Growth in the urban cores of Minneapolis and St. Paul continue to spur the region’s population gains, according to a new report by the Metropolitan Council.

The preliminary report, released Tuesday, says the seven-county metro area grew by 191,628 residents between 2010 and 2016. Both St. Paul and Minneapolis saw significant gains:

St. Paul’s population grew to 304,442 in 2016, an increase from the 300,353 estimated in 2015 and the 285,068 from the 2010 U.S. Census. The 2010-2016 growth is a 6.8 percent increase.

Minneapolis’ population hit 419,952 in 2016, an increase from the 412,517 estimated in 2015 and the 382,578 from the 2010 U.S. Census. The 2010-2016 growth is a healthy 9.8 percent increase.

The region as a whole hit an estimated 3,041,195 in 2016, up from 2,849,567 in the 2010 Census, a 6.7 percent increase.

The Met Council develops the report each year for the region, which includes Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, Washington, Carver and Scott counties. Related Articles 3M launches data lab to improve how it markets its consumer products

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Met Council’s report says the region’s growth reflects the Twin Cities’ diversified and competitive economy. But it also cautions that challenges remain and urges transit-friendly development to promote “efficient land use” and efforts to preserve and provide clean water.

It also touches on efforts to make housing affordable and safe. Vacancy rates have fallen to an estimated 4.1 percent in 2016, down from 5.8 percent in the 2010 Census. The region’s rates are among the lowest in the country.