Chaska
RANK #654 / 996 NAT · #17 / 18 MN · POP 107,216
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +20%
Known for its natural scenery and high quality of life, Carver County, Minnesota, is located southwest of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The county seat, Chaska, is roughly 20 miles from Minneapolis, making it a feasible commute for many residents. The community offers a blend of suburban amenities and rural charm, with rolling farmlands, woodlands, and over 125 lakes. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with more than 4,000 acres of parks, including Lake Waconia, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Carver Park Reserve, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and water activities.
Carver County consistently ranks as one of Minnesota's healthiest counties, reflecting its quality of life. The area attracts families and professionals, supported by highly rated public schools such as those in the Eastern Carver County Public Schools district. Commute options to Minneapolis are available through express bus services and on-demand rideshare programs. The local economy, historically rooted in agriculture and manufacturing, is experiencing growth in technology infrastructure, with several data centers establishing operations in towns like Chaska. This development contributes to the county's economic landscape, alongside its established industries.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.2x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
CloudHQ MSP Campus Data Center
CloudHQ
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Northern Lights 2027 Expansion (Natural Gas Pipeline)
Northern Natural Gas
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Chaska Yards (Community Land Trust Housing)
Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA)
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Carver County Roadway Systems Plan (various projects)
Carver County
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 34/100, Carver County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $116,308 combined with job growth of -1.3% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Carver County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $400,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,384/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Carver County is attracting residents (population +1.4% YoY) even as the job market softens with employment at -1.3%. Housing values changed +0.9% over the past 12 months. People may be moving here for affordability or lifestyle reasons rather than job opportunities.
In significant numbers — 5.13% of Carver County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.