RANK #592 / 996 · POP 547,202 · MN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.4%
Ramsey County, Minnesota, distinguished by its role as home to Saint Paul, the state capital, offers a blend of urban amenities and natural spaces. It is the smallest and most densely populated county in Minnesota, yet it maintains over 6,000 acres of parkland and 92 miles of trails for various outdoor activities. The Mississippi River flows through Saint Paul, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. Commuting throughout the county and to nearby Minneapolis is facilitated by major interstates like I-94, I-35E, and I-694, along with a public transit system that includes bus rapid transit and light rail options.
Life in Ramsey County caters to a diverse population, including families and young professionals. The county's public school system includes 287 schools. Recent economic developments focus on equitable redevelopment, with investments in affordable housing, job creation, and workforce development, particularly along major commercial corridors. Projects like the Saint Paul RiversEdge aim to revitalize the riverfront with mixed-use spaces, including residential housing and a nine-acre urban park, intending to attract long-term residents and boost the local economy.
Above national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.5x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ramsey County has a Boom Town Index score of 41/100, ranking #592 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.2% and a median household income of $78,108, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Ramsey County is $289,300 with median rent at $1,214/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.27, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.2%. Home values changed +1.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.19% of Ramsey County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.