West St. Paul, MN
Population 21,076 · Minnesota
About West St. Paul, MN
West St. Paul is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 21,076 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,738 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West St. Paul features a median home value of $281,800, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. This positions West St. Paul in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,195, 3% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,078 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (5,615 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (3,965 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West St. Paul shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in West St. Paul have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.0% of West 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 15.1% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West St. Paul, MN
Compared to national averages, West St. Paul has a median household income of $70,738 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $281,800, which is 15% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,195 is 3% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, West St. Paul's income is 5% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 38% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in West St. Paul, MN?
West St. Paul offers a well-educated community where 35.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,738) that falls below the national average. However, West St. Paul’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West St. Paul has a population of 21,076 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare West St. Paul with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near West St. Paul
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Forest Lake | 20,678 | $89,879 | $375,900 | Compare |
| Northfield | 20,678 | $92,000 | $305,300 | Compare |
| South St. Paul | 20,633 | $84,472 | $266,800 | Compare |
| Lino Lakes | 21,847 | $121,800 | $385,000 | Compare |
| Golden Valley | 21,927 | $114,435 | $423,500 | 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 West St. Paul With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West St. Paul
What is the population of West St. Paul, MN?
The population of West St. Paul, MN is 21,076 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 West St. Paul?
The median household income in West St. Paul, MN is $70,738 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West St. Paul?
The median home value in West St. Paul, MN is $281,800, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West St. Paul?
The median monthly rent in West St. Paul, MN is $1,195, which is 3% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West St. Paul?
The unemployment rate in West St. Paul, MN is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West St. Paul, MN a good place to live?
West St. Paul offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,076 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West St. Paul, MN?
35.0% of residents in West St. Paul 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 West St. Paul?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West St. Paul, MN: median home value is $281,800 (15% above national), median rent is $1,195/month, and median household income is $70,738. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in West St. Paul?
The poverty rate in West 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 West St. Paul, MN?
West St. Paul's population is 15.1% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.