's South Congress area is noted for its eclectic mix of boutique shops, food trucks, and live music venues. Meanwhile, Minneapolis's North Loop is recognized for its trendy restaurants, beer gardens, and converted warehouse lofts.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Houses
469,156
203,633
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.2
Median year apartment built
1997
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
13 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
188,681 (92.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
93,981 (49.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
94,700 (50.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,777
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,369
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$238,504
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$319,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
3.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$398,431
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$353,466
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$335,939
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$317,891
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$9,605
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$376,360
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$383,883
Median house age
28
70
Renting percentage
54.9%
50.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
3,709.7
House value disparities
28.4%
30.1%
Household income disparities
44.8%
45.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$113,268
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$70,111
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
1,756 (2.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
6,107 (8.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
68,555 (97.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
203 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
7,699 (10.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
0.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Minneapolis
One, detached
43.1%
41.8%
One, attached
5.2%
3.6%
Two
2.4%
7.4%
3 or 4
4.1%
3.8%
5 to 9
7.2%
3.7%
10 to 19
11.0%
6.2%
20 to 49
8.9%
9.8%
50 or more
17.2%
23.3%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
13,397
State government workers
46,229
12,526
Unpaid family workers
102
516
Industries and Occupations
Austin has a diverse job market, with key sectors in technology, education, pharmaceuticals, and music. Minneapolis, meanwhile, has a more traditional mix of industries, with strong sectors in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Both cities have renowned healthcare facilities. Austin is home to the highly rated Dell Medical School at the University of Texas. In Minneapolis, you'll find some of the country's top hospitals including the University of Minnesota medical center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
When it comes to infrastructure, both cities are fairly developed. Austin is known for its generally smooth traffic flow and numerous bike routes. Minneapolis, on the other hand, is recognized for its expansive light rail system and pedestrian-friendly downtown area.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Minneapolis
Hospitals
65
17
TV stations
20
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
264
86
Bank institutions located here
43
26
Main business address for public companies
44
59
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Minneapolis
1999
4,733
1,420
2000
2,950
428
2001
2,038
294
2002
1,772
272
2003
2,213
1,151
2004
2,458
1,818
2005
3,121
3,008
2006
3,367
3,221
2007
2,560
1,812
2008
1,747
710
2009
1,067
372
Culture and Food
Austin is recognized for its vibrant live music scene and eclectic culinary options, particularly its thriving food truck culture and world-famous Tex-Mex and barbecue. Minneapolis offers a great mix of cultural opportunities as well, with a robust arts and theater scene and a diverse food culture that includes everything from Scandinavian to Somali cuisine.
Sports Teams
Austin is home to the University of Texas Longhorns and has a major league football team. While Minneapolis hosts teams from all four major professional sports leagues in the United States: the Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB), Timberwolves (NBA), and Wild (NHL).
Austin, TX
Minneapolis, MN
Austin, TX and 
Minneapolis, MN : 1,041.9 miles
