Is Arden Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Arden Hills
Arden Hills, Minnesota, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the amenities of the Twin Cities. This community is known for its green spaces, including numerous lakes, parks, and trails, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city’s strategic location north of St. Paul ensures that residents can enjoy a peaceful living environment while remaining close to urban centers and employment opportunities.
The area boasts a pleasant climate with warm, wet summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from a low of 9°F in January to a high of 83°F in July, with occasional fluctuations outside this range. Precipitation averages around 32 inches annually, complemented by about 51 inches of snowfall during the winter months (as reported by Livability.com).
Is it Safe to Live in Arden Hills?
Arden Hills presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are comparable to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 9 per 1,000 residents, meaning there is about a 1 in 116 chance of becoming a victim of crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This rate is lower than in about 30% of Minnesota communities, indicating a favorable safety profile within the state.
When examining specific crime types, violent crime in Arden Hills is also around the national average, with a rate of 1 per thousand inhabitants. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 791. Property crime, including burglary and larceny, occurs at a rate of 7 per 1,000 residents. While overall crime rates are near the national average, the perception of safety can vary by neighborhood, with some areas being considered safer than others (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Trends
The housing market in Arden Hills is considered competitive. The median home value was approximately $412,319 in November 2025, according to Livability.com. More recent data from Redfin indicates that the average Arden Hills house price was $440K in the month prior to May 2026, representing a 9.3% increase since the previous year. Another report shows a median sale price of $388K in March 2026, which was a decrease of 29.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Homes in Arden Hills typically sell relatively quickly. On average, homes sell after about 27 days on the market, and many homes receive multiple offers, sometimes with waived contingencies. The median sale price per square foot is around $195, which is up 2.9% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental Market Overview
For those considering renting, the average rent in Arden Hills is approximately $2,699 per month, which is about 35% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow). RentCafe.com provides a slightly different average rent of $2,081 per month as of April 2026, noting a 5.35% increase from the previous year. Apartment rents can range significantly, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,431 and three-bedroom apartments averaging $3,719 (as reported by RentCafe.com).
Overall Cost of Living
Arden Hills’s cost of living is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average. One source indicates it is 3% less expensive than the national average, assuming a $72,000 annual salary for a two-bedroom apartment (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). However, another analysis places the cost of living index at 119, meaning it is 19% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing costs in Arden Hills are notably higher than the national average, with some reports stating they are 61% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While food and transportation costs tend to be more affordable, healthcare costs are less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Economy and Employment
Major Employers
Arden Hills is home to several significant employers, contributing to a robust local job market. Key employers in the area include Boston Scientific, Bethel University, University of Northwestern, and Land O’Lakes, Inc. (as reported by the official website of Arden Hills, MN). These organizations span various sectors, including healthcare, education, and agribusiness, offering diverse employment opportunities.
The city benefits from having more people working within its limits than residing there, indicating a strong economic draw. With approximately 11,000 employees and nearly 10,000 residents, Arden Hills serves as a substantial employment hub within the metropolitan area (as reported by the official website of Arden Hills, MN).
Salaries and Unemployment
The average salary for a qualified professional in Arden Hills is approximately $72.82 per hour, or about $151,500 annually, though this can vary significantly by role and experience (as reported by Indeed). Other sources suggest a broader average annual salary of $61,000, or $29.33 per hour (as reported by Zippia).
The unemployment rate in Arden Hills is quite low. One report indicates an unemployment rate of 2%, with an employment rate of 93.77% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This low unemployment rate suggests a strong job market and ample opportunities for those seeking employment within the city and surrounding areas.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Arden Hills is served by highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal as a place to live. Mounds View High School, for example, receives an A rating from Niche and has a strong academic record, with 64% of students proficient in math and 66% in reading (as reported by Niche). Other highly regarded schools serving the area include Yinghua Academy and Nova Classical Academy Upper School (as reported by Niche).
The public school system in Arden Hills is recognized for its quality, with many schools receiving high marks for their academic programs and overall environment. This focus on education makes Arden Hills an attractive option for families with school-aged children.
Population and Diversity
As of the 2020 census, Arden Hills had a population of 9,939 people, with an estimated population of 9,490 in 2024 and a projected 9,282 in 2026 (as reported by Arden Hills, MN – Official Website and Arden Hills, Minnesota Population 2026). The city has experienced a slight population decrease in recent years. The median age in Arden Hills is approximately 35.3 years (as reported by Arden Hills, MN – Official Website).
Arden Hills is becoming increasingly diverse. The 2020 census indicated that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) residents made up 20.3% of the population, a significant increase from 11.3% in 2010 (as reported by Arden Hills, MN – Official Website). Current demographic data shows the racial composition as approximately 81% White, with smaller percentages of Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial residents (as reported by Niche and Arden Hills, MN – Census Reporter).
Climate and Weather
Seasonal Temperatures
Arden Hills experiences distinct seasons. Summers are warm and wet, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 71°F from late May to mid-September. July is typically the hottest month, with highs around 82°F and lows of 64°F (as reported by AccuWeather and Weather Spark).
Winters are cold, snowy, and windy. The cold season lasts from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 35°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 9°F and highs near 24°F (as reported by AccuWeather and Weather Spark).
Precipitation and Sunshine
The area receives an average of 32 inches of rainfall annually (as reported by Livability.com). Snowfall averages around 51 inches per year, contributing to the winter landscape (as reported by Livability.com). The clearest part of the year typically runs from mid-June to mid-October, with July being the clearest month. Conversely, the cloudier period extends from mid-October to early June, with January being the cloudiest month (as reported by Weather Spark).
Pros and Cons of Living in Arden Hills
Advantages of Arden Hills
Arden Hills offers a high quality of life with its abundant green spaces, including parks and lakes, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts (as reported by Apartments.com). The community provides a peaceful suburban atmosphere while maintaining convenient access to the urban centers of Minneapolis and St. Paul, facilitating shorter commutes and easy travel (as reported by Apartments.com).
The city is also recognized for its strong public school system, with highly-rated schools that attract families seeking quality education for their children (as reported by Niche). Furthermore, Arden Hills boasts a diverse economy with major employers in sectors like healthcare and technology, offering a stable job market and competitive salaries (as reported by the official website of Arden Hills, MN).
Challenges of Arden Hills
The cost of living in Arden Hills can be a drawback for some, particularly housing expenses, which are higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes and Zillow). While overall crime rates are comparable to the national average, some neighborhoods may experience higher crime levels, requiring residents to be aware of their surroundings (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
The climate, with its cold and snowy winters, may also be a challenge for individuals who prefer warmer weather year-round. Additionally, while public transportation is available, residents often rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands, as the city is not considered highly walkable or transit-friendly (as reported by Apartments.com).