MinnesotaPop. 307,284Big cities
Is St. Paul a Good Place to Live? St. Paul, Minnesota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
St. Paul ranks #508 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 53 big cities and #18 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21.1 min, #12 of 53), and trails on low graduation rates (74.8%, #39 of 47).
St. Paul by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with St. Paul'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 St. Paul?
St. Paul'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 $1,281/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $294,500.
| Measure | St. Paul | 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 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $294,500#516 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,281/mo#513 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 20.9%#556 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.
Is St. Paul safe?
St. Paul recorded 491 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Minnesota's 224. That ranks #831 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Paul Police Department. Property crime runs 2,826 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | St. Paul | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 491#831 of 1,085 | 224 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,826#920 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 St. Paul?
The median household in St. Paul earns $73,394, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | St. Paul | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $73,394#745 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% | 15.6%#897 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 St. Paul?
The median resident of St. Paul is 33.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 43.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | St. Paul | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 33.7 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 43.8%#369 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 52.9% | 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 St. Paul's schools and health?
St. Paul's 114 public schools graduate 74.8% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $19,402 spent per pupil. 32.8% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | St. Paul | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 74.8%#986 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $19,402#236 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 32.8%#596 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.4%#575 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. 45,209 students are enrolled in St. Paul's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in St. Paul?
The average commute in St. Paul is 21.1 minutes (Minnesota 22.7); 5.4% of workers take transit and 20.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index St. Paul scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.1°F and winters 19.6°F, with 29.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | St. Paul | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 21.1 min#430 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 4.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 58.9% | 70.7% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.4% | 1.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 3.8% | 2.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 1% | 0.6% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 20.2% | 14.7% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 14.4#100 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 | 23.9 | 8.6 | 0.5 |
| Feb | 28.7 | 12.9 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 41.7 | 24.6 | 1.4 |
| Apr | 56.8 | 37.2 | 2.6 |
| May | 68.9 | 48.9 | 4 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 59.2 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 82.6 | 64 | 4 |
| Aug | 80.4 | 61.7 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 72.4 | 53.4 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 58 | 40 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 42.1 | 27.1 | 1.3 |
| Dec | 28.6 | 14.8 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St Paul Downtown Airport.
| Measure | St. Paul | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 46.5°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 71.1°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 | 29.2 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 St Paul Downtown Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in St. Paul?
Ramsey County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ramsey County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | St. Paul | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 9#840 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#178 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 Ramsey County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ramsey County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.01% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 64% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% 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 St. Paul compare with similar-size cities?
St. Paul is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #14 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 307,284.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Irvine, CAPop. 311,690 | #239 | 63.4 | $136,719 | $2,997/mo | 79 | 24.7 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 min |
| Greensboro, NCPop. 301,198 | #1019 | 49.7 | $61,515 | $1,172/mo | 702 | 21.7 min |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 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 St. Paul compare with the rest of Minnesota?
St. Paul ranks #18 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 16% below the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate.
| 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 St. Paul's score calculated?
St. Paul scores 57.9 out of 100, #508 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 St. Paul. Similar-size median 53.8.
53.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by St. Paul's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
55.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in St. Paul. Similar-size median 54.8.
57.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in St. Paul's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
St. Paul's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
67.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in St. Paul. Similar-size median 47.2.
43.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in St. Paul. 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 St. Paul. Similar-size median 53.7.
68.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across St. Paul's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
70.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
80.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: St. Paul'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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Is St. Paul, MN a good place to live?
St. Paul ranks #508 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 53 big cities and #18 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21.1 min, #12 of 53), and trails on low graduation rates (74.8%, #39 of 47).
What is the cost of living in St. Paul?
St. Paul'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 $1,281/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $294,500.
What is the crime rate in St. Paul?
St. Paul recorded 491 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Minnesota's 224. That ranks #831 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Paul Police Department. Property crime runs 2,826 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in St. Paul?
The median household in St. Paul earns $73,394, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in St. Paul?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,281/mo (Census), #513 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in St. Paul?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in St. Paul is $294,500, #516 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in St. Paul?
St.
How long is the commute in St. Paul?
The average commute is 21.1 minutes, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Minnesota. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in St. Paul?
St. Paul averages 46.5°F over the year, 71.1°F in summer and 19.6°F in winter, with 29.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is St. Paul walkable?
St. Paul scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 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 St. Paul at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ramsey County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
How is the air quality in St. Paul?
Ramsey County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in St. Paul?
St. Paul has 307,284 residents. The median resident of St. Paul is 33.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 43.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does St. Paul compare with the rest of Minnesota?
St. Paul ranks #18 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 16% below the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to St. Paul?
The tracked cities in other states closest to St. Paul's population of 307,284 are Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), Irvine, CA (#239 overall), Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall), and Newark, NJ (#1109 overall). St. Paul is #508.