Answers · MN
Lakeville vs Apple Valley, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Lakeville and Apple Valley are both in Dakota County, and Cedar Avenue serves both. Lakeville is the largest city in the county, with an estimated 79,270 residents in 2025 on about 36.3 square miles, and new construction is common there. Apple Valley had an estimated 55,248 residents on about 16.9 square miles, with neighborhoods dating from the mid-1950s onward.
Talk to Lesley About Lakeville and Apple Valley
Side by side
| Fact | Lakeville | Apple Valley |
|---|---|---|
| County | Dakota County | Dakota County |
| ZIP codes | 55044 (some addresses use 55068 or 55024) | 55124 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 79,270 | 55,248 |
| Land area | About 36.3 sq mi | About 16.9 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $452,500 | $370,400 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 87.8% | 73.4% |
| School districts | Lakeville Area Schools (most of the city); Farmington; Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan | Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan (most of the city); Burnsville-Eagan-Savage (a small northwestern corner) |
| Main routes / transit | I-35 and Cedar Avenue; express Routes 467 and 477 | Cedar Avenue; METRO Red Line (3 stations); MVTA express buses |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | 68 city parks; about 1,734 acres of parkland; 149 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
Lakeville has kept building as the metro has grown south, so newer neighborhoods and new construction are common. It also has homes near Lake Marion and Orchard Lake, and older homes on streets near its historic downtown. If you tour a model home, bring us from the first visit, because the sales consultant represents the builder.
Apple Valley's residential neighborhoods began in 1955, and builder Orrin Thompson named several plats Apple Valley in 1963. Home age, updates, and lot layout vary from one street to the next.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $452,500 in Lakeville and $370,400 in Apple Valley. Owners occupy 87.8 percent of homes in Lakeville and 73.4 percent in Apple Valley. Those survey figures are not today's sale prices.
Getting around
Lakeville sits along Interstate 35, roughly 20 miles south of both downtowns. Interstate 35 splits into 35W toward Minneapolis and 35E toward St. Paul just north of the city, and Cedar Avenue runs along its east side. Metro Transit express Route 467 runs from the Kenrick Avenue Park and Ride to downtown Minneapolis, and MVTA Route 477 runs from the Lakeville Cedar Park and Ride through Apple Valley to downtown Minneapolis.
Cedar Avenue runs through Apple Valley, and the METRO Red Line stops at three stations in the city on its way north 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 you want new construction or more space, Lakeville has newer neighborhoods and 68 city parks. If you want to live near a Red Line station, Apple Valley has three. If your drive uses Interstate 35, look closely at Lakeville, and if it follows Cedar Avenue north, compare homes in both. For lakes, Lakeville has Lake Marion and Orchard Lake, and Apple Valley has the Minnesota Zoo and Valleywood 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 Lakeville page and our Apple Valley page.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts: Lakeville, U.S. Census QuickFacts: Apple Valley, City of Lakeville: postal, City of Lakeville: parks, City of Lakeville: schools, Metro Transit: Route 467, 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 Lakeville or Apple Valley bigger?
Lakeville is bigger. It had an estimated 79,270 residents on July 1, 2025, on about 36.3 square miles of land, and it is the largest city in Dakota County. Apple Valley had an estimated 55,248 residents on about 16.9 square miles.
Which has newer homes, Lakeville or Apple Valley?
Lakeville has kept building as the metro grew south, so newer neighborhoods and new construction are common there. Apple Valley's neighborhoods date from the mid-1950s onward. Both cities have a range of ages, so we compare each home with you.
Are Lakeville and Apple Valley in the same county?
Yes. Both cities are in Dakota County, Minnesota.
Which school districts serve Lakeville and Apple Valley?
Lakeville Area Schools serves most of Lakeville, Farmington serves the eastern area, and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan serves the northeastern corner. Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan serves most of Apple Valley, and Burnsville-Eagan-Savage serves a small northwestern corner. Confirm the district for a specific address.
How do I compare property taxes in Lakeville and Apple Valley?
Dakota County keeps the tax records for both cities. Search the county's Property Information Search by address or parcel number to see the tax and assessed value for each home.
Is it easier to commute to Minneapolis or St. Paul from Lakeville or Apple Valley?
Lakeville sits about 20 miles south of both downtowns on Interstate 35, with express Routes 467 and 477. Apple Valley has Cedar Avenue, three Red Line stations, and MVTA express buses. We look at your drive from the specific home before you choose.
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