If you’re staring at a map of the Twin Cities or trying to figure out where to send your property taxes, you’ve probably asked yourself: what county is Oakdale MN in? It's Washington County.
Simple, right? But honestly, in a sprawling metro area like Minneapolis-St. Paul, the lines get blurry fast. You might be driving down 10th Street and suddenly realize you've crossed three different jurisdictions without seeing a single sign. Oakdale sits on the eastern edge of the metro, acting as a sort of gateway between the dense urban core and the rolling hills that lead toward the St. Croix River.
Why Washington County Defines Oakdale
Washington County isn't just a name on a tax bill. It’s the oldest county in Minnesota, established in 1849. While places like Hennepin and Ramsey get all the noise because of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Washington County—and by extension, Oakdale—offers a weirdly perfect mix of suburban convenience and "out in the sticks" vibes.
Oakdale itself is a heavy hitter in the county. It’s actually the 30th largest city in the state.
You’ve got about 28,000 people living there. They aren't just there for the houses; they’re there because the county services are actually pretty great. The Washington County Library system, for instance, is top-tier. The Oakdale branch on 15th Street is basically the community's living room. If you’re a resident, you’re part of a county that manages over 4,000 acres of parkland. That’s huge. It’s not just a bunch of mowed grass; we’re talking about legitimate nature preserves and paved trails that connect all the way to Stillwater.
The Geography of the "Gateway"
Oakdale is basically a rectangle tucked into the western side of Washington County.
To the west, you hit the Ramsey County line. This is where people get confused. Maplewood is right there. North St. Paul is right there. You can literally stand with one foot in Oakdale (Washington County) and one foot in Maplewood (Ramsey County).
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The borders are messy.
On the north side, you have Lake Elmo and North St. Paul. To the east, more Lake Elmo. To the south, Woodbury. If you’ve ever shopped at the Tartan Crossing area or grabbed a movie at the Marcus Cinema, you’re deep in Oakdale territory. The city is bisected by I-694 and Hwy 36, making it a commuter’s dream, but also a place that feels like it’s constantly in motion.
Most people don't realize that Oakdale was mostly farmland until the post-WWII boom. It wasn't even a city until 1974. Before that, it was Oakdale Township. The transition from rural fields to a bustling suburb happened fast, and you can still see it in the way the neighborhoods are laid out—some parts feel like a 1950s daydream, while others are sleek, modern developments.
Taxes, Schools, and the Bureaucracy You Can't Avoid
Knowing what county is Oakdale MN in is mostly about the "boring" stuff that actually runs your life.
Washington County is responsible for your property assessments. If you’re looking to buy a house in Oakdale, you’re going to notice that property taxes here often feel a bit more manageable than they do across the line in Ramsey County. It’s a major selling point for real estate agents. They’ll tell you, "Hey, you get the Twin Cities access without the Ramsey County tax hike."
Schools are another weird one.
Just because you live in Washington County doesn’t mean your kids go to a "Washington County" school. Most of Oakdale is served by Independent School District 622. That’s the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale district. It’s a massive system. You’ve got Tartan High School right there in the city, which is a huge point of pride for the local community. However, small slices of the city might actually fall into the Stillwater or South St. Paul districts depending on exactly where that property line falls.
It’s confusing. It’s Minnesota.
Nature in the Middle of Suburbia
One of the best things about being in Washington County is the access to the Oakdale Nature Preserve.
Seriously.
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It’s 200 acres of forest, wetland, and prairie right in the middle of the city. You’ve got the Discovery Center there, which is honestly a hidden gem for families. In the winter, the trails are great for snowshoeing. In the summer, it’s a birdwatcher's paradise. This isn't just a city park; it's a piece of the original landscape that Washington County has fought to preserve as developers tried to pave over everything.
Then there’s the Tartan Trail. It’s part of the larger regional trail system. Because you’re in Washington County, you have access to trails that can take you all the way down to the St. Croix River if you have the leg strength for it.
Real Talk: Living in Oakdale
If you're moving here or just visiting, understand that Oakdale is "The Gateway."
It’s the bridge between the grit of the city and the prestige of the eastern suburbs. It’s more affordable than Woodbury, but more "suburban" than St. Paul. People here are down-to-earth. You’ll see them at Hy-Vee or the Fleet Farm (which is a local landmark, let’s be honest).
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There's a specific kind of pride in being from this part of the county. You’re close enough to the Twin Cities to catch a Twins game in 15 minutes, but far enough away that you can actually see the stars at night if you’re on the east side of town.
Actionable Next Steps for Oakdale Residents
If you’ve confirmed you’re in Washington County, here is what you actually need to do to make the most of it:
- Get a Washington County Library Card. Even if you don't read physical books, the digital resources and the "Library of Things" (where you can check out tools or kits) are incredible.
- Download the Washington County Parks App. There are vehicle permits required for some big parks like Lake Elmo Park Reserve, but as a local, it's worth every penny for the swimming pond alone.
- Check your Property Tax Statement. Ensure you are filing for the Minnesota Homestead Credit if Oakdale is your primary residence. Since you're in Washington County, the filing goes through the Stillwater government offices, not St. Paul.
- Visit the Discovery Center. If you haven't walked the boardwalks at the Oakdale Nature Preserve, you’re missing the best part of the city. It’s free and offers some of the best mental health breaks in the metro area.
- Register to Vote. Washington County handles elections for Oakdale. Make sure your registration is updated at the Secretary of State website so you’re ready for the next local cycle.
Oakdale is more than just a spot on the map between I-94 and Hwy 36. It’s a cornerstone of Washington County that offers a unique, high-quality lifestyle without the pretension you find in other suburbs. Whether you're here for the schools, the easy commute, or the parks, you're in one of the most stable and well-managed counties in the Midwest.