What to know when moving to Stillwater, MN
Stillwater at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 52.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 22.5% rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $117,538, which supports a variety of community amenities.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.9% of residents using public transit, it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 98 rainy days a year, so consider investing in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Stillwater's community features a blend of education and homeownership, with 52.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $117,538 reflects a stable economic environment. Housing here leans toward ownership, with 77.5% of residents owning their homes. However, the area sees a low public transit usage, with only 0.9% commuting via this mode, indicating that most residents rely on cars for transportation. The climate brings about 31.2 inches of precipitation annually, which includes 98 rainy days.
Probably not your spot if you prefer urban areas with robust public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,439, while median owner-occupied home value is $459,500, suggesting a relatively high cost of living.
- Education levels are high, with 52.8% of residents having at least a bachelor's degree, and the poverty rate is low at 6%.
- With 0.9% of residents commuting via public transit, a car is essential for getting around.
- The area has a renter percentage of 22.5%, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Minnesota's crime rates indicate a lower incidence of both violent and property crimes compared to the national averages. In 2025, the violent crime rate in Minnesota stood at 223.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 31.4% lower than the national rate of 325.3. Property crime rates were similarly low, with a state annual rate of 1420.7 per 100,000, 8.2% below the national average of 1546.9. Additionally, there has been a significant downward trend in both violent and property crime rates over the past few years.
- Violent crime: 223.2 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 21.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1420.7 per 100k vs. national 1546.9, down 28.7% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 32.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (CDE).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education options in the area includes a total of 3 postsecondary institutions, with all of them being within Washington County and neighboring Ramsey County. Notable schools include Century College in White Bear Lake and Nova Academy of Cosmetology in Woodbury.
- Postsecondary institutions: 3
- With College Scorecard data: 3
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Washington County experiences about 31.2 inches of precipitation annually, spread over 98 rainy days. In addition, the area sees a modest snowfall of about 3.1 inches per year, with 25 snow days. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby parks offer great recreational opportunities.
- Willow River State Park: 4.7 stars, 4220 reviews
- Phalen Regional Park: 4.6 stars, 2568 reviews
- Battle Creek Regional Park: 4.6 stars, 2375 reviews
- Historic Courthouse: 4.6 stars, 218 reviews
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places API.