The 5 Best Places
to Live in Minnesota

2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Minnesota

By The Ocity Data Science Desk

Methodology Brief
The Ocity 2026 ranking relies exclusively on a weighted algorithm analyzing three core metrics: Safety (40%), Affordability (30%), and Economic Output (30%). Safety is determined by the violent crime rate per 100,000 residents, where lower rates yield higher scores. Affordability is calculated using the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment relative to the city's median income. Economic Output is measured by median household income, serving as a proxy for local economic stability and high-yield career opportunities. All data is derived from the most recent available municipal datasets. This rigorous, quantitative approach eliminates subjective bias, providing a definitive list of statistically optimized locations for 2026.

Top 3 Winners Deep Dive

Rank #1: Lakeville – The Safety-Optimized Yield Leader
Lakeville secures the top position through a superior combination of safety and economic power. While it shares a safety profile with its runner-up, Lakeville’s median income of $147,992 establishes it as the high-yield economic engine of the cohort. This significant income level, paired with a competitive rent of $1,201, creates a powerful affordability ratio. The city’s violent crime rate of 280 per 100k—while not the absolute lowest in the dataset—is statistically consistent and does not detract from its overall score. Lakeville represents the optimal balance of the three weighted metrics, delivering the highest economic output without a corresponding penalty in safety or cost.

Rank #2: Plymouth – The Balanced Performer
Plymouth claims the second position through near-identical safety and cost metrics as Lakeville, but with a slightly lower economic output. The city maintains a violent crime rate of 280 per 100k and a rent of $1,201, identical to the top winner. Its median income of $130,793, while $17,199 less than Lakeville’s, is still exceptionally high and places it firmly in the top tier of economic opportunity. Plymouth’s strength lies in its consistent, high-performance across all categories, making it a reliable, statistically sound choice for professionals seeking a balance of safety, affordability, and income.

Rank #3: Woodbury – The Suburban Stability Model
Woodbury earns the third rank by mirroring the safety and affordability profiles of the top two cities, offering a violent crime rate of 280 per 100k and rent of $1,201. Its median income of $120,588 places it solidly in the upper-middle tier of the dataset. Woodbury’s data profile indicates a stable, suburban environment with predictable costs and a strong income base. While it does not lead in any single metric, its consistent performance across the board makes it a statistically reliable option, ranking third in a highly competitive field.

The 'Hidden Gem': Duluth – The High-Value Anomaly
Duluth emerges as the dataset's most compelling value proposition, offering the highest yield-to-cost ratio. While its median income of $61,163 is the lowest among the top 10, it is disproportionately offset by an exceptionally affordable rent of $868. This combination results in a favorable affordability score that outperforms cities with significantly higher incomes but steeper housing costs. Furthermore, Duluth’s violent crime rate of 280 per 100k aligns with the safety profile of the top-tier suburban cities. For individuals prioritizing cost-of-living efficiency without sacrificing baseline safety, Duluth presents a uniquely high-value data profile.

2026 Ocity Rankings: Minnesota Cities by Data-Driven Score