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Is Apple Valley a Good Place to Live? Apple Valley, Minnesota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Apple Valley ranks #219 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #107 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6%, #80 of 524) and low unemployment (3.6%, #112 of 476), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Apple Valley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Apple Valley's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's cost of living index is 104.8, 5% above the US level of 100 and #935 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,738/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $376,085, 7% above the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
| Measure | Apple Valley | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 104.8#935 of 1,308 | 98.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $376,085#573 of 1,187 | $350,752 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,956/mo#686 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $370,400#711 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,738/mo#907 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.4%#605 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Apple Valley housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Apple Valley is in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro.
Minnesota housing market →Is Apple Valley safe?
Apple Valley recorded 204 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 328 and 9% below Minnesota's 224. That ranks #365 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #165 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Apple Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 1,456 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Apple Valley | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 204#365 of 1,085 | 224 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,456#454 of 1,085 | 1,412 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Apple Valley?
The median household in Apple Valley earns $97,673, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Apple Valley | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $97,673#373 of 1,312 | $87,117 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6%#178 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Apple Valley?
The median resident of Apple Valley is 39 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 45.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #334 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Apple Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 45.9%#334 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 73.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Apple Valley's schools and health?
Apple Valley's 14 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $15,215 spent per pupil. 34.9% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Apple Valley | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,215#564 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.9%#764 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.4%#305 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,189 students are enrolled in Apple Valley's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Apple Valley?
The average commute in Apple Valley is 24.6 minutes (Minnesota 22.7); 2% of workers take transit and 22.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Apple Valley scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69°F and winters 16.3°F, with 34.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Apple Valley | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.6 min#743 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.7%#328 of 1,312 | 4.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 65.5% | 70.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2% | 1.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.4% | 14.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.2#453 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22.2 | 3.3 | 1 |
| Feb | 27 | 6.9 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 39.9 | 20.4 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 55.8 | 33.7 | 3.1 |
| May | 67.8 | 46.6 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 77.3 | 57.1 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 81.3 | 60.9 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 79 | 58.4 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 72.2 | 50.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 58.6 | 36.9 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 41.5 | 23.4 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 27.7 | 10.8 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rosemount Rsch & Outreach Ctr.
| Measure | Apple Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 44.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 16.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 34.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rosemount Rsch & Outreach Ctr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Apple Valley?
Dakota County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dakota County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Apple Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 35#143 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 10#859 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#270 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dakota County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dakota County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.014% | 96% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0077% | 79% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 72% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Apple Valley compare with similar-size cities?
Apple Valley is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #107 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,679.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #219 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 | 24.6 min |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #497 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 | 20 min |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #922 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 | 23.5 min |
| Port Arthur, TXPop. 55,828 | #1300 | 36.6 | $46,354 | $1,021/mo | 596 | 23.4 min |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #243 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year | 30 min |
| Fountainebleau, FLPop. 55,665 | #1172 | 46.0 | $64,908 | $2,094/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| South Whittier, CAPop. 55,650 | #979 | 50.4 | $100,800 | $1,908/mo | no data | 31.3 min |
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #372 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 | 29 min |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Apple Valley compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Apple Valley ranks #10 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 64 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 12% above the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 9% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Minnesota home.
| City | Rank in MN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edina, MNPop. 53,262 | #1 | 72.2 | $128,767 | $1,844/mo | 52 |
| Minnetonka, MNPop. 53,064 | #2 | 71.8 | $119,517 | $1,779/mo | 101 |
| Eden Prairie, MNPop. 63,051 | #3 | 71.7 | $130,489 | $1,833/mo | 54 |
| Plymouth, MNPop. 79,220 | #4 | 71.5 | $136,534 | $1,766/mo | 65 |
| Lakeville, MNPop. 74,354 | #5 | 70.9 | $139,041 | $1,806/mo | 92 |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #6 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 |
| Woodbury, MNPop. 78,305 | #7 | 68.4 | $125,310 | $1,908/mo | 75 |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #8 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #9 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #10 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #11 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 |
| Bloomington, MNPop. 88,665 | #12 | 62.8 | $93,211 | $1,561/mo | 283 |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #13 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #14 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #15 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #16 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #17 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #18 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #19 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #20 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 |
All 20 Minnesota cities we track, by overall score. Minnesota statewide: median income $87,117, violent crime 223.5 per 100,000.
How is Apple Valley's score calculated?
Apple Valley scores 64 out of 100, #219 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Minnesota's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 55.5.
64.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Apple Valley's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
83.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 58.9.
61.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Apple Valley's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Apple Valley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
58.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 56.1.
71.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Apple Valley. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Apple Valley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Apple Valley's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Apple Valley has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Apple Valley
Is Apple Valley, MN a good place to live?
Apple Valley ranks #219 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #107 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6%, #80 of 524) and low unemployment (3.6%, #112 of 476), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's cost of living index is 104.8, 5% above the US level of 100 and #935 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,738/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $376,085, 7% above the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
What is the crime rate in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley recorded 204 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 328 and 9% below Minnesota's 224. That ranks #365 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #165 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Apple Valley Police Department. Property crime runs 1,456 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Apple Valley?
The median household in Apple Valley earns $97,673, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 12% above Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Apple Valley?
Median rent in Apple Valley is $1,738/mo (Census), #907 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,956/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Apple Valley?
The typical home value in Apple Valley is $376,085, up 1.5% in a year, against $350,752 for Minnesota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $370,400.
How are the public schools in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's 14 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $15,215 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Apple Valley?
The average commute is 24.6 minutes, #743 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Minnesota. 3.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley averages 44.1°F over the year, 69°F in summer and 16.3°F in winter, with 34.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Apple Valley walkable?
Apple Valley scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Apple Valley at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dakota County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 83% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Apple Valley?
Dakota County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley has 55,679 residents. The median resident of Apple Valley is 39 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 45.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #334 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 73.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Apple Valley compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Apple Valley ranks #10 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 64 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 12% above the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 9% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Minnesota home.
What cities are similar in size to Apple Valley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Apple Valley's population of 55,679 are Olympia, WA (#497 overall), Perth Amboy, NJ (#922 overall), Port Arthur, TX (#1300 overall), Spring Hill, TN (#243 overall), and Fountainebleau, FL (#1172 overall). Apple Valley is #219.