Memphis, Tennessee, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, provide distinct living experiences with their unique geographical, historical, and cultural attributes. Memphis charms with its Southern hospitality, while Minneapolis captivates with its enriching recreational activities and sophisticated urban vibe. Understanding the differences between these cities, from crime and education to transportation and culture, is critical for those considering relocation or a temporary visit.
Distance between
Memphis, TN and
Minneapolis, MN : 702.2 miles
Memphis's population is larger by 48%. Its population has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) since 2000. The population of Minneapolis has grown by 42,718 people (11.2%) during that time.
In general, crime rates are higher in Memphis than in Minneapolis. The overall crime rate in Memphis is 85% higher compared to the national average. However, city officials are constantly working on efforts to reduce crime, making it safer for both residents and tourists. Minneapolis, on the other hand, is relatively safer, with a crime rate slightly above the national average but lower than Memphis. Community policing initiatives are in place to ensure safety.
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 2,628 registered sex offenders living in Memphis and 181 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Memphis is 248 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 Memphis than that in Minneapolis.
Cost of Living
Cost of living in Memphis tends to be cheaper than in Minneapolis. Housing, groceries, and transportation are generally lower in Memphis, making it an affordable place to live. Minneapolis, while more expensive, offers higher wages, balancing the cost of living.
Income Tax
Tennessee does not have a state income tax, a significant advantage for many. However, Minnesota imposes a state income tax, which ranges from 5.35% to 9.85%, depending on income.
Property Tax
Property taxes are generally lower in Memphis than in Minneapolis, due to lower property values.
Sales Tax
Tennessee's sales tax, at 7%, is higher than Minnesota's rate of 6.875%. However, Memphis imposes an additional 2.25% local sales tax, making the total combined sales tax higher than in Minneapolis.
Income
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Estimated median household income
$44,317
$69,397
Estimated per capita income
$28,571
$44,836
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.5
115.8
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $67,719 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Memphis is located along the Mississippi River offering waterfront views. Minneapolis is known as the "City of Lakes" due to the large number of lakes, creeks, and waterfalls in and around the city.
Both cities strongly prioritize education. Memphis is home to the widely recognized University of Memphis and Rhodes College while Minneapolis has the University of Minnesota and numerous esteemed private schools. Both cities have quality public school systems.
Memphis has a robust economy centered around shipping and transportation, as well as jobs in healthcare and education. Minneapolis, however, has a more diverse economy, with sectors inn manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and retail trade.
Biggest Employers
In Memphis, the largest employers are FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. In Minneapolis, large employers include Target Corporation, University of Minnesota, and Wells Fargo.
In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% 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
Memphis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
2020
64.8%
70.7%
34.2%
27.4%
1.1%
1.9%
2016
62.3%
63.4%
34.7%
28.3%
3.1%
8.3%
2012
62.9%
62.5%
36.7%
35.4%
0.4%
2.1%
2008
63.8%
63.6%
36.2%
34.9%
0.0%
1.4%
2004
57.7%
59.7%
42.0%
39.7%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
56.8%
53.7%
42.3%
39.4%
0.9%
6.9%
1996
78.9%
54.4%
19.6%
33.2%
1.5%
12.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Memphis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.8%
0.1%
15.1%
1.3%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
6.5%
18.7%
2.7%
8.7%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1.5%
0.0%
0.7%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.7%
1.8%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.7%
0.8%
2.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
1.6%
1.0%
4.1%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
0.9%
2.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.4%
0.6%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
10.8%
0.4%
12.6%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
Weather
Weather-wise, Memphis enjoys a typical southern climate with hot summers and mild winters. Snowfall is rare, making it appealing for those who prefer a warmer climate. Minneapolis experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and very cold winters with heavy snowfall, attractive for those who appreciate a white winter.
Weather and climate
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Temperature - Average
61.9°F
45.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
74.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
54.3 in
30.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
8.6 in
98.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.7%
15.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
68.7%
61.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
37%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
37%
Wind speed - Average
8.8 mph
10.5 mph
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Average climate in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Memphis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
Memphis
Minneapolis
2018
81
81
0.24
0.24
10.4
14.1
27.1
28.2
N/A
N/A
19.0
20.4
8.1
8.5
0.4
1.3
2017
74
71
0.24
0.26
10.2
13.4
28.1
27.9
N/A
N/A
17.5
17.5
7.9
7.8
0.3
1.4
2016
76
76
0.24
0.28
10.2
12.6
28.8
26.7
N/A
N/A
19.6
16.7
8.5
7.3
0.9
1.5
2015
77
80
0.26
0.28
11.1
13.8
26.9
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.4
9.2
8.8
1.0
1.1
2014
75
83
0.27
0.25
10.1
15.9
26.5
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.2
9.9
7.0
1.3
1.0
2013
74
81
0.31
N/A
8.3
12.8
26.6
32.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.9
10.2
6.7
1.0
0.9
2012
94
80
0.32
N/A
9.3
7.7
29.7
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.8
10.7
8.4
0.6
0.2
2011
93
90
0.34
0.22
10.0
7.8
29.0
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.4
11.1
9.8
0.5
0.1
2010
95
101
0.43
N/A
10.3
9.6
27.9
27.8
0.003
N/A
N/A
24.7
12.9
9.6
N/A
0.5
2009
86
103
0.35
N/A
8.7
7.4
24.9
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
21.4
11.8
9.4
N/A
1.1
2008
94
92
0.36
N/A
10.3
8.8
26.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
18.3
13.2
10.1
N/A
1.0
2007
106
102
0.47
N/A
11.2
9.2
26.7
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
21.6
14.8
11.6
5.6
0.6
2006
108
88
0.43
N/A
13.0
9.5
26.8
N/A
0.006
N/A
N/A
20.5
14.7
10.5
6.3
1.8
2005
110
107
0.46
N/A
10.1
12.3
26.9
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
22.0
17.9
10.6
4.9
2.1
2004
98
103
0.51
N/A
N/A
11.0
24.9
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
23.9
14.5
10.5
5.9
3.3
2003
110
114
0.57
N/A
20.1
12.5
25.3
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
25.9
15.0
11.9
5.8
3.0
2002
110
95
0.58
0.42
20.4
15.7
25.1
N/A
0.007
N/A
15.6
N/A
N/A
10.9
4.5
1.8
2001
111
82
0.66
0.75
24.7
17.5
26.0
32.4
0.011
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
9.3
6.1
2.0
2000
103
68
0.63
0.75
25.2
16.6
26.2
31.2
0.009
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.4
2.8
Natural disasters
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
198.6%
129.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
474%
44.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
17%
Transportation
Memphis has a reliable bus system and offers Lyft and Uber services, while Minneapolis has an advanced public transit system including buses, light rails, and bike share programs.
