Answers · MN

Plymouth vs Maple Grove, MN: How They Compare

The short answer

Plymouth and Maple Grove are neighboring Hennepin County suburbs northwest of Minneapolis, and they cover almost the same land, about 32.7 and 32.6 square miles. Plymouth has about 5,000 more residents and is laid out in curving subdivisions with 863 cul-de-sacs. Maple Grove centers on its lakes and the Arbor Lakes and Main Street district, and newer subdivisions and new construction are part of its mix.

Side by side

FactPlymouthMaple Grove
CountyHennepin CountyHennepin County
ZIP codes55441, 55442, 55446, 5544755311, 55369
Population (2025 estimate)78,94273,893
Land areaAbout 32.7 sq miAbout 32.6 sq mi
Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey)$491,200$418,300
Owner-occupied homes75.1%82.3%
School districts (names only)Wayzata; Robbinsdale; Osseo; HopkinsOsseo Area Schools (District 279); Wayzata Public Schools (District 284)
Main routes / transitI-494, Hwy 55, Hwy 169; Plymouth Metrolink express buses and Click-and-RideI-94, I-494, I-694, Hwy 610, Hwy 169; Maple Grove Transit express buses
Parks and trails (official figures)1,834 acres of parkland and 188 miles of city, state, and regional trailsMore than 1,000 acres of parks, 36 miles of maintained trails, and 48 playgrounds

The home values are U.S. Census survey figures for 2020 to 2024, not today's sale prices. For what homes sell for now, ask us for recent sales on the streets you are considering.

Homes

Plymouth became a village in 1955 and a city in 1974, and most of its neighborhoods were built in the decades since. You will find single-family homes from several decades, many on cul-de-sacs, plus townhomes, condominiums, and homes near Medicine Lake and Parkers Lake.

Maple Grove incorporated in 1954 and has been growing ever since. Its neighborhoods are organized around lakes such as Weaver, Fish, and Rice, and around Arbor Lakes and Main Street, where homes, townhomes, and condominiums sit within reach of shops. Newer subdivisions and new construction are part of the market.

The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $491,200 in Plymouth and $418,300 in Maple Grove. Those are survey figures, not today's sale prices.

Getting around

Plymouth has Interstate 494 through the middle of the city, Highway 55 toward downtown Minneapolis, and Highway 169 along the east side. Plymouth Metrolink, run by the city, has express buses to downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota, and its $3 Click-and-Ride shuttle covers Plymouth and Maple Grove for trips that begin or end in Plymouth.

In Maple Grove, Interstates 94, 494, and 694 meet, and Highways 610 and 169 serve the north and east sides. Maple Grove Transit runs express buses to Minneapolis from Maple Grove Transit Station on Main Street and Parkway Station.

Which one fits you?

If you want a home near Medicine Lake or Parkers Lake, or a commute along Highway 55, Plymouth is worth a look. If you want to be near Arbor Lakes and Main Street, close to Elm Creek Park Reserve, or in a newer subdivision, Maple Grove is worth a look. In both cities, the school district changes by address, so we confirm it for every home.

Read more on our Plymouth page and our Maple Grove page.

We help buyers compare both, home by home. Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Plymouth or Maple Grove bigger?

Plymouth has more people. Plymouth had an estimated 78,942 residents on July 1, 2025, and Maple Grove had an estimated 73,893. Plymouth covers about 32.7 square miles of land, and Maple Grove covers about 32.6. Their land areas are almost the same.

Which has newer homes, Plymouth or Maple Grove?

Maple Grove's market includes newer subdivisions and new construction, and the city has been growing since it incorporated in 1954. Plymouth became a city in 1974, and most of its neighborhoods were built in the decades since, with homes from several decades. Both have a range, so we compare the age of each home you are considering.

Are Plymouth and Maple Grove in the same county?

Yes. Plymouth and Maple Grove are both in Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Which school districts serve Plymouth and Maple Grove?

Four districts serve different parts of Plymouth: Wayzata, Robbinsdale, Osseo, and Hopkins. Osseo Area Schools serves most of Maple Grove, and Wayzata Public Schools serves part of it. 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 Plymouth and Maple Grove?

Hennepin 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 Plymouth or Maple Grove?

Both cities have commuter buses to downtown Minneapolis. Plymouth is about 12 miles northwest of Minneapolis, with Highway 55 and Plymouth Metrolink express buses. Maple Grove sits where Interstates 94, 494, and 694 meet, and Maple Grove Transit runs express buses from two park-and-rides. That interchange is busy at rush hour, so we look at your actual drive before you choose.