Sauk Rapids

Sauk Rapids

Located in Benton County

$296,361 Average Value
$162 Average Price per Sq Ft
36 Homes For Sale

Sauk Rapids offers comfort and convenience near St. Cloud

The community of Sauk Rapids sits on the east bank of the Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the smaller Sauk River. Although founded first, Sauk Rapids was quickly overshadowed by neighboring St. Cloud. Today, the community of 14,000 is a comfortable suburb of St. Cloud, offering both vintage homes and newer subdivisions as well as its own commercial district. “It’s a nice downtown and a nice community with all the benefits of being next to St. Cloud and just an hour from the Twin Cities,” says Debbie Niemeyer, a broker with Coldwell Banker and a lifelong resident of the area.

Sauk Rapids refers to the confluence of the Sauk River meeting the rapids of the Mississippi River.
Sauk Rapids refers to the confluence of the Sauk River meeting the rapids of the Mississippi River.
Neighborhoods throughout Sauk Rapids feature mature trees towering over quiet streets.
Neighborhoods throughout Sauk Rapids feature mature trees towering over quiet streets.
1/2

Vintage homes sit near downtown, with subdivisions on the outskirts

The median home price in Sauk Rapids is $292,000, higher than nearby cities, including St. Cloud, but lower than the state median. In the gridded downtown area, ranch-style homes, bungalows and farmhouses can date back to the late 19th century, now ranging from the mid-$100,000s to the low $300,000s. Newer, larger and generally more expensive homes make up the gently curving streets further out from the center of the community. These homes typically run from the mid-$200,000s to mid-$400,000s. Manufactured homes dot the outskirts but rarely come on the market.

Classic bungalow-style homes adorn the older neighborhoods of Sauk Rapids.
Classic bungalow-style homes adorn the older neighborhoods of Sauk Rapids.
New generation ranch-style homes are popular in newer developments in Sauk Rapids
New generation ranch-style homes are popular in newer developments in Sauk Rapids
1/2

Rapids River Days showcases community spirit

“There’s certainly a lot of pride in the Sauk Rapids community,” Niemeyer says. “Rapids River Days is their food festival down by the river, and they also have a parade I go to every year.” The festival’s most unique attraction is the medallion hunt. Over the course of the festival, attendees try to find a small medallion hidden somewhere in the community. Organizers release clues twice daily until the winner finds the medallion and claims their $500 prize. The Benton County Fair is also held each summer, with fried food, music and beer. Residents can also head into St. Cloud for events, including St. Cloud State Huskies games at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

Sauk Rapids hosts the annual free Benton County Fair every August.
Sauk Rapids hosts the annual free Benton County Fair every August.
Everything hockey can be enjoyed at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on the campus of St. Cloud State University.
Everything hockey can be enjoyed at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on the campus of St. Cloud State University.
1/2

Access to shopping and dining downtown or in St. Cloud

The car-centric downtown area of Sauk Rapids is mainly commercial, with restaurants, bars and a grocery store. Residents are just as likely to head across the river into St. Cloud for shopping or dining. “It’s right next to St. Cloud for its malls and dining options, but it’s definitely a nice downtown area in Sauk Rapids with its own shopping and gift shops and coffee shops,” Niemeyer says.

Sauk Rapids residents can travel to Crossroads Center in St. Cloud for shopping and dining.
Sauk Rapids residents can travel to Crossroads Center in St. Cloud for shopping and dining.
Sip great coffee and enjoy a sweet treat at Rock Creek Coffeehouse in downtown Sauk Rapids.
Sip great coffee and enjoy a sweet treat at Rock Creek Coffeehouse in downtown Sauk Rapids.
1/2

Recreation revolves around the river

Much of Sauk Rapids’ recreation revolves around the Mississippi River. Several parks — including Island View Park, Sauk Rapids Municipal Park, Lions Park and Southside Park — sit on the riverbank with paths along the water. Southside Park is home to the Clearing, a small music venue and events center looking out over the Mississippi. Bob Cross Park offers a handful of baseball fields, tennis courts and a wading pool, while residents can play winter sports like hockey at the Sports Arena East ice rink.

Lions Park in Sauk Rapids features a fun and expansive playground.
Lions Park in Sauk Rapids features a fun and expansive playground.
Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids features ice skating in the winter and exhibition space in the summer.
Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids features ice skating in the winter and exhibition space in the summer.
1/2

Students have public and private options in the area

Sauk Rapids students can attend Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools, starting at one of the area’s two elementary schools. Pleasant View Elementary and Mississippi Heights Elementary are each rated a B-minus. Students filter up to Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, given a B-minus, and Sauk Rapids-Rice Senior High, which receives a B. Private schools are available in St. Cloud, like Cathedral Middle and High School, a pair of B-plus-rated Catholic schools. St. Cloud State University is also across the river, with over 10,000 students.

St. Cloud State University is a well-regarded educational institution in central Minnesota.
St. Cloud State University is a well-regarded educational institution in central Minnesota.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Senior High School ranks above average and enrolls nearly 1,400 students.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Senior High School ranks above average and enrolls nearly 1,400 students.
1/2

Commuters can drive or bus to nearby employers

Sauk Rapids is part of the St. Cloud metropolitan area, and the city’s public transportation serves the community. The Metro Bus system has multiple lines through Sauk Rapids, each heading to downtown St. Cloud. Many residents work in the larger city at employers like the Centra Care Health Systems. Minneapolis is roughly 70 miles via Interstate 94. St. Cloud Regional Airport offers a few commercial flights, but residents mainly fly out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Ryan Leahey
Written By
Ryan Leahey
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Aimee Hegg, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Sauk Rapids Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$302,280
Median Sale Price
$295,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$302,890
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$155,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
163
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$4
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$162

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
36
Months of Supply
2.70

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Sauk Rapids Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
14,018
Median Age
37
Population under 18
27%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,926
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,381

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
29.2%
Advanced Degrees
10%
% Population in Labor Force
77.2%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
29''
Average Winter Low Temperature
3°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
64''
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Sauk Rapids