Plymouth, MN: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Plymouth: The Data Profile (2026)

Plymouth represents a high-income, low-cost enclave within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan statistical area. With a population of 77,638, it defies the typical inverse relationship between income and cost of living. The statistical median income sits at $130,793, a staggering +75.4% deviation above the US average of $74,580. This wealth injection, likely derived from the region's robust healthcare and tech sectors, has not yet fully inflated local price indices.

The "statistical target demographic" is the Dual-Income Professional Household. With a Cost of Living Index where Housing is 92.0 (below the national baseline), these earners maximize disposable income. The area attracts residents seeking suburban quietude with urban purchasing power, specifically those prioritizing asset accumulation over city-center amenities.

Cost of Living Analysis

The data reveals a distinct arbitrage opportunity. While income is 75.4% higher than the national median, the aggregate cost of living remains depressed. The Housing Index of 92.0 is the primary driver, suppressing expenses despite high local wages. Groceries (93.0) and Transportation (94.0) also contribute to the surplus.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income ($130,793/yr) takes home roughly $98,000 annually after taxes. With the estimated annual expense of $21,660, the theoretical savings rate is $76,340. This surplus is the city's primary economic lure.

Housing Market Deep Dive

Plymouth's housing market is defined by "High Value, Low Entry." The median home price is estimated at $385,000, which is 12.5% below the projected US average of $440,000. This is anomalous given the income levels. Renters face a similar advantage; a 2-bedroom unit costs $1,180 monthly, roughly $200 cheaper than the national curve.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the -8.0% housing index and the +75.4% income advantage, buying is statistically favorable. The price-to-rent ratio leans toward ownership. However, for those prioritizing liquidity in a post-remote economy, renting the $1,180 2-bedroom unit allows for maximum capital deployment elsewhere while enjoying a -15.7% discount on shelter costs.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Plymouth benefits from the "Super-Commuter" dynamic. While local unemployment is steady at 4.0% (matching the US average), the region's stability is bolstered by Minneapolis-St. Paul's corporate headquarters. The commute to downtown Minneapolis is approximately 15 miles, taking 25-35 minutes via I-55/I-394.

With RTO (Return to Office) mandates stabilizing at 3 days/week for many firms, Plymouth offers a "Goldilocks" distance: far enough for suburban tax benefits and space, close enough for a manageable hybrid commute. The local economy is insulated by high median incomes, suggesting strong consumer demand despite national volatility.

Quality of Life Audit

Plymouth scores exceptionally well on health metrics, driven by a population with high income and education. The Health Score of 86.8/100 is "Excellent," correlating with low risk factors. Obesity sits at 24.1% (US: 31.9%), and Smoking is 8.5% (US: 14.0%). Air quality is pristine with an AQI of 38 (Good).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (Health, Air Quality, Unemployment)

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 280 per 100k (US: 380). LOW.
• Property Crime: 2,123 per 100k (US: 2,000). AVERAGE.
• Schools: Districts (e.g., Wayzata Public Schools) consistently rank in the top 5% of the state.
• Weather: Currently 19.0°F with highs of 21.0°F. Residents must budget for high heating costs (Electricity: 15.45 cents/kWh) and winter maintenance.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Arbitrage: Earn 75.4% more than the national average while paying 8% less for housing.
• Health & Safety: Violent crime is 26% lower than the US average; health metrics are top-tier.
• Suburban Stability: Ideal for hybrid workers needing access to Minneapolis (15 miles).

Cons:

• Weather: The current 19°F temperature highlights the harsh winter reality.
• Property Crime: Slightly above the national average, requiring vigilance.
• Cultural Scene: Lacks the density of a major metro; requires commuting for nightlife.

Final Recommendation:
Plymouth is a "Buy" for 2026. The data supports it as a wealth-building hub. If you can tolerate the winter climate, the economic upside of a $130,793 median income against a 92.0 cost of living index is one of the strongest value propositions in the Midwest.

FAQs (2026 Relocation Guide)

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Plymouth?
For a single person, a salary of $85,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings, given the $1,805 monthly expense estimate. For a family, $140,000 is the baseline to maintain the median standard of living.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Minneapolis suburbs?
Plymouth offers a -8.0% housing index discount compared to the US average, whereas closer-in suburbs like Edina often have indices +20% above average. You trade walkability for square footage and savings.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With a Violent Crime rate of 280 per 100k, Plymouth is statistically safer than 72% of US cities. The Property Crime rate of 2,123 is the only metric to monitor, as it is slightly above the 2,000 average.

4. Is the current weather (19°F) indicative of the year?
No. While winters are cold (avg Jan temp 12°F), summers are warm (avg July temp 73°F). The current 19°F is standard for winter but represents only 4 months of the year.