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South St. Paul city, Minnesota Demographics & Population 2026

As of 2026, South St. Paul city, Minnesota has a total population of 20,633, the 60th largest city in Minnesota, with a median household income of $84,472, which is 4% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.1%.

South St. Paul city Quick Facts

Population 20,633
Median Household Income $84,472
Median Home Value $266,800
Poverty Rate 9.1%
Unemployment Rate 5.7%
Median Age 37.3 years
Homeownership Rate 72.0%
Affordability Ratio 3.2x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 30.7%
High School Graduation Rate 93.4%
Diversity Index 46/100
Population 20,633 60th of 913
Median Income $84,472 top 30%
Poverty Rate 9.1% 27% lower national
Median Home Value $266,800 top 30%

How South St. Paul city Compares

Economy & Housing

Employment

5.7% Unemployment Rate State: 3.9% | National: 5.2%
72.5% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 72.0%
Renter 28.0%
Affordability Index Affordable
3.2x home value to income ratio

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

46out of 100
Moderate Diversity

Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.

State average: 40 | National average: 60

Education

South St. Paul city Rankings in Minnesota

#60 Population of 913
#251 Median Income of 913
#215 Education of 913
#195 Home Value of 913

Other Cities in Dakota County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
St. Paul city 307,762 $73,055 15.8% $280,300
Lakeville city 72,480 $138,119 3.3% $425,200
Eagan city 68,158 $107,486 5.9% $380,800
Burnsville city 64,295 $83,953 8.7% $335,100
Apple Valley city 55,696 $99,277 5.9% $354,200
Inver Grove Heights city 35,772 $104,055 4.6% $352,300
Rosemount city 26,509 $127,247 2.9% $406,100
Farmington city 23,675 $118,556 3.8% $345,100
West St. Paul city 21,076 $70,738 9.1% $281,800
Mendota Heights city 11,644 $132,935 2.6% $504,100

Cities Similar to South St. Paul city

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Forest Lake city20,678$89,879$375,90035.7%6.7%
Northfield city20,678$92,000$305,30051.5%7.2%
Sartell city19,620$77,465$278,00040.4%8.1%
New Hope city21,402$73,698$314,60036.7%11.7%
Crystal city22,685$86,752$280,50035.9%7.8%

Population Overview

South St. Paul city is a small city located in Minnesota, within Dakota County. The total population is 20,633. It ranks as the 60th most populous out of 913 cities and towns in Minnesota.

Age Demographics

The median age in South St. Paul city is 37.3 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in South St. Paul city is $84,472. This is 4% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% higher. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%. This is about average than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. This is 46% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $266,800. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $305,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 72.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in South St. Paul city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 71.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 17.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (17.4% vs 6.2%). The Asian population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

30.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.4%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for South St. Paul city, Minnesota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Minnesota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 913 Census-designated places in Minnesota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of South St. Paul city, Minnesota?

South St. Paul city, Minnesota has a population of 20,633 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in South St. Paul city, MN?

The median household income in South St. Paul city is $84,472, which is 8% higher the national median of $78,538.

What is the poverty rate in South St. Paul city, MN?

The poverty rate in South St. Paul city is 9.1%. This means approximately 1,872 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of South St. Paul city, Minnesota?

South St. Paul city's population is 71.3% White, 4.5% Black, 17.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.1% Asian.

What is the median home value in South St. Paul city, MN?

The median home value in South St. Paul city is $266,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x.

How educated is South St. Paul city, Minnesota?

30.7% of adults (25+) in South St. Paul city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.