Living in Stillwater MN is a top choice for families, professionals, and students alike. Located along the St. Croix River and rightfully nicknamed "The Birthplace of Minnesota", this suburban city of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area presents endless things to do, restaurants to eat at, places to shop, and lucrative professional opportunities.
Stillwater Minnesota was incorporated as a city on March 4th, 1854, and what was once a community built on lumber and river commerce has evolved into a vibrant, beautiful city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Today, moving to Stillwater puts you close to the Twin Cities while offering a mellower riverside lifestyle, gorgeous landscapes, a thriving local business scene, and a strong sense of community that will welcome you with open arms.
You might know where the city of Minneapolis or St.Paul Minnesota is located, but where is Stillwater Minnesota?
The city of Stillwater is located in Washington County Minnesota, and is strategically positioned on the west bank of the St.Croix River. Houlton Wisconsin is across the St. Croix River to Stillwater's east, and Stillwater MN shares its border with several other Minnesota towns and townships, including Stillwater Township to the north (separate from Stillwater city).
Oak Park Heights borders Stillwater to the south (separated by Minnesota State Highway 36), and Manning Ave North acts as the west border of Stillwater.
Stillwater is approximately 26 miles northeast of Minneapolis and 21 miles northeast of St.Paul. Driving Stillwater MN to Minneapolis takes just 35-40 minutes, while Stillwater MN to St. Paul MN takes 25-30 minutes, making it an easy commute for work or urban adventures.
What is the population of Stillwater Minnesota? It's about 19,386 people, according to the 2024 US Census, which is up an impressive 6.02% since 2010, making Stillwater the 7th largest city in Washington County MN.
Compared to the massive 428,579 people living in Minneapolis MN, Stillwater is a much smaller city. The Stillwater MN population equates to about 2,360 people per square mile, whereas Minneapolis has 7,962, which means moving to Stillwater MN is ideal if you prefer a little more breathing room and more suburban neighborhoods.
Stillwater Minnesota has been home to a few famous faces. Perhaps you've heard of Jessica Biel, the actress, or Paul Molitor, a Baseball Hall of Fame player and former manager of the Minnesota Twins, among many other well-known humans who call(ed) Stillwater home!
Is Stillwater MN safe? The total Stillwater MN crime rate is a whopping 59.21% lower than the Minnesota average and 64.14% lower than the national average, so moving to Stillwater MN is indeed a safe choice. Even more admirable is the violent Stillwater MN crime, which is 61.47% lower than the state average and 72.46% lower than the national average!
Residents enjoy safe living in Stillwater MN, thanks to the hard work of 22 dedicated officers of the Stillwater Police Department located at 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082.
Stillwater is located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI Metro, where the cost of living is just 2.6-2.9% higher than the national average. Stillwater's cost of living is slightly higher because of higher housing costs, but higher average household incomes ($105,853/year) help offset it, and you can expect to spend about what you would in Minneapolis or St. Paul.
So, is Stillwater MN expensive to live in? Overall, Stillwater is affordable but a bit more expensive than other cities in Minnesota and the U.S. In fact, according to the Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator, a family of two adults and two children requires a household income of $134,789 ($11,232/month) to live comfortably in the Minneapolis/St.Paul/Bloomington metro area.
Here's a breakdown of some typical living expenses in Stillwater Minnesota:
The average price of homes for sale in Stillwater MN in 2026 is down 11.7% from last year to $479,000. Compared to the average home price of $335,300 in Minneapolis, you can see how Stillwater MN real estate is a bit pricier. It's also competitive, as a house for sale in Stillwater MN will typically sell in just 16 days from listing!
The rental market paints a more attractive picture than homes for sale in Stillwater MN, as apartments in Stillwater MN average $1,357/month compared to Minneapolis' average of $1,683/month and the national average of $1,750/month.
A primary allure of Stillwater MN lies in its blend of small-town charm and picturesque surroundings. Adorned with 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets, the atmosphere transports you to the days of old but with modern attractions, amenities, and beautiful urban and suburban neighborhoods like the following:
Downtown Stillwater is simply beautiful, with historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant mix of commercial and residential spaces. The riverfront location along the St. Croix River adds to the unique charm, and the proximity to the Stillwater MN downtown restaurants, shopping, and nightlife scene makes Stillwater Downtown a highly sought-after place to live.
Wildflower at Lake Elmo is a master-planned community that sustainably blends natural Minnesota habitat with beautifully crafted homes, featuring hiking trails and a 40+ acre wildlife sanctuary! This Stillwater MN neighborhood is conveniently located near downtown Lake Elmo, the St. Croix Valley, essential commercial services, and other major cities.
View this post on Instagram
Croixwood curates a suburban oasis with a mix of spacious homes and greenery. This family-friendly Stillwater neighborhood offers tranquility while staying close to schools and shops.
The climate in Stillwater Minnesota is known for its humid continental nature that presents pronounced seasonal changes. Temperatures that typically hover in the 80s make for warm, inviting summers, allowing plenty of outdoor activity. Winters, by contrast, are typically cold and snowy, with temperatures averaging around 12 degrees and 49 average inches of snowfall.
