North St. Paul, MN
Population 12,511 · Minnesota
About North St. Paul, MN
North St. Paul is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 12,511 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,641 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in North St. Paul features a median home value of $286,600, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions North St. Paul in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,304, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,807 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (3,120 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (1,564 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in North St. Paul shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in North St. Paul have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.7% of North St. Paul residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 11.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in North St. Paul, MN
Compared to national averages, North St. Paul has a median household income of $81,641 (9% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $286,600, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,304 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, North St. Paul's income is 10% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 40% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in North St. Paul, MN?
North St. Paul offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,641, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
North St. Paul has a population of 12,511 with a median age of 33.6 years. Compare North St. Paul with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near North St. Paul
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Elmo | 12,504 | $153,407 | $588,900 | Compare |
| Cloquet | 12,582 | $63,854 | $200,100 | Compare |
| Vadnais Heights | 12,789 | $91,946 | $334,500 | Compare |
| Big Lake | 12,115 | $113,333 | $291,700 | Compare |
| St. Peter | 12,085 | $65,042 | $238,700 | Compare |
| Mounds View | 12,992 | $90,148 | $294,500 | Compare |
| East Bethel | 11,995 | $114,583 | $343,200 | Compare |
| Waconia | 13,223 | $104,929 | $407,600 | 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 North St. Paul With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about North St. Paul
What is the population of North St. Paul, MN?
The population of North St. Paul, MN is 12,511 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 North St. Paul?
The median household income in North St. Paul, MN is $81,641 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in North St. Paul?
The median home value in North St. Paul, MN is $286,600, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in North St. Paul?
The median monthly rent in North St. Paul, MN is $1,304, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in North St. Paul?
The unemployment rate in North St. Paul, MN is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is North St. Paul, MN a good place to live?
North St. Paul offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,511 and a median age of 33.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is North St. Paul, MN?
27.7% of residents in North St. Paul aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in North St. Paul?
Key cost-of-living indicators for North St. Paul, MN: median home value is $286,600 (17% above national), median rent is $1,304/month, and median household income is $81,641. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in North St. Paul?
The poverty rate in North St. Paul, MN is 13.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is North St. Paul, MN?
North St. Paul's population is 2.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 6.0% two or more races. 11.1% of residents are foreign-born.