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Is Minnetonka a Good Place to Live? Minnetonka, Minnesota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Minnetonka ranks #33 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #37 of 468) and high graduation rates (94.2%, #54 of 437), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Minnetonka by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Minnetonka'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 Minnetonka?
Minnetonka'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 $1,779/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $485,327, 38% above the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
| Measure | Minnetonka | 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 | $485,327#790 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 | $1,825/mo#594 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $475,800#941 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,779/mo#946 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.9%#231 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.
Minnetonka 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. Minnetonka is in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro.
Minnesota housing market →Is Minnetonka safe?
Minnetonka recorded 101 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% below the US rate of 328 and 55% below Minnesota's 224. That ranks #130 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #55 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Minnetonka Police Department. Property crime runs 1,298 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Minnetonka | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 101#130 of 1,085 | 224 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,298#358 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 Minnetonka?
The median household in Minnetonka earns $119,517, 44% above the US figure of $83,163 and 37% above Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Minnetonka | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $119,517#162 of 1,312 | $87,117 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.9%#171 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.2%#85 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 Minnetonka?
The median resident of Minnetonka is 42.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 65% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #85 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Minnetonka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 65%#85 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 71.6% | 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 Minnetonka's schools and health?
Minnetonka's 14 public schools graduate 94.2% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $15,389 spent per pupil. 24.5% of adults are obese and 7.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Minnetonka | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94.2%#115 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,389#529 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 24.5%#121 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.6%#75 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 12.5%#31 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.2%#82 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. 13,903 students are enrolled in Minnetonka's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Minnetonka?
The average commute in Minnetonka is 19.3 minutes (Minnesota 22.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 27.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Minnetonka scores 10.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #633 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.5°F and winters 19.2°F, with 30.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Minnetonka | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.3 min#287 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 1.2%#16 of 1,312 | 4.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 65.1% | 70.7% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 2.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 27.4% | 14.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.6#633 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 | 24.4 | 7.7 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 28.6 | 11.5 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 41.9 | 24.3 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 57.1 | 37.1 | 2.7 |
| May | 70 | 49.3 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 79.4 | 59.3 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 83.7 | 64 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 81.2 | 61.6 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 73.7 | 53.3 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 59 | 40.1 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 42.5 | 27 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 29.1 | 14 | 0.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Minneapolis Flying Cloud Airport.
| Measure | Minnetonka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 46.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 19.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 30.6 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 Minneapolis Flying Cloud Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Minnetonka?
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 | Minnetonka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 45#664 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% | 0.1%#214 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 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 Minnetonka compare with similar-size cities?
Minnetonka is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #17 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 53,064.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnetonka, MNPop. 53,064 | #33 | 71.8 | $119,517 | $1,779/mo | 101 | 19.3 min |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #77 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 | 31.6 min |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #451 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data | 32.3 min |
| Huntington Park, CAPop. 53,108 | #1238 | 43.2 | $59,996 | $1,505/mo | 510 | 32.4 min |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #894 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 | 22.6 min |
| Wheaton, MDPop. 52,926 | #259 | 63.0 | $111,478 | $2,163/mo | no data | 31.6 min |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #461 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 | 30.9 min |
| Grand Island, NEPop. 52,884 | #773 | 53.8 | $63,795 | $947/mo | 386 | 16.9 min |
| Wake Forest, NCPop. 52,844 | #78 | 69.2 | $123,802 | $1,596/mo | 85 | 30.9 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 Minnetonka compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Minnetonka ranks #2 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 71.8 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 37% above the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 38% 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 Minnetonka's score calculated?
Minnetonka scores 71.8 out of 100, #33 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 Minnetonka. Similar-size median 55.5.
75.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Minnetonka's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
90.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Minnetonka. Similar-size median 58.9.
83.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Minnetonka's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
66.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Minnetonka's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
53.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Minnetonka. Similar-size median 56.1.
81.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Minnetonka. Similar-size median 42.4.
65.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Minnetonka. Similar-size median 50.0.
65.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Minnetonka's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
50.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
68.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Minnetonka'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 Minnetonka 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 Minnetonka
Is Minnetonka, MN a good place to live?
Minnetonka ranks #33 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.2%, #37 of 468) and high graduation rates (94.2%, #54 of 437), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Minnetonka?
Minnetonka'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 $1,779/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $485,327, 38% above the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
What is the crime rate in Minnetonka?
Minnetonka recorded 101 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% below the US rate of 328 and 55% below Minnesota's 224. That ranks #130 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #55 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Minnetonka Police Department. Property crime runs 1,298 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Minnetonka?
The median household in Minnetonka earns $119,517, 44% above the US figure of $83,163 and 37% above Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Minnetonka?
Median rent in Minnetonka is $1,779/mo (Census), #946 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,825/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Minnetonka?
The typical home value in Minnetonka is $485,327, up 3% in a year, against $350,752 for Minnesota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $475,800.
How are the public schools in Minnetonka?
Minnetonka's 14 public schools graduate 94.2% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $15,389 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Minnetonka?
The average commute is 19.3 minutes, #287 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Minnesota. 1.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Minnetonka?
Minnetonka averages 46.7°F over the year, 71.5°F in summer and 19.2°F in winter, with 30.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Minnetonka walkable?
Minnetonka scores 10.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #633 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 Minnetonka 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 Minnetonka?
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 Minnetonka?
Minnetonka has 53,064 residents. The median resident of Minnetonka is 42.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 65% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #85 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 71.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Minnetonka compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Minnetonka ranks #2 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 71.8 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 37% above the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 38% above the typical Minnesota home.
What cities are similar in size to Minnetonka?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Minnetonka's population of 53,064 are Oak Park, IL (#77 overall), Eagle Mountain, UT (#451 overall), Huntington Park, CA (#1238 overall), Elyria, OH (#894 overall), and Wheaton, MD (#259 overall). Minnetonka is #33.