Is Woodbury Safe, Pros and cons of living in Woodbury
Woodbury, Minnesota, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive place to live for many. This city is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, well-maintained parks, and a strong sense of community. Residents often praise its good schools and relatively safe environment, contributing to its desirability.
The city’s strategic location within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area provides abundant opportunities for employment, recreation, and cultural enrichment. Woodbury’s commitment to maintaining green spaces and fostering community engagement further enhances its appeal to those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its robust infrastructure and ongoing development ensure a high quality of life for its diverse population.
Is it Safe to Live in Woodbury?
Woodbury is generally considered a safe community, with crime rates significantly below the national average. Over a five-year period, the city recorded an average violent crime rate of 24.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 76.5% lower than the national average (according to FBI crime data). Property crime also remains low, averaging 91.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, 44.3% below the national average (according to FBI crime data).
The Woodbury Police Department actively serves the community, focusing on crime prevention through neighborhood patrols and outreach. While crime is present, most reported incidents are minor, such as theft or vandalism, with violent crimes being rare. The city’s higher median household income and low unemployment rate also contribute to its overall safety profile.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Woodbury presents a range of options for potential buyers and renters. As of March 2026, the median home value in Woodbury was approximately $429,000, showing a 6.3% increase compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). Homes typically spend about 43 days on the market, indicating a moderately competitive environment.
For renters, the market offers various choices as well. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,702 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $2,003 per month (as of April 2026) (according to Apartments.com). Rent prices have seen an increase of 4.5% over the past year, reflecting steady demand in the rental sector.
Home Prices and Appreciation
Woodbury’s real estate market has seen consistent appreciation in home values. The median listing price for homes in Woodbury is around $490,000 (according to realtor.com®). Over the last decade, house values in Woodbury have increased by approximately 59.40%, with an annualized rate of 4.77% (according to NeighborhoodScout). This steady growth suggests a stable and attractive investment for homeowners.
The median sale price of a home in Woodbury was $429,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). This figure indicates that while prices have risen, they remain competitive within the broader Minnesota market. The market is considered somewhat competitive, with a median sale-to-list price ratio of 0.991 as of February 2026 (according to Zillow).
Rental Market Trends
The rental market in Woodbury shows a consistent demand, with average rents experiencing a year-over-year increase. As of April 2026, the average rent for a studio apartment is approximately $1,391, a one-bedroom is $1,702, and a two-bedroom is $2,003 (according to Apartments.com). These figures represent a 4.5% increase in apartment rents over the past year.
The largest share of rentals in Woodbury falls between $1,501-$2,000 per month, indicating that most renters can find suitable options within this price range. The rent-to-income ratio in the area is around 27%, suggesting that housing costs are generally manageable for renters (according to Point2Homes).
Cost of Living and Economic Factors
The cost of living in Woodbury is generally higher than both the national and state averages, influenced by housing expenses. The overall cost of living index is 121, meaning it is 21% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs, in particular, are significantly higher, being 73% above the national average.
Despite the higher cost of living, Woodbury offers strong economic opportunities. The median household income is substantial, with various reports placing it around $111,734 (as of the 2024 American Community Survey), $125,310 (according to Census data), or even higher in other estimates (according to Point2Homes, ERI Economic Research Institute, and Data Commons). This income level helps to offset the higher cost of living for many residents.
Income and Employment
Woodbury boasts a robust job market and a high median household income. The median household income is reported to be $111,734 (as of the 2024 American Community Survey) (according to Point2Homes). Other sources indicate a median household income of $125,310 (according to Data Commons and Zippia) and an average household income of $157,028 (according to Washington County Community Development Agency).
The unemployment rate in Woodbury is relatively low, standing at 3.60% as of the latest data (according to YCharts). This low rate, combined with a median household income that is well above the national average, contributes to a strong economic environment for its residents.
Major Employers and Industries
Woodbury’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers and key industries. Major sectors include healthcare, retail, and professional services. Prominent employers in the healthcare field include M Health Fairview, HealthPartners, and Summit Orthopedics (according to Apartments.com and Zippia).
Other significant employers contributing to the local economy include Target Corporation and Self Esteem Brands (according to Zippia and Wikipedia). Many residents also commute to nearby Minneapolis and Saint Paul for employment, leveraging the broader metropolitan area’s job market.
Climate and Environment
Woodbury experiences a four-season climate typical of the Upper Midwest, with distinct periods of warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature ranges from a low of 7°F in January to a high of 83°F in July (according to Wikipedia). The city enjoys approximately 2,520 hours of sunshine annually, with July being the sunniest month.
The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation, with about 33 inches annually, peaking in June (according to myPerfectWeather and Wikipedia). Snowfall is also common in the winter months, with an average of 47 inches per year, and December being the snowiest month (according to myPerfectWeather).
Temperature and Precipitation
Summers in Woodbury are generally warm and wet, with average high temperatures in July around 82°F. Winters are cold and windy, with January experiencing average lows of 9°F and highs of 24°F (according to Wikipedia). The transition seasons of spring and fall offer mild and comfortable weather conditions.
June is typically the wettest month, receiving an average of 4.2 inches of rain (according to Wikipedia). The city experiences a snowy period for about six months, from November to April, with December seeing the most snowfall, averaging 10.9 inches (according to Wikipedia).
Education and Demographics
Woodbury is recognized for its strong educational system and diverse population. The city is served by multiple school districts, including South Washington County Schools (District 833), Stillwater Area Schools (District 834), and North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District (District 622), offering a variety of public school options. Private and charter schools are also available, providing further educational choices for families.
The population of Woodbury is diverse, with a significant portion of residents being White, followed by Asian and African American communities. As of recent estimates, the city’s population is over 80,000, with a median age of 38 years (according to Data Commons and Point2Homes). The diversity index is noted at 55.0, indicating a good mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds among residents (according to Washington County Community Development Agency).
School Ratings and Performance
Woodbury’s schools are frequently recognized for their quality. The majority of the city is served by South Washington County School District 833, which consistently ranks among the top school districts in Minnesota (according to Woodbury). Many schools within the district receive high ratings for academic performance and student engagement.
Residents often cite the quality of education as a primary reason for choosing Woodbury. The city’s commitment to education is reflected in its well-resourced schools and the high percentage of residents who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, estimated at 54.5% (according to Point2Homes).
Population Demographics
Woodbury is a growing city with a diverse population. As of 2024, the population was estimated at 80,596 (according to Data Commons), with projections indicating continued growth. The median age in Woodbury is 38 years (according to Data Commons).
The racial makeup of Woodbury is predominantly White, accounting for approximately 69.6% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 13.5% and African Americans at 7.8% (according to Data Commons). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 5.4% of the population (according to Data Commons).