I was in real estate class last monday.  Here are some statistics from the instructor:  Projected population for the state in 2010 is 5,452,500 people.  Projected increase for the decade is 533,000 people or 11%.

Some age group projections:  The Biggest Gainers are, a.) 60-64…..30% increase.  b.)  65-69…..22% increase.  c.) 55-59…..19% increase.           The Biggest Losers are,  a.)  40-44…..12% decrease.  b.)  35-39…..4% decrease.  c.)  10-14…..2% decrease

Projections for 2010—Households:   a.)  Projection for 2010 is 2,182,200 households, an increase of 287,100 or 15.1% for the decade.  b.)  The biggest increases will be in married couples without children, up 223% and people living alone, up 21%.  These two groups will account for 80% of the change.

Projected annual rate of growth of Minnesota hoseholds beyond 2010:  a.) 2010 to 2015…..increase of 1.2% households equals 0.9% population.  b.) 2015 to 2020…..increase of 1.0% households equals 0.7% population.  c.) 2020 to 2025…..increase of 0.9% households equals 0.6% population.  d.)  2025 to 2030…..increase of 0.8% households equals 0.5% population.

Side Notes: 

First wave of Baby Boomers turns 65 in 2011

The population is Aging

The population growth rate will slow.

Minnesota is 2nd in Home Ownership

Minnesota is 8th in Family Median Income

Minnesota is 2nd in United Health Foundation’s ranking of State Healthliness

Minnesota is 9th in percentage with a college diploma

Minnesota is 2nd in percentage with at least a high school diploma

Minnesota is 4th in percentage with Health Insurance

Minnesota is 4th in Men Labor Force Participation

Minnesota is 1st in Women Labor Force Participation

Minnesota is 2nd in Lowest Poverty Rate among the 50 States

There is a lot of growth out there in the population; worldwide, nationally and locally.   The United States is growing at the rate of around 6700 people per day (go to US Census Bureau website).  I am a little surprised that Minnesota hadn’t grown more as in 1980 there were 4 1/2 million people here.  The projection now is for 5 1/2 million people in 2010.  That’s 30 years, roughly one million people have been added to Minnesota.  I think back on the price of real estate in 1980 compared with today.  Lake lots on Lehomme Dieu were priced around $25,000, now one could expect to pay around $500,000.   You can invest in the stock market, precious metals, collectibles…(real estate?)whatever you feel most comfortable with.  But first and foremost, save 10% of your income and invest it wisely.  There are more people coming to the US , MN and Alexandria.  Increased demographics will increase your opportunities.  If you are looking for solitude…we still have it available here in Alexandria.  However,  you may want to consider buying it today.