South St. Paul, MN
Population 20,633 · Minnesota
About South St. Paul, MN
South St. Paul is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 20,633 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,472 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South St. Paul features a median home value of $266,800, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. This positions South St. Paul in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,128, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,447 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (5,976 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (2,324 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South St. Paul shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South St. Paul have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.7% of South 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 12.7% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.9% Asian residents, with 7.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South St. Paul, MN
Compared to national averages, South St. Paul has a median household income of $84,472 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $266,800, which is 9% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,128 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, South St. Paul's income is 14% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 30% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in South St. Paul, MN?
South St. Paul offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,472, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,128/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
South St. Paul has a population of 20,633 with a median age of 37.3 years. Compare South St. Paul with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near South St. Paul
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Lake | 20,678 | $89,879 | $375,900 | Compare |
| Northfield | 20,678 | $92,000 | $305,300 | Compare |
| West St. Paul | 21,076 | $70,738 | $281,800 | Compare |
| Willmar | 21,136 | $63,368 | $186,000 | Compare |
| Otsego | 21,358 | $127,219 | $367,200 | Compare |
| New Hope | 21,402 | $73,698 | $314,600 | Compare |
| Sartell | 19,620 | $77,465 | $278,000 | Compare |
| Lino Lakes | 21,847 | $121,800 | $385,000 | 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 South St. Paul With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South St. Paul
What is the population of South St. Paul, MN?
The population of South St. Paul, MN is 20,633 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 South St. Paul?
The median household income in South St. Paul, MN is $84,472 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South St. Paul?
The median home value in South St. Paul, MN is $266,800, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South St. Paul?
The median monthly rent in South St. Paul, MN is $1,128, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South St. Paul?
The unemployment rate in South St. Paul, MN is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South St. Paul, MN a good place to live?
South St. Paul offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 20,633 and a median age of 37.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South St. Paul, MN?
30.7% of residents in South 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 South St. Paul?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South St. Paul, MN: median home value is $266,800 (9% above national), median rent is $1,128/month, and median household income is $84,472. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South St. Paul?
The poverty rate in South St. Paul, MN is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South St. Paul, MN?
South St. Paul's population is 12.7% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 4.5% two or more races. 7.9% of residents are foreign-born.