Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Prior Lake is a mid-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 26,775 people. At 89%, the majority of the Prior Lake population is White; this is followed by 4% Asian and 1% Black. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Prior Lake is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Prior Lake, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, commute, health & safety, education, employment and more.
Prior Lake has a livability score of 68 out of 100 and is ranked #308 in Minnesota and #7,578 in the USA. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Prior Lake ranks well for crime (B), education (A-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Prior Lake scores poorly for, including: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Prior Lake, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 158 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Prior Lake has an unemployment rate of 1.46% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Prior Lake have an average test score of 66%, which is well above the US average.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Prior Lake apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Prior Lake is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Prior Lake come in at $328,400, which is 71.5% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Prior Lake, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 0% lower than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Prior Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.1% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.5% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.6% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.5% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.2% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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