Compare cities · September 2026
Empire vs. South St. Paul
Homes in Empire sold for a median $410,000 over the 12 months through September 2026, 37% more than in South St. Paul ($300,000). Homes sold faster in South St. Paul: 35 days on market on average, against 40 in Empire. Empire's homes are newer, with a median year built of 1997 against 1958. South St. Paul is closer to downtown Minneapolis: about 27 minutes by car, against 51. The two are about 15 miles apart.
Housing market, 12 months through September 2026
| Measure | Empire | South St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $410,000 | $300,000 |
| Change from a year earlier | +13.9% | +2.7% |
| Homes sold | 32 | 226 |
| Days on market | 40 | 35 |
| Share of original list price | 99.4% | 99.8% |
| Price per square foot | $201 | $199 |
| New listings | 41 | 277 |
| Homes for sale (September 2026) | 4 | 42 |
| Months of supply (September 2026) | 1.3 | 2.3 |
Source: Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Local Market Update (NorthstarMLS data).
The homes
| Measure | Empire | South St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner estimate) | $469,500 | $281,600 |
| Median year built | 1997 | 1958 |
| Single-family homesShare of all housing units, detached houses | 98% | 72% |
| Owner-occupied homes | 94% | 70% |
| Median rent | $2,052 | $1,199 |
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024.
The place
| Measure | Empire | South St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2024) | 3,068 | 20,590 |
| Land area | 30.5 sq mi | 5.6 sq mi |
| Drive to Downtown Minneapolis | 51 min | 27 min |
| Drive to Downtown Saint Paul | 46 min | 16 min |
| Drive to MSP Airport | 41 min | 17 min |
| Drive to Mall of America | 37 min | 18 min |
| Drive to University of Minnesota | 53 min | 27 min |
| Average commute to work | 30.4 min | 21.3 min |
| Lakes of 10+ acresMinnesota DNR lake outlines touching the city | 0 | 0 |
Source: US Census Bureau 2024 estimates and TIGER/Line; drive times from OpenStreetMap routing (light traffic).
Empire
School districts: Farmington Public School District, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan
South St. Paul
School districts: South St. Paul Public School District
How we compare places: by their homes, housing market and location only, from public sources, never by who lives there. Medians describe the middle home; both places have homes well above and below them.
Quick answers
Empire or South St. Paul?
Is Empire or South St. Paul more expensive?
Empire. The median sale price was $410,000 there and $300,000 in South St. Paul over the 12 months through September 2026, according to the Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Local Market Update. The median is the middle sale, so both have homes well above and below it.
Where do homes sell faster, Empire or South St. Paul?
South St. Paul: 35 days on market on average against 40, over the 12 months through September 2026.
Which is closer to downtown Minneapolis?
South St. Paul, about 27 minutes by car in light traffic (51 from Empire). To downtown Saint Paul: 46 minutes from Empire, 16 from South St. Paul.
How far apart are Empire and South St. Paul?
About 15 miles in a straight line between their centers.
Which school districts serve Empire and South St. Paul?
Empire: Farmington Public School District and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan. South St. Paul: South St. Paul Public School District. School district lines don't follow city lines, so check the district for a specific address before you buy.
Should I buy in Empire or South St. Paul?
It depends on your budget, the kind of home you want and where you need to get to each day. This page compares the homes, prices and locations; a Huerkamp Home Group agent can show you homes in both and walk you through what's selling now.
Deciding between them?
See homes in Empire and South St. Paul.
A Huerkamp Home Group agent can show you homes in both, tell you what's selling and for how much right now, and help you decide. There's no cost to buyers.