RANK #597 / 996 · POP 107,216 · MN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.4%
Known for its natural scenery and high quality of life, Carver County, Minnesota, is located southwest of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The county seat, Chaska, is roughly 20 miles from Minneapolis, making it a feasible commute for many residents. The community offers a blend of suburban amenities and rural charm, with rolling farmlands, woodlands, and over 125 lakes. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with more than 4,000 acres of parks, including Lake Waconia, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Carver Park Reserve, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and water activities.
Carver County consistently ranks as one of Minnesota's healthiest counties, reflecting its quality of life. The area attracts families and professionals, supported by highly rated public schools such as those in the Eastern Carver County Public Schools district. Commute options to Minneapolis are available through express bus services and on-demand rideshare programs. The local economy, historically rooted in agriculture and manufacturing, is experiencing growth in technology infrastructure, with several data centers establishing operations in towns like Chaska. This development contributes to the county's economic landscape, alongside its established industries.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.2x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
CloudHQ MSP Campus Data Center
CloudHQ
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Northern Lights 2027 Expansion (Natural Gas Pipeline)
Northern Natural Gas
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Chaska Yards (Community Land Trust Housing)
Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA)
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Carver County Roadway Systems Plan (various projects)
Carver County
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Carver County has a Boom Town Index score of 40/100, ranking #597 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.3% and a median household income of $116,308, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Carver County is $400,500 with median rent at $1,384/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2904, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.4% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.3%. Home values changed +0.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.13% of Carver County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.