Hennepin County was established by the Territorial Legislature of Minnesota in 1852, six years before Minnesota became a state. It forms part of one of the nation's major metropolitan areas which ranks sixteenth in the nation in population, and it is the largest of Minnesota's 87 counties in budget, estimated market value, and population with almost a quarter of the state's population. The City of Minneapolis is its largest city and the county seat.

Hennepin has a broad-based economy with sizable manufacturing, financial, governmental, trade, health care, and entertainment sectors. The diversity of this base has typically provided some level of insulation against economic downturns.

Many major corporations are headquartered in the county. Income levels tend to exceed the national average, and the county's tax base growth continues to be strong. Employment remains relatively stable, and the unemployment rate has typically remained below the national average.

This Hennepin County web site provides you direct access to many online services as well as additional information about county services and programs. To learn more about Hennepin County, look around the web site or use Search to find specific information. Additional information about Hennepin can be found under Related Links.

2008 estimated population: 1,140,988
Area:
- Land: 563 square miles
- Water: 48 square miles
- Total: 611 square miles
Lakes: 104
Roads: 561 miles
Bridges: 137
North/South length: 32 miles
East/West length: 28 miles
Highest Elevation: 1,131 feet above sea level; on Williston Road near High Point Road in Minnetonka
Lowest Elevation: 680 feet above sea level; near the southeast corner of the county on Pike Island at the junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.
Latitude (at Minneapolis): 45°-00'
Longitude (at Minneapolis): 93°-15'
Cities: 45
Townships: 1
Unorganized territory: 1
County seat: Minneapolis
County established: 1852