Answers · MN
Lake Elmo vs Oakdale, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Lake Elmo and Oakdale are neighbors in Washington County, and Lake Elmo borders Oakdale to the west. Oakdale has about twice as many people, an estimated 30,588 in 2025 compared with 14,376, on about half the land, about 11 square miles compared with 22.1. Lake Elmo has homes on acreage, often with a private well and septic system, while most Oakdale homes were built from the 1980s to the early 2000s.
Talk to Lesley About Lake Elmo and Oakdale
Side by side
| Fact | Lake Elmo | Oakdale |
|---|---|---|
| County | Washington County | Washington County |
| ZIP codes | 55042 | 55128 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 14,376 | 30,588 |
| Land area | About 22.1 sq mi | About 11 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $597,000 | $318,100 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 93.5% | 77.5% |
| School districts | Stillwater Area Public Schools; Mahtomedi Public Schools; North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale | North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale |
| Main routes / transit | I-94 (south edge) and Highway 36 (north edge); Metro micro | I-694, I-94, and Highway 36; METRO Gold Line with a park-and-ride |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 2,165 acres (county park); Sunfish Lake Park, 284 acres | 29 city parks (October 2024) |
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
Lake Elmo offers homes on acreage, where a private well and septic system are common, along with newer neighborhoods and new construction. Older homes sit near the historic downtown. Homes on city water and sewer get a quarterly city bill, and other homes use a well and septic system, so we have both inspected before you buy.
Oakdale's 2025 housing study says most of its homes were built from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Single-family homes make up 53 percent of its housing, townhomes make up 21 percent, and large apartment buildings make up 16 percent. New home building has slowed since the early 2000s, so most Oakdale homes are resales, and we look closely at the roof, windows, furnace, and updates.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $597,000 in Lake Elmo and $318,100 in Oakdale. Owners occupy 93.5 percent of homes in Lake Elmo and 77.5 percent in Oakdale. Those survey figures are not today's sale prices, so we pull recent sales for the homes you are considering.
Getting around
Lake Elmo has Interstate 94 on its south edge, which leads west to St. Paul and Minneapolis, and Highway 36 on its north edge. Metro micro offers on-demand shared rides in parts of Lake Elmo and connects to the METRO Gold Line at Woodlane Transit Center in Woodbury.
Oakdale connects to St. Paul, Minneapolis, and nearby suburbs by Interstate 694, Interstate 94, and Highway 36. The METRO Gold Line runs all day in both directions along the Interstate 94 corridor, and Oakdale has stops and a park-and-ride lot.
Which one fits you?
If you want land, a large lot, or a rural setting, Lake Elmo has acreage homes and the 2,165-acre Lake Elmo Park Reserve. If you want a resale home or townhome from the 1980s to the early 2000s and a stop on the METRO Gold Line, Oakdale is worth a look. Lake Elmo also has newer neighborhoods and new construction, so we compare both kinds of homes.
We help buyers compare both, home by home. Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
You can read more on our Lake Elmo page and our Oakdale page.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts: Lake Elmo, U.S. Census QuickFacts: Oakdale, City of Lake Elmo: community, City of Lake Elmo: schools, Washington County: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Metro Transit: Metro micro, City of Oakdale: history, City of Oakdale: housing study, City of Oakdale: park system plan, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Schools (District 622), City of Woodbury: METRO Gold Line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Elmo or Oakdale bigger?
Oakdale has more people. Lake Elmo had an estimated 14,376 residents on July 1, 2025, and Oakdale had an estimated 30,588. Lake Elmo covers about 22.1 square miles of land, and Oakdale covers about 11. So Lake Elmo has fewer people but more land.
Which has newer homes, Lake Elmo or Oakdale?
Lake Elmo has newer neighborhoods and new construction, along with older homes near its historic downtown. Oakdale's 2025 housing study says most of its homes were built from the 1980s to the early 2000s, and new home building there has slowed since then. We compare the age of each home you are considering.
Are Lake Elmo and Oakdale in the same county?
Yes. Lake Elmo and Oakdale are both in Washington County, Minnesota.
Which school districts serve Lake Elmo and Oakdale?
Stillwater Area Public Schools, Mahtomedi Public Schools, and North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale serve parts of Lake Elmo. North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Schools serves Oakdale. 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 Lake Elmo and Oakdale?
Washington 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 Lake Elmo or Oakdale?
Oakdale has Interstate 694, Interstate 94, and Highway 36, plus METRO Gold Line stops and a park-and-ride with all-day service. Lake Elmo has Interstate 94 on its south edge and Highway 36 on its north edge, and Metro micro rides connect parts of the city to the Gold Line at Woodlane Transit Center in Woodbury. We map your actual route before you choose.
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