Answers · MN
Woodbury vs Oakdale, MN: How They Compare
The short answer
Woodbury and Oakdale are neighbors in Washington County, and the METRO Gold Line serves both. Woodbury is much larger, with an estimated 81,558 residents in 2025 on about 34.9 square miles, while Oakdale had an estimated 30,588 on about 11 square miles. Most of Oakdale's homes were built from the 1980s to the early 2000s, and Woodbury still has new construction under way.
Talk to Lesley About Woodbury and Oakdale
Side by side
| Fact | Woodbury | Oakdale |
|---|---|---|
| County | Washington County | Washington County |
| ZIP codes | 55125, 55129 | 55128 (city parks, library, nature preserve) |
| Population (2025 estimate) | 81,558 | 30,588 |
| Land area | About 34.9 sq mi | About 11 sq mi |
| Median owner-occupied home value (Census 2020-2024 survey) | $450,200 | $318,100 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 77.6% | 77.5% |
| School districts | South Washington County Schools (most of the city); Stillwater Area Schools; North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale | North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale |
| Main routes / transit | I-94 and I-494; METRO Gold Line (3 stations) | I-694, I-94, and Highway 36; METRO Gold Line with a park-and-ride |
| Parks and trails (official figures) | About 3,500 acres of parkland; more than 170 miles of trails | 29 city parks (October 2024) |
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 continues. About 90 percent of the lakeshore is public trail and parkland.
Oakdale's 2025 housing study says most of its homes were built from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Single-family homes make up 53 percent of its housing and townhomes 21 percent, and large apartment buildings make up 16 percent. New home building has slowed since the early 2000s, so most Oakdale homes are resales, and we look closely at the roof, windows, furnace, and updates.
The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $450,200 in Woodbury and $318,100 in Oakdale. Owners occupy 77.6 percent of homes in Woodbury and 77.5 percent in Oakdale. Those survey figures are not today's sale prices.
Getting around
The METRO Gold Line runs all day in both directions along the Interstate 94 corridor between St. Paul and Woodbury. Oakdale has stops and a park-and-ride lot, and Woodbury has Tamarack, Woodbury Theatre, and Woodlane stations.
By car, Oakdale connects to St. Paul, Minneapolis, and nearby suburbs by Interstate 694, Interstate 94, and Highway 36. Woodbury sits 8 miles east of St. Paul, with Interstate 94 on its northern boundary and Interstate 494 along its west side toward the airport.
Which one fits you?
If you want new construction, Woodbury has builders still at work. If you want an established home from the 1980s to early 2000s, Oakdale has many of them. Both cities sit on the Gold Line. For water, Woodbury has trails around its public lakes, and Oakdale has a boat launch and beach on Tanners Lake plus the Oakdale Nature Preserve. If your drive heads north on Interstate 694 or Highway 36, look closely at Oakdale.
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 Oakdale page.
Where these facts come from
Checked November 2026. These facts come from U.S. Census QuickFacts: Woodbury, U.S. Census QuickFacts: Oakdale, City of Woodbury: community profile, City of Woodbury: schools, City of Woodbury: METRO Gold Line, City of Oakdale: history, City of Oakdale: housing study, City of Oakdale: park system plan, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Schools (District 622).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Woodbury or Oakdale bigger?
Woodbury is bigger. It had an estimated 81,558 residents on July 1, 2025, on about 34.9 square miles of land. Oakdale had an estimated 30,588 residents on about 11 square miles.
Which has newer homes, Woodbury or Oakdale?
Woodbury still has new construction under way. Oakdale's housing study says most of its homes were built from the 1980s to the early 2000s and that new building has slowed since then. Both cities also have older homes, so we compare each home on its own.
Are Woodbury and Oakdale in the same county?
Yes. Both cities are in Washington County, Minnesota, and they border each other.
Which school districts serve Woodbury and Oakdale?
North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale serves Oakdale. South Washington County Schools covers most of Woodbury, and Stillwater Area Schools and North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale serve some Woodbury addresses. Confirm the schools for a specific address with the district.
How do I compare property taxes in Woodbury and Oakdale?
Washington County keeps the tax records for both cities. Search the county's property tax lookup by parcel number or street address to see the current tax and assessed value for each home.
Is it easier to commute to Minneapolis or St. Paul from Woodbury or Oakdale?
Both cities have the METRO Gold Line, which runs all day to downtown St. Paul. Oakdale drivers use Interstate 694, Interstate 94, and Highway 36, and Woodbury drivers use Interstates 94 and 494. Your drive depends on where the home sits, so we check it before you choose.
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