Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Located in the state of Minnesota, Prior Lake is a mid-sized city with a population of 27,582 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (89% White). Given that fact, Prior Lake could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Prior Lake, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Prior Lake is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Prior Lake, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, health & safety and more.
Prior Lake has a livability score of 70 out of 100 and is ranked #300 in Minnesota and #7,154 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Prior Lake has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A-), education (A-) and housing (A+). Prior Lake does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 107 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Prior Lake boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Prior Lake has an unemployment rate of 1.5% 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.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Prior Lake, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
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 Prior Lake 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.
Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake. Median real estate prices in Prior Lake come in at $596,034, which is 75.8% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Prior Lake, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 0% lower than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Prior Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.1% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.5% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.6% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.2% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Minnesota
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Minnesota
See the best places to live in Prior Lake
Most Dangerous States In The US