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5 | Page <br />City of Little Canada Housing Study - 2025 <br /> Introduction <br />Little Canada is a small but thriving community in north-central Ramsey County. It was first <br />established as a township in 1858, became a village in 1953, and was formally incorporated as a <br />city in 1974. Over time, the city has experienced steady development and growth, and it is now <br />home to approximately 10,500 residents. <br /> <br />Housing plays a critical role in Little Canada’s local economy, influencing who can live in the <br />community and where. Housing conditions also impact businesses, public and private utilities, <br />city operations, and the overall quality of life for residents. <br /> <br />To strategically plan for future growth, it is essential to assess current population demographics, <br />housing inventory, land use, financial attainability, and physical accessibility. <br /> <br />This study evaluates and quantifies Little Canada’s population demographics, housing stock, and <br />market conditions. It does not contain projections or predictions but serves as a foundational <br />document for future planning efforts, including comprehensive plan updates, zoning <br />amendments, and other strategic planning initiatives that will ultimately guide development in <br />the community. <br /> <br />This housing study relies on data from Ramsey County property records, 5-year ACS estimates <br />and decennial census data from the American Census Bureau, Metropolitan Council data on <br />affordability, and sales reports from the Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors. <br /> <br />Note: This document has been created for easy digital viewing with a hyperlinked table of <br />contents. <br /> <br />2040 Comprehensive Plan – Housing Goals <br />The 2040 Comprehensive Plan outlines nineteen housing goals, categorized by density, with a <br />final section dedicated to affordability: <br /> <br />Low Density Residential <br />1. Protect remaining developable areas reserved for low-density residential for single family <br />development <br />2. Continue to seek additional housing in all ends of the affordability spectrum, including <br />middle and upper ranges. <br />3. Plan for re-balancing the City’s housing stock by ensuring availability of high-amenity <br />lands for higher-end housing opportunities. <br />4. Preserve infill areas in neighborhoods currently dominated by low-density residential for <br />continued compatible land use patterns, with a presumption for single family