Answers · MN
Eagan vs Inver Grove Heights, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Eagan and Inver Grove Heights are both in northern Dakota County. Interstate 494 runs through Eagan, and Highway 52 in Inver Grove Heights connects with it. Eagan had an estimated 67,109 residents in 2025 on about 31.2 square miles, and Inver Grove Heights had an estimated 36,873 on about 27.9 square miles. The airport is just across the Minnesota River from Eagan, and the Mississippi River forms the eastern edge of Inver Grove Heights.
Talk to Lesley About Eagan and Inver Grove Heights
Side by side
| Fact | Eagan | Inver Grove Heights |
|---|---|---|
| County | Dakota County | Dakota County |
| ZIP codes | 55121, 55122, 55123 | 55076, 55077 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 67,109 | 36,873 |
| Land area | About 31.2 sq mi | About 27.9 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $397,100 | $363,400 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 67.7% | 76.9% |
| School districts | Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan; West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan; Burnsville-Eagan-Savage | Inver Grove Heights Schools; Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan; West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan |
| 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 | Highway 52 to I-494; Metro Transit Routes 68 and 71 |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | More than 1,300 acres of city parkland; more than 150 miles of trails and sidewalks | 31 city parks; 275-acre Inver Wood Golf Course |
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.
Inver Grove Heights was created as a city in 1965, and its homes span many decades of styles. Housing ranges from apartments to large-lot homes, and newer developments are still adding homes. Two homes at a similar price can differ a lot in age, lot size, and school district.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $397,100 in Eagan and $363,400 in Inver Grove Heights. Owners occupy 67.7 percent of homes in Eagan and 76.9 percent in Inver Grove Heights. Those survey figures are not today's sale prices.
Getting around
Interstates 35E and 494 run through Eagan, along with Highways 13, 55, 77 (Cedar Avenue), and 149, and the airport is just across the Minnesota River. MVTA runs express buses from the Eagan Transit Station and the Blackhawk Park and Ride.
Highway 52 runs north and south through Inver Grove Heights and connects with Interstate 494, and the city describes downtown St. Paul as about a ten-minute drive. Metro Transit Routes 68 and 71 serve Inver Hills Community College, and MVTA Route 445 connects Inver Hills College with the Eagan Transit Station.
Which one fits you?
If you want a river setting, Inver Grove Heights sits on the Mississippi and has a trailhead for the Mississippi River Greenway at the Rock Island Swing Bridge. If your drive uses Interstate 35E or you fly often, look closely at Eagan. If you want a larger lot, Inver Grove Heights has large-lot homes. For parks, Eagan has more than 1,300 acres of city parkland, and Inver Grove Heights has 31 city parks and the Inver Wood Golf Course.
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 Inver Grove Heights page.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts: Eagan, U.S. Census QuickFacts: Inver Grove Heights, City of Eagan: Eagan at a Glance, City of Eagan: new resident guide, City of Eagan: bus and transit, MVTA: Eagan, City of Inver Grove Heights: about page, City of Inver Grove Heights: parks, City of Inver Grove Heights: education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eagan or Inver Grove Heights bigger?
Eagan is bigger. It had an estimated 67,109 residents on July 1, 2025, on about 31.2 square miles of land. Inver Grove Heights had an estimated 36,873 residents on about 27.9 square miles.
Which has newer homes, Eagan or Inver Grove Heights?
Much of Eagan's housing was built between 1980 and 2000. Inver Grove Heights has homes from many decades, and newer developments are still adding homes. We compare the age and condition of each home with you.
Are Eagan and Inver Grove Heights in the same county?
Yes. Both cities are in Dakota County, Minnesota.
Which school districts serve Eagan and Inver Grove Heights?
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan, and Burnsville-Eagan-Savage each serve part of Eagan. Inver Grove Heights Schools, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, and West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan each serve part of Inver Grove Heights. Confirm the schools for a specific address with the district.
How do I compare property taxes in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights?
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 Inver Grove Heights?
Eagan sits an equal distance from both downtowns, with Interstates 35E and 494 and MVTA express buses. Inver Grove Heights has Highway 52 to Interstate 494, and the city describes downtown St. Paul as about a ten-minute drive. Your drive depends on where the home sits.
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