South St. Paul is a city in Dakota County, Minnesota, immediately south and southeast of Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is also east of West St. Paul, Minnesota. The population was 20,160 at the 2010 census.[5] Historically, the town was notable as a major meat-packing location. Subsequently, many residents are descended from immigrants of Southern European and Eastern European heritage, who came to work in the meat-packing plants in the early twentieth century.
A post office called "South St. Paul" has been in operation since 1888.[6] The city was named based on its location, south of St. Paul, MN.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.14 square miles (15.90 km2), of which 5.65 square miles (14.63 km2) is land, and 0.49 square miles (1.27 km2) is water.[8]
Interstate Highway 494, U.S. Highway 52, and Minnesota State Highway 156 are three of the major routes that traverse South St. Paul.
South St. Paul is home to a small general aviation airport, Fleming Field.
The main industry for much of South St. Paul's history was the Saint Paul Union Stockyards. The two largest companies and employers in the town during the time of peak stockyard operations were Swift's & Company and Armour Meats.
As of 04/11/2008, the stockyards are closed,[9] and much of the area is now being redeveloped.