Minnesota
Minnesota ranks #5 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 78.1/100 and a A+ grade. Its strongest category is Health (90/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (31/100).
How Does Minnesota Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Minnesota
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Lakeville | A+ | 70.9 | 76,235 | $147,992 | 94.9 | 104.5 |
| 8 | Eden Prairie | A+ | 70.0 | 63,249 | $127,732 | 60 | 104.5 |
| 16 | Plymouth | A+ | 68.9 | 77,638 | $130,793 | 77.4 | 104.5 |
| 25 | Edina | A+ | 68.1 | 53,125 | $129,225 | 84.6 | 104.5 |
| 36 | Minnetonka | A+ | 67.4 | 53,256 | $120,496 | 81.1 | 104.5 |
| 51 | Woodbury | A+ | 65.8 | 79,530 | $120,588 | 64.9 | 104.5 |
| 55 | Maple Grove | A+ | 65.7 | 71,275 | $104,200 | 99 | 104.5 |
| 119 | St. Louis Park | A | 62.9 | 49,541 | $100,250 | 170 | — |
| 142 | Blaine | A | 62.0 | 73,762 | $100,172 | 85.6 | 104.5 |
| 167 | Eagan | A | 61.2 | 67,401 | $101,896 | 107.6 | 104.5 |
| 184 | Rochester | A | 60.7 | 122,404 | $85,240 | 165.5 | 93.1 |
| 213 | Apple Valley | B+ | 59.8 | 55,696 | $99,277 | 241.9 | 104.5 |
| 289 | Brooklyn Park | B+ | 57.8 | 82,027 | $87,532 | 385.7 | 104.5 |
| 290 | Coon Rapids | B+ | 57.8 | 63,348 | $86,618 | 185.9 | 104.5 |
| 307 | Bloomington | B+ | 57.5 | 87,378 | $86,206 | 315.7 | 104.5 |
| 319 | Burnsville | B+ | 57.3 | 64,295 | $83,953 | 260.8 | 104.5 |
| 475 | Duluth | B | 53.5 | 87,693 | $61,163 | 273.8 | 87 |
| 518 | St. Paul | C+ | 52.6 | 303,827 | $73,975 | 625.9 | 104.5 |
| 622 | Minneapolis | C+ | 50.3 | 425,142 | $81,001 | 1136.8 | 104.5 |
| 653 | St. Cloud | C | 49.6 | 68,399 | $60,782 | 347.5 | 89.3 |
Best Cities in Minnesota for...
| # | City | Families Score | 🎓 Education | 🛡️ Safety | 🏠 Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eden Prairie | 70.0 | 69.4 | 92.9 | 57.9 |
| 2 | Lakeville | 68.2 | 60.6 | 95.7 | 59.4 |
| 3 | Minnetonka | 67.7 | 66.5 | 89.3 | 58.2 |
| 4 | Plymouth | 67.3 | 54.4 | 93.9 | 58.0 |
| 5 | Edina | 66.9 | 63.9 | 88.2 | 53.1 |
More Midwest States
Minnesota Rankings Overview
Minnesota earns an overall grade of A+ with a composite score of 78.1 out of 100, ranking #5 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Health (90/100) while its biggest challenge is Outdoor Access (31/100).
Economy & Employment in Minnesota
With an unemployment rate of 3.4% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Minnesota performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $85,551, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Minnesota
Minnesota's violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Minnesota
Minnesota ranks #6 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #7 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Minnesota is 79.8 years, and the high school graduation rate is 84%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Minnesota
Minnesota's total tax burden is 9.72% of personal income, which is above the national average of 8.74%. The top marginal income tax rate is 9.85%. The effective property tax rate is 1.05% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 8.14%.
Housing & Affordability in Minnesota
The median home price in Minnesota is $354,000, below the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 98 (where 100 equals the national average), roughly in line with national costs. The price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Environment in Minnesota
Minnesota has a median air quality index of 36 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 36% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, an above-average share. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 26.7 (below average risk).
Growth & Migration in Minnesota
Minnesota's population growth rate is +0.6% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is -0.2 per 1,000 residents. 93.2% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Minnesota
The top-ranked cities in Minnesota based on our composite scoring are Lakeville, Eden Prairie, and Plymouth. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Minnesota's overall ranking?
Minnesota ranks #5 out of 50 states with a composite score of 78.1/100 and a grade of A+.
Is Minnesota a good place to live?
Minnesota ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 78.1/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Minnesota?
The violent crime rate in Minnesota is 256 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Minnesota's economy compare?
Minnesota's median household income is $85,551 with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Minnesota?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Minnesota are Lakeville, Eden Prairie, and Plymouth.
How does Minnesota rank for families?
Minnesota ranks #6 of 50 states for families with a score of 84.9/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Minnesota rank for retirees?
Minnesota ranks #8 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 78.2/100. This is a top-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Minnesota rank for remote workers?
Minnesota ranks #12 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 64.1/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.