Foley is the county seat of Benton County, a small city about 13 miles east of St. Cloud where Minnesota Highways 23 and 25 meet. If you are thinking about buying or moving here, this spotlight covers the basics: where it is, a little history, schools and what homes have been selling for in the area.
Where it is
Foley sits in Benton County, and its ZIP code is 56329. Highways 23 and 25 are the main routes through town, so St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids and the Mille Lacs area are all an easy drive. The city is part of the St. Cloud metro area, and Benton County’s government offices are here.
Community and history
The 2020 Census counted 2,711 residents in Foley. The town grew out of a logging camp and steam sawmill run by four Foley brothers in the late 1800s, and it is named for John Foley, whose donations helped build the community. Foley was incorporated as a village on March 21, 1900. A year later, county voters chose to move the Benton County seat from Sauk Rapids to Foley, and John Foley helped pay for the new courthouse.
Schools
Foley is served by Foley Public Schools (ISD 51), which dates to 1890. The district’s connected campus in town includes Foley Elementary (age 3 through grade 3), Foley Intermediate School (grades 4–8) and Foley High School (grades 9–12). If you are shopping for a home outside city limits, check with the district on which schools serve a specific address.
The market in Benton and Stearns counties
In September 2026, Benton County, which includes Foley, recorded 38 closed sales with a median sale price of $297,575. Neighboring Stearns County recorded 183 closed sales with a median of $316,250, according to Minnesota Realtors local market updates. These are county-wide numbers, not Foley only, and October figures are not out yet. See our full September home sales report.
Tips if you are looking in Foley
- Looking at a rural lot? Ask about well and septic inspections, and check with Benton County on zoning before you make an offer.
- First-time buyer? Read our guide to Minnesota Housing’s Start Up program.
- Property tax notices arrive in November. See our Truth in Taxation guide.
- Bought this year? Apply for homestead by Dec. 31. See our homestead deadline guide.
- Comparing towns? See our spotlights on Rice, Sauk Rapids, Sartell and Cold Spring.
Sources: City of Foley: History; Minnesota Judicial Branch: Benton County Courthouse History; Foley Public Schools; Wikipedia: Foley, Minnesota; Minnesota Department of Revenue 2020 city population list; Minnesota Realtors Local Market Updates, September 2026: Benton County and Stearns County. Checked Oct. 31, 2026.
Market figures change often and are for general information only. Please confirm details yourself with the city, the school district or a licensed professional before making decisions.
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