Answers · MN
Eagan vs Apple Valley, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Eagan and Apple Valley are both in Dakota County, and the METRO Red Line runs from Apple Valley north through Eagan. Eagan had an estimated 67,109 residents in 2025 on about 31.2 square miles, and Apple Valley had an estimated 55,248 on about 16.9 square miles. Eagan has Interstates 35E and 494, and Apple Valley is built along Cedar Avenue.
Talk to Lesley About Eagan and Apple Valley
Side by side
| Fact | Eagan | Apple Valley |
|---|---|---|
| County | Dakota County | Dakota County |
| ZIP codes | 55121, 55122, 55123 | 55124 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 67,109 | 55,248 |
| Land area | About 31.2 sq mi | About 16.9 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $397,100 | $370,400 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 67.7% | 73.4% |
| School districts | Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan; West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan; Burnsville-Eagan-Savage | Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan (most of the city); Burnsville-Eagan-Savage (a small northwestern corner) |
| Main routes / transit | I-35E, I-494, and Highways 13, 55, 77 (Cedar Avenue), and 149; MVTA express buses; METRO Red Line at Cedar Grove | Cedar Avenue; METRO Red Line (3 stations); MVTA express buses |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | More than 1,300 acres of city parkland; more than 150 miles of trails and sidewalks | Over 50 neighborhood parks |
Population is the Census estimate for July 1, 2025. The home value and owner share come from the Census survey for 2020 to 2024, so they are not today's sale prices. Confirm schools for any address with the district.
Homes
Eagan grew from 20,700 people in 1980 to 63,557 in 2000, and much of its housing was built in that stretch. The city has nearly 30,000 housing units and a wide variety of housing, and some homes back up to its roughly 1,200 lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
Apple Valley's residential neighborhoods began in 1955. In 1963 builder Orrin Thompson named several plats Apple Valley, on either side of County Road 42, and the city became a statutory city in 1974. Neighborhoods date from the mid-1950s onward, so home age and lot layout vary from street to street.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $397,100 in Eagan and $370,400 in Apple Valley. Owners occupy 67.7 percent of homes in Eagan and 73.4 percent in Apple Valley. Those survey figures are not today's sale prices.
Getting around
Eagan sits south of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, an equal distance from each, and the airport is just across the Minnesota River. Interstates 35E and 494 run through the city, along with Highways 13, 55, 77 (Cedar Avenue), and 149. MVTA runs express buses from the Eagan Transit Station and the Blackhawk Park and Ride, and the Cedar Grove Transit Station connects to the Red Line.
Cedar Avenue runs through Apple Valley. The Red Line stops at Apple Valley Transit Station, 147th St Station, and 140th St Station, then runs north through Eagan to the Mall of America. MVTA runs express buses to Minneapolis and St. Paul from Apple Valley Transit Station, Palomino Hills Park and Ride, and 157th St. Station.
Which one fits you?
If your drive uses Interstate 35E or 494, or you fly often, look closely at Eagan. If you want to live near a Red Line station, Apple Valley has three. For the outdoors, Eagan has more than 1,300 acres of city parkland and Lebanon Hills Regional Park, and Apple Valley has over 50 neighborhood parks and the Minnesota Zoo. Both cities have homes from several decades, 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 Eagan page and our Apple Valley page.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts: Eagan, U.S. Census QuickFacts: Apple Valley, City of Eagan: Eagan at a Glance, City of Eagan: new resident guide, City of Eagan: bus and transit, MVTA: Eagan, City of Apple Valley: history, City of Apple Valley: schools, MVTA: Apple Valley park-and-rides, Metro Transit: METRO Red Line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eagan or Apple Valley bigger?
Eagan is bigger. It had an estimated 67,109 residents on July 1, 2025, on about 31.2 square miles of land. Apple Valley had an estimated 55,248 residents on about 16.9 square miles.
Which has newer homes, Eagan or Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's neighborhoods date from the mid-1950s onward. Much of Eagan's housing was built between 1980 and 2000. Both cities have homes from several decades, so we compare the age and condition of each home with you.
Are Eagan and Apple Valley in the same county?
Yes. Both cities are in Dakota County, Minnesota.
Which school districts serve Eagan and Apple Valley?
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan, and Burnsville-Eagan-Savage each serve part of Eagan. Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan serves most of Apple Valley, and Burnsville-Eagan-Savage serves a small northwestern corner. Confirm the schools for a specific address with the district.
How do I compare property taxes in Eagan and Apple Valley?
Dakota County keeps the tax records for both cities. Search the county's free Property Information Search by parcel ID, house number, or street address to see the tax and value for each home.
Is it easier to commute to Minneapolis or St. Paul from Eagan or Apple Valley?
Eagan sits an equal distance from both downtowns, with Interstates 35E and 494 and MVTA express buses. Apple Valley has Cedar Avenue, three Red Line stations, and MVTA express buses. Your drive depends on where the home sits, so we look at it before you choose.
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