Editing Apple Valley, Minnesota

{{Short description|City in Minnesota, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Apple Valley
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    = "Plant, Grow, Prosper"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/|title=City of Apple Valley Minnesota|publisher=City of Apple Valley Minnesota|access-date=October 16, 2012}}</ref>
<!-- Images --------------->
|image_skyline            = AV147th.jpg
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = Apple Valley
|image_flag               = Flag of Apple Valley, Minnesota.svg
|image_seal               = 
<!-- Maps ----------------->
|image_map                = Dakota_County_Minnesota_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Apple_Valley_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250x200px
|map_caption              = Location of the city of Apple Valley<br />within [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]], Minnesota
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             = 
<!-- Location ------------->
|pushpin_map              = Minnesota#USA#North America
|pushpin_label            = Apple Valley
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Minnesota]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Minnesota|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota]]
<!-- Government ----------->
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Clint Hooppaw
|established_title        = Incorporated
|established_date         = 1969
<!-- Area ----------------->
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_total_sq_mi         = 17.55
|area_land_sq_mi          = 16.87
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.68
|area_water_percent       = 
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_27.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 24, 2022}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 45.45
|area_land_km2            = 43.69
|area_water_km2           = 1.76
<!-- Population ----------->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 55416
|pop_est_as_of            = 2022
|pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2022"/>
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_total         = 56374
|population_rank          = US: 724th MN: [[List of cities in Minnesota|17th]]
|population_metro         = 3693729 (US: [[Metropolitan statistical area|16th]])
|population_density_km2   = 1290.18
|population_density_sq_mi = 3341.47
|population_blank1_title  = [[Demonym]]
|population_blank1        = Valleyian{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft             = 974
|coordinates              = {{coord|44|44|44|N|93|13|12|W|region:US-MN_type:city(56,000)|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
|postal_code              = 55124
|area_code                = [[Area code 952|952]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 27-01900
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 2393967<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2393967}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/|ci.apple-valley.mn.us}}
|footnotes                = 
}}

'''Apple Valley''' is a city in northwestern [[Dakota County, Minnesota]], and a suburb of the [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul|Twin Cities]]. The population was 56,374 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]],<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Apple_Valley_city,_Minnesota?g=160XX00US2701900 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=October 5, 2023}}</ref> making it the 17th most populous city in Minnesota.

==History==
The area that became Apple Valley was first established in 1859 as Lebanon Township, and remained a farming community for nearly a century.  In the mid-1950s, residential developments started replacing farmland.<ref>{{cite web|title=City of Apple Valley|publisher=City of Apple Valley|url=http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/151/History-of-Apple-Valley|access-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref> [[Orrin Thompson (real estate developer)|Orrin Thompson]], a real estate developer, was responsible for the city's early development. He contracted a company to determine where the next growth in the Twin Cities would be. It was {{convert|0.5|mi|0}} from County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue. Thompson bought the first houses and streets from the Brobacks, who built the city's first four houses. The firm that selected this area was in [[Apple Valley, California]], so Thompson took that name for the development. An alternate explanation for the name change exists, however. According to local developer Henry Broback, Lebanon Township was renamed Apple Valley because "...when you drive east on [[County Road 42 (Minnesota)|(County Road) 42]] and turn to enter Lebanon, it reminded them of [[Apple Valley, California|Apple Valley]], [[California]], which was a nice community."<ref>{{cite journal|date=December 1990 |title=The Transformation of a Dakota Community Lebanon Township to Apple Valley An Agrarian Township Becomes a Residential Success |journal=Over the Years |volume=30 |issue=1 |page=25 |url=http://www.cityofapplevalley.org/Resident_Info/Historical_Information/OverTheYears.pdf |access-date=January 27, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006165354/http://www.cityofapplevalley.org/Resident_Info/Historical_Information/OverTheYears.pdf |archive-date=October 6, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=20813|title=Profile for Apple Valley, Minnesota, MN|publisher=ePodunk|access-date=October 16, 2012}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=July 2016}}

