
How do you rate Plymouth?
Plymouth is a well-established western Twin Cities suburb, and it offers a strong mix of comfort and opportunity. It is home to employers like Medtronic, Graco, and TCF Financial, so professional careers are common. At the same ti...
Why is Plymouth safe?
Personal Safety : 86
Property Safety : 56
Community Safety : 80
$510,500
Median Home Rent
$1,950
(View 357 homes)

How do you rate Stillwater?
Stillwater, known as the “Birthplace of Minnesota,” is one of the popular cities in Minnesota, and it attracts both visitors and new residents. Each year, over 2 million people visit for its historic downtown and St. Croix River v...
Why is Stillwater safe?
Personal Safety : 85
Property Safety : 58
Community Safety : 70
$479,000
Median Home Rent
$2,600
(View 138 homes)

How do you rate Eden Prairie?
Eden Prairie is one of the Twin Cities’ most polished corporate suburbs, and homes sit just 10–15 minutes from major office hubs. The city centers on Eden Prairie Center, so shopping and daily errands are easy. At the same time, r...
Why is Eden Prairie safe?
Personal Safety : 89
Property Safety : 63
Community Safety : 70
$437,500
Median Home Rent
$2,200
(View 257 homes)

How do you rate Woodbury?
Woodbury is one of the east metro’s most convenient suburbs, built around modern neighborhoods, shopping hubs, and easy commuter access. Retail and dining are concentrated near Woodbury Lakes and along Tamarack Road, so most daily...
Why is Woodbury safe?
Personal Safety : 81
Property Safety : 61
Community Safety : 59
$435,000
Median Home Rent
$2,570
(View 380 homes)

How do you rate Maple Grove?
Maple Grove is one of the fastest-developed suburbs in the northwest Twin Cities, with most housing built after 1995. As a result, the city is designed around wide arterial roads and master-planned neighborhoods, which keeps traff...
Why is Maple Grove safe?
Personal Safety : 73
Property Safety : 58
Community Safety : 70
$382,500
Median Home Rent
$2,500
(View 376 homes)

How do you rate Rochester?
Rochester is globally recognized as the home of the Mayo Clinic, and it is the city’s largest employer. As a result, healthcare professionals from around the world move here. With a population near 120,000, the economy is largely ...
Why is Rochester safe?
Personal Safety : 69
Property Safety : 54
Community Safety : 58
$365,000
Median Home Rent
$1,150
(View 1,020 homes)

How do you rate Minneapolis?
Minneapolis is Minnesota’s largest city, with about 430,000 residents, and it serves as the state’s main economic hub. It is anchored by major employers like Target, U.S. Bank, Medtronic, and General Mills, which support careers i...
Why is Minneapolis safe?
Personal Safety : 0
Property Safety : 13
Community Safety : 10
$355,000
Median Home Rent
$1,650
(View 1,782 homes)

How do you rate St. Paul?
St. Paul serves as Minnesota’s government center, and it supports more than 35,000 public-sector jobs. As a result, state offices, courts, and agencies shape daily life. With around 311,000 residents, the city follows a steady wee...
Why is St. Paul safe?
Personal Safety : 18
Property Safety : 0
Community Safety : 15
$295,000
Median Home Rent
$1,425
(View 783 homes)

How do you rate Mankato ?
Mankato, known as “The Heart of Southern Minnesota,” offers a balanced lifestyle with all four seasons, affordable living, and a strong sense of community. With average winter temps, it’s cold enough for winter activities, while summers are perfect for parks, trails, and nearby lakes. Home to Minnesota State University, the city has a lively atmosphere with local events, restaurants, and arts venues. Additionally, solid healthcare access and a growing job market make Mankato one of the best places in Minnesota for buyers seeking affordability, convenience, and year-round livability.
Home Prices in Mankato
$284,900
Median Home Rent
$1,400
(View 252 homes)

How do you rate Marshall?
Marshall functions as the cultural and service hub for southwest Minnesota, even though it has just 13,500 residents. The city centers on Southwest Minnesota State University, so downtown feels active with cafés, bookstores, and s...
Why is Marshall safe?
Personal Safety : 53
Property Safety : 86
Community Safety : 39
$222,500
Median Home Rent
$990
(View 201 homes)
If you're searching for the most affordable places to live in Minnesota that balance lower home prices with reasonable cost of living, these options are a good place to start. They offer steady job access, essential amenities, and housing that fits wider budgets.
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs. State Avg. | Affordability Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont | $149,000 | $651 | 8.5/10 | |
| Crookston | $170,000 | $760 | 8.4/10 | |
| Albert Lea | $158,500 | $950 | 8.2/10 | |
| Hibbing | $165,000 | $1,000 | 8/10 | |
| Marshall | $245,500 | $990 | 7.2/10 |
If safety and community matter most, certain Minnesota cities stand out for their low crime rates and welcoming neighborhoods. Friendly streets, family-oriented parks, and reliable local services contribute to a comfortable living environment. These are the safest places to live in Minnesota.
To determine the best places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost-of-living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where income levels align more favorably with housing costs, employment conditions remain stable, and overall affordability is stronger relative to the state baseline.
Best Places to Live in minnesota
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