What to know when moving to South Saint Paul, MN
South Saint Paul at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 28% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $84,573 makes it a relatively affordable option in the region.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 1.4% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent environment.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,128 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
South Saint Paul has a population of 20,651, with a median household income of $84,573. The community is characterized by its relatively low poverty rate of 9.1% and a renter percentage of 28%. With only 1.4% of residents commuting via public transit, it's clear that living here means you'll likely need a car to get around. The area sees about 134 rainy days each year, so be prepared for some wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you prefer public transportation, as the low transit share suggests a strong reliance on cars.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,128, which may be manageable for many but reflects the region's overall affordability.
- With 30.8% of the population holding a bachelor's degree, education levels are relatively high.
- The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, indicating a stable economic environment.
- 28% of residents are renters, suggesting a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Minnesota, crime rates indicate a generally safe environment compared to national averages. The state has shown a decrease in both violent and property crimes over recent years.
- Violent crime: 223.2 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, down 21.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,420.7 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 32.1% since 2022, with a current rate of 2.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Minnesota).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in the South Saint Paul area includes a variety of institutions in the surrounding counties, providing ample options for higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 30
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 28
- Nearby options include Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
South Saint Paul experiences an annual precipitation of 36.7 inches, spread over approximately 134 rainy days. The area also sees 30 snow days each year, with an annual snowfall of about 5.7 inches.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - 4.6 stars (18,871 reviews)
- Fort Snelling State Park - 4.7 stars (2,684 reviews)
- Como Regional Park - 4.7 stars (13,821 reviews)
- Minnesota Children's Museum - 4.5 stars (1,224 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.