Answers · MN

Blaine vs Coon Rapids, MN: How They Compare

The short answer

Blaine and Coon Rapids are neighboring Anoka County suburbs north of Minneapolis. Blaine is larger, with about 76,600 residents on about 32.9 square miles, and it is still growing. Coon Rapids has about 64,200 residents on about 22.6 square miles along the Mississippi River, and it is an established suburb with ramblers, split-entries, and multi-level homes.

Side by side

FactBlaineCoon Rapids
CountyAnoka CountyAnoka County
ZIP codes55449, 55434 (and others)55433, 55448
Population (2025 estimate)76,60364,193
Land areaAbout 32.9 sq miAbout 22.6 sq mi
Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey)$352,400$305,800
Owner-occupied homes85.3%74.8%
School districts (names only)Anoka-Hennepin; Centennial; Spring Lake ParkAnoka-Hennepin
Main routes / transitI-35W, Hwy 10, Hwy 65; Metro Transit Routes 10 and 824Hwy 10, East River Road, Coon Rapids Blvd; Metro Transit Routes 888 and 805
Parks and trails (official figures)About 638 acres of parks, more than 650 acres of open space, and more than 50 miles of trails48 parks, more than 40 miles of trails, and two regional parks

The home values are U.S. Census survey figures for 2020 to 2024, not today's sale prices. For what homes sell for now, ask us for recent sales on the streets you are considering.

Homes

Blaine's first suburban homes were starter developments in the southern part of the city after World War II. The city says it has added about 1,000 residents a year over the last 20 years, so a home in one part of Blaine can be decades older or newer than one a few miles away.

Coon Rapids became a village in 1952 and a city in 1959. The city lists single-family homes, twinhomes, townhomes, apartments, and senior living, with styles from one-level ramblers to split-entries, multi-levels, and larger homes. The city also offers home improvement loan programs, including Home for Generations II.

The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $352,400 in Blaine and $305,800 in Coon Rapids. Those are survey figures, not today's sale prices.

Getting around

Interstate 35W and Highways 10 and 65 run through Blaine and lead south toward Minneapolis and St. Paul. Metro Transit Routes 10 and 824 run between Northtown Transit Center and downtown Minneapolis.

Coon Rapids is about 12 miles north of Minneapolis. Highway 10 crosses the city, and East River Road and Coon Rapids Boulevard follow the river. Metro Transit Route 888 runs from the Coon Rapids-Riverdale Park and Ride to downtown Minneapolis, and Route 805 connects Northtown, Riverdale, and Anoka.

Which one fits you?

If you want newer construction or a home near the National Sports Center, TPC Twin Cities, or Interstate 35W, Blaine is worth a look. If you want an established neighborhood near the Mississippi River, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, or Bunker Hills Regional Park, Coon Rapids is worth a look.

Read more on our Blaine page and our Coon Rapids page.

We help buyers compare both, home by home. Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blaine or Coon Rapids bigger?

Blaine has more people. Blaine had an estimated 76,603 residents on July 1, 2025, and Coon Rapids had an estimated 64,193. Blaine covers about 32.9 square miles of land, and Coon Rapids covers about 22.6.

Which has newer homes, Blaine or Coon Rapids?

Blaine is still growing, and new construction is part of its market. Its oldest suburban homes are post-war starter homes in the south part of the city. Coon Rapids is an established suburb that became a city in 1959, with styles from ramblers to split-entries and multi-levels. We compare the age of each home you are considering.

Are Blaine and Coon Rapids in the same county?

Yes. Blaine and Coon Rapids are both in Anoka County, Minnesota.

Which school districts serve Blaine and Coon Rapids?

Three districts serve different parts of Blaine: Anoka-Hennepin, Centennial, and Spring Lake Park. The Anoka-Hennepin School District serves Coon Rapids. The district depends on the address, so confirm it with the district for any home before you make an offer.

How do I compare property taxes in Blaine and Coon Rapids?

Anoka County keeps the tax records for both cities. Search the county's property information lookup by address or parcel number to see the taxes and the assessed value for each home you are comparing. We pull those records with you for the exact homes on your list.

Is it easier to commute to Minneapolis or St. Paul from Blaine or Coon Rapids?

Coon Rapids is about 12 miles north of Minneapolis, with Highway 10, East River Road, and Metro Transit Route 888 to downtown. Blaine has Interstate 35W and Highways 10 and 65 leading south toward Minneapolis and St. Paul, and Metro Transit Routes 10 and 824 from Northtown Transit Center to downtown Minneapolis. Your drive depends on where the home is, so we map your actual route.