Apple Valley, MN vs Cottage Grove, MN
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Apple Valley
72.8
#818 nationally
Cottage Grove
77.4
#246 nationally
Cottage Grove leads in crime level (1.1 vs 5.9). Apple Valley leads in walk score (21 vs 16). Cottage Grove leads in median household income ($117,673 vs $97,588).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | Cottage Grove, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.8 (#818) | 77.4 (#246) |
| Population | 55,336 | 42,056 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $381,926 | $402,376 |
| Median Household Income | $97,588 | $117,673 |
| Average Commute | 26.1 min | 25.3 min |
| Walk Score | 21 | 16 |
| Crime Level | 5.9 | 1.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 114 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+12.9 | D+8.9 |
C-
72.8 Score
Apple Valley, MN
Minnesota community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$381,926
Population
55,336
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
21
Midwest
View Apple Valley, MN →
C+
77.4 Score
Cottage Grove, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$402,376
Population
42,056
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
16
Midwest
View Cottage Grove, MN →
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