Comparisons
Minnesota vs. the other two most closely populated regions in United States: Wisconsin and Maryland
Minnesota in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Minnesota peaked in 1991-2005. To get a sense of how street development has changed in Minnesota, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Minneapolis [Saint Paul], Rochester and Saint Cloud. None of the most populous cities follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Minneapolis [Saint Paul] rose steadily. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Rochester rose steadily. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Saint Cloud followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase.
How do development practices in Minnesota fare in comparison to others in United States? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in Minnesota was the 11th-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in United States. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other regions in United States, street construction in Minnesota has become more connected. Minnesota ranked 10th in 1975, 16th in 1976-1990, 7th in 1991-2005 and 11th in 2006-2020.
Minnesota in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in Minnesota is Rochester with an SNDi of 3.08, which is moderately connected. Conversely, the most connected city is Minneapolis [Saint Paul] with an SNDi of 2.07, which is well-connected. See trends for these cities: Minneapolis [Saint Paul], Rochester
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Minnesota rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in Minnesota, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Minneapolis [Saint Paul], Rochester and Saint Cloud. Disconnectivity in the most populous cities in Minnesota follow the same region trend.
To date, Minnesota is the 13th-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in United States. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has fallen; relative to other regions in United States, the street network in Minnesota has become more connected. Minnesota ranked 10th in 1975, 14th in 1976-1990, 13th in 1991-2005 and 13th in 2006-2020.