The Stillwater MN weather, overall, is the most delightful during August, June, and July, making these the best times to visit Stillwater. Keep in mind, though, that winter offers a unique charm and entertains the community with activities like skiing, and living in Stillwater is the best way to experience the season's full circle!
While nearby St.Paul or Minneapolis might have a faster pace of life, Stillwater offers a more relaxed environment with a closer-knit community. You can visit a Stillwater MN art gallery, enjoy local wineries, or shop at the renowned antique stores in Stillwater MN like the Stillwater Antique Mall or Staples Mill Antiques.
Or perhaps embrace outdoor activities at the many trails and parks in Stillwater MN, attend Stillwater events and festivals, take a river boat cruise, or better yet, jump on a hot air balloon. The options here are truly endless.
View this post on Instagram
Create unforgettable memories with Stillwater River Boats, one of the best things to do in Stillwater. Enjoy a variety of river cruises on offer, including scenic tours, dinner cruises, and private charters that connect you to the beauty of the St. Croix River.
525 Main St S, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651-430-1234)
The Stillwater Zephyr Theater in Stillwater hosts various performances, including plays, musicals, and live concerts. Check their schedule for Stillwater events, local productions, and possibly well-known artists or performers at this amazing venue.
601 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651-300-4942)
Looking for free things to do in Stillwater with kids? This charming park features teddy bear sculptures, creating a magical atmosphere for kids. They can explore play structures, climb, and have endless fun in a safe environment.
207 Nelson St E, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651-430-8800)
If you're looking for hiking in Stillwater, visit the picturesque Brown's Creek State Trail or the St. Croix Crossing Trail Loop, all managed by Stillwater Parks and Recreation. Stay tuned to the community calendar for a steady stream of exciting Stillwater MN events!
The restaurants in Stillwater MN are a testament to the town's appreciation for simplicity, quality, and a sense of community.
Here's a handful of the best Stillwater MN restaurants sure to satisfy any food craving:
From the wood-fired perfection of their pizzas to the farm-to-fork freshness of their salads, with decadent drinks to go along, each dish is a culinary experience that will satisfy the mind while entertaining the eye at this classy restaurant in Stillwater, MN.
232 N, 232 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651-571-0111)
Acapulco Stillwater MN is a go-to destination if you are craving authentic Mexican food in Stillwater MN, offering a variety of dishes that range from classic tacos and enchiladas to delicious seafood options.
1240 W Frontage Rd, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651-351-9462)
What sets Brick & Bourbon apart isn't just the food but also its emphasis on the art of cocktails, featuring a selection of drinks that redefine mixology while offering a refreshing addition to the flavorful food.
215 Main St. S, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651-342-0777)
Stillwater is considered the birthplace of the State of Minnesota and is full of antique stores, vintage shops, and museums embodying the past. This, along with the breathtaking beauty of the St. Croix River, supports the city's thriving tourism industry, which provides the bulk of Stillwater MN jobs.
The employment landscape in Stillwater MN is also influenced and connected to nearby economic epicenters like the Twin Cities, and the average Stillwater Hourly Pay is $23.07/hour.
As for large corporations in Stillwater, some are related to tourism, but there's much variety in industry:
There are plentiful Indeed jobs in Stillwater MN hiring now, or browse the City of Stillwater MN Jobs for government positions with excellent benefits!
Moving to Stillwater MN places you in the Stillwater Area Public Schools system, and overall, Stillwater Public Schools are excellent. The Stillwater school district encompasses several elementary schools, a middle school, and Stillwater Area High School.
In addition to public education, the area is home to several private schools (typically religiously affiliated institutions), such as the Salem Lutheran School or the St.Croix Catholic School. Colleges near Stillwater include Century College in White Bear Lake and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, both within convenient reach.
The Stillwater MN Library provides valuable educational services, events, and information to the community outside the classroom!
Enjoy all that living in Stillwater MN has to offer by exploring this interactive map featuring the best neighborhoods, shops, schools, and restaurants in Stillwater Minnesota.
Wilson (2017), starring Woody Harrelson and Laura Dern, had exterior scenes filmed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater, MN. The film was shot in multiple locations in Minnesota during the summer of 2015, including parts of St. Paul and nearby suburbs.
Stillwater is considered relatively affluent compared to other US communities, with a median home value above the national average and a poverty rate below the national rate.
Stillwater MN is a tight-knit community with an above-average household income. It has accessible parks and trails and is close to the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area, making it convenient for jobs and amenities. Stillwater is cold with snow in winter and mild in summer.
No. While they did have a large population of white people, Stillwater MN was never officially designated as a “sundown town.” Stillwater MN had historical periods with discriminatory practices and a predominantly white population. That said, no official designation or documented history classifies the area as a “sundown town.”
Stillwater MN is nicknamed “The Birthplace of Minnesota” because of its role in the state’s history and as the county seat of Washington County. You can find 19th-century architecture, antiques, and seasonal riverboat cruises along the St. Croix River.
With so much to offer its community, it's clear why moving to Stillwater MN is a top choice. If you're planning your move to this charming city, our expert Stillwater movers will ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to your new home!
Don't hesitate to make your dream move a reality; call us now at 612-361-6787 to take the first step toward starting your new life in Stillwater Minnesota.
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
