Average Cost of a Home in Stillwater, MN: What Buyers Need to Know

If you are eyeing a move to the St. Croix Valley, the first question on your mind is likely the price tag. As of late 2025 and heading into early 2026, the median sale price for a home in Stillwater hovers right around $435,000. While that gives you a baseline, the reality of the market is that prices here vary significantly depending on exactly what—and where—you want to buy.

You can find smaller starter condos in the $250,000 range, but if you are looking at those sprawling luxury estates overlooking the river, you are easily looking at price points well over $1 million. Stillwater generally commands a premium compared to the broader Minnesota market. 

You aren't just paying for square footage; you are paying for the historic charm, the river town lifestyle, and the high demand that comes with living in one of the state's most scenic areas.

The market here has remained resilient. Over the last year, we have seen home prices tick up modestly, showing growth roughly between 1.2% and 3%. It is not the runaway appreciation we saw a few years ago, but it is steady growth that suggests your investment here is stable.

Competitiveness is still the name of the game. On average, homes are selling in about 19 to 30 days. That is a fairly tight window, meaning if you see something you like, you usually don't have weeks to mull it over. While inventory levels have balanced out slightly, we are still largely in "Seller's Market" territory due to limited supply.

Seasonality plays a big role here, just like in the rest of Minnesota. The market tends to be quieter in the dead of winter, but once spring hits and the snow melts, activity—and competition—ramps up significantly.

The "average" price doesn't always tell the whole story because the housing stock in Stillwater is so diverse. Breaking it down by property type helps you see where your budget fits.

Single-Family Homes This is the bulk of the market. For a standard, detached single-family home, you should expect to look in the $400,000 to $600,000 range. This usually gets you a solid, move-in-ready home with decent yard space.

Townhomes Townhomes are increasingly popular here for buyers wanting lower maintenance. Older units can be found starting around $265,000, while newer, upscale townhomes often push past $460,000.

Condos The condo market here is interesting because it spans two extremes. You have older, more affordable units in the $250,000 range. On the other end, you have luxury downtown lofts with river views that command $575,000 or more.

New Construction If you are looking to build or buy brand new, prepare for a significant price jump. Custom single-family builds often start over $800,000, and in some of the premier developments, listing prices are frequently topping $1.2 million.

One of the unique things about Stillwater is how much the "vibe" changes from one hill to the next, and the prices reflect that.

Downtown Stillwater Living right downtown offers incredible walkability to shops and restaurants. Prices here can be volatile because inventory is low—sometimes only a few homes sell in a quarter. However, updated historic homes or luxury condos in the heart of the city command serious premiums. A recent median sale price snapshot showed downtown properties around $523,000, but one or two luxury sales can skew that number quickly.

North Hill vs. South Hill These areas are famous for their historic Victorian architecture. Pricing here is heavily dependent on the condition of the home. A fully renovated Queen Anne Victorian will be at the top of the market, while a historic home needing significant restoration might list lower but requires a heavy renovation budget.

Western and Suburban Stillwater As you move west away from the river, you find more traditional cul-de-sac neighborhoods and newer developments. This is where you find more predictable pricing that aligns closely with the city-wide median, or higher if you are looking at recent builds with modern amenities.

When you are deciding on relocating to Stillwater MN, it helps to compare the costs to the nearby metro hubs. Generally speaking, your dollar doesn't stretch quite as far here as it might in the core cities, but that is the trade-off for the environment.

Compared to St. Paul, where the median home price typically lands between $280,000 and $320,000, Stillwater is significantly more expensive. The same holds true for Minneapolis, which usually sees medians in the $320,000 to $350,000 range.

Even against the statewide Minnesota median of roughly $325,000, Stillwater sits well above the average. This is that "River Town Premium" at work. Buyers are effectively paying extra for the school district, the access to the St. Croix River, and the distinct lack of big-city congestion.

Buying the house is just step one. You need to budget for the ongoing monthly costs that come with living in Washington County.

Property Taxes Property taxes here are something to watch. The effective tax rate in Washington County is roughly 1.00% to 1.12%. For a median-priced home, that translates to a tax bill of roughly $3,800 to $4,200 per year. This is generally higher than the national average, so you will want to factor that into your monthly payment calculations.

HOA Fees Homeowners Association (HOA) fees are common if you are looking at townhomes or downtown condos. For townhomes, fees usually range from $150 to $250 per month, covering things like snow removal and lawn care. For downtown condos with more amenities, those fees can easily exceed $400 per month.

Insurance Standard Minnesota homeowners insurance rates apply here. However, if you fall in love with one of those historic homes on the hills, be sure to get an insurance quote early. Older homes can sometimes carry higher premiums or require specific updates (like electrical or plumbing) to be insurable.

Yes, generally speaking, Stillwater is more expensive than many surrounding suburbs and the state average. With a median home price around $435,000 compared to the state median of roughly $325,000, you are paying a premium for the historic location and river access.

You can expect an effective property tax rate of roughly 1.12%. On a typical home valued in the low $400,000s, the annual tax bill usually lands between $3,800 and $4,200, though this varies based on your specific property's assessed value.

While prices are higher than they were a few years ago, the market is stable with modest growth of 1.2% to 3%. If you are ready to buy, waiting might not yield lower prices, especially since inventory remains tight and demand for this area stays consistent.