Voters in the township voted to incorporate in the 1968 general election. They also selected the name Apple Valley over the name Lebanon Valley by a vote of 1376 to 757.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17871186/mpls_star_06_nov_1968_town_board_to/|title=Vote Makes Apple Valley New Village|publisher=Minneapolis Star|date=November 6, 1968|access-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[Image:AppleValleyCityHall.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|Apple Valley municipal building]]According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|17.57|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|16.86|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.71|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=November 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 12, 2012 }}</ref> The city's geography is rolling, with elevation from the lowest to the highest points in the city varying by {{convert|100|ft|0|spell=on}} or more. The [[downtown]] area and its adjacent residential district (which formed the original core of the city when it was incorporated) are in a shallow [[valley]].

[[Farquar Lake]] is located in the northeastern part of the city.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Farquar Lake {{!}} Minnesota DNR |url=https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/eastmetro/lakes/farquar.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118002818/https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/eastmetro/lakes/farquar.html |archive-date=2025-01-18 |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=Minnesota Department of Natural Resources}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1860= 160
|1870= 216
|1880= 252
|1890= 242
|1900= 286
|1910= 292
|1920= 361
|1930= 380
|1940= 364
|1950= 377
|1960= 585
|1970= 8502
|1980= 21818
|1990= 34598
|2000= 45527
|2010= 49084
|2020= 56374
|estyear=2022
|estimate=55416
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html|date=October 5, 2023|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 5, 2023}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 12, 2021|df=mdy}}</ref><br />2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|align=left
}}

Apple Valley is in [[Minnesota's 2nd congressional district]], represented by [[Angie Craig]], a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]]. Apple Valley is represented in the [[Minnesota Legislature]] by [[Minnesota Senate|State Senator]] Greg Clausen ([[Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party|Democrat]], District 57), [[Minnesota House of Representatives|Representative]] Robert Bierman ([[Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party|Democrat]], District 57A), and Representative John Huot ([[Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party|Democrat]], District 57B).

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2010, there were 49,084 people, 18,875 households, and 13,382 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|2911.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 19,600 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1162.5|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 83.8% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 5.5% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 5.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.0% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.0% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 4.9% of the population.

There were 18,875 households, of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.1% were non-families. Of all households, 23.6% were made up of individuals, and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.07.

The median age in the city was 37.9 years. 25.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.5% were from 25 to 44; 30.2% were from 45 to 64; and 9.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2000, there were 45,527 people, 16,344 households, and 12,405 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,625.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 16,536 housing units at an average density of {{convert|953.6|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 91.81% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.91% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.29% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 3.39% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.88% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.69% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.00% of the population.

There were 16,344 households, out of which 42.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. Of all households, 19.3% were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males. For several years, the city's population was among the fastest growing in Minnesota, but it has virtually exhausted the amount of additional buildable land within city limits, and so its growth has slowed considerably since 1990.

The median income for a household in the city was $69,752, and the median income for a family was $79,335 (these figures had risen to $76,789 and $86,874 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $50,636 versus $33,315 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $29,477. About 1.1% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

