
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.
Lake Elmo, Minnesota is a smaller city with a population of 9,402 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (93% White). Given that fact, Lake Elmo could be considered less diverse than other cities. Lake Elmo is known to be family friendly as more than 70% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 51% of residents also have children under the age of 18. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Lake Elmo is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Lake Elmo could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Minnesota if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Lake Elmo and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Lake Elmo to Minnesota and the national average.
The livability score in Lake Elmo is 72 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 80th percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Lake Elmo ranks well for crime (A+) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Lake Elmo ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Lake Elmo has an unemployment rate of 1.8% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Lake Elmo apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Lake Elmo real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Lake Elmo. Median real estate prices in Lake Elmo come in at $774,270, which is 128.4% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lake Elmo, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 2.7% lower than the Minnesota average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Lake Elmo | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.0% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.5% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.4% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 15.5% | 5.3% | 4.6% |