Is Lakeville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lakeville

Lakeville, Minnesota, offers a blend of suburban comfort and access to the amenities of the larger Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. This city provides a community feel with a growing population and a range of housing options. Families and individuals are drawn to Lakeville for its amenities and perceived quality of life.

The city is situated about 20 miles south of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, making it an accessible exurb. Lakeville’s development has included a focus on residential areas, parks, and community services, aiming to provide a well-rounded living environment for its residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Lakeville?

Lakeville is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The city reports a crime rate of 648, which is considerably lower than the national average of 2,119 (as reported by AreaVibes). This low overall crime rate positions Lakeville as one of the safer communities in the United States.

Specifically, violent crime rates in Lakeville are exceptionally low, with only 76 incidents per 100,000 people. This statistic is 78.7% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates also remain well below average, with 571 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 67.6% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). These figures contribute to Lakeville’s reputation as an appealing destination for those seeking a secure environment.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

Housing Costs

The housing market in Lakeville presents a median home price that reflects its suburban appeal. As of March 2026, the median home price in Lakeville was $450,000 (as reported by Redfin). This median price has seen a slight decrease of 4.3% compared to the previous year.

Homes in Lakeville typically remain on the market for an average of 37 days, indicating a moderately active real estate environment. The sale-to-list price ratio is around 99.4%, suggesting that homes are generally selling close to their asking price (as reported by Redfin). For renters, the average rent for all property types in Lakeville is approximately $2,500 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Cost of Living

Lakeville’s overall cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. One analysis indicates that monthly expenses for a single person can reach $2,326, and for a family of four, it can be $5,180 (as reported by Salary.com). This is influenced by various expense categories, with housing costs being 11.2% lower than the national average according to one source, while other expenses may vary.

Another perspective suggests that Lakeville’s cost of living is 2% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 10% lower and utility prices 5% lower (as reported by PayScale). Transportation costs are also noted as being 4% lower than the national average. These differing analyses highlight the nuances in cost of living calculations, but generally, Lakeville is considered moderately expensive compared to national benchmarks.

Job Market and Economy

Employment Landscape

The job market in Lakeville is supported by a diverse range of employers and a relatively stable employment rate. The unemployment rate in Lakeville was 3.90% as of the latest reports, which is higher than the long-term average but reflects broader economic trends (as reported by YCharts). This rate is comparable to the national unemployment rate, which stood at 4.3% in March 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Major employers in the area contribute significantly to the local economy. While specific lists of top employers can fluctuate, the city government itself is a notable employer, with average annual salaries for its employees around $74,325 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The presence of various industries ensures a spectrum of job opportunities for residents.

Average Salaries

The average salary in Lakeville varies depending on the source and the specific roles considered. One estimate places the average annual salary for employees at the City of Lakeville at approximately $75,401 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Another source indicates a broader average annual salary in Lakeville of $45,963 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

However, salary data can differ significantly. For instance, the median household income in Lakeville was reported as $139,041 in 2024 (as reported by World Population Review). This discrepancy suggests that reported averages may not capture the full economic picture, which can range from entry-level positions to high-earning professional roles.

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Seasons

Lakeville experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 7°F to 82°F throughout the year and rarely goes below -14°F or above 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The warm season, lasting from May to September, sees average daily high temperatures above 70°F.

July is the hottest month, with average highs around 81°F and lows of 62°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, the cold season extends from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 35°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 8°F and highs of 23°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

The city experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. The rainy period generally spans from March to December, with June typically seeing the most rainfall, averaging 4.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The drier months are from December to March, with January receiving the least amount of rain, around 0.1 inches.

Lakeville’s weather is also influenced by cloud cover, which varies seasonally. July is often the clearest month, with about 70% of the time experiencing clear to partly cloudy skies. February tends to be the cloudiest month, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies occurring around 59% of the time (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education and Demographics

School System

Lakeville is served by a highly-rated public school district, with its high schools receiving strong recognition. Lakeville South High School and Lakeville North High School both hold overall “A” grades from Niche, indicating a high standard of education (as reported by Niche). Lakeville South High School is particularly noted for its athletics, ranking among the best in the state.

Lakeville North High School also performs well, with strong rankings in academics and teacher quality. The student-teacher ratio at Lakeville North is 24 to 1, and at Lakeville South, it is 22 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores show proficiency rates of 53% in math and 61% in reading for Lakeville North, and 41% in math and 65% in reading for Lakeville South (as reported by Niche).

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Lakeville had a population of 69,490 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). Projections estimate the population to reach 79,212 by 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Lakeville is approximately 36.8 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial makeup of Lakeville is predominantly White, accounting for 76.2% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 6.6%, and Asian at 6.2% (as reported by World Population Review). The median household income was $139,041 in 2024, with a poverty rate of 1.8% (as reported by World Population Review).

Pros and Cons of Living in Lakeville

Advantages

Lakeville offers a high quality of life with its low crime rates and strong school systems. The community is considered safe, with both violent and property crime statistics well below national averages (as reported by AreaVibes). Families are particularly drawn to the reputable public schools, with Lakeville South and North High Schools earning top marks (as reported by Niche).

The city also provides a desirable suburban environment with access to natural amenities and recreational opportunities. Its proximity to the Twin Cities offers residents the benefit of urban employment and entertainment options while maintaining a more peaceful residential setting. The median household income is also robust, suggesting a level of economic prosperity within the community (as reported by World Population Review).

Disadvantages

One of the primary considerations for potential residents is the cost of living, which is somewhat higher than the national average. Housing costs, while potentially lower than some other areas, still represent a significant expense, with a median home price of $450,000 (as reported by Redfin). The average rent also stands at approximately $2,500 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Additionally, while the job market is stable, the average salaries reported can vary significantly, and some sources indicate they may not always keep pace with the cost of living. The climate, with its cold winters, can also be a deterrent for those unaccustomed to prolonged periods of snow and low temperatures.