History of Ramsey County, Minnesota in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 16, 2025

Ramsey County, Minnesota, established in 1849 and named after Alexander Ramsey, is the state's second-most populous with an estimated 542,015 residents in 2024. Saint Paul, the state capital and a twin city of Minneapolis, serves as the county seat and largest city. As part of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul–Bloomington metropolitan area, Ramsey County holds the distinction of being Minnesota's smallest and most densely populated county and the 38th-most densely populated county in the United States as of 2010.

1921: Incorporation of White Bear Lake in 1921

White Bear Lake was incorporated in Ramsey County in 1921, marking the growth of villages in the largely farmland area.

1924: Last Republican Presidential Nominee

The year 1924 was the last time Ramsey County voted for a Republican presidential nominee.

1990: Ramsey County Considered Urbanized in 1990

Since the 1990 census, Ramsey County has been considered completely urbanized.

2000: Ramsey County Census Data in 2000

As of the 2000 census, there were 511,035 people residing in Ramsey County, with a population density of 3,275.9 inhabitants per square mile.

2010: Ramsey County Census Data in 2010

As of the 2010 census, the population of Ramsey County was 508,640 people with a population density of 3,341.7 inhabitants per square mile.

2010: John Choi Elected County Attorney in 2010

John Choi was elected as the Ramsey County Attorney in 2010.

2014: John Choi Reelected County Attorney in 2014

John Choi was reelected as the Ramsey County Attorney in 2014.

2018: Bob Fletcher Elected Sheriff in 2018

Bob Fletcher was elected as the Ramsey County Sheriff in 2018.

2018: John Choi Reelected County Attorney in 2018

John Choi was reelected as the Ramsey County Attorney in 2018.

2020: Ramsey County Census Data in 2020

As of the 2020 census, there were 552,352 people residing in Ramsey County, with a population density of 3,628.0 inhabitants per square mile.

2020: Joe Biden Receives Largest Share of Vote in 2020

In 2020, Democratic nominee Joe Biden received the largest share of the vote for any candidate in the county's history, with over 71%.

2022: Bob Fletcher Reelected Sheriff in 2022

Bob Fletcher was reelected as the Ramsey County Sheriff in 2022.

2022: John Choi Reelected County Attorney in 2022

John Choi was reelected as the Ramsey County Attorney in 2022.

2023: American Community Survey Data for 2023

According to the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 219,075 estimated households in Ramsey County with an average of 2.41 persons per household and a median household income of $81,004.