Driest Cities in Minnesota

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Best Minnesota Cities

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics, 4 topics from climate and air quality data.

Best Climate Cities
Warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and clean air.
Cleanest Air Cities
Lowest pollution levels for healthy outdoor living.
Sunniest Cities
Most days of sunshine per year, with warm and dry climate.
Most Urban Cities
Densely populated city centers with the largest urban footprints.
Population & Density
Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense
Economy
Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Wages Cheapest Cost of Living
Housing
Highest Home Value Most Affordable Highest Rent Lowest Rent Highest Homeownership Newest Housing Lowest Property Tax
Demographics & Education
Most Educated Best Schools Most Graduate Degrees Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Most Veterans
Health & Safety
Safest Cities Highest Crime Healthiest Cities Lowest Smoking Best Doctor Access Best Dental Access
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Snowiest Cities Cleanest Air Worst Air Quality
Quality of Life
Shortest Commute Most Work From Home
Civic & Politics
Most Republican Most Democratic
Geography & Infrastructure
Highest Elevation Best Broadband Most EV Stations Most Libraries Most Restaurants
All Countries  ·  United States  ·  Minnesota

Driest Cities - Minnesota

1 East Grand Forks 21.7"
2 Crookston 22.4"
3 Moorhead 24.0"
4 Alexandria 24.1"
5 Thief River Falls 24.3"
6 Brainerd 24.5"
7 Baxter 24.5"
8 Hibbing 24.8"
9 International Falls 25.4"
10 Fergus Falls 26.9"
11 Morris 26.9"
12 Little Falls 27.2"
13 Bemidji 27.5"
14 Virginia 27.6"
15 Redwood Falls 28.0"
16 St. Cloud 28.5"
17 Sartell 28.5"
18 Sauk Rapids 28.5"
19 Waite Park 28.5"
20 Willmar 28.7"
21 Andover 28.8"
22 Anoka 28.8"
23 Ham Lake 28.8"
24 Marshall 28.9"
25 St. Paul 29.2"
26 Woodbury 29.2"
27 Maplewood 29.2"
28 Inver Grove Heights 29.2"
29 Oakdale 29.2"
30 West St. Paul 29.2"
31 South St. Paul 29.2"
32 North St. Paul 29.2"
33 Lake Elmo 29.2"
34 Little Canada 29.2"
35 Mahtomedi 29.2"
36 St. Paul Park 29.2"
37 Grand Rapids 29.4"
38 Montevideo 29.4"
39 Detroit Lakes 29.5"
40 Cambridge 29.7"
41 Isanti 29.7"
42 Hutchinson 29.8"
43 Litchfield 29.8"
44 Worthington 30.5"
45 Eden Prairie 30.6"
46 Minnetonka 30.6"
47 Shakopee 30.6"
48 Savage 30.6"
49 Prior Lake 30.6"
50 Chanhassen 30.6"
51 Hopkins 30.6"
52 Mound 30.6"
53 Minnetrista 30.6"
54 Orono 30.6"
55 Shorewood 30.6"
56 Delano 30.6"
57 Credit River 30.6"
58 Brooklyn Park 30.7"
59 Plymouth 30.7"
60 Blaine 30.7"
61 Maple Grove 30.7"
62 Coon Rapids 30.7"
63 St. Louis Park 30.7"
64 Brooklyn Center 30.7"
65 Fridley 30.7"
66 Champlin 30.7"
67 New Brighton 30.7"
68 Crystal 30.7"
69 Columbia Heights 30.7"
70 Golden Valley 30.7"
71 New Hope 30.7"
72 Robbinsdale 30.7"
73 Mounds View 30.7"
74 St. Anthony city (Hennepin and Ramsey Counties) 30.7"
75 Dayton 30.7"
76 Spring Lake Park 30.7"
77 Medina 30.7"
78 Corcoran 30.7"
79 St. Joseph 31.0"
80 New Ulm 31.1"
81 Duluth 31.2"
82 Hermantown 31.2"
83 Minneapolis 31.6"
84 Bloomington 31.6"
85 Eagan 31.6"
86 Burnsville 31.6"
87 Apple Valley 31.6"
88 Edina 31.6"
89 Richfield 31.6"
90 Mendota Heights 31.6"
91 St. Michael 31.7"
92 Buffalo 31.7"
93 Monticello 31.7"
94 Lakeville 32.3"
95 Farmington 32.3"
96 Red Wing 32.4"
97 St. Peter 32.4"
98 North Branch 32.4"
99 Glencoe 32.5"
100 Roseville 32.7"

The driest cities in Minnesota receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. East Grand Forks receives just 21.7 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

  • 1. East Grand Forks gets just 21.7" of precipitation per year - less than many cities get in a single month.
  • 2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
  • 3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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