Best Cities for Retirees in Minnesota
Why Minnesota Works for Retirees
Minnesota ranks #8 nationally for retirees, making it a top-ten 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 90/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure β life expectancy here is 79.8 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.
At $354,000, median home prices are above the national average β retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 73/100. 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 | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plymouth | A+ | 72.5 | 68.9 | 85 | 90 | 58 | 77,638 |
| 2 | Lakeville | A+ | 72.0 | 70.9 | 67 | 99 | 59 | 76,235 |
| 3 | Eden Prairie | A+ | 71.2 | 70.0 | 84 | 85 | 58 | 63,249 |
| 4 | Edina | A+ | 70.6 | 68.1 | 87 | 88 | 53 | 53,125 |
| 5 | Minnetonka | A+ | 69.8 | 67.4 | 84 | 84 | 58 | 53,256 |
| 6 | Maple Grove | A+ | 69.0 | 65.7 | 81 | 78 | 59 | 71,275 |
| 7 | Woodbury | A+ | 68.5 | 65.8 | 71 | 84 | 58 | 79,530 |
| 8 | St. Louis Park | A | 64.4 | 62.9 | 82 | 70 | 57 | 49,541 |
| 9 | Eagan | A | 63.3 | 61.2 | 66 | 74 | 62 | 67,401 |
| 10 | Blaine | A | 63.1 | 62.0 | 57 | 72 | 63 | 73,762 |
| 11 | Rochester | A | 61.9 | 60.7 | 61 | 61 | 69 | 122,404 |
| 12 | Apple Valley | B+ | 61.3 | 59.8 | 61 | 73 | 62 | 55,696 |
| 13 | Bloomington | B+ | 60.2 | 57.5 | 75 | 61 | 63 | 87,378 |
| 14 | Coon Rapids | B+ | 58.9 | 57.8 | 52 | 63 | 66 | 63,348 |
| 15 | Brooklyn Park | B+ | 58.7 | 57.8 | 66 | 59 | 66 | 82,027 |
| 16 | Burnsville | B+ | 57.9 | 57.3 | 57 | 61 | 64 | 64,295 |
| 17 | Duluth | B | 53.4 | 53.5 | 55 | 35 | 75 | 87,693 |
| 18 | St. Paul | C+ | 52.5 | 52.6 | 57 | 43 | 68 | 303,827 |
| 19 | Minneapolis | C+ | 50.6 | 50.3 | 70 | 45 | 65 | 425,142 |
| 20 | St. Cloud | C | 50.5 | 49.6 | 47 | 33 | 75 | 68,399 |