Population (2020): 27,617
County: Scott County
Distance from Minneapolis: 24 miles
Distance from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport: 20 miles 
US Congressional Dist.: 2 
MN Legislative Dist.: 35A

Located in one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota, Prior Lake is an 18.3 square mile developing suburb with a small-town atmosphere just 28 miles south of downtown Minneapolis. The city offers a superior quality of life with beautiful parks, trails and wetlands as well as a charming downtown and excellent schools. A recent community survey found that 96% of residents believe the quality of life in Prior Lake is good or excellent. The population of Prior Lake is about 27,500 and is projected to grow to 37,500 by 2040. The City of Prior Lake is home to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and Mystic Lake Casino, the second largest Indian Gaming Casino in the nation. 

Prior Lake is a premier recreational community in the Twin Cities, featuring more than 50 parks on 1,000 acres, with over 100 miles of trails and sidewalks and 14 lakes. Park amenities include two large athletic complexes, Lakefront community park (160 acres), neighborhood parks, fishing piers, boat slips, swimming beaches, and green space. Upper and Lower Prior Lake, totaling 1,340 acres, are considered one of the most popular lakes in the metropolitan area for boating, skiing and fishing.

Although primarily a residential community, opportunities in commercial and industrial development are increasing and are a priority for the City Council to diversify the tax base. In addition to boutiques, an ice cream shop and gourmet bakery, Prior Lake has several new commercial developments including a brewery, law office, restaurant and medical building in downtown. Our industrial park boasts a nationally recognized golf cart maker, pizza dough manufacturer, fire investigation business, and sign company among others.