In comparing Denver, CO to Minneapolis, MN, distinctions in crime rates, weather, cost of living, and education notably resonate. Both cities create their unique vibes, with distinct work and economic settings, industrial and occupational landscapes, and primary employers. Real estate and neighborhoods provide contrasting experiences for residents and visitors alike. Taxes differ, affecting both individual and business decisions. The cities' cultural scenes reflect the areas' rich history and diversity, while their world-renowned sports teams foster vibrant community spirits. Both cities boast of their geographical perks and offer impressive healthcare facilities.
Distance between
Denver, CO and
Minneapolis, MN : 697.4 miles
Denver's population is larger by 67%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Minneapolis has grown by 42,718 people (11.2%) during that time.
On the crime spectrum, both Denver and Minneapolis have areas with higher crime rates compared to the national average. Yet, many neighborhoods in these cities are deemed relatively safe. Denver, in the eyes of residents and visitors, feels like a safe city, with increased police presence downtown. Minneapolis has higher overall crime rates, but it’s focusing on community policing to enhance safety. It's important to do neighborhood-specific research before deciding where to relocate or visit.
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 1,937 registered sex offenders living in Denver and 181 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Denver is 358 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 Denver than that in Minneapolis.
Cost of Living
Living in Denver is more expensive than Minneapolis. Many factors come into play, chief among them being housing and leasing prices. Denver’s rental prices are steeper than in Minneapolis. The healthcare costs in Denver also trend higher than Minneapolis. Everyday expenses, like groceries and dining, are also slightly higher in Denver.
Income Tax
Colorado's income tax is a flat rate of 4.63%, applying to all earning Denver's residents. Contrastingly, Minnesota uses a progressive income tax system. Thus, Minneapolis residents may have to pay different rates based on their income, going up to 9.85% for high-income earners.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Denver are generally lower than in Minneapolis. Homeowners in Denver, Colorado, enjoy lower property taxes, primarily due to the Gallagher Amendment, which caps residential property tax levels. In contrast, Minneapolis property tax is higher, forming a substantial part of Minnesota state revenue.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Denver is comparably higher due to its combined rates of Colorado state, Denver city, and special tax districts. On the other hand, Minneapolis, with Minnesota's state and Minneapolis city sales tax, has lower sales tax compared to Denver.
Income
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$69,397
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$44,836
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
115.8
If you make $50,000 in Denver, you will have to make $52,022 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Denver, located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, boasts scenic views and ample outdoor activities. The city sits one mile above sea level, which affects certain physical and weather conditions. Conversely, Minneapolis is known as the City of Lakes, providing a multitude of recreational water options and stunning green spaces.
Minneapolis has a well-rated education system with many high-ranking public and private schools. It's home to notable institutions, like the University of Minnesota. Denver, while having well-regarded public schools, also offers great education opportunities. The city hosts prominent educational institutions like Denver University and the University of Colorado, Denver, contributing to a well-educated workforce.
Denver's economy is growing at a healthy pace, with a budding tech industry and a strong job market. Minneapolis also features a thriving economy, with numerous Fortune 500 companies offering employment opportunities. Minneapolis has an edge in healthcare, finance, and retail sectors, whereas Denver shines in hospitality, information technology, and telecommunications.
Biggest Employers
In Denver, some significant employers are Lockheed Martin, United Airlines, and HealthONE Corporation. In Minneapolis, principal employers include Target, Allina Health, and Ameriprise Financial, among others. Both cities offer a good mix of opportunities in multiple sectors.
There were 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011) compared to 63 building permits issued in Minneapolis in 2012 (14 more than in 2011).
