Is Mound Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mound

Mound, Minnesota, nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, offers a distinctive blend of serene natural beauty and accessible suburban living. This charming city, located approximately 20 miles west of downtown Minneapolis, provides residents with a peaceful environment ideal for those seeking a retreat from urban hustle while remaining close to metropolitan amenities. Its picturesque setting, combined with a welcoming community atmosphere, makes Mound an appealing destination for individuals and families alike. The city’s commitment to enhancing its business landscape and preserving its natural charm contributes to its unique character.

Mound’s appeal is further amplified by its focus on community development and its strategic location within Hennepin County. The city’s “Mound Visions” project highlights a proactive approach to bolstering local businesses and improving visitor traffic, aiming to enhance the overall economic vitality and attractiveness of the area. This forward-thinking initiative, coupled with the inherent beauty of its lakeside setting, positions Mound as a desirable place to live, work, and explore. The blend of natural recreational opportunities and a community-oriented spirit defines the essence of life in Mound.

Is it Safe to Live in Mound?

Mound, Minnesota, generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The overall crime rate in Mound is reported to be 51% below the national average as of 2026, earning it a commendable ‘A’ safety grade (DoorProfit, 2026). This indicates that the city is safer than 96% of major U.S. cities (DoorProfit, 2026). Residents have a low chance of becoming a victim of crime, with approximately a 1 in 799 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 122 chance of property crime annually (DoorProfit, 2026).

While the city as a whole is considered safe, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. The south part of Mound is generally regarded as the safest, offering a chance of being a victim of crime as low as 1 in 41 (AreaVibes, n.d.; DoorProfit, 2026). Conversely, central neighborhoods may present a slightly higher risk, with a chance of 1 in 25 (AreaVibes, n.d.). Despite these variations, the northwest parts of Mound see the most incidents, approximately 53 per year, while the northeast experiences the fewest, around 11 annually (AreaVibes, n.d.). Year over year, crime in Mound has decreased by 5% (AreaVibes, n.d.).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Mound, Minnesota, presents a mixed picture with considerable value, particularly for homeowners. As of March 2026, the median listing price for homes in Mound was $465,000 (Mound, MN Housing Market – Redfin, 2026; Mound, MN Housing Market: 2026 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow, 2026). This median price reflects a competitive market, with homes selling relatively quickly. However, year-over-year data shows a decrease in median sale prices by 11.9% in March 2026, with homes selling for a median of $370,000 (Mound, MN Housing Market – Redfin, 2026).

For renters, Mound offers a range of options with varying price points. The average rent in Mound, MN, is approximately $1,700 as of March 31, 2026 (Mound, MN Housing Market: 2026 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow, 2026). This figure is notably lower than the national average rent of $2,000 (Mound, MN Housing Market: 2026 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow, 2026). Specifically, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,250, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,700 per month (Mound, MN Housing Market: 2026 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow, 2026). Houses for rent in Mound can range from $900 to $5,000, with an average rent of $1,700 (Mound, MN Housing Market: 2026 Home Prices & Trends | Zillow, 2026).

Mound’s housing expenses are generally lower than the national average, with housing costs being 26% lower than the national average (PayScale, n.d.). This affordability makes Mound an attractive option for those looking to purchase or rent. The median home value in Mound is $364,053 (Livability.com, n.d.), and home appreciation rates have been strong, with an annual appreciation rate of 8.24% (NeighborhoodScout, n.d.). This indicates a stable and potentially growing real estate market for homeowners.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Mound, Minnesota, is generally considered to be lower than the national average, making it an economically viable place to reside. According to PayScale, Mound’s cost of living is 11% lower than the national average (PayScale, n.d.). This is primarily driven by lower expenses in key categories such as housing, utilities, and transportation. Housing expenses in Mound are notably 26% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 5% lower (PayScale, n.d.).

Transportation costs, including gas prices and public transit fares, are also more affordable in Mound, being 4% lower than the national average (PayScale, n.d.). While most expenses are below the national average, grocery prices in Mound are slightly higher, by 2% (PayScale, n.d.). Healthcare costs are also favorable, running 9% lower than the national average (PayScale, n.d.). These factors contribute to a cost of living that is generally favorable for residents.

Salary.com provides a slightly different perspective, indicating that Mound’s cost of living is 16% higher than the U.S. national average as of 2026. This analysis suggests that housing costs are 11.2% lower at $1,066 per month for a single person and $1,954 for a family of four. However, it also notes elevated transportation expenses and rising food prices as primary drivers of Mound’s cost of living (Salary.com, n.d.). AreaVibes places the cost of living index at 108, meaning it is 8% higher than the national average, with housing being 24% higher than the national average (AreaVibes, n.d.).

Job Market and Major Employers

Mound, Minnesota, offers a diverse employment landscape with key industries contributing to its economy. The city’s economy employs approximately 4,940 individuals (Data USA, n.d.). The largest employment sectors in Mound include Manufacturing, which employs 919 people, followed by Retail Trade with 598 employees, and Health Care & Social Assistance with 533 employees (Data USA, n.d.). These sectors represent the primary industries that drive employment opportunities within the city.

The job market in Mound is characterized by a strong presence in management, sales, and administrative support occupations. Management occupations employ a significant number of residents, followed by sales and related occupations, and then office and administrative support roles (Data USA, n.d.). A substantial portion of the working population, 86.6%, is employed in professional or administrative positions, with 13.4% in hands-on or service-based jobs (Point2Homes, n.d.). This indicates a workforce that is largely skilled in professional and administrative capacities.