==Politics==
{{Hidden begin|titlestyle=background:#ccccff|title=Presidential election results}}
{| class="wikitable"  style="margin:auto; float:right; font-size:95%;"
|+ '''2020 Precinct Results Spreadsheet'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/2020/2020-general-election-results/2020-precinct-results-spreadsheet/|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2020 Precinct Results Spreadsheet|website=www.sos.state.mn.us|accessdate=August 29, 2023}}</ref>
|+ '''2016 Precinct Results Spreadsheet'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/2016/2016-general-election-results/2016-precinct-results-spreadsheet/|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2016 Precinct Results Spreadsheet|website=www.sos.state.mn.us|accessdate=August 29, 2023}}</ref>
|+ '''2012 Precinct Results Spreadsheet'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/2012/2012-general-election-results/2012-precinct-results-spreadsheet/|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2012 Precinct Results Spreadsheet|website=www.sos.state.mn.us|accessdate=August 29, 2023}}</ref>
|+ '''2008 Precinct Results Spreadsheet'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/2008/2008-general-election-results/2008-precinct-results-spreadsheet/|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2008 Precinct Results Spreadsheet|website=www.sos.state.mn.us|access-date=August 29, 2023}}</ref>
|+ '''2004 Precinct Results Spreadsheet'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/2004/2004-general-election-results/2004-precinct-results-spreadsheet/|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2004 Precinct Results Spreadsheet|website=www.sos.state.mn.us|accessdate=August 29, 2023}}</ref>
|+ '''2000 Precinct Results Spreadsheet'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/2000/2000-general-election-results/2000-precinct-results-spreadsheet/|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2000 Precinct Results Spreadsheet|website=www.sos.state.mn.us|accessdate=August 29, 2023}}</ref>
|+ '''1996 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1996-11-05-g-sec.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1996 Precinct Results  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024257/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1996-11-05-g-sec.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|+ '''1992 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1992-11-03-g-sec.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1992 Precinct Results  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024257/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1992-11-03-g-sec.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|+ '''1988 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1988-11-08-g-sec.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1988 Precinct Results  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024254/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1988-11-08-g-sec.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|+ '''1984 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1984-11-06-g-sec.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1984 Precinct Results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024254/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1984-11-06-g-sec.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|+ '''1980 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1980-11-04-g-sec.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1980 Precinct Results  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024250/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1980-11-04-g-sec.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|+ '''1976 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1976-11-02-g-sec.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1976 Precinct Results  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024300/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1976-11-02-g-sec.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|+ '''1968 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1968-11-05-g-man.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1968 Precinct Results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024250/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1968-11-05-g-man.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|+ '''1964 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1964-11-03-g-man.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1964 Precinct Results|website=lrl.mn.gov }}</ref>
|+ '''1960 Precinct Results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1960-11-08-g-man.pdf|title=Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1960 Precinct Results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024250/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1960-11-08-g-man.pdf |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Year
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Third Party (United States)|Third parties]]
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[2020 United States presidential election|2020]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.8% ''12,772''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.7%''' ''20,178''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.5% ''824''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[2016 United States presidential election|2016]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.2% ''11,924''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.6%''' ''15,019''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|9.2% ''2,718''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[2012 United States presidential election|2012]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|46.6% ''13,798''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''51.4%''' ''15,233''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.0% ''593''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[2008 United States presidential election|2008]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|46.4% ''13,560''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''51.9%''' ''15,159''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.7% ''491''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2004 United States presidential election|2004]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''51.8%''' ''14,994''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|47.2% ''13,669''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.0% ''275''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2000 United States presidential election|2000]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''49.7%''' ''12,387''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.7% ''11,155''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|5.6% ''1,389''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1996 United States presidential election|1996]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.8% ''8,255''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''48.4%''' ''9,805''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|10.8% ''2,182''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1992 United States presidential election|1992]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''37.1%''' ''7,488''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|36.5% ''7,360''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|26.4% ''5,344''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1988 United States presidential election|1988]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.4%''' ''8,875''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|42.6% ''6,580''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.0% ''0''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1984 United States presidential election|1984]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''62.0%''' ''7,550''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.0% ''4,622''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.0% ''0''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1980 United States presidential election|1980]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''49.9%''' ''5,104''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.0% ''3,890''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|12.1% ''1,245''
|-
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1976 United States presidential election|1976]]'''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''52.9%''' ''3,913''
|  style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.9% ''3,321''
|  style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.2% ''157''
|}
{{Hidden end}}