Transport
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
284
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
52
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Bicycle
0%
1.9%
Bus
0.4%
6.6%
Carpooled
7.5%
9%
Car alone
88.8%
74.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.6%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.2%
5.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Average
27 min
27.4 min
Other means
22.5 min
20.3 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
32.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.9%
87.5%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
10.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
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
Real estate prices in Memphis are lower than the national average, making it an appealing place for homeownership. In contrast, Minneapolis has a higher real estate price point which is offset by higher salaries and diversification in housing options.
Neighborhoods
Memphis neighborhoods offer a mix of suburban and urban living, from the lively Downtown to the peaceful Cordova. Minneapolis neighborhoods, like Uptown and Northeast, provide a blend of residential and commercial spaces, offering abundant recreational activities and amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Houses
288,491
203,633
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.2
Median year apartment built
1972
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.2 years
13 years
Houses occupied
256,968 (89.1%)
188,681 (92.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,622 (46.6%)
93,981 (49.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
137,346 (53.4%)
94,700 (50.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$760.83
$1,777
Median monthly housing costs
$967
$1,369
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$201,932
$238,504
Estimated median house or condo value
$142,800
$319,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.8
3.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$205,904
$398,431
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$353,466
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$145,165
$335,939
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$201,411
$317,891
Median house price - mobile homes
$93,577
$9,605
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$170,154
$376,360
Median house price - All housing units
$204,886
$383,883
Median house age
52
70
Renting percentage
48.1%
50.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,032.8
3,709.7
House value disparities
44.1%
30.1%
Household income disparities
48.2%
45.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,611
$113,268
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,615
$70,111
Housing units without a mortgage
1,461 (2%)
1,756 (2.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,970 (5.4%)
6,107 (8.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
71,386 (98%)
68,555 (97.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
322 (0.4%)
203 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,907 (8.1%)
7,699 (10.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
5.7%
0.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
4.6%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Memphis
Minneapolis
One, detached
61.0%
41.8%
One, attached
5.8%
3.6%
Two
2.1%
7.4%
3 or 4
7.4%
3.8%
5 to 9
9.1%
3.7%
10 to 19
5.6%
6.2%
20 to 49
1.8%
9.8%
50 or more
6.2%
23.3%
Mobile homes
0.8%
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
16,111
13,397
State government workers
7,650
12,526
Unpaid family workers
668
516
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in Memphis include healthcare, trade, and education, while major occupations in Minneapolis span healthcare, professional services, and retail trade. The array of job options in both cities is broad and diverse.
Both cities prioritize healthcare, with Memphis home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Minneapolis houses the University of Minnesota Medical Center and various renowned healthcare institutions.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Memphis infrastructure is robust with a focus on transport due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River. Minneapolis also has top-tier infrastructure with a high focus on renewable energy and sustainability.
Infrastructure
Type
Memphis
Minneapolis
Hospitals
35
17
TV stations
14
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
160
86
Bank institutions located here
33
26
Main business address for public companies
17
59
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Memphis
Minneapolis
1999
2,195
1,420
2000
2,406
428
2001
1,775
294
2002
1,444
272
2003
2,116
1,151
2004
3,266
1,818
2005
4,730
3,008
2006
5,833
3,221
2007
3,559
1,812
2008
1,174
710
2009
345
372
Culture and Food
Memphis is renowned for its vibrant culture, heart-touching blues music, and famous BBQ food. Minneapolis, on the other hand, boasts a thriving arts scene, renowned theater district, and melting-pot cuisine which includes an impressive array of international food spaces.
Sports Teams
Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), and Memphis Redbirds (AAA Baseball) reign in Memphis, while Minneapolis houses the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB), Timberwolves (NBA), and Wild (NHL).
Memphis, TN
Minneapolis, MN
Memphis, TN and 
Minneapolis, MN : 702.2 miles
