City Profile
Apple Valley, Minnesota
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Apple Valley is a thriving suburban community located in Dakota County, Minnesota, situated just south of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Founded as a township in 1958 and incorporated as a city in 1969, it has transformed from a rural farming region into a bustling, family-friendly municipality. Residents are drawn to the area for its exceptional school systems, extensive park networks, and the world-renowned Minnesota Zoo, which anchors local tourism and community identity.
Characterized by safe neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and active civic engagement, Apple Valley maintains a strong sense of community while offering modern suburban conveniences. The city provides easy access to major employment hubs in Minneapolis and St. Paul via major thoroughfares like Cedar Avenue, making it an ideal home for commuters and families alike.
Minnesota, often called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," is known for its strong sense of community, outdoor lifestyle, and "Minnesota Nice" reputation. The state boasts a diverse and highly developed economy with major industries including healthcare and medical technology, food and agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services, and is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies. While winters are long and cold with significant snowfall, summers are hot and humid, offering a wide range of seasonal activities. The cost of living in Minnesota is generally lower than the national average, with housing and utilities being particularly affordable, contributing to its high quality of life.
How this 66/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 82 / 100 | 82.0 | 30% | 24.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 108.0 | 33.8 | 25% | 8.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $104,500 Income needed to live here: $58,000 Unemployment rate: 3.4% | 91.3 | 20% | 18.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 50.5 | 15% | 7.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 65.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (ungrounded) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Apple Valley is moderately higher than the national average, driven primarily by competitive housing costs and transportation expenses. While everyday goods, groceries, and utility costs remain relatively close to standard national benchmarks, strong regional demand for suburban real estate pushes property values and rental rates upward. However, these costs are balanced by higher-than-average median household incomes earned by local residents.
Property taxes in Dakota County reflect the high level of public services, well-maintained infrastructure, and top-tier school districts funded within the municipality. Residents generally find that the financial investment is offset by the high quality of public safety, parks, and community amenities available throughout the city.
Income
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Apple Valley features a diverse and resilient local economy anchored by sectors such as healthcare, retail trade, educational services, and professional technical fields. Major employers include the local school district (ISD 196), healthcare facilities, and various corporate and retail centers located throughout the southern metro corridor. Proximity to the broader Twin Cities economic ecosystem provides workers with access to robust career opportunities across multiple industries.
The city also supports a healthy environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs, aided by active local chambers and community development initiatives. With strong digital infrastructure and a well-educated population, Apple Valley serves as a comfortable and convenient base for remote and hybrid workers seeking suburban tranquility close to urban centers.
The average salary in Apple Valley is $72,000 per year. You would need approximately $58,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Apple Valley is predominantly automobile-centric, with the vast majority of residents relying on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands. Major regional corridors, such as Minnesota State Highway 77 (Cedar Avenue) and County Road 42, provide direct connections to the broader Twin Cities metro area. Public transit is supported by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), which operates express commuter bus routes to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, though overall walkability is low outside of commercial retail hubs.
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