Apple Valley 86 Exceptional
Apple Valley Livability #11 ranked city in Minnesota#376 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Apple Valley

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

What's it like Living in Apple Valley?

Apple Valley, Minnesota is a mid-sized city with a population of 55,842 people. Apple Valley has a population density of 3,296 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (75% White). Given that fact, Apple Valley could be considered less diverse than other cities. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Apple Valley, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Apple Valley is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Minnesota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Apple Valley and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, education, employment and other important metrics.

The livability score in Apple Valley is 86 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. This is a phenomenal score, as Apple Valley ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Apple Valley ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Apple Valley ranks well for crime (B), education (B+) and housing (A+) Unfortunately for Apple Valley, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Apple Valley, the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Apple Valley has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Apple Valley. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Apple Valley are affordable. Median real estate prices in Apple Valley come in at $474,965, which is 40.1% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Apple Valley, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 5.4% lower than the Minnesota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Apple Valley

See all the best places to live around Apple Valley

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      Apple Valley transportation information

      Statistic Apple Valley Minnesota National
      Average one way commute26min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.3%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.2%8.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.9%3.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home10.1%5.3%4.6%
      Source: The Apple Valley, MN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.