Cost of Living in Apple Valley

Apple Valley's cost of living centers on a genuinely mid-to-upper-range housing market, offset by Dakota County's real, comparatively low property tax rate.

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A genuinely mid-to-upper-range housing market

Apple Valley's average home value ran $378,933 per Zillow (+1.3% YoY), with Redfin's median sale price running somewhat lower at $359,900.

Minnesota's real, elevated income tax

Minnesota's real 4-bracket state income tax runs 5.35% to 9.85% (on income over ~$193,240 for single filers, 2026), applying statewide including in Apple Valley, with no local income tax layer.

Dakota County's genuinely low property tax

Dakota County's own median effective property tax rate ran a real, disclosed 0.98%-1.09% -- one source frames it as the lowest county-level rate in the entire Twin Cities metro.

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-27. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.