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% 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
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
2020
80.1%
70.7%
18.3%
27.4%
1.6%
1.9%
2016
74.2%
63.4%
19.0%
28.3%
6.8%
8.3%
2012
73.9%
62.5%
24.3%
35.4%
1.7%
2.1%
2008
75.8%
63.6%
23.2%
34.9%
1.0%
1.4%
2004
69.7%
59.7%
29.3%
39.7%
0.9%
0.6%
2000
62.0%
53.7%
30.9%
39.4%
7.0%
6.9%
1996
61.8%
54.4%
30.0%
33.2%
8.2%
12.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
18.7%
8.7%
8.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
0.4%
4.3%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
0.7%
3.2%
2.1%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.1%
0.7%
0.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
0.1%
6.8%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
3.0%
2.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.7%
0.9%
2.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
10.8%
2.7%
12.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
1.6%
2.3%
4.1%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.1%
0.4%
0.5%
1.4%
Weather
Denver boasts of a sun-soaked year-round climate with mild winters. In contrast, Minneapolis experiences harsh winters, while summer temperatures are similar to Denver’s. The weather in Denver is generally more stable, making it easier for outdoor activities, hence earning it the nickname "The Mile-High City." On the other hand, Minneapolis frequently introduces residents and tourists to its extremely cold winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
45.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
74.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
30.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
98.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
15.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
61.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
37%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
37%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
10.5 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
Denver
Minneapolis
2018
100
81
0.50
0.24
25.4
14.1
27.9
28.2
N/A
N/A
29.2
20.4
8.6
8.5
0.7
1.3
2017
95
71
0.49
0.26
25.9
13.4
27.6
27.9
N/A
N/A
22.0
17.5
8.4
7.8
0.8
1.4
2016
90
76
0.53
0.28
27.7
12.6
27.2
26.7
N/A
N/A
22.6
16.7
8.7
7.3
1.0
1.5
2015
101
80
0.53
0.28
27.8
13.8
25.2
27.8
N/A
N/A
21.0
19.4
10.4
8.8
1.0
1.1
2014
94
83
0.53
0.25
25.4
15.9
24.6
26.8
N/A
N/A
25.1
21.2
10.1
7.0
1.3
1.0
2013
85
81
0.45
N/A
21.9
12.8
24.0
32.1
N/A
N/A
24.4
20.9
N/A
6.7
1.5
0.9
2012
91
80
0.33
N/A
18.9
7.7
26.2
29.0
N/A
N/A
24.9
23.8
N/A
8.4
1.4
0.2
2011
91
90
0.34
0.22
18.1
7.8
25.8
29.7
N/A
N/A
23.7
23.4
N/A
9.8
1.6
0.1
2010
82
101
0.43
N/A
16.3
9.6
23.6
27.8
N/A
0.003
26.4
24.7
N/A
9.6
1.0
0.5
2009
79
103
0.41
N/A
14.1
7.4
23.1
N/A
0.005
0.004
22.2
21.4
N/A
9.4
1.3
1.1
2008
85
92
0.43
N/A
17.3
8.8
26.0
N/A
0.008
0.003
25.2
18.3
N/A
10.1
1.6
1.0
2007
96
102
0.37
N/A
20.6
9.2
21.9
N/A
0.007
0.003
30.2
21.6
N/A
11.6
1.2
0.6
2006
89
88
0.51
N/A
19.0
9.5
22.1
N/A
0.008
0.006
28.0
20.5
N/A
10.5
1.4
1.8
2005
86
107
0.57
N/A
21.3
12.3
20.9
N/A
0.068
0.004
30.9
22.0
N/A
10.6
1.5
2.1
2004
82
103
0.60
N/A
21.2
11.0
19.2
N/A
0.012
0.005
28.6
23.9
N/A
10.5
1.8
3.3
2003
106
114
0.60
N/A
21.2
12.5
20.8
N/A
0.015
0.004
32.6
25.9
N/A
11.9
1.9
3.0
2002
86
95
0.65
0.42
19.2
15.7
20.4
N/A
0.014
0.007
35.7
N/A
N/A
10.9
2.5
1.8
2001
95
82
0.86
0.75
23.6
17.5
18.6
32.4
0.012
0.011
32.6
N/A
N/A
9.3
2.6
2.0
2000
93
68
0.81
0.75
13.4
16.6
19.2
31.2
0.013
0.009
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
2.8
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
129.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
44.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
17%
Transportation
Both cities have capable public transportation systems. Denver has the Regional Transportation District that covers bus and Light Rail services while Minneapolis relies on Metro Transit, which operates bus lines and light rail services. Bicycling is popular in both Denver and Minneapolis, with many bike-friendly trails and roads.
