countyscore
53.3
County Score
Property Tax 77.6Health 76.6Soil Quality 65.2

County Report Card

About Aitkin County, Minnesota

Aitkin County Exceeds National Median

Aitkin County earns a composite score of 53.3, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score ranks the county in the top half of all United States counties for overall livability.

Competing Within a Strong State

The county's score of 53.3 falls slightly behind the Minnesota state average of 55.8. While it trails some neighbors, it remains a competitive option within one of the nation's higher-scoring states.

Low Tax Burden and Strong Health

The county excels with a high tax score of 77.6, supported by a low effective property tax rate of 0.573%. It also maintains a robust health score of 76.6, suggesting excellent local wellness outcomes.

Water Quality and Safety Concerns

Aitkin faces lower scores in water quality at 25.8 and safety at 29.2. Improving these environmental and community infrastructure areas represents a key opportunity for future growth.

Ideal for Wellness-Focused Homeowners

This county is a great fit for individuals seeking low tax obligations and a strong health environment. It suits those who prioritize fiscal efficiency and personal health over metropolitan-level safety statistics.

Score breakdown

Tax77.6Cost44.6Safety29.2Health76.6Schools63.6Income37.4Risk43.4Water25.8Weather49.2
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Aitkin County

Whether buying or refinancing in Aitkin County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Aitkin County with Cleveland County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cleveland County
Arkansas
Median income: $50,509
53.3
Barren County
Kentucky
Median income: $49,171
53.3
Quay County
New Mexico
Median income: $43,698
53.3
Greene County
Tennessee
Median income: $54,071
53.3
Orange County
Vermont
Median income: $77,328
53.3
Boone County
Arkansas
Median income: $54,195
53.2
Lawrence County
Ohio
Median income: $54,842
53.2
Beaver County
Oklahoma
Median income: $64,266
53.2

Nearby counties

Carlton County
Minnesota
49.8
Crow Wing County
Minnesota
49.3
Kanabec County
Minnesota
52.6
Mille Lacs County
Minnesota
42.6
Pine County
Minnesota
46.9
Morrison County
Minnesota
50.8
Cass County
Minnesota
57.2
Burnett County
Wisconsin
47.6

Deep Dives

Aitkin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Aitkin County

via TaxByCounty

Aitkin's tax burden: well below national average

Aitkin County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.573%, roughly one-fifth lower than the national median rate of 0.956%. This places Aitkin in the bottom 25% nationally—meaning most U.S. counties tax property more aggressively than this Minnesota community does.

Minnesota's most affordable county tax

Among Minnesota's 87 counties, Aitkin ranks dead last for tax burden, with an effective rate of 0.573% compared to the state average of 0.968%. Homeowners here pay roughly $822 less annually than the typical Minnesota property owner.

Aitkin undercuts its regional peers

Compared to neighboring Beltrami County (0.996% effective rate) and Becker County (0.731%), Aitkin offers the lowest property tax bite in the region. A homeowner in Aitkin pays $1,346 annually versus $2,214 in Beltrami—a $868 annual difference on similar-value properties.

What an Aitkin homeowner actually pays

The median home in Aitkin County is valued at $235,100, translating to roughly $1,346 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.573% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($1,415), while those without mortgages pay $1,279.

Review your assessment before taxes rise

Even in low-tax Aitkin County, many homeowners are paying taxes on inflated assessments and could recover money through the appeal process. If your property was recently reassessed, request your assessment details and compare them to recent sales of similar homes in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Aitkin County

via CostByCounty

Aitkin's rent burden tops the nation

Aitkin County residents spend 18.4% of their income on rent, nearly 4 percentage points above the national average of 14.5%. While the median rent of $912 per month seems modest, it strains local household incomes that average $59,498—significantly lower than the national median of $74,755.

Middle-of-the-road in Minnesota affordability

Aitkin's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% places it above Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, signaling affordability pressures compared to most state counties. The median rent of $912 matches the state average nearly exactly, but lower incomes here create the real squeeze.

Tighter budgets than nearby counties

Aitkin's residents spend a larger share of income on housing than neighboring Becker County (15.2% rent-to-income ratio) and significantly more than Big Stone County (13.2%). Only Beltrami County (17.7%) comes close to Aitkin's affordability challenge in the region.

Where Aitkin incomes go

Renters here pay $912 monthly while homeowners face $838 in mortgage costs—both pulling hard on a median household income of $59,498. Combined, housing consumes roughly 30% of gross income for an average Aitkin household, well above the standard 28% benchmark.

