Is South St. Paul Safe, Pros and cons of living in South St. Paul
South St. Paul, Minnesota, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, nestled along the Mississippi River. This Dakota County city boasts a rich history, evident in its charming architecture and close-knit community feel. It provides a more affordable alternative to its larger neighbors while retaining access to the amenities and opportunities of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
The city is characterized by its diverse population and a strong sense of community pride, often highlighted by local events and initiatives. Residents appreciate the balance between a peaceful living environment and convenient access to employment centers, recreational activities, and cultural attractions. South St. Paul aims to provide a high quality of life for its residents through dedicated public services and a commitment to community engagement.
Is it Safe to Live in South St. Paul?
South St. Paul’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with 17 reported crimes per thousand residents (NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in South St. Paul is approximately 1 in 60. This rate is higher than 87% of cities and towns in Minnesota, indicating a need for awareness regarding safety (NeighborhoodScout).
Specifically, the rate of property crime in South St. Paul is 13 per thousand population, meaning there’s an above-average chance of becoming a victim of theft, burglary, or motor vehicle theft compared to other communities nationwide. Violent crime also occurs at a rate higher than in most American communities, with a 1 in 286 chance of being a victim of violent crime (NeighborhoodScout).
However, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood. Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of crime victimization. Conversely, the northeast neighborhoods present a higher risk, with a chance of crime around 1 in 27, while the southwest offers a chance closer to 1 in 52 (IDcide).
What is the Cost of Living in South St. Paul?
The cost of living in South St. Paul is approximately 10% lower than the national average (Payscale). This makes it a more affordable option for residents compared to many other areas. Housing expenses are notably lower, being around 30% below the national average, and utility prices are also more affordable, at 6% less than the national average (Payscale).
Transportation costs, including gas and public transit fares, are about 3% lower than the national average. While grocery prices are slightly higher, about 4% above the national average, and healthcare costs are 4% lower than the national average, the overall cost of living remains attractive (Payscale).
The median home value in South St. Paul is approximately $295,755, showing a 2.8% increase over the past year (Zillow). This indicates a stable and growing real estate market. The median listing price for a home was around $281,667 as of March 2026 (Zillow).
What is the Job Market Like in South St. Paul?
The average annual salary in South St. Paul is approximately $45,731, which equates to about $21.99 per hour (ZipRecruiter). This salary range is competitive within the region, with most salaries falling between $35,750 and $54,118 annually. Top-paying professions in the area include specialized medical roles (ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in South St. Paul is not explicitly stated in the provided search results, but the general economic climate of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area suggests a robust job market. Major employers in the broader Twin Cities region include large corporations like UnitedHealth Group, Target, and Best Buy, offering diverse employment opportunities (Greater MSP).
For those seeking employment within the city itself, local businesses and services provide a range of jobs. Information on specific major employers within South St. Paul is not detailed, but the presence of retail chains and service providers suggests a varied employment landscape (Indeed).
What is the Climate in South St. Paul?
South St. Paul experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and can be humid, with average high temperatures in July around 82°F and lows around 64°F. Winters are cold and snowy, with January temperatures averaging a high of 23°F and a low of 8°F (myPerfectWeather).
Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 7°F to 83°F. The city receives an annual precipitation of about 32 inches, including rain and the liquid equivalent of snow. June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 5 inches of precipitation (myPerfectWeather).
The snowy period lasts for approximately six months, usually from November through April, with December seeing the most snowfall. The city experiences about 47 inches of snowfall annually. From May to October, snowfall is generally absent (myPerfectWeather).
What Are the Demographics of South St. Paul?
South St. Paul has an estimated population of 20,611, showing a slight decrease from the 2020 Census count (Census Dots). The population is predominantly White, making up about 70.7% of residents, followed by Hispanic residents at 17.8% (Census Dots). African Americans constitute about 5.2% of the population, with multiracial individuals at 4.4% (Census Dots).
The median age in South St. Paul is approximately 37.2 years (Cubit). The population is relatively balanced, with 51% males and 49% females (Niche). A significant portion of the population, around 24%, holds a bachelor’s degree, while 33% have some college or an associate’s degree (Niche).
The median household income in South St. Paul was approximately $87,994 in 2024 (Cubit). Despite this income level, about 4.7% of families in South St. Paul live below the poverty line (Cubit).
What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in South St. Paul?
One of the primary advantages of living in South St. Paul is its affordability. The cost of living is lower than the national average, particularly in housing and utilities (Payscale). This makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses effectively.
The city also offers a strong sense of community and suburban charm, combined with convenient access to the larger metropolitan amenities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Its location provides opportunities for both a relaxed lifestyle and career advancement within the greater region (Greater MSP).
However, South St. Paul faces challenges related to its crime rates, which are higher than the national average and many other Minnesota cities (NeighborhoodScout). While certain neighborhoods are safer, the overall statistics suggest a need for residents to be vigilant. Additionally, while the cost of living is lower, the average salary might not align with higher living expenses in some other areas.
What is the Housing Market Like in South St. Paul?
The housing market in South St. Paul is characterized by a median home value of approximately $295,755, which has seen a slight increase year-over-year (Zillow). This median value is lower than both the national average and the state average, making homeownership more accessible in this area (BestNeighborhood.org).
The market is described as very competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly. The median sale price was around $296,050 as of March 2026, showing a slight decrease from the previous year (Redfin). Homes in South St. Paul tend to sell faster than the U.S. average, with a median of 17 days on the market (Redfin).
Rental prices in South St. Paul are also competitive. The average rent for an apartment is around $1,589 per month, reflecting a 1.5% increase from the previous year (RentCafe). A significant portion of rentals, about 45%, fall within the $1,001-$1,500 monthly price range (RentCafe).
What Are the Schools Like in South St. Paul?
South St. Paul Public School District has an overall rating of C+ and serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1, with 2,917 students enrolled (Niche).
State test scores indicate that 26% of students are proficient in math and 39% in reading. The district’s performance on standardized tests generally lags behind state averages, particularly in mathematics (SchoolDigger.com). However, some schools within the district show stronger performance, with Lincoln Center Elementary noted for its higher proficiency rates in math and reading (SchoolDigger.com).
South St. Paul Secondary School, serving grades 9-12, has an above-average rating of B with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. State test scores show 14% of students are proficient in math and 47% in reading at this level (Niche).