==Economy==

===Top employers===
According to Apple Valley's 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>[http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/8095 City of Apple Valley 2016 CAFR]</ref> the top employers in the city are:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! # of Employees
|-
| 1
| [[Independent School District 196]]
| 1,414
|-
|2
| [[Target Corporation]]
| 520
|-
|3
| [[Uponor]]
| 400
|-
|4
| [[Dakota County, Minnesota|Dakota County]]
| 384
|-
|5
| [[Walmart]]
| 350
|-
|6
| [[Augustana Care]]
| 265
|-
|7
| [[Menards]]
| 250
|-
|8
| [[Wings Financial Federal Credit Union]]
| 225
|-
|9
| [[Minnesota Zoo]]
| 220
|-
|10
| [[Apple Valley Medical Clinic]]
| 200
|}

==Arts and culture==

===Annual cultural events===
Apple Valley hosts an annual July 4 festival called "Apple Valley Freedom Days".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avfreedomdays.com/|title=Apple Valley Freedom Days – Celebrating 57 Years|accessdate=August 29, 2023}}</ref> Festivities include one of the area's largest parades that features local marching bands, service organizations, and many local businesses. There is also a carnival and a fireworks display during the event.

In February, the city hosts the Apple Valley Winter Carnival. Events include ice skating, a medallion hunt, contests and children events.

===The Minnesota Zoo===
Apple Valley is home to the [[Minnesota Zoo]], a nationally recognized [[zoological garden]] that houses hundreds of animals from several distinct climatological zones. Collections include an indoor Tropics Trail featuring animals from the worlds rain forests and tropical habitats, the Minnesota Trail with native animals from Minnesota including black bears, wolves, wolverines and beaver pond. The Northern Trail features large animals from the worlds cold climates. Highlights of this trail are <ref>{{cite web | url=https://mnzoo.org/blog/saying-goodbye-to-musk-oxen-at-the-zoo/ | title=Saying Goodbye to Musk Oxen at the Zoo | date=May 13, 2021 }}</ref> Asian wild horses, Takins from China and animals from remote east coast including brown bears, amur leopards, and wild boars. The zoo also features an aquarium, an exhibit of penguins from South Africa and the popular Japanese snow monkeys,<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota Zoo|publisher=mnzoo|url=http://www.mnzoo.org|access-date=September 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909044623/http://www.mnzoo.org/|archive-date=September 9, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
There are six elementary, three middle and three high schools in the city, all operated by [[Independent School District 196]]. In addition to the two comprehensive high schools, Apple Valley is home to a [[magnet school]] open to 11th and 12th graders, the [[School of Environmental Studies, Minnesota|School of Environmental Studies]] (SES). In fall 2007, Independent School District 196 opened three elementary-level magnet schools: Cedar Park Elementary, which will become a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) magnet; Diamond Path Elementary, which will have an International Studies theme, and Glacier Hills Elementary, with an Arts and Science theme.<ref>{{cite web| title=Independent School District 196| publisher=ISD 196| url=http://district196.org/index.cfm| access-date=September 6, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928064820/http://district196.org/index.cfm| archive-date=September 28, 2007| url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2017, Independent School District 196 opened a new Elementary school in neighboring [[Lakeville, Minnesota]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/apps.district196.org/eastlake|title=East Lake Elementary|website=sites.google.com|language=en-US|access-date=April 23, 2020}}</ref> Some students attend public schools in other school districts chosen by their families under Minnesota's open enrollment statute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Academic_Excellence/School_Choice/Public_School_Choice/Open_Enrollment/index.html |title=Open Enrollment |publisher=Minnesota Department of Education |access-date=November 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826062337/http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Academic_Excellence/School_Choice/Public_School_Choice/Open_Enrollment/index.html |archive-date=August 26, 2010 }}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
[[Interstate 35E (Minnesota)|Interstate Highway 35E]], [[Cedar Avenue]], and [[County Road 42 (Minnesota)|County Road 42]] are three of the main routes in Apple Valley. [[Minnesota State Highway 77|Highway 77]] briefly enters the northern part of Apple Valley and becomes County Road 23 / Cedar Avenue.

[[Minnesota Valley Transit Authority]] operates many weekday commuter buses to and from Downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The recently built [[Metro Red Line (Minnesota)|Red Line]] operates as a dedicated bus line with service to and from the Mall of America.

