The Twin Cities metro area experienced far greater population growth from 2010 to 2014 compared to outstate counties, many of which saw lesser or negative growth over the time period. Some rural counties have lost about half their population since the 1950s.

In the metro area, the percentage of people with a associate's degree or higher was often far higher across 2009-2013 compared to many outstate counties.

Outstate counties tend to have higher percentages of religious adherence compared to the metro area, particularly in southwestern Minnesota.

Median income in the metro area tends to be higher than in outstate counties.

The lower cost of basic necessities, particularly housing, in Greater Minnesota tends to equalize standards of living with the metro area, where median household incomes are higher.

A larger elderly population is in the whole state's future as the baby boomers become senior citizens. But Greater Minnesota is graying first and faster than the metro area.

Metro area counties are vastly more diverse than populations outstate, with more people of color than most other areas.

The 2012 proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Minnesota was defeated even though it won majority approval in most Greater Minnesota counties. "No" votes carried five of seven metro counties.