West St. Paul, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,382
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,464/yr
-3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,312
2.3% year-over-year change

West St. Paul population

How many people live in West St. Paul

West St. Paul is home to 21,382 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.8% of West St. Paul locals are male, and 54.2% are female.

Total population
21,382
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.8%
9,792
Female
54.2%
11,590
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,792 45.8% 2.4%
Female 11,590 54.2% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in West St. Paul is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.1% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.2% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.1%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
29.2%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,659 17.1% 1.0%
15 to 24 2,420 11.3% 5.5%
25 to 44 6,234 29.2% 3.0%
45 to 64 4,676 21.9% -1.5%
Over 65 4,393 20.6% 0.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In West St. Paul, 89.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.2% of locals are Caucasian, 6.1% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.1%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,212 89.8% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 878 4.1% -22.4%
Non-citizens 1,292 6% 58.0%
Racial breakdown
White
70.2%
Black or African American
6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.2%
Other
9.7%
Value Percent
White 15,008 70.2%
Black or African American 1,310 6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 149 0.7%
Asian 243 1.1%
Two or more races 2,598 12.2%
Other 2,074 9.7%

Households in West St. Paul

A peek inside West St. Paul households

West St. Paul has 9,780 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.5% are families, while the remaining 50.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,780
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,936
Family households
4,844
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,936 50.5% 0.3%
Family households 4,844 49.5% 4.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in West St. Paul

The housing landscape of West St. Paul

West St. Paul's housing consists of 10,312 units, with 47.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,312
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,936 47.9%
1 unit, attached 687 6.7%
2 units 176 1.7%
3 or 4 units 253 2.4%
5 to 9 units 241 2.3%
10 to 19 units 891 8.6%
20 to 49 units 904 8.8%
50 or more units 2,202 21.4%
Mobile home 10 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
222
131.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West St. Paul

In West St. Paul, the median construction year is 1970. About 10.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,084 10.5% -1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 824 8% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,651 16% 11.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,583 15.4% -9.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,491 14.5% 7.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,577 15.3% -5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 472 4.6% 10.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 639 6.2% 0.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 769 7.5% 8.8%
Built in 2020 or later 222 2.2% 131.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

West St. Paul occupancy rates

Out of the 9,780 occupied housing units in West St. Paul, 57.2% are owner-occupied, while 42.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,780
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,185
Owner occupied
5,595
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,185 42.8% 5.5%
Owner occupied 5,595 57.2% -0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

West St. Paul housing costs

Housing costs in West St. Paul come to a median of $1,401 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,282.

Median housing costs per month
$1,401/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in West St. Paul
$1,282/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in West St. Paul

West St. Paul education at a glance

About 34.6% of the population in West St. Paul went to high school, while 21% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 22% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 303 1.8% 4.5%
High school diploma 5,954 34.6% 2.8%
College diploma 3,620 21% -3.8%
Associate degree 1,715 10% -2.7%
Bachelor's degree 3,787 22% 6.7%
Graduate degree 1,826 10.6% -1.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in West St. Paul

How much people earn in West St. Paul

The average annual household income in West St. Paul was $95,268 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,464, reflecting a -3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West St. Paul
$95,268/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in West St. Paul
$68,464/year
-3.2% year-over-year change

West St. Paul income by age

In West St. Paul, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,963. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,530 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $85,403, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,972 in earnings. Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $85,403 19.3%
25 - 44 $97,963 1.9%
45 - 64 $81,530 8.8%
Over 65 $39,972 -7.5%
Above poverty level
19,263
Below poverty level
1,874
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,263 91.1% 2.0%
Below poverty level 1,874 8.9% -1.3%

Average renter income in West St. Paul

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West St. Paul, their median household income was $37,761 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,761
Rent-to-income ratio
40.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in West St. Paul

Workforce and job types in West St. Paul

The job market in West St. Paul is powered by 11,064 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 68% are employed by private companies, and 12.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,064
2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
8,883
Blue collar
2,181
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,883 80.3% -1.6%
Blue collar 2,181 19.7% 22.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
68%
Governmental workers
12.2%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 918 8.3% 8.1%
Private companies 7,524 68% 7.0%
Governmental workers 1,354 12.2% -12.8%
Not for profit companies 1,268 11.5% -7.8%
Unemployment rate
4.5%
24.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West St. Paul stands at 4.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in West St. Paul

How people get around in West St. Paul

Commuting methods vary: 75.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,172 75.5% 0.6%
Taxicab 57 0.5% 147.8%
Bus or trolleybus 118 1.1% -43.8%
Motorcycle 11 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 223 2.1% -18.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in West St. Paul by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55118 29,564 13,267 $87,340 $118,101

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FAQs about West St. Paul demographics 

What is the total population of West St. Paul?

West St. Paul has a total population of 21,382 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West St. Paul?

The gender ratio in West St. Paul is as follows:
  • 45.8% males (9,792 residents)
  • 54.2% females (11,590 residents)

What is the median age in West St. Paul?

The median age in West St. Paul is 39.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in West St. Paul?

The age distribution in West St. Paul is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.1% (3,659 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (2,420 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.2% (6,234 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (4,676 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (4,393 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West St. Paul?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West St. Paul is as follows:
  • White: 70.2% (15,008 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.1% (1,310 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (149 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (243 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.2% (2,598 residents)
  • Other: 9.7% (2,074 residents)

What percentage of the population in West St. Paul are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.8% of the population in West St. Paul.

How many housing units are there in West St. Paul?

There are 10,312 housing units in West St. Paul, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in West St. Paul and what is the average household size?

West St. Paul has a total of 9,780 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West St. Paul?

West St. Paul has a median household income of $68,464, representing a -3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for West St. Paul?

The employment rate is 95.5% in West St. Paul, with a workforce of 11,064 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.3% (8,883 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.7% (2,181 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (918 residents)
  • Private companies: 68% (7,524 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.2% (1,354 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (1,268 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025