Is Richfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Richfield

Richfield, Minnesota, offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the amenities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This inner-ring suburb is known for its established neighborhoods and proximity to major transportation routes and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. It provides a blend of residential areas and commercial centers, making it a practical choice for many.

The city balances a quiet residential atmosphere with access to urban conveniences. Its location makes it an attractive option for those who want to be close to the Twin Cities’ cultural and economic hubs while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. Richfield’s development over the years has created a community with a distinct character.

Is it Safe to Live in Richfield?

Richfield’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a rate of 28.7% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Richfield is 1 in 37 (according to AreaVibes). Within Minnesota, Richfield has a higher crime rate than over 96% of communities (according to NeighborhoodScout).

However, when considering violent crimes specifically, Richfield’s rate is lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is 25.6% lower than the national average, with 97 violent crimes reported annually, equating to 267 per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). Property crime, on the other hand, is higher than the national average, with a rate of 40% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Trends

The housing market in Richfield presents a range of options, with the median home value around $347,412 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). Home prices have seen a slight increase of 2.9% over the past year (according to Zillow). In March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $356,000, with homes selling after an average of 25 days on the market (according to Redfin).

Rental prices in Richfield are generally more affordable than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent is $1,179 per month, which is 28% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $1,179 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,623 per month (according to Apartments.com).

Job Market and Major Employers

Richfield’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and employers. The city employs approximately 20,400 people, with the largest sectors being Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). The highest-paying industries include Utilities, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Finance & Insurance (according to Data USA).

A significant employer in Richfield is Best Buy, which moved its corporate headquarters to the city in 2003 (according to Wikipedia). Other notable employers include Fraser and Headway Emotional Health Services (according to Wikipedia). The employment landscape also includes companies like FedEx, Target, and The Home Depot, contributing to job opportunities within the city (according to Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Richfield experiences a climate characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. Over the year, temperatures typically range from 10°F to 84°F, rarely dropping below -10°F or exceeding 92°F (according to Weather Network). The average annual temperature is around 55°F, with average lows of 37°F (according to Livability.com).

Annual precipitation in Richfield averages approximately 34 inches, with June being the wettest month, receiving around 4.2 inches of rain (according to Plantmaps). Winters bring an average of 49 inches of snowfall (according to Plantmaps). The city enjoys about 150 days per year with comfortable weather, making mid-May through September the most pleasant time to visit or enjoy outdoor activities (according to Weather Network).

School System Overview

Richfield is served by the Richfield Public School District, which includes a variety of educational institutions. The district is ranked 163rd out of 362 school districts in Minnesota and is rated one out of five stars by SchoolDigger (according to Niche). Graduation rates at Richfield Senior High School are strong, with a four-year graduation rate of 94.1%, exceeding the statewide average (according to Niche).

Academic performance varies across schools within the district. While some schools, like Seven Hills – Richfield Elementary, show higher proficiency rates in subjects like math and reading, others face challenges (according to SchoolDigger). The district is noted for its diversity, ranking 11th out of 370 for diversity in Minnesota school districts (according to Niche).

Demographics and Population

Richfield has an estimated population of 36,642 residents, reflecting a slight decrease from the 2020 census figure of 36,994 (according to Census Reporter). The population is diverse, with approximately 60.9% identifying as White, 17.8% Hispanic, 10.7% Black, and 5.5% Asian (according to Census Dots). The median age in Richfield is 39.4 years (according to Census Reporter).

The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.9% male and 50.1% female residents (according to Census Reporter). The city has a significant portion of its population aged 18 to 64, making up about 63% of residents (according to Census Reporter). A notable aspect is that 16.4% of residents were born outside the United States (according to Data USA).