The Dan Patch line runs just west of Apple Valley.

==Notable people==
<!-- Consensus reached to standardize this heading per WP:WikiProject Cities/US Guideline. -->
* [[Brianna Brown]], actor, ''[[Days of Our Lives]]'', ''[[Devious Maids]]''
* [[David Fischer (ice hockey)|David Fischer]], former American ice hockey defenseman for the [[Montreal Canadiens]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/david_fischer/|title=David Fischer
|publisher=Hockey's Future |access-date=October 14, 2012}}</ref>
* [[Mark Hall (wrestler)|Mark Hall]], [[Collegiate wrestling|folkstyle]] and [[Freestyle wrestling|freestyle]] wrestler, NCAA Wrestling Champion, attended Apple Valley High School
* [[John Harvatine IV]], Co-owner of [[Stoopid Buddy Stoodios]] and creator of the TV show [[Crossing Swords]].
* [[Erik Jensen (actor)|Erik Jensen]], American actor, playwright, screenwriter and director
* [[Tyus Jones]], Point guard for the NBA [[Memphis Grizzlies]] and the Duke Blue Devils.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Finklestein|first1=Adam|title=Duke Lands Jahil Okafor, Tyus Jones|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/9981739/top-recruits-jahlil-okafor-tyus-jones-choose-duke-blue-devils|website=ESPN|date=November 15, 2013|access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Tre Jones]], point guard for the [[San Antonio Spurs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/draft/2020/prospects/tre-jones#/|website=[[NBA.com]]|title=2020 Draft Prospect {{pipe}} Tre Jones}}</ref>
* [[Vincent Kartheiser]], actor, attended [[Apple Valley High School (Minnesota)|Apple Valley High School]].
* [[Derek Rackley]], former professional football player<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RackDe00.htm|title=Derek Rackley|website=Pro Football Reference|access-date=March 23, 2025}}</ref>
* [[Carolyn Jane Rodriguez]], Minnesota legislator<ref>'Carolyn Jane Deshon Rodriguez (obituary), ''St. Paul Pioneer'', March 10, 2002</ref>
* [[Coleen Rowley]], former FBI agent and 9/11 whistleblower who was named ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine's [[Time Person of the Year|"Person of the Year"]] in 2002
* [[Nicholas Sadler]], actor who has appeared in the films ''[[Scent of a Woman (1992 film)|Scent of a Woman]]'', ''[[Disclosure (1994 film)|Disclosure]]'', ''[[Mobsters (film)|Mobsters]]''
* [[Dan Sexton]], former ice hockey forward for the [[Anaheim Ducks]]
* [[Gable Steveson]], Olympic gold medalist in [[freestyle wrestling]] (2020 Tokyo)
* [[Maria Thayer]], actress who has appeared in sitcoms ''[[Strangers with Candy]]'' and ''[[Will & Grace]]''
* [[Gary Trent Jr.]], Shooting guard for the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] NBA team
* [[Lindsey Vonn]] (née Kildow), Olympic skier<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tribune |first=Rachel Blount Star |title=Lindsey Vonn: On top of the world |url=https://www.startribune.com/lindsey-vonn-on-top-of-the-world/36708369/ |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=Star Tribune|date=December 25, 2008 }}</ref>
* [[Darril Wegscheid]], Minnesota state senator

== See also ==
* {{Portal-inline|Minnesota}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Apple Valley, Minnesota}}
{{Wikivoyage|Apple Valley (Minnesota)}}
* [https://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/ Apple Valley official city government website]
* [http://www.applevalleychamber.com/ Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100827033528/http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/Resident_Info/Historical_Information/OverTheYears.pdf History of Apple Valley]
* [http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=20813 ePodunk: Profile for Apple Valley, Minnesota]

{{Dakota County, Minnesota}}
{{Minnesota}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Dakota County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Cities in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Minneapolis–Saint Paul]]