While specific major employers are not extensively detailed in readily available data, large companies with a presence or impact in the broader Mound area include Amazon Warehouse, Walgreens, YMCA, Wells Fargo, Sysco, AMC Theatres, and Meijer (Indeed.com, n.d.). These companies, spanning retail, logistics, and services, contribute to the employment opportunities accessible to Mound residents. The unemployment rate in Mound stood at 5.2% (Point2Homes, n.d.), which is higher than the reported 1% in a separate source (BestPlaces, n.d.), suggesting a varied economic outlook.

Climate and Weather

Mound, Minnesota, experiences a climate characterized by four distinct seasons, offering a dynamic weather pattern throughout the year. Summers are typically long, warm, and wet, with temperatures frequently ranging from a high of 83°F (28°C) to a low of 64°F (18°C) in July, the hottest month (Livability.com, n.d.; Wildfire and Crime risk in Mound, MN – Augurisk, n.d.). The warmer season generally spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 71°F (Livability.com, n.d.).

Winters in Mound are cold, snowy, and windy, with temperatures plummeting to an average low of 9°F (-13°C) in January, the coldest month (Livability.com, n.d.; Wildfire and Crime risk in Mound, MN – Augurisk, n.d.). The cold season typically lasts from late November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 35°F (Livability.com, n.d.). Annual precipitation averages around 32 inches, with snowfall contributing significantly during the winter months, accumulating approximately 59 inches annually (Livability.com, n.d.).

The city experiences significant seasonal variation in cloud cover. The clearer part of the year occurs from early June to mid-October, with July being the clearest month. Conversely, the cloudier period begins in mid-October and lasts through early June, with February being the cloudiest month (Livability.com, n.d.). Overall, temperatures in Mound typically vary from 8°F (-13°C) to 83°F (28°C) and are rarely outside the range of -12°F to 91°F (-24°C to 33°C) (Livability.com, n.d.).

Education and School Ratings

Mound, Minnesota, is served by a highly-regarded public school system, with schools consistently achieving top rankings within the state. The Westonka Public School District, which encompasses Mound, is noted for its academic excellence. For the 2026 school year, there are nine public schools serving approximately 2,428 students in Mound (Livability.com, n.d.). The majority of K-12 students, 93%, attend public schools, which is slightly higher than the Minnesota state average of 90% (Livability.com, n.d.).

Several schools in Mound stand out for their performance. Hilltop Primary School, Shirley Hills Primary School, and Grandview Middle School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (Livability.com, n.d.). Grandview Middle School, in particular, has consistently ranked among the top middle schools in Minnesota, often within the top 10-15 (SchoolDigger.com, n.d.). Shirley Hills Primary School also garners high praise, ranking among the top elementary schools statewide.

Mound’s public schools demonstrate strong academic proficiency. Students in Mound public schools achieve an average math proficiency score of 74% and a reading proficiency score of 73%, significantly outperforming the Minnesota public school averages of 46% for math and 51% for reading (Livability.com, n.d.). This high level of academic achievement contributes to Mound’s reputation as a community that prioritizes education.

Demographics and Population

Mound, Minnesota, is a city with a population of approximately 9,107 residents, reflecting a slight decrease from previous census data (Mound, MN Demographics: Population, Income, and More | Point2Homes, n.d.; Mound, Minnesota Population 2026 – World Population Review, n.d.). The city’s population is predominantly White, making up about 88.5% of residents, with smaller percentages identifying as African American (1.7%), Asian (1.8%), or belonging to two or more races (5.3%) (Point2Homes, n.d.). This demographic composition is considerably less diverse than the state of Minnesota overall (Data Commons, n.d.).

The median age in Mound is 47, with a slight majority of residents being male at 51.3% compared to 48.7% female (Point2Homes, n.d.). The population distribution shows about 14.1% are children under 15, with 9.1% in the 15-24 age group. Adults aged 25-44 constitute 24.4% of the population, while those aged 45-64 make up a larger segment at 32.1%, and individuals aged 65 and older represent 20.3% (Point2Homes, n.d.). This age distribution suggests a community with a significant proportion of middle-aged and older adults.

Citizenship in Mound is high, with 89.2% of the population being U.S.-born citizens. Naturalized citizens account for 3.5%, while 7.3% are non-citizens (Point2Homes, n.d.). The foreign-born population in Mound is around 10.5%, which is comparable to the national average (Data USA, n.d.). The poverty rate in Mound is reported at 8.82%, which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (Point2Homes, n.d.).

Pros and Cons of Living in Mound

Mound, Minnesota, offers a compelling mix of advantages for potential residents, alongside a few considerations. The city’s primary draw is its beautiful lakeside setting on Lake Minnetonka, providing ample opportunities for recreation such as boating, fishing, and water sports (David Gooden & Co, n.d.). The extensive parkland and trail systems further enhance its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, Mound boasts a significantly lower crime rate than the national average, making it a safe place to live (AreaVibes, n.d.; DoorProfit, 2026).

The cost of living in Mound is also generally more affordable than in many other areas, particularly regarding housing expenses, which are lower than the national average (PayScale, n.d.). The community is served by highly-rated public schools, which consistently perform well and surpass state averages in academic proficiency (Livability.com, n.d.; SchoolDigger.com, n.d.). The median household income is relatively high, at $86,675 (World Population Review, n.d.), suggesting a comfortable standard of living for many residents.

However, there are a few aspects to consider. Some sources indicate that the cost of living can be higher than the national average, especially concerning transportation and food expenses, depending on the calculation method used (Salary.com, n.d.; AreaVibes, n.d.). Additionally, while overall crime is low, variations exist between neighborhoods, requiring awareness of specific local safety levels (AreaVibes, n.d.). The city’s population is also less diverse compared to the state average (Data Commons, n.d.).