Best Cities for Young Professionals in Minnesota
Why Minnesota Works for Young Professionals
Minnesota ranks #8 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 64/100, with 3.4% unemployment and a median household income of $85,551. Modest population growth of 0.6% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. With a cost-of-living index of 98, expenses are near the national norm — what you earn is roughly what you keep. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Minnesota's livability score of 45/100 is adequate — metro areas have decent options, though the state isn't known as a cultural hub. Transportation infrastructure scores well (61/100), with options beyond car dependency.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # | City | Grade | Young Professionals Score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Livability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakeville | A+ | 72.7 | 70.9 | 94 | 68 | 52 | 76,235 |
| 2 | Plymouth | A+ | 68.9 | 68.9 | 86 | 55 | 42 | 77,638 |
| 3 | Eden Prairie | A+ | 68.3 | 70.0 | 84 | 54 | 42 | 63,249 |
| 4 | Woodbury | A+ | 67.6 | 65.8 | 82 | 59 | 45 | 79,530 |
| 5 | Maple Grove | A+ | 67.3 | 65.7 | 74 | 64 | 49 | 71,275 |
| 6 | Edina | A+ | 65.9 | 68.1 | 85 | 48 | 37 | 53,125 |
| 7 | Minnetonka | A+ | 64.6 | 67.4 | 80 | 45 | 36 | 53,256 |
| 8 | Blaine | A | 63.8 | 62.0 | 71 | 62 | 49 | 73,762 |
| 9 | Rochester | A | 62.2 | 60.7 | 67 | 55 | 42 | 122,404 |
| 10 | St. Louis Park | A | 61.4 | 62.9 | 73 | 47 | 37 | 49,541 |
| 11 | Eagan | A | 59.5 | 61.2 | 73 | 42 | 33 | 67,401 |
| 12 | Bloomington | B+ | 58.7 | 57.5 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 87,378 |
| 13 | Apple Valley | B+ | 57.9 | 59.8 | 71 | 42 | 34 | 55,696 |
| 14 | Brooklyn Park | B+ | 57.5 | 57.8 | 63 | 51 | 42 | 82,027 |
| 15 | Coon Rapids | B+ | 57.2 | 57.8 | 63 | 49 | 40 | 63,348 |
| 16 | St. Paul | C+ | 55.9 | 52.6 | 59 | 53 | 42 | 303,827 |
| 17 | Burnsville | B+ | 55.8 | 57.3 | 64 | 44 | 36 | 64,295 |
| 18 | Duluth | B | 55.0 | 53.5 | 54 | 49 | 39 | 87,693 |
| 19 | Minneapolis | C+ | 54.9 | 50.3 | 62 | 50 | 40 | 425,142 |
| 20 | St. Cloud | C | 53.5 | 49.6 | 50 | 53 | 44 | 68,399 |