Maplewood, Minnesota

Maplewood, Minnesota
Name	Maplewood
Settlement type	City
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Minnesota
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Ramsey County
Established title	Incorporated
Established date	1957
Government type	Mayor–Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Marylee Abrams
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total km2	46.70
Area land km2	43.60
Area water km2	3.10
Elevation m	301
Population total	42088
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Central (CST)
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Postal code type	ZIP codes
Postal code	55109, 55117, 55119
Area code	651
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	27-40376
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0647505
Website	https://www.maplewoodmn.gov/

Maplewood, Minnesota. A first-ring suburb located in Ramsey County, Minnesota, it is a significant residential and commercial hub within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Incorporated in 1957, the city is known for its extensive park system, major retail centers, and corporate campuses. Its strategic location provides residents with convenient access to the urban cores of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Dakota people before European American settlement accelerated in the 19th century. Early development was tied to agriculture and several small villages, including Carver's Lake. The modern city was formed through the consolidation of parts of North Saint Paul and White Bear Lake townships, officially incorporating in 1957. A key moment in its development was the opening of the Maplewood Mall in 1974, which solidified its role as a major retail destination for the eastern Twin Cities. The city's growth paralleled the post-World War II expansion of the metropolitan area, transforming former farmland into a thriving suburb.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.03 square miles, of which 16.83 square miles is land and 1.20 square miles is water. It is bordered by North Saint Paul to the north, Oakdale to the east, Saint Paul to the south, and Little Canada and Vadnais Heights to the west. Significant natural features include Keller Lake and a portion of the Battle Creek corridor. The city's topography consists of rolling hills and numerous small lakes, part of the Anoka Sand Plain geological region.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 42,088. The racial makeup was 60.8% White, 15.5% African American, 10.5% Asian, 0.6% Native American, and 8.9% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 7.5% of the population. The median household income was $78,189, and 8.5% of the population lived below the poverty line. The city is served by the North Saint Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District and the Mounds View Public Schools district.

Economy

Maplewood is a major commercial and employment center for the eastern metro area. The Maplewood Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Minnesota, anchors retail activity alongside big-box retailers along Minnesota State Highway 36. The city is home to the corporate headquarters of 3M, a global conglomerate founded in Two Harbors, whose sprawling campus is a key employer. Other significant employers include Boston Scientific, Ecolab, and Land O'Lakes. The Saint Paul–Ramsey County Public Health Center is also located within the city.

Government and infrastructure

Maplewood operates under a mayor–council form of government. The current mayor is Marylee Abrams, and the city council consists of four members. The city provides full municipal services, including a police department, fire department, and public works. Major transportation corridors include Interstate 694, Minnesota State Highway 36, and U.S. Route 61. Public transportation is provided by Metro Transit bus services. The city's infrastructure includes the Maplewood Community Center and the Maplewood Library, which is part of the Ramsey County Library system.

Culture and recreation

The city maintains an extensive park system overseen by the Maplewood Parks and Recreation Commission, featuring over 70 parks and 30 miles of trails. Key facilities include the Maplewood Nature Center, the Maplewood Community Center aquatic facility, and the Hazelwood Park amphitheater. The Maplewood Area Historical Society operates a museum preserving local history. Annual community events are held at the Maplewood Mall and various parks. The city is adjacent to the Battle Creek Regional Park, which offers extensive recreational opportunities, and is near cultural institutions in Saint Paul like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota History Center.

Category:Cities in Minnesota Category:Ramsey County, Minnesota