Sauk Rapids sits on the Mississippi River in Benton County, right across the river from St. Cloud. The city took its name from the rapids in the river and from the Sauk River, which flows into the Mississippi from the western shore. Here is a factual look at living and buying a home in Sauk Rapids this fall.
Where it is
- Part of the St. Cloud metro. Sauk Rapids is part of the St. Cloud metropolitan area, which is made up of Stearns and Benton counties.
- On the river. The city sits on the east side of the Mississippi River, near where the Sauk River flows in.
- ZIP code: 56379.
Community
Sauk Rapids counted 13,862 residents in the 2020 Census.
Schools
- Public schools: Sauk Rapids is served by the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District (ISD 47). The district’s schools are Mississippi Heights Elementary, Pleasantview Elementary, Rice Elementary, Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School and Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.
- Check the address. Elementary assignments depend on where a home is, so buyers should confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the district.
Parks and The Clearing
- More than 20 parks. The city lists more than 20 parks, nature preserves and recreational trails.
- The Clearing: Along the river, The Clearing ties together Southside Park and Lions Park (now Sauk Rapids Lions Sunset Park). It includes an all-inclusive playground, an interactive water feature, an outdoor amphitheater, a paved trail, fishing and picnic areas, plus two rental spaces, the Riverside Terrace event center and The Lookout.
- Rock the Riverside: The city’s free summer concert series is held on Thursday evenings at The Clearing.
- A bit of history: The Stanton Flour Mill once stood near Lions Sunset Park. It was destroyed in the cyclone of 1886, and the city says pieces of its granite foundation can still be seen along the river’s edge.
City resources for homeowners
The city’s Residents & Visitors page links to an affordable loan program through Minnesota Housing, a home improvement program run with Gate City Bank, organized garbage collection, compost site hours and the city’s snow emergency rules.
The Benton County market
In September 2026, Benton County had 38 closed home sales and a median sale price of $297,575, according to Minnesota Realtors. See all the numbers in our September home sales report.
Tips for buyers looking at Sauk Rapids
- Confirm the school assignment for the exact address before you write an offer.
- Budget for the whole payment. Property taxes, homeowners insurance and any association dues add to the monthly cost.
- First-time buyer? Read our guide to Minnesota Housing’s Start Up program.
- Bought this year? Apply for homestead by Dec. 31. See our homestead deadline guide.
- Get ready for winter. Our winter guide covers the Cold Weather Rule and energy assistance.
- Get a real valuation. Online estimates can miss a home’s condition and recent sales nearby. A local agent can pull comparable sales for a specific property.
Sources: City of Sauk Rapids: Parks & Trails, Sauk Rapids Lions Sunset Park/The Clearing and Residents & Visitors; The Clearing; Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools; Minnesota Department of Revenue 2020 city populations (PDF); U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts; Sauk Rapids, Minnesota (Wikipedia); Minnesota Realtors Benton County Local Market Update, September 2026. Checked Oct. 21, 2026.
Market figures and rates change often and are for general information only. Contact a licensed professional for advice on your situation.
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