The dynamic changes in inter-regional differences in the social development of the regions of the North are traced. The increased value of social differentiation of northern regions as compared to the total of 88 and 72 (without northern) regions of the Russian Federation and the process of their convergence was revealed on the basis of statistical characteristics. Four social types of the regions – highly-developed, developed, underdeveloped and problematic – were singled out by the method of the main components of the factorial analysis and hierarchical cluster Vord analysis. Each type needs development of goal-directed state regional policy aimed at smoothing and increasing of well-being of the population of northern regions.