Answers · MN
Woodbury vs Lake Elmo, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Woodbury and Lake Elmo are neighbors in Washington County, and Lake Elmo sits directly north of Woodbury. Woodbury is a large planned suburb with an estimated 81,558 residents in 2025, while Lake Elmo had an estimated 14,376 and much of its land is still farmland. Interstate 94 runs between them, and Lake Elmo also has Highway 36 on its northern edge.
Talk to Lesley About Woodbury and Lake Elmo
Side by side
| Fact | Woodbury | Lake Elmo |
|---|---|---|
| County | Washington County | Washington County |
| ZIP codes | 55125, 55129 | 55042 |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 81,558 | 14,376 |
| Land area | About 34.9 sq mi | About 22.1 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $450,200 | $597,000 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 77.6% | 93.5% |
| School districts | South Washington County Schools (most of the city); Stillwater Area Schools; North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale | Stillwater Area Public Schools; Mahtomedi Public Schools; North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale |
| Main routes / transit | I-94 and I-494; METRO Gold Line (3 stations) | I-94 (south edge) and Highway 36 (north edge); Metro micro |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | About 3,500 acres of parkland; more than 170 miles of trails | Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 2,165 acres (county park); Sunfish Lake Park, 284 acres |
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
Woodbury's homes span several decades. Woodbury Heights dates to the 1950s and 1960s, later subdivisions added two-story homes, townhomes, and association-maintained communities, and new construction is still under way. About 90 percent of the lakeshore is public trail and parkland, so lakefront homes are rare.
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.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $450,200 in Woodbury and $597,000 in Lake Elmo. Owners occupy 77.6 percent of homes in Woodbury and 93.5 percent in Lake Elmo. Those survey figures are not today's sale prices.
Getting around
Interstate 94 forms Woodbury's northern boundary and Lake Elmo's southern edge, and it leads west to St. Paul and Minneapolis. Woodbury also has Interstate 494 along its west side toward the airport. Lake Elmo has Highway 36 along its north edge, which leads to Stillwater and the northern suburbs.
The METRO Gold Line runs through Woodbury, with Tamarack, Woodbury Theatre, and Woodlane stations. In Lake Elmo, Metro micro offers on-demand shared rides in parts of the city and connects to the Gold Line at Woodlane Transit Center in Woodbury.
Which one fits you?
If you want land, a rural setting, or room for a large lot, Lake Elmo has acreage homes and the 2,165-acre Lake Elmo Park Reserve. If you want shopping nearby and homes closer together, Woodbury has three major shopping areas and more than 170 miles of trails. Both cities have new construction. Lake Elmo also has a small general aviation airport on its east side, so we visit nearby homes at different times of day.
We help buyers compare both, home by home. Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
You can read more on our Woodbury page and our Lake Elmo page.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts: Woodbury, U.S. Census QuickFacts: Lake Elmo, City of Woodbury: community profile, City of Woodbury: schools, City of Woodbury: METRO Gold Line, City of Lake Elmo: community, City of Lake Elmo: schools, Washington County: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Metro Transit: Metro micro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Woodbury or Lake Elmo bigger?
Woodbury is bigger. It had an estimated 81,558 residents on July 1, 2025, on about 34.9 square miles of land. Lake Elmo had an estimated 14,376 residents on about 22.1 square miles.
Which has newer homes, Woodbury or Lake Elmo?
Both cities have new construction and newer neighborhoods. Woodbury's oldest suburban homes date to the 1950s and 1960s, and Lake Elmo has older homes near its historic downtown and homes on acreage. The age of a home depends on the neighborhood, so we compare each one.
Are Woodbury and Lake Elmo in the same county?
Yes. Both cities are in Washington County, Minnesota, and Lake Elmo borders Woodbury to the north.
Which school districts serve Woodbury and Lake Elmo?
South Washington County Schools covers most of Woodbury, and Stillwater Area Schools and North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale serve some addresses. Stillwater Area Public Schools, Mahtomedi Public Schools, and North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale serve parts of Lake Elmo. Confirm the schools for a specific address with the district.
How do I compare property taxes in Woodbury and Lake Elmo?
Washington County keeps the tax records for both cities. Search the county's property tax and parcel lookup by address or parcel number for each home. The City of Lake Elmo also posts a property tax calculator on its website.
Is it easier to commute to Minneapolis or St. Paul from Woodbury or Lake Elmo?
Both cities reach St. Paul and Minneapolis by Interstate 94. Woodbury also has Interstate 494 and the all-day METRO Gold Line. Lake Elmo has Highway 36 on its north edge and Metro micro rides to the Gold Line. Your drive depends on where the home sits, so we look at it before you choose.
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