Answers · MN
Plymouth vs Minnetonka, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Plymouth and Minnetonka are neighboring Hennepin County suburbs west of Minneapolis, with Plymouth to the north. Plymouth is larger, with about 78,900 residents on about 32.7 square miles, and its subdivisions curve around ponds and wetlands. Minnetonka has about 54,000 residents on about 26.9 square miles, with wooded lots along three creek corridors.
Talk to Lesley About Plymouth and Minnetonka
Side by side
| Fact | Plymouth | Minnetonka |
|---|---|---|
| County | Hennepin County | Hennepin County |
| ZIP codes | 55441, 55442, 55446, 55447 | 55305, 55343, 55345, 55391 (and others) |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 78,942 | 53,969 |
| Land area | About 32.7 sq mi | About 26.9 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $491,200 | $475,800 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 75.1% | 71.6% |
| School districts (names only) | Wayzata; Robbinsdale; Osseo; Hopkins | Hopkins (District 270); Minnetonka (District 276); Wayzata (District 284) |
| Main routes / transit | I-494, Hwy 55, Hwy 169; Plymouth Metrolink express buses and Click-and-Ride | I-394, I-494, Hwy 169; Metro Transit local and express buses; METRO Green Line Extension scheduled to open June 12, 2027 |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | 1,834 acres of parkland and 188 miles of city, state, and regional trails | 49 parks and more than 100 miles of trails |
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 city in 1974, and most of its neighborhoods were built in the decades since. The city counts 863 cul-de-sacs along its 300 miles of streets, and homes near Medicine Lake and Parkers Lake are part of the mix, along with townhomes and condominiums.
Minnetonka incorporated in 1956, and its homes range from mid-century houses to recent construction. Lots follow the land among trees and wetlands, and more than 20 percent of the city is wetlands and lakes.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $491,200 in Plymouth and $475,800 in Minnetonka. Those are survey figures, not today's sale prices.
Getting around
Interstate 494 runs through both cities. Plymouth also has Highway 55 toward downtown Minneapolis and Highway 169 on its east side, and Plymouth Metrolink runs express buses to downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota.
Minnetonka has Interstate 394 east to downtown Minneapolis and Highway 169 along its east side. Metro Transit runs local and express buses, with park-and-rides at I-394 and Hopkins Crossroad and at I-394 and Plymouth Road. The METRO Green Line Extension is scheduled to open June 12, 2027.
Which one fits you?
If you want a home near Medicine Lake or Parkers Lake, or a street on a cul-de-sac, Plymouth is worth a look. If you want a wooded lot, trails along Minnehaha, Nine Mile, or Purgatory creek, or a commute along Interstate 394, Minnetonka is worth a look. Wayzata and Hopkins districts serve parts of both cities, so we confirm the district for each address.
Read more on our Plymouth page and our Minnetonka page.
We help buyers compare both, home by home. Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts, City of Plymouth: about Plymouth, City of Plymouth: parks and trails, City of Plymouth: Metrolink, Robbinsdale Area Schools, Hopkins Public Schools, City of Minnetonka: parks and trails, City of Minnetonka: getting around, City of Minnetonka: schools and libraries, City of Minnetonka: history, Metropolitan Council: Green Line Extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plymouth or Minnetonka bigger?
Plymouth has more people. Plymouth had an estimated 78,942 residents on July 1, 2025, and Minnetonka had an estimated 53,969. Plymouth covers about 32.7 square miles of land, and Minnetonka covers about 26.9.
Which has newer homes, Plymouth or Minnetonka?
Both have a range. Plymouth became a city in 1974, and most of its neighborhoods were built in the decades since. Minnetonka incorporated in 1956, and its homes run from mid-century houses to recent construction. We compare the age of each home you are considering.
Are Plymouth and Minnetonka in the same county?
Yes. Plymouth and Minnetonka are both in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Which school districts serve Plymouth and Minnetonka?
Four districts serve different parts of Plymouth: Wayzata, Robbinsdale, Osseo, and Hopkins. Three districts serve different parts of Minnetonka: Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Wayzata. 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 Minnetonka?
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 Minnetonka?
Minnetonka is about 10 miles west of Minneapolis, and Interstate 394 is its main route east to downtown. Plymouth is about 12 miles northwest of Minneapolis, with Highway 55 toward downtown and Plymouth Metrolink express buses. Your drive depends on where the home is, so we map your actual route.
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