Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prior Lake, MN
Thinking of moving to Prior Lake, MN? This growing city of 28,670 offers a welcoming community, top-rated schools, and a median home price around $445,000. Enjoy low crime rates—violent crime is just 62 per 100K—and a high household income of $124,500. With average rents at $1,650, short 28-minute commutes, and beautiful lakeside living, Prior Lake is perfect for families seeking quality education, safety, and a blend of suburban comfort with access to the Twin Cities.
Demographics - Prior Lake, MN
Demographics - Prior Lake, MN
Prior Lake is home to around 28,670 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 39.8. The community is predominantly White, but also includes Asian, Black, and other ethnic groups, and nearly 8% of locals speak a language other than English at home. The city's moderate population density offers a comfortable suburban atmosphere ideal for families and professionals.
Population:
28,670
Density:
1,480 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.2%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
6.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prior Lake, MN?
Living in Prior Lake comes with a slightly higher-than-average cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $445,000 and average rents of $1,650. Utilities and groceries are fairly typical for the region, while state taxes range from 5.35% to 9.85%. Residents enjoy suburban amenities and a quality lifestyle, though housing costs are a bit above the national average.
Median House Value:
$445,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,325
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.4
Grocery:
104.0
Housing:
119.0
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
111.5
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
103.8
Crime
Is Prior Lake, MN a safe place to live?
Prior Lake maintains a notably low crime rate, with just 62 violent crimes and about 1,020 property crimes per 100,000 people. Residents have a very low chance of encountering violent crime, making the city a safe choice for families and those prioritizing security. The overall crime index underscores the area's strong reputation for public safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
62
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,082
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,613
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Prior Lake, MN year-round?
Prior Lake experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 7°F and warm summers peaking near 83°F. The city enjoys 55% sunny days each year and receives about 31.5 inches of rainfall annually. Residents can look forward to distinct seasonal changes, perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
26°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The community boasts a high median household income of $124,500 and a low poverty rate of just 3.5%. Nearly all adults have completed high school and almost half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated and prosperous population. With an average commute of under 28 minutes and low unemployment, Prior Lake offers a stable and family-friendly environment.
Median Income:
$54,800
Household Income:
$124,500
Family Income:
$137,400
Per Capita Income:
$52,900
Income Male:
$66,000
Income Female:
$51,300
Poverty Rate:
3.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.5%
Bachelors or More:
46.9%
Education
How are the schools in Prior Lake, MN?
Prior Lake offers access to highly rated public and private schools, with Prior Lake High School serving over 2,700 students. The area boasts strong educational attainment, and families benefit from proximity to major colleges like Normandale Community College and the University of Minnesota. This commitment to quality education makes the city attractive to families and students alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Prior Lake High School
Street:
7575 150th St W
Phone:
952-226-8600
Students:
2,750
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Name:
Hidden Oaks Middle School
Street:
15855 Fish Point Rd SE
Phone:
952-226-0700
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Michael Catholic School
Street:
16280 Duluth Ave SE
Phone:
952-447-2124
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Normandale Community College
City:
Bloomington
State:
MN
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
14,000
Name:
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
City:
Minneapolis
State:
MN
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
52,000
Healthcare
Prior Lake residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, including nearby St. Francis Regional Medical Center offering emergency services. The area features a high rate of health insurance coverage at 95.1% and 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare quality is strong, ensuring peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Francis Regional Medical Center
Address:
1455 St Francis Ave, Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone:
(952) 428-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prior Lake, MN?
The local housing market in Prior Lake is robust, with a median home price of $445,000 and owner-occupancy at 80%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,650 and a low vacancy and foreclosure rate. Home values have appreciated nearly 4% in the past year, reflecting steady demand and a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$445,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Prior Lake residents are handled by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, located in nearby St. Paul. The office provides a full range of licensing and registration services, with information easily accessible online or by phone. Residents benefit from Minnesota's efficient DMV system for all motor vehicle needs.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-3298
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.