Woodbury, MN: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

1. Woodbury: The Data Profile (2026)

Woodbury presents a distinct economic outlier in the Midwest housing landscape. With a population of 79,530, it operates with the infrastructure of a smaller city but the financial power of a high-income satellite suburb. The median household income stands at $120,588, which is a substantial +61.7% higher than the US median of $74,580.

However, the housing market defies standard income-to-cost ratios. The Cost of Living Index for Housing is 92.0, indicating the area is 8.0% cheaper than the national average despite the high local income. This creates a unique arbitrage opportunity. The statistical target demographic is the "High-Earning Remote Professional" or "Hybrid Commuter." This profile earns well above the national median but seeks to leverage the 8.0% housing discount to maximize savings, rather than spending it all on coastal housing costs.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

While housing is below average, the aggregate cost of living remains near parity due to other sectors. The following table breaks down the monthly expenditure requirements for a single professional versus a family of four, utilizing the provided index data.

Disposable Income Analysis:
The critical data point here is the gap between the median income and the cost of living. A single earner in Woodbury taking home the median $120,588 (approx. $7,600 monthly after tax) faces estimated living costs of $2,738. This leaves a disposable income surplus of approximately $4,862 monthly. This surplus is significantly higher than the national average, allowing for aggressive investment strategies that are impossible in high-cost coastal metros.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary draw. The "Buy vs. Rent" analysis below compares Woodbury values to the US average. The divergence between the high income and the relatively low housing index creates a strong buying signal.

Buying vs. Renting Analysis:
Given the -8.0% Housing Index and a Price/SqFt of $215 (vs $245 US), buying is mathematically favored for anyone planning a stay longer than 3 years. The rent-to-price ratio is favorable, but with the median income at $120,588, the ability to service a mortgage on a $415,000 home is high. Renting offers flexibility, but buying locks in costs below the national curve while earning significantly above it.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, the "Post-Remote" reality defines Woodbury's economy. The city is a hub for the "Hybrid-Commuter" to downtown Minneapolis/St. Paul.

• RTO Impact: With 4.0% unemployment matching the US average, the local job market is stable. However, the high local income suggests a bifurcation: local service jobs pay standard wages, while corporate/tech roles (often remote or hybrid) pay the $120,588 median.
• Commute Dynamics: Proximity to I-94 and I-494 is critical. For those required in-office 2-3 days a week, the commute to Minneapolis is roughly 20-30 minutes (approx. 15 miles). This "sweet spot" distance allows for suburban living without the isolation of exurbs.
• Industry Stability: The economic base is anchored by healthcare (Health Index 96.0) and retail, but the wealth is imported via remote-capable industries. Stability is high due to the diversified income sources of the residents.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Woodbury scores exceptionally well on health and safety metrics, particularly when compared to national averages. The air quality is a major differentiator for a metro-adjacent city.

[TABLE 3: Quality of Life Metrics]

Safety Analysis:
Woodbury is a statistical safe haven. Violent crime is recorded at 280 per 100k residents, which is 26.3% lower than the US average of 380 per 100k. Property crime is 2123 per 100k, essentially matching the national average of 2,000. The low violent crime rate is a premium value driver.

Schools & Weather:
While specific school data wasn't provided, the income level ($120,588) and health metrics (84.4/100) strongly correlate with high-performing school districts. Weather remains the primary detractor; today's high of 23°F and low of 21°F highlights the harsh winter reality. Residents must budget for winter heating costs (Electricity: 15.45¢/kWh) and vehicle maintenance.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Arbitrage: Earning +61.7% vs the US average while paying -8.0% on housing costs is a rare economic alignment.
• Safety: Violent crime is 26.3% lower than the national baseline.
• Health: An 84.4/100 health score and significantly lower smoking rates (9.3%) indicate a community focused on longevity.

Cons:

• Climate: The sub-freezing temperatures (23°F) require a high tolerance for winter.
• Cultural Density: With a population of 79,530, it lacks the vibrancy of a major urban center; it is a suburb, not a city.

Final Recommendation:
Woodbury is a Strong Buy for the hybrid professional. The data supports a relocation strategy focused on wealth accumulation. If you can handle the winter, the math allows you to save significantly more here than in almost any other US metro of comparable safety.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Woodbury?
To match the median income and maximize the local cost-of-living advantage, a salary of $120,588 is the baseline. However, a single professional can live comfortably on $75,000, as the cost of living index for a single person is roughly $2,738 monthly.

2. How does the value compare to other Twin Cities suburbs?
Woodbury offers a Housing Index of 92.0, which is roughly 8.0% cheaper than the national average. Compared to closer-in suburbs like Edina or Minnetonka, Woodbury offers larger square footage for the price ($215/SqFt), trading commute time for space.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The data indicates a Violent Crime rate of 280/100k. This is statistically significant compared to the US average of 380/100k. Property crime is average, suggesting the primary risk is theft, not personal violence.

4. When is the best time to move or buy?
The current weather (23°F) suggests winter is a buyer's market, as inventory moves slower. However, for the best selection of homes and ease of moving, target May through September. Buying in winter may yield a 2-5% price discount off the median $415,000 home price.