Is Maple Grove Safe, Pros and cons of living in Maple Grove

Maple Grove, Minnesota, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it an attractive place to live for many. This city, located in Hennepin County, is known for its well-maintained parks, extensive trail systems, and a strong sense of community. It provides residents with a high quality of life, balancing access to nature with proximity to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.

With a population exceeding 70,000, Maple Grove has grown significantly over the decades, evolving from a small town into a thriving hub for retail, culture, and healthcare. Its strategic location, coupled with a commitment to community development, has cemented its status as a desirable residential area within the Twin Cities region. The city’s motto, “Serving Today, Shaping Tomorrow,” reflects its forward-thinking approach to growth and resident well-being.

Is it Safe to Live in Maple Grove?

Maple Grove’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. While the city is not among those with the highest crime rates nationally, it does experience a crime rate that is higher than the national average across all communities (19 crimes per one thousand residents). The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Maple Grove is approximately 1 in 52.

Based on FBI crime data, Maple Grove is not considered one of the safest communities in America. Its crime rate is higher than 91% of cities and towns of similar size in Minnesota. However, when compared to communities of similar size across the U.S., Maple Grove’s crime rate is near the average. The violent crime rate is about average for communities across America, while the property crime rate is above average.

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Maple Grove is reported at approximately 1 per one thousand inhabitants. This rate is roughly similar to the national average, meaning the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is about one in 735. Violent crimes include offenses such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder.

In terms of specific violent crimes, Maple Grove has a murder rate of 6.1 and a rape rate of 23.7 per 100,000 residents. The robbery rate is 16.8 per 100,000 residents, and the aggravated assault rate is 72.6 per 100,000 residents. Year over year, violent crime has seen an increase of 17.6%.

Property Crime Statistics

Maple Grove’s property crime rate is 18 per one thousand population, which is considered above average when compared to all other communities in America. Property crimes encompass motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary. The chance of becoming a victim of any of these crimes in Maple Grove is about one in 56.

Specific property crime statistics show a burglary rate of 143.8 per 100,000 residents and a theft rate of 1,583.3 per 100,000 residents. The motor vehicle theft rate is 36.3 per 100,000 residents. Property crime has seen a decrease of 23% compared to the national average per 100,000 residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Maple Grove

Maple Grove presents a compelling case for relocation, offering a high quality of life with numerous amenities and a strong community feel. The city boasts an extensive park system and numerous trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its strategic location also offers convenient access to the larger Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, blending suburban serenity with urban accessibility.

However, potential residents should also consider certain drawbacks. The cost of living, while slightly below the national average, can still be a factor, particularly concerning housing prices. Additionally, the crime rate, though comparable to similar-sized cities nationally, is higher than the state average and the national average for property crimes, which may be a concern for some.

Housing Market Overview

The housing market in Maple Grove is described as very competitive, with a Redfin Compete Score of 83 out of 100. The median home price in Maple Grove was approximately $430,000 last month, showing a slight decrease of 3.4% compared to the previous year. Currently, there are 55 new listings for sale, with a median listing price of $431,000.

Homes in Maple Grove typically sell after about 31 days on the market, with many homes receiving multiple offers and some with waived contingencies. The homeownership rate in Maple Grove is 82.3%, which is higher than the national average. The median property value in Maple Grove was $418,300 in the most recent data, showing an increase of 5.26% from the previous year.

Rental Market Insights

For those considering renting, Maple Grove offers a range of options. The average rent for an apartment in Maple Grove is approximately $2,189, which is a 4.35% increase from the previous year. This figure is higher than the national average rent price, which is currently $1,641 per month.

One-bedroom apartments average around $1,738 for 818 square feet, while two-bedroom units are priced at $2,118 for 1,164 square feet. The largest share of rentals in Maple Grove falls within the $1,501-$2,000 per month range. Alternatively, houses for rent in Maple Grove have a higher average monthly cost of $2,595.

Cost of Living and Salary Expectations

The cost of living in Maple Grove is approximately 3% less than the national average, though it is 1% higher than the Minnesota state average. This makes it one of the more expensive cities within Minnesota, ranking as the 58th most expensive. The cost of housing is less expensive than the U.S. average, while food costs are more expensive.

The average annual salary in Maple Grove is approximately $52,552, which equates to about $25.27 per hour. Most salaries in Maple Grove range between $36,608 and $65,434 annually. Some of the top-paying jobs in the area include CFO, Biolife, and Forensic Pathologist. The median household income in Maple Grove was $132,731 as of 2024, reflecting a 2.51% increase from the previous year.

Job Market and Major Employers

Maple Grove’s economy is robust, employing approximately 39,624 individuals. The largest industries in Maple Grove are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services. The city is home to several major employers, including Boston Scientific, which has a significant research, development, and manufacturing facility employing over 3,000 people.

Other key employers include Independent School District 279, Nortech Systems, and the City of Maple Grove itself. Great River Energy, a major utility provider, also has its headquarters in Maple Grove. The job market has seen employment grow by 0.472% from the previous year.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Maple Grove experiences a climate characterized by warm, wet summers and cold, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically varies between 8°F and 83°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below -12°F or exceeding 91°F. The warm season lasts for about 3.9 months, from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 71°F.

July is the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 82°F and lows of 63°F. The cold season spans approximately 3.3 months, from late November to early March, with daily high temperatures generally below 35°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 9°F and highs of 24°F. The city experiences partly cloudy skies year-round, with July being the clearest month and February being the cloudiest.

Education and School Ratings

Maple Grove is served by Osseo Area School District 279, which also includes other surrounding communities. Maple Grove Senior High School is the sole public high school within the city. Niche.com ranks Maple Grove Senior High School with an overall grade of A, highlighting its strengths in athletics, public schooling, and STEM education.

Maple Grove Middle School also receives a favorable rating from Niche, with an overall grade of B+. According to state test scores, approximately 50% of students at Maple Grove Senior High School are proficient in math, and 66% are proficient in reading. For Maple Grove Middle School, 48% of students are proficient in math and 55% in reading.

Demographics of Maple Grove

As of the most recent data, Maple Grove has a population of approximately 71,173 residents. The population is primarily White, making up about 76.7% of residents, followed by Black or African American residents at 8.1%, and Asian residents at 7.3%. Hispanic residents constitute about 2.6% of the population, with smaller percentages for Native American and multiracial individuals.

The median age in Maple Grove is around 41 years, with a relatively even distribution across age groups, though with a notable proportion of residents aged 45 to 64. Approximately 19% of the population are children under 15 years old, and about 15.4% are aged 65 or older. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 48.9% males and 51.1% females. A high percentage of residents, 95.9%, are U.S. citizens.