Transport
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
602
284
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Bicycle
1.5%
1.9%
Bus
2.6%
6.6%
Carpooled
8.8%
9%
Car alone
81.1%
74.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
1.2%
0.6%
Streetcar
0.2%
0.1%
Subway
0.1%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
2.8%
5.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Average
29.4 min
27.4 min
Other means
24.2 min
20.3 min
Public transportation
38 min
32.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.6%
87.5%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
10.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Denver is highly competitive, with housing prices trending higher than Minneapolis. Denver's allure for tech industry personnel has had a significant impact on driving demand for housing up. Minneapolis has more affordable real estate prices, making it an attractive choice for potential homeowners.
Neighborhoods
Denver’s neighborhoods such as Cherry Creek and Washington Park feature unique allure and top-end properties whereas Minneapolis’s Linden Hills and Kenwood are known for their vibrant charm and community feel. The choice generally boils down to personal preferences and budget considerations.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Houses
351,829
203,633
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.2
Median year apartment built
1981
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.3 years
13 years
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
188,681 (92.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
93,981 (49.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
94,700 (50.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$1,777
Median monthly housing costs
$1,626
$1,369
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$238,504
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$319,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$690,450
$398,431
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$668,727
$353,466
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$410,273
$335,939
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$487,647
$317,891
Median house price - mobile homes
$174,140
$9,605
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$568,100
$376,360
Median house price - All housing units
$644,007
$383,883
Median house age
47
70
Renting percentage
50%
50.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
3,709.7
House value disparities
26.4%
30.1%
Household income disparities
44%
45.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,615
$113,268
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$77,011
$70,111
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
1,756 (2.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
6,107 (8.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
68,555 (97.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
203 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
7,699 (10.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
0.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Denver
Minneapolis
One, detached
42.9%
41.8%
One, attached
8.3%
3.6%
Two
2.1%
7.4%
3 or 4
3.1%
3.8%
5 to 9
3.6%
3.7%
10 to 19
7.0%
6.2%
20 to 49
10.4%
9.8%
50 or more
22.0%
23.3%
Mobile homes
0.4%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,661
13,397
State government workers
15,204
12,526
Unpaid family workers
763
516
Industries and Occupations
The Denver job market features robust sectors such as technology, aerospace, and tourism. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis economy is powered by manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. High-paying job opportunities are abundant in both cities, with Denver leveraging its positions in IT and tourism, whereas Minneapolis shines for its medical and finance posts.
Both Denver and Minneapolis offer top-notch healthcare facilities. Denver residents have access to renowned healthcare systems like UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Meanwhile, Minneapolis is home to some of the nation's top hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic and Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Denver and Minneapolis boast of impressive infrastructure that supports quality of life and economic development. Denver’s infrastructure is laudable, with significant investments made to improve transportation and public amenities. Minneapolis features strong infrastructure across sectors, with notable health, financial, and public facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
Minneapolis
Hospitals
16
17
TV stations
17
17
Arenas or stadiums
4
4
Bank branches located here
205
86
Bank institutions located here
43
26
Main business address for public companies
58
59
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Denver
Minneapolis
1999
2,727
1,420
2000
2,698
428
2001
1,996
294
2002
1,591
272
2003
2,472
1,151
2004
3,789
1,818
2005
5,168
3,008
2006
5,506
3,221
2007
3,599
1,812
2008
1,902
710
2009
768
372
Culture and Food
Denver's culture has a Western flair, reflecting its cowboy and gold rush history. Denver's food scene offers a diverse range of foods worldwide. Meanwhile, Minneapolis possesses a rich culture influenced by its Native American and Scandinavian heritage. The city is a foodie’s haven with its inventive culinary scene, showcasing everything from comfort food to high-end dining.
Sports Teams
As sporting cities, Denver is known for its Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), and Rockies (MLB). Minneapolis, too, is home to the Vikings (NFL), Timberwolves (NBA), and Twins (MLB). Both cities have avid sports fans, making for thrilling atmospheres during game seasons.
Denver, CO
Minneapolis, MN
Denver, CO and 
Minneapolis, MN : 697.4 miles
