Is Edina Safe, Pros and cons of living in Edina
Edina, Minnesota, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive place for those seeking a high quality of life. Situated as a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis, Edina boasts a strong community feel, excellent schools, and a robust economy. This city provides a well-rounded environment for families, professionals, and retirees alike, with a focus on green spaces, cultural amenities, and a high standard of living.
The city’s strategic location, coupled with its commitment to resident well-being, has fostered a dynamic and desirable community. Edina’s appeal lies in its ability to offer the peace of a suburban setting while maintaining close proximity to the vibrant opportunities of a major metropolitan area. This balance is a key factor for many individuals and families considering a move to the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.
Is it Safe to Live in Edina?
Edina generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often lower than national averages, particularly when compared to cities of similar size. The city’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average by 26.2% (according to AreaVibes). Violent crime in Edina is reported at 73 per 100,000 individuals, which is 79.6% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Property crime rates also show a favorable comparison, with 1490 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 15.3% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). While Edina’s crime rate is higher than 87% of Minnesota’s cities and towns, NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data indicates it is safer than most communities of comparable population size across America. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Edina is approximately 1 in 64 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Edina’s housing market is characterized by its upscale nature and competitive pricing. The median sale price of a home in Edina was approximately $574,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). This figure reflects a market that is generally more expensive than the national average, with a median sale price per square foot at $259, which was down 8.3% year-over-year (according to Redfin).
Rental costs in Edina are also on the higher side. The average rent for an apartment in Edina is around $2,081 (according to Zillow, as of April 28, 2026). This is higher than the national average rent of $1,910 (according to Zillow, as of March 31, 2026). The cost of living in Edina is generally considered to be higher than the U.S. average, with some sources indicating it’s about 2.9% higher than the national average when using the Minneapolis cost of living index (according to Numbeo data cited by City of Edina Minnesota Complete Guide). However, other analyses suggest Edina is 2% more expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
Edina boasts a strong and diverse economy, with a variety of major employers contributing to its stability and growth. Key employers in Edina include BI Worldwide, Dow/FilmTec Corporation, Edina Realty, Jerry’s Enterprises, Lunds & Byerlys, and M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital (according to the City of Edina Economic Development). The city’s economy is supported by thriving business clusters in retail, healthcare, professional services, and light industrial sectors.
The average salary in Edina, MN, is reported to be around $75,000 annually (according to PayScale, as of March 30, 2026). Another source indicates the average annual salary in Edina is $53,270 as of April 26, 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Edina was $128,767 as of 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). The unemployment rate in Edina was at 1047.00 in January 2026, an increase from the previous month and year (according to YCharts, citing the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Climate and Weather
Edina experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 9°F to 83°F throughout the year, rarely falling below -11°F or exceeding 92°F (according to WeatherSpark). The warm season extends from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 71°F, and July being the hottest month with highs around 83°F.
Conversely, the cold season lasts from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 36°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 10°F and highs near 24°F (according to WeatherSpark). Edina also experiences significant seasonal variation in cloud cover, with July being the clearest month and February being the cloudiest.
Education and Schools
Edina is highly regarded for its excellent public school system, consistently ranking among the top in the state. Edina Public School District receives an overall A+ rating from Niche, highlighting its strengths in academics, teachers, and overall district quality. Edina Senior High School also holds an A+ rating and is ranked among the best public high schools in Minnesota (according to Niche).
The district offers a wide range of educational programs, including STEAM initiatives, global scholar programs, and various extracurricular activities designed to foster well-rounded development. Niche data shows Edina Public Schools ranks #3 for Best School Districts in Minnesota and #3 for Districts with the Best Teachers in Minnesota (according to Niche).
Demographics and Population
Edina is home to a population of over 53,000 residents, with a median age of around 45 years (according to U.S. Census Bureau data cited by Point2Homes and World Population Review). The population is relatively balanced in terms of gender, with approximately 53.1% female and 46.9% male (according to Point2Homes). The racial makeup of Edina is predominantly White, with about 80.8% of the population identifying as Caucasian (according to Point2Homes).
Other significant demographic groups include Asian residents at 7%, African American residents at 3.1%, and those identifying with two or more races at 7.3% (according to Point2Homes). The median household income in Edina is substantial, reported at $128,767 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). A significant portion of residents, 96.2%, are U.S. citizens (according to Data USA).