More than 550,000 Minnesotans make their homes in Ramsey County. Located in the heart of the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, it is the second-most populous county in Minnesota with about 10 percent of the state’s residents. Ramsey County was established on October 27, 1849, one of the original counties of the Minnesota Territory.
Predominantly urban, Ramsey is Minnesota’s smallest and most densely populated county, spanning 170 square miles. Ramsey County communities are nationally known as attractive, livable places rich in history, diversity and opportunity.
Ramsey County includes all or part of the following cities: Saint Paul (the state capital and county seat), Arden Hills, Blaine, Falcon Heights, Gem Lake, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Maplewood, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, North Saint Paul, Roseville, Shoreview, Saint Anthony, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, and White Bear Lake Township.
WHAT THE COUNTY DOES
Ramsey County provides a variety of programs and services to county residents and visitors, including:
- Maintaining more than 6,500 acres of parks and recreational facilities, including 15 parks, 4 golf courses and 11 ice arenas.
- Connecting residents to assistance and support programs.
- Providing law enforcement and public safety and legal services.
- Registering voters and manages elections.
- Operating recycling and yard waste facilities.
- Managing a library system with seven locations.
- Operating an emergency call center (911).
- Connecting veterans to benefits
- Processing birth records and marriage licenses.
- Maintaining and improving county roads, bridges and related infrastructure.
- Planning and developing public transportation services.
- Inspecting food establishments and vendors.
- Supporting an active workforce through job readiness services.
- Responding to natural disasters and public heath emergencies.
