Some central Minnesota counties are bucking the state's aging trends, according to 2000 census figures. The St. Cloud area counties of Sherburne, Stearns and Benton are among the state's five youngest, largely attributed to rapid growth, and college and university student populations.
Sherburne County ranks second youngest in the state with a median age of 31.4; Stearns, home to St. Cloud State University and small colleges, is fourth at 31.6; and Benton stands at fifth at 31.9. The median age statewide grew from 32.4 to 35.4 during the 1990s, while the U.S. median age jumped from 32.9 to 35.3.
Census housing statistics in the same central Minnesota counties reflect rapid growth as well. The number of homes, owned and rented, increased 53 percent in Sherburne County, second highest in the state in home growth and third in rental growth; 17 percent in Benton; and 15 percent in Stearns. The state's overall home growth was 11.7 percent, and U.S. home growth was 13.3 percent.
—Kathy Cobb
