Golden Valley, MN
Population 21,927 · Minnesota
About Golden Valley, MN
Golden Valley is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 21,927 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $114,435 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Golden Valley features a median home value of $423,500, which is 73% above the national median of $244,900. This places Golden Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,815, 56% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,302 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (6,769 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (2,902 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Golden Valley shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Golden Valley have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
61.7% of Golden Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 9.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Golden Valley Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Golden Valley, MN
Compared to national averages, Golden Valley has a median household income of $114,435 (52% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $423,500, which is 73% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,815 is 56% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Golden Valley's income is 54% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 107% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Golden Valley, MN?
Golden Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $114,435, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 61.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $423,500. However, Golden Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Golden Valley has a population of 21,927 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Golden Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Golden Valley
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lino Lakes | 21,847 | $121,800 | $385,000 | Compare |
| Columbia Heights | 22,016 | $74,688 | $259,900 | Compare |
| Hastings | 22,050 | $92,940 | $294,100 | Compare |
| New Hope | 21,402 | $73,698 | $314,600 | Compare |
| Otsego | 21,358 | $127,219 | $367,200 | Compare |
| Crystal | 22,685 | $86,752 | $280,500 | Compare |
| Willmar | 21,136 | $63,368 | $186,000 | Compare |
| West St. Paul | 21,076 | $70,738 | $281,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Golden Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Valley
What is the population of Golden Valley, MN?
The population of Golden Valley, MN is 21,927 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Golden Valley?
The median household income in Golden Valley, MN is $114,435 per year, which is 52% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Golden Valley?
The median home value in Golden Valley, MN is $423,500, which is 73% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Golden Valley?
The median monthly rent in Golden Valley, MN is $1,815, which is 56% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Golden Valley?
The unemployment rate in Golden Valley, MN is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Golden Valley, MN a good place to live?
Golden Valley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 21,927 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Golden Valley, MN?
61.7% of residents in Golden Valley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Golden Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Golden Valley, MN: median home value is $423,500 (73% above national), median rent is $1,815/month, and median household income is $114,435. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Golden Valley?
The poverty rate in Golden Valley, MN is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Golden Valley, MN?
Golden Valley's population is 1.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 6.9% two or more races. 9.7% of residents are foreign-born.