What to know when moving to Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 57.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 77.1% of the population are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $72,703, providing a solid financial base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 13.7% indicates some economic challenges within the community.
- Commute:
- Only 7.5% of residents use public transit for their daily commute.
- Top Tip:
- Median rent is $1,573, so budget accordingly if you are looking to move here.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Saint Paul showcases a community with a strong educational background, as over half of the residents have at least a bachelor's degree. The housing market is predominantly rental, with 77.1% of the population renting their homes, which makes for a dynamic and possibly transient community. The median household income of $72,703 is decent, but the poverty rate of 13.7% suggests that some residents may face economic hardships.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a robust public transit system, as only 7.5% of residents rely on it for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,573, indicating a relatively high cost for renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $252,700, which can be a significant investment for prospective homeowners.
- 57.2% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, reflecting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, which highlights some economic disparities within the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Minnesota, the overall crime rates reflect a trend of decreasing violence and property crime.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 223.2 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: The state annual rate is 1,420.7 per 100,000, which is also below the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 32.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Minnesota).
Schools & Higher Ed
Saint Paul has access to a range of educational institutions, enhancing opportunities for residents.
- There are a total of 36 postsecondary institutions in the area.
- 34 of these institutions provide College Scorecard data, which can be useful for evaluating educational quality.
- Notable institutions include Bethel University, Macalester College, and the University of St Thomas.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Saint Paul experiences an annual total of about 38.9 inches of precipitation, with 127 rainy days each year. This means you will want to invest in some good rain gear. The climate features a mix of seasonal changes, with spring and summer contributing the most to the annual precipitation.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - Rating: 4.6 (18,871 reviews)
- Como Regional Park - Rating: 4.7 (13,821 reviews)
- Fort Snelling State Park - Rating: 4.7 (2,684 reviews)
- Phalen Regional Park - Rating: 4.6 (2,568 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.