Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota

Prior Lake is a city located in Scott County, Minnesota, United States. It is one of the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities and lies on the south shore of Prior Lake. The city's population was 28,086 at the 2021 census.

Prior Lake was incorporated as a village in 1891, and became a city in 1992. It is home to a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and golfing. Prior Lake also hosts a variety of annual festivals and events, including the Prior Lake Rotary Festival and the Prior Lake 4th of July Parade.

The city is also home to Mystic Lake Casino and Little Six Casino, which offer a variety of gaming options. Prior Lake is served by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, which consists of five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

The city is also home to several parks and trails, including Spring Lake Regional Park and the Minnesota Valley State Trail.

1. Cost of Living

The cost of living in Prior Lake, Minnesota is slightly higher than the national average. According to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Prior Lake is $86,746, which is slightly higher than the national median of $61,937.

The median home value in Prior Lake is $336,400, which is significantly higher than the national median of $219,700. The median rent in Prior Lake is $1,636, which is slightly higher than the national median of $1,062.

The cost of transportation is also slightly higher than the national average, with the median cost of a gallon of gas being $2.90, compared to a national average of $2.71. Groceries, health care, and utilities also cost slightly more in Prior Lake than the national average.

Despite the slightly higher cost of living, Prior Lake is an attractive place to live with its beautiful lakes, parks, and trails, as well as its convenient location to the Twin Cities.

2. Safety

Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota is generally considered to be safe. According to the latest FBI crime report, the city had a total of 1,118 reported crimes in 2019, giving it a crime rate of 1,181 per 100,000 people. This is significantly lower than the national average, which is 3,947 per 100,000 people.

Additionally, the violent crime rate in Prior Lake is much lower than the national average, with a rate of 121 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 369 per 100,000 people. The city also has a low property crime rate of 1,060 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 2,577 per 100,000 people.

The Prior Lake Police Department is dedicated to keeping the city safe and works hard to ensure that residents feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.

The city also has a number of safety initiatives in place to help reduce crime, including Neighborhood Watch programs and community events.

3. Schools

Prior Lake, Minnesota is served by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, which is a public school district with five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

The district is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to its students, and has achieved a high graduation rate of 91.6%. The district also provides a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art, and more.

Additionally, the district is committed to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students and has implemented a number of initiatives to ensure that all students feel safe and respected. The district also provides a variety of support services for students, including special education services, mental health services, and early childhood education. 

Overall, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools provides a high-quality education to its students and is a great place for families to live.

4. Job Opportunities

Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota offers a variety of job opportunities. The city is home to a number of major employers, including Mystic Lake Casino, Little Six Casino, and Allina Health.

Additionally, the city is home to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus, which provides a variety of employment opportunities in research, education, and health care. The city is also home to a number of small businesses and startups, providing a variety of job opportunities for those looking for a more entrepreneurial experience.

The city is home to a number of retail and service businesses, providing employment opportunities in the hospitality, retail, and service industries.

Overall, Prior Lake, Minnesota provides a variety of job opportunities for those looking to live and work in the city.

5. Weather

The weather in Prior Lake, Minnesota is typical of the Upper Midwest, with cold winters, warm summers, and mild springs and autumns. Average winter temperatures range from 10-20°F, while summer temperatures range from 50-80°F. 

The city also gets an average of 37 inches of snow per year. Spring temperatures range from 40-60°F, while fall temperatures range from 40-60°F. The city also gets an average of 40 days of precipitation per year, with most of the rain falling in the spring and summer months.

Overall, the weather in Prior Lake, Minnesota is typical of the Upper Midwest, and provides a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.

6. Transportation 

Prior Lake, Minnesota is served by a variety of transportation options. The city is served by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, which provides bus service to the city and its surrounding areas.

The city is also home to a number of taxi and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. Additionally, the city has access to a variety of major highways and interstates, including I-35, I-494, and I-35W, providing easy access to the Twin Cities and beyond.

The city is also home to a number of bike trails and paths, providing a convenient way to get around the city.

Overall, Prior Lake, Minnesota offers a variety of transportation options, making it easy to get around the city and its surrounding areas.

7. Culture and Community

Prior Lake, Minnesota is a vibrant and diverse community with a variety of cultural and community activities. The city is home to a number of parks and trails, providing a variety of recreational activities for residents.

The city also hosts a number of annual festivals and events, including the Prior Lake Rotary Festival and the Prior Lake 4th of July Parade. Additionally, the city is home to a number of local businesses and restaurants, providing a variety of dining, entertainment, and shopping options.

Prior Lake is also home to a number of churches and religious centers, providing a variety of spiritual activities and services.

Overall, Prior Lake, Minnesota is a vibrant and diverse community with a variety of cultural and community activities for residents to enjoy.

8. Healthcare

Prior Lake, Minnesota is served by a variety of healthcare options. The city is home to Allina Health, which is one of the largest health systems in the state. The system provides a variety of services, including primary care, urgent care, specialty care, and emergency care.

The city is also served by a number of independent healthcare providers, including physicians, dentists, and mental health counselors. Additionally, the city is home to a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores, providing convenient access to the medications and supplies that residents need. 

Overall, Prior Lake, Minnesota is served by a variety of healthcare options, providing residents with access to the care they need.

9. Distance from Friends and Family

Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota can be a great way to stay close to friends and family, while still being able to enjoy the benefits of living in a suburban area. The city is located just 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis, making it easy to stay in touch with family and friends who live in the city. 

Additionally, the city is a short drive from St. Paul, which is just 18 miles away and is served by a number of major highways and interstates, making it easy to get to other parts of the state and country.

Overall, living in Prior Lake, Minnesota can be a great way to stay close to friends and family, while still being able to enjoy the benefits of living in a suburban area.