Answers · MN
Blaine vs Ramsey, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Blaine and Ramsey are both in Anoka County. Blaine had an estimated 76,603 residents in 2025 compared with 29,624 in Ramsey, on a similar amount of land, about 32.9 and 28.9 square miles. Blaine drivers use Interstate 35W and Highways 10 and 65, and Ramsey drivers use Highway 10 with Highway 169, plus Highway 47.
Talk to Lesley About Blaine and Ramsey
Side by side
| Fact | Blaine | Ramsey |
|---|---|---|
| County | Anoka County | Anoka County |
| ZIP codes | 55449, 55434 (and others) | 55303 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 76,603 | 29,624 |
| Land area | About 32.9 sq mi | About 28.9 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $352,400 | $359,600 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 85.3% | 85.0% |
| School districts | Anoka-Hennepin; Centennial; Spring Lake Park | Anoka-Hennepin (District 11); Elk River Area (District 728) |
| Main routes / transit | I-35W, Hwy 10, Hwy 65; Metro Transit Routes 10 and 824 | Hwy 10 (with Hwy 169), Hwy 47; Metro Transit Route 888 (Northstar rail ended January 2026) |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | About 638 acres of parks, more than 650 acres of open space, and more than 50 miles of trails | 27 developed city park spaces and more than 80 miles of trails |
Population is the Census estimate for July 1, 2025. The home values are U.S. Census survey figures for 2020 to 2024, not today's sale prices. Confirm the schools for any address with the district.
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.
Ramsey did not incorporate as a city until 1974, so most of what you see was built in the decades since. Choices include homes on larger lots, some with a private well and septic system, newer neighborhoods and townhomes around The COR, and new construction.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $352,400 in Blaine and $359,600 in Ramsey. Owners occupy 85.3 percent of homes in Blaine and 85.0 percent in Ramsey. Those survey figures are not today's sale prices, so we pull recent sales for the homes you are considering.
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.
Ramsey is 22 miles north-northwest of downtown Minneapolis. Highway 10, which runs with Highway 169 through Ramsey, is the main route toward Minneapolis, and Highway 47 runs north and south. Northstar commuter rail ended in January 2026, and Metro Transit Route 888 now runs buses from the Ramsey Park and Ride to downtown Minneapolis.
Which one fits you?
If you want a larger lot, possibly with a private well and septic system, Ramsey is worth a look, and we have the well and septic inspected before you buy. If you want a drive along Interstate 35W, or more than 650 acres of open space and more than 50 miles of trails, Blaine is worth a look. Both cities have newer homes, so we compare each one.
We help buyers compare both, home by home. Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
You can read more on our Blaine page and our Ramsey page.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts: Blaine, U.S. Census QuickFacts: Ramsey, City of Blaine: history, City of Blaine: parks and trails, City of Blaine: education and libraries, Metro Transit, City of Ramsey: history, City of Ramsey: parks, City of Ramsey: water, Metro Transit: Route 888.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blaine or Ramsey bigger?
Blaine has more people. Blaine had an estimated 76,603 residents on July 1, 2025, and Ramsey had an estimated 29,624. Blaine covers about 32.9 square miles of land, and Ramsey covers about 28.9.
Which has newer homes, Blaine or Ramsey?
Ramsey incorporated as a city in 1974, so most of its homes were built in the decades since, and it has newer neighborhoods around The COR and new construction. Blaine's first suburban homes were starter developments after World War II, and the city says it has added about 1,000 residents a year over the last 20 years. We compare the age of each home you are considering.
Are Blaine and Ramsey in the same county?
Yes. Blaine and Ramsey are both in Anoka County, Minnesota.
Which school districts serve Blaine and Ramsey?
Three districts serve different parts of Blaine: Anoka-Hennepin, Centennial, and Spring Lake Park. Anoka-Hennepin Schools and Elk River Area Schools both serve Ramsey. 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 Ramsey?
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 Ramsey?
Ramsey is 22 miles north-northwest of downtown Minneapolis, and Metro Transit Route 888 runs from the Ramsey Park and Ride to downtown Minneapolis. Northstar commuter rail ended in January 2026. Blaine has Interstate 35W and Highways 10 and 65, and Routes 10 and 824 run from Northtown Transit Center to downtown Minneapolis. We map your actual route before you choose.
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