Radon levels in Apple Valley, Minnesota

ModerateEPA Zone 1

Predicted long-term basement average of 2.1 pCi/L (model estimate) across the 1 modeled ZIP codes in Apple Valley - about 1.2× the US average of 1.8, close to the Minnesota average of 2.4. Ranked #11 of 23 Minnesota cities on this site. Most of the city lies in Dakota County.

Test Apple Valley, MN - the EPA says "consider fixing" in this range

The predicted basement average here is 2.1 pCi/L, in the 2-4 pCi/L band where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. Plenty of individual homes in a moderate area test above 4. Start with a short-term test; if it comes back at 2 or higher, follow up with a long-term test or a continuous monitor.

Already tested at 4 pCi/L or higher? Find a certified mitigation professional (EPA). A mitigation system typically runs $800-$2,500 installed.

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Predicted (model estimate). The pCi/L figures on this page are long-term area averages from a peer-reviewed national model built on millions of real radon tests (2001-2021). They describe the typical home in this area - not your home, which can be several times higher or lower. The EPA radon zone is a separate, 1993 county-level classification. Measured state test results are shown separately below, labeled with their source and years. How the numbers work.

2.1 ± 0.06

pCi/L predicted basement mean (model SD)

1.5 ± 0.06

pCi/L predicted upstairs (above-ground) mean

2.1-2.1

range of ZIP-level basement predictions in the city

0%

of Apple Valley ZIPs predicted ≥ 4 pCi/L (100% ≥ 2)

Measured radon tests in Dakota County (Minnesota Department of Health (MN Public Health Data Access), 2016-2025)

Actual results from home radon tests reported to the state, separate from the model estimate above. Coverage: 2016-2025.

Measured mean
3.5 pCi/L
Measured median
2.7 pCi/L
Results ≥ 4 pCi/L
33.9%
Results ≥ 2 pCi/L
67.6%
Sample
about 2,532 properties tested per year
FigureModel (predicted)State tests (measured)
Mean, pCi/L2.1 basement3.5
Share ≥ 4 pCi/Lnot a model output33.9%

The measured mean runs 1.4 pCi/L above the model because state test data is voluntary and skews toward basements, winter, and homeowners who already suspected a problem, while the model estimates the long-term average across all homes.

Source: Minnesota radon test results by county, Minnesota Department of Health (MN Public Health Data Access). Minnesota public data (Minn. Stat. ch. 13). Method and download.

What this means for Apple Valley

The typical Apple Valley home is predicted in the 2-4 pCi/L band. The EPA's guidance for this range is to consider fixing, because there is no known safe level and a meaningful minority of homes in a moderate area will test above 4.

The city figure is not a separate estimate: it is the mean of the model's ZIP-code predictions, weighted by the share of the city's land in each ZIP (Census 2020 ZCTA-to-place relationship file). Note that the EPA classifies Dakota County as Zone 1 while the newer model predicts 2.1 pCi/L for Apple Valley; where they disagree, we grade on the model but show both.

Comparable Minnesota cities: Burnsville (2.1), Minneapolis (2.1), Eden Prairie (2.1), St. Paul (2.0).

ZIP codes in Apple Valley

ZIPs that overlap the city, largest share of its land first. Predicted basement and upstairs means are model estimates; ZIPs the model does not cover show a dash.

ZIPShare of cityBasementUpstairsGrade
55124100%2.1 ± 0.061.5Moderate

Testing help in Minnesota

Minnesota's radon program page is at www.health.state.mn.us; it lists testing and certified-mitigator guidance. EPA state radon contacts page. If a test comes back at 4 pCi/L or higher, mitigation typically costs $800-$2,500 installed; use EPA find-a-professional and read the mitigation guide.

Apple Valley radon questions

Is radon high in Apple Valley, Minnesota?
Moderate. Averaging the model's ZIP-code predictions across Apple Valley (weighted by how much of the city each ZIP covers) gives a long-term basement mean of 2.1 pCi/L - about 1.2× the US average of 1.8 and close to the Minnesota average of 2.4. That is in the 2-4 pCi/L range where the EPA says to consider fixing. Apple Valley ranks 11 of 23 Minnesota cities on this site.
What do actual radon tests show around Apple Valley?
Minnesota Department of Health (MN Public Health Data Access) publishes results for Dakota County (not the city alone) covering 2016-2025 (about 2,532 properties tested per year): an average of 3.5 pCi/L, a median of 2.7, 33.9% of results at or above the 4 pCi/L action level. These are voluntary home tests, so they skew toward basements and toward homes where radon was suspected; the model's predicted basement average for Apple Valley is 2.1 pCi/L.
Which Apple Valley ZIP codes have the highest radon?
Predictions for the 1 modeled ZIP codes in Apple Valley range from 2.1 to 2.1 pCi/L in the basement. 0% of them are predicted at or above 4 pCi/L and 100% at or above 2. The city is fairly uniform, so the city-wide number is a reasonable guide for any neighborhood.
Should I test for radon in Apple Valley?
Yes, soon. With a predicted basement average of 2.1 pCi/L, a meaningful share of Apple Valley homes will test above the 4 pCi/L action level. Start with a short-term kit; if it reads 2 or higher, confirm with a long-term test or a continuous monitor before paying for mitigation.
What does EPA Radon Zone 1 mean for Apple Valley?
Apple Valley sits mainly in Dakota County, which the EPA classifies as Zone 1 - highest potential (predicted average > 4 pCi/L). The zone map dates from 1993 and covers whole counties. The newer model's city average of 2.1 pCi/L does not line up with Zone 1, which is common - the EPA itself says high-radon homes exist in every zone. Neither replaces a test of your own home.

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