Best Cities for Retirees in Minnesota
Minnesota ranks #11 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 75.6. Plymouth is its best city for retirees at 75.3.
- Minnesota, all states
- #11 of 50
- Population
- 79,220
Why Minnesota Works for Retirees
Minnesota ranks #11 nationally for retirees, making it a strong destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's moderate fiscal health (59/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 9.72% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Minnesota's health score of 75/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure — life expectancy here is 79.3 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 9.72% of income. The 9.85% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.05% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
A typical home value of $350,752 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 77/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Plymouth | A+ | 75.3 | 71.5 | 85 | 92 | 53 | 79,220 |
| 2Edina | A+ | 75.0 | 72.2 | 87 | 88 | 45 | 53,262 |
| 3Eden Prairie | A+ | 73.6 | 71.7 | 84 | 89 | 53 | 63,051 |
| 4Minnetonka | A+ | 73.4 | 71.8 | 84 | 81 | 53 | 53,064 |
| 5Maple Grove | A+ | 72.7 | 69.2 | 81 | 91 | 55 | 71,173 |
| 6Lakeville | A+ | 71.1 | 70.9 | 67 | 95 | 54 | 74,354 |
| 7St. Louis Park | A+ | 70.2 | 68.0 | 82 | 72 | 59 | 49,594 |
| 8Woodbury | A+ | 70.1 | 68.4 | 71 | 85 | 53 | 78,305 |
| 9Eagan | A | 68.8 | 65.7 | 66 | 77 | 58 | 68,000 |
| 10Apple Valley | A | 66.9 | 64.0 | 61 | 72 | 58 | 55,679 |
| 11Bloomington | B+ | 66.4 | 62.8 | 75 | 64 | 61 | 88,665 |
| 12Brooklyn Park | B+ | 63.1 | 61.6 | 66 | 62 | 65 | 83,876 |
| 13Blaine | A | 62.4 | 63.8 | 57 | 73 | 59 | 72,488 |
| 14Burnsville | B+ | 62.4 | 61.7 | 57 | 58 | 62 | 64,463 |
| 15Rochester | B+ | 61.0 | 62.4 | 61 | 64 | 73 | 122,330 |
| 16Duluth | B | 60.6 | 58.6 | 55 | 39 | 81 | 87,093 |
| 17Coon Rapids | B+ | 59.9 | 59.7 | 52 | 64 | 64 | 63,468 |
| 18St. Paul | B | 59.4 | 57.9 | 57 | 43 | 67 | 307,284 |
| 19Minneapolis | C+ | 56.3 | 54.0 | 70 | 46 | 63 | 427,246 |
| 20St. Cloud | C | 51.6 | 51.3 | 47 | 30 | 83 | 70,629 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Minnesota for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota a good state for retirees?
Minnesota ranks #11 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 75.6/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (77/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (31/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Minnesota?
Plymouth ranks #1 in Minnesota for retirees with a score of 75.3/100, followed by Edina and Eden Prairie.
What factors are most important for retirees in Minnesota?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.