MinnesotaPop. 427,246Big cities
Is Minneapolis a Good Place to Live? Minneapolis, Minnesota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Minneapolis ranks #759 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 53 big cities and #19 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (68.3%, #44 of 47) and high violent crime (1,004 per 100,000, #44 of 50).
Minneapolis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Minneapolis'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 Minneapolis?
Minneapolis'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 $1,371/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $328,529, 6% below the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
| Measure | Minneapolis | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 104.8#935 of 1,308 | 98.6 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $328,529#460 of 1,187 | $350,752 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,682/mo#484 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $362,200#689 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,371/mo#604 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 20.3%#487 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Minneapolis 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. Minneapolis is in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro.
Minnesota housing market →Is Minneapolis safe?
Minneapolis recorded 1,004 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.1 times the US rate of 328 and 4.5 times Minnesota's 224. That ranks #1040 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #44 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Minneapolis Police Department. Property crime runs 4,518 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Minneapolis | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 1,004#1040 of 1,085 | 224 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 4,518#1069 of 1,085 | 1,412 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Minneapolis?
The median household in Minneapolis earns $80,846, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Minneapolis | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $80,846#602 of 1,312 | $87,117 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 16%#922 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Minneapolis?
The median resident of Minneapolis is 33.4 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 55.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Minneapolis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 33.4 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 55.5%#186 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 47.7% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Minneapolis's schools and health?
Minneapolis's 109 public schools graduate 68.3% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $20,892 spent per pupil. 28.6% of adults are obese and 7.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Minneapolis | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 68.3%#1041 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $20,892#167 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 28.6%#302 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 7.4%#67 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.9%#645 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 36,935 students are enrolled in Minneapolis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Minneapolis?
The average commute in Minneapolis is 22 minutes (Minnesota 22.7); 6.8% of workers take transit and 26.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Minneapolis scores 14.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 19.6°F, with 31.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Minneapolis | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 22 min#505 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 4.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 51.9% | 70.7% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 6.8% | 1.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 5.8% | 2.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 2% | 0.6% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 26.2% | 14.7% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.9#46 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 23.6 | 8.8 | 0.9 |
| Feb | 28.5 | 12.7 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 41.7 | 24.9 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 56.6 | 37.5 | 2.9 |
| May | 69.2 | 49.9 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 79 | 60.4 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 83.4 | 65.3 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 62.8 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 72.9 | 54.2 | 3 |
| Oct | 58.1 | 40.9 | 2.6 |
| Nov | 41.9 | 27.7 | 1.6 |
| Dec | 28.8 | 15.2 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport.
| Measure | Minneapolis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 46.9°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 71.9°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 19.6°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 31.6 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Minneapolis?
Hennepin County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 58% 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 Hennepin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | Minneapolis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 10#859 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#214 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hennepin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hennepin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.01% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 68% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0023% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.063% | 26% 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 Minneapolis compare with similar-size cities?
Minneapolis is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #25 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 427,246.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Oakland, CAPop. 439,418 | #1163 | 46.3 | $101,600 | $1,979/mo | 1,475 | 29.8 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 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 Minneapolis compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Minneapolis ranks #19 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 54 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 7% below the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 4.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below 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 Minneapolis's score calculated?
Minneapolis scores 54 out of 100, #759 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Minneapolis. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Minneapolis's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
10.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Minneapolis. Similar-size median 54.8.
69.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Minneapolis's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
52.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Minneapolis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
63.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Minneapolis. Similar-size median 47.2.
45.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Minneapolis. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Minneapolis. Similar-size median 53.7.
78.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Minneapolis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
73.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
68.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Minneapolis's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis
Is Minneapolis, MN a good place to live?
Minneapolis ranks #759 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #25 of 53 big cities and #19 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (68.3%, #44 of 47) and high violent crime (1,004 per 100,000, #44 of 50).
What is the cost of living in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis'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 $1,371/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $328,529, 6% below the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
What is the crime rate in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis recorded 1,004 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.1 times the US rate of 328 and 4.5 times Minnesota's 224. That ranks #1040 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #44 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Minneapolis Police Department. Property crime runs 4,518 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Minneapolis?
The median household in Minneapolis earns $80,846, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 16% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Minneapolis?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,371/mo (Census), #604 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,682/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Minneapolis?
The typical home value in Minneapolis is $328,529, up 0.6% in a year, against $350,752 for Minnesota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $362,200.
How are the public schools in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis's 109 public schools graduate 68.3% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $20,892 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Minneapolis?
The average commute is 22 minutes, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Minnesota. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis averages 46.9°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 19.6°F in winter, with 31.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Minneapolis walkable?
Minneapolis scores 14.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #46 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 Minneapolis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hennepin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Minneapolis?
Hennepin County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has 427,246 residents. The median resident of Minneapolis is 33.4 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 55.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Minneapolis compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Minneapolis ranks #19 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 54 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 7% below the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 4.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Minnesota home.
What cities are similar in size to Minneapolis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Minneapolis's population of 427,246 are Raleigh, NC (#335 overall), Virginia Beach, VA (#254 overall), Oakland, CA (#1163 overall), Tulsa, OK (#1127 overall), and Tampa, FL (#649 overall). Minneapolis is #759.