Answers · MN
Ramsey vs Coon Rapids, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Ramsey and Coon Rapids are both Anoka County cities on the Mississippi River, linked by Highway 10. Coon Rapids has more people, about 64,200, on about 22.6 square miles, and it is an established suburb. Ramsey has about 29,600 residents spread over about 28.9 square miles, with larger lots, some private wells and septic systems, and a newer town center called The COR.
Talk to Lesley About Ramsey and Coon Rapids
Side by side
| Fact | Ramsey | Coon Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| County | Anoka County | Anoka County |
| ZIP codes | 55303 | 55433, 55448 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 29,624 | 64,193 |
| Land area | About 28.9 sq mi | About 22.6 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $359,600 | $305,800 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 85.0% | 74.8% |
| School districts (names only) | Anoka-Hennepin (District 11); Elk River Area (District 728) | Anoka-Hennepin |
| Main routes / transit | Hwy 10 (with Hwy 169), Hwy 47; Metro Transit Route 888 (Northstar rail ended January 2026) | Hwy 10, East River Road, Coon Rapids Blvd; Metro Transit Routes 888 and 805 |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | 27 developed city park spaces and more than 80 miles of trails | 48 parks, more than 40 miles of trails, and two regional parks |
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
Ramsey did not incorporate as a city until 1974, so most of what you see was built in the decades since. Choices include homes on larger lots, some with a private well and septic system, newer neighborhoods and townhomes around The COR, and new construction.
Coon Rapids became a city in 1959. The city lists single-family homes, twinhomes, townhomes, apartments, and senior living, with styles from one-level ramblers to split-entries, multi-levels, and larger homes.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $359,600 in Ramsey and $305,800 in Coon Rapids. Ramsey's owner-occupied rate was 85.0 percent and Coon Rapids' was 74.8 percent. Those are survey figures, not today's sale prices.
Getting around
Ramsey is 22 miles north-northwest of downtown Minneapolis. Highway 10, which runs with Highway 169 through Ramsey, is the main route toward Minneapolis, and Highway 47 runs north and south. Northstar commuter rail ended in January 2026, and Metro Transit Route 888 now runs buses from the Ramsey Park and Ride to downtown Minneapolis.
Coon Rapids is about 12 miles north of Minneapolis. Highway 10 crosses the city, and East River Road and Coon Rapids Boulevard follow the river. The same Route 888 stops at the Coon Rapids-Riverdale Park and Ride on its way downtown.
Which one fits you?
If you want a larger lot, a home near the Rum River, or a newer neighborhood near The COR, Ramsey is worth a look. If you want a shorter distance to Minneapolis, an established neighborhood, or a home near Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park or Bunker Hills Regional Park, Coon Rapids is worth a look. With any Ramsey home, we confirm whether it has city water and sewer or a well and septic system.
Read more on our Ramsey page and our Coon Rapids 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 Ramsey: history, City of Ramsey: parks, City of Ramsey: water, Metro Transit: Route 888, City of Coon Rapids: about, City of Coon Rapids: history, City of Coon Rapids: housing, City of Coon Rapids: trails, Metro Transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ramsey or Coon Rapids bigger?
Coon Rapids has more people. Ramsey had an estimated 29,624 residents on July 1, 2025, and Coon Rapids had an estimated 64,193. Ramsey covers about 28.9 square miles of land, and Coon Rapids covers about 22.6. So Ramsey has fewer people but more land.
Which has newer homes, Ramsey or Coon Rapids?
Ramsey became a city in 1974, and most of what you see there was built in the decades since, including new construction around The COR. Coon Rapids became a city in 1959 and is an established suburb, with styles from ramblers to split-entries and multi-levels. We compare the age of each home you are considering.
Are Ramsey and Coon Rapids in the same county?
Yes. Ramsey and Coon Rapids are both in Anoka County, Minnesota.
Which school districts serve Ramsey and Coon Rapids?
Anoka-Hennepin Schools and Elk River Area Schools both serve Ramsey. The Anoka-Hennepin School District serves Coon Rapids. 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 Ramsey and Coon Rapids?
Anoka 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 Ramsey or Coon Rapids?
Coon Rapids is closer, about 12 miles north of Minneapolis. Ramsey is 22 miles north-northwest of downtown Minneapolis. Highway 10 serves both cities, and Metro Transit Route 888 runs from the Ramsey Park and Ride through the Coon Rapids-Riverdale Park and Ride to downtown Minneapolis.
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