Answers · MN
Eagan vs Bloomington, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Eagan is in Dakota County and Bloomington is in Hennepin County, and both cities sit near the airport. Bloomington had an estimated 89,034 residents in 2025 on about 34.7 square miles, and Eagan had an estimated 67,109 on about 31.2. Bloomington has the METRO Blue Line light rail and Interstates 494 and 35W, while Eagan has Interstates 35E and 494 and MVTA express buses.
Talk to Lesley About Eagan and Bloomington
Side by side
| Fact | Eagan | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| County | Dakota County | Hennepin County |
| ZIP codes | 55121, 55122, 55123 | 55420, 55425, 55431, 55437, 55438 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 67,109 | 89,034 |
| Land area | About 31.2 sq mi | About 34.7 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $397,100 | $361,700 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 67.7% | 65.7% |
| School districts | Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan; West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan; Burnsville-Eagan-Savage | Bloomington Public Schools |
| 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 | I-494, I-35W, Hwy 77, Hwy 100, Hwy 169; METRO Blue Line (4 stations) and Orange Line |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | More than 1,300 acres of city parkland; more than 150 miles of trails and sidewalks | 97 parks and green spaces; Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve covers more than 2,500 acres |
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
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. Eagan has roughly 1,200 lakes, ponds, and wetlands, so some homes back up to water.
Bloomington became a city in 1960 and is largely built out, so most homes for sale are existing homes instead of new construction. Interstate 35W divides the city. West Bloomington is mostly residential, and East Bloomington has more business, industry, and retail along with residential neighborhoods.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $397,100 in Eagan and $361,700 in Bloomington. Owners occupy 67.7 percent of homes in Eagan and 65.7 percent in Bloomington. Those survey figures are not today's sale prices, so we pull recent sales for the homes you are considering.
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 METRO Red Line.
Bloomington has Interstate 494 across its north side and Interstate 35W north to Minneapolis, plus Highways 77, 100, and 169. The METRO Blue Line light rail has four Bloomington stations and runs through the airport to downtown Minneapolis, and the METRO Orange Line stops at I-35W and 98th Street and at Knox Avenue and American Boulevard.
Which one fits you?
If you want a train to downtown Minneapolis, Bloomington has four METRO Blue Line stations, plus the METRO Orange Line. If you want a home from Eagan's 1980s and 1990s growth years, or a home that backs up to one of its roughly 1,200 lakes, ponds, and wetlands, Eagan is worth a look. If you want an established home in a largely built-out city, Bloomington is worth a look, and its west side is mostly residential.
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 Bloomington page.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts: Eagan, U.S. Census QuickFacts: Bloomington, City of Eagan: Eagan at a Glance, City of Eagan: new resident guide, City of Eagan: bus and transit, MVTA: Eagan, City of Bloomington: parks and recreation, Three Rivers Park District: Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Metro Transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eagan or Bloomington bigger?
Bloomington has more people. Eagan had an estimated 67,109 residents on July 1, 2025, and Bloomington had an estimated 89,034. Eagan covers about 31.2 square miles of land, and Bloomington covers about 34.7.
Which has newer homes, Eagan or Bloomington?
Eagan grew from 20,700 people in 1980 to 63,557 in 2000, and much of its housing was built in that stretch. Bloomington became a city in 1960 and is largely built out, so most homes for sale there are existing homes instead of new construction. We compare the age of each home you are considering.
Are Eagan and Bloomington in the same county?
No. Eagan is in Dakota County, and Bloomington is in Hennepin County.
Which school districts serve Eagan and Bloomington?
Three districts serve parts of Eagan: Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan, and Burnsville-Eagan-Savage. Bloomington Public Schools serves Bloomington. 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 Eagan and Bloomington?
Each county keeps its own records. Dakota County has the tax records for Eagan, and Hennepin County has them for Bloomington. Search each county's property information lookup by address or parcel number to see the taxes and assessed value for each home. We pull those records with you for the exact homes on your list.
Is it easier to commute to Minneapolis or St. Paul from Eagan or Bloomington?
Bloomington has Interstate 35W north to Minneapolis and the METRO Blue Line light rail to downtown Minneapolis. Eagan sits south of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, an equal distance from each, with Interstates 35E and 494 and MVTA express buses. We map your actual route before you choose.
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