Consider the total housing picture

If you're weighing a move to Aitkin, factor in that housing costs hit harder here than in neighboring counties like Becker or Big Stone due to lower local incomes. However, median home values of $235,100 remain accessible compared to state averages, making homeownership a potential long-term solution.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Aitkin County

via IncomeByCounty

Aitkin trails national income levels

Aitkin County's median household income of $59,498 falls about $15,000 short of the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-income tier nationally. This 20% gap reflects economic conditions that differ significantly from wealthier metropolitan areas across the United States.

Below-average income for Minnesota

At $59,498, Aitkin County ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, making it one of the state's lower-income counties. The gap of roughly $16,000 suggests residents earn considerably less than typical Minnesota households.

Income lags nearby counties

Aitkin's $59,498 median income falls well below neighbors like Becker County ($71,117) and Beltrami County ($67,257). Even the smallest nearby counties outpace Aitkin, indicating localized economic challenges that affect household earning power.

Housing remains affordable locally

The 18.4% rent-to-income ratio shows housing costs are manageable relative to earnings, staying close to the national affordability threshold of 30%. A median home value of $235,100 is accessible on local incomes, though the lower earnings base limits overall purchasing power.

Strategic savings can build prosperity

Aitkin residents earning $59,498 should prioritize emergency savings and retirement contributions to build long-term security. Even modest monthly investments in tax-advantaged accounts compound significantly over time and can offset the income gap with wealthier regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Aitkin County

via CrimeByCounty

Aitkin County stays below national crime averages

Aitkin County maintains a high safety score of 97.3, reflecting a total crime rate of 1696.2 per 100,000 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a relatively secure environment.

Safety levels trail Minnesota state averages

Despite its national standing, the county falls slightly below the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,696.2 exceeds the statewide average of 1,123.5.

Aitkin remains safer than northern neighbor Beltrami

Compared to nearby Beltrami County, Aitkin is notably safer, with roughly half the total crime rate. Four reporting agencies work to maintain this balance across the county's rural landscape.

Property crime drives local safety statistics

Property crime accounts for 1551.2 incidents per 100,000 people, making it the primary concern for residents. The violent crime rate of 145.0 remains below the state average of 153.0.

Securing your property in Aitkin County

With property crime as the main local threat, basic security measures like motion-activated lighting are highly effective. Locking sheds and outbuildings helps prevent opportunistic theft on rural properties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Aitkin County

via HealthByCounty

Aitkin's life expectancy lags nationally

At 77.9 years, Aitkin County residents live slightly shorter lives than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.9% poor or fair health rate exceeds most national benchmarks, suggesting underlying health challenges that warrant attention.

Below Minnesota's health average

Aitkin's 77.9-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 0.8 years. The county ranks in the lower half of Minnesota counties for overall health outcomes, though its uninsured rate of 6.8% is slightly elevated compared to the state's 6.0%.

Similar health profile to nearby counties

Aitkin's life expectancy matches Becker County at 77.9 years and exceeds Beltrami County's 74.0 years by a substantial margin. The county offers 88 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, slightly below Becker's 80 but notably fewer than Beltrami's 108.

Healthcare access is moderate but gaps remain

With 88 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Aitkin has reasonable access to basic care. However, the 6.8% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 15 residents lack coverage, potentially delaying preventive care and treatment.

Explore health coverage options today

If you're among the 6.8% of Aitkin residents without insurance, Minnesota's marketplace and Medicaid program offer affordable options. Visit MNsure.org to compare plans and find coverage that fits your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Aitkin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Roots Across Nine Aitkin County Schools

Three school districts manage nine total campuses serving 1,736 students across the county. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and five high schools, reflecting a focus on secondary education in this rural region.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Averages

Aitkin County achieves an impressive 89.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% benchmark and the state average of 86.6%. The county invests $9,282 per pupil, which exceeds the Minnesota state average of $8,463 even as it remains below national spending levels.

Aitkin Public Schools Lead the County

The Aitkin Public School District is the largest provider, enrolling 1,028 students across three schools. Traditional public education dominates the landscape here, as there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering an average enrollment of just 193 students per campus. Aitkin Secondary School is the largest facility with 526 students, while Hill City Elementary provides a highly personal environment for only 104 children.

Find Your Home in a High-Achieving District

Families looking for strong graduation outcomes and small class sizes should consider homes near McGregor or Aitkin. School quality remains a primary driver for property values in this scenic region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Aitkin County

via RiskByCounty

Aitkin's Risk: Above Average Nationally

Aitkin County scores 56.58 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but notably above Minnesota's state average of 42.38. This means residents face more natural disaster exposure than most counties in the state, driven primarily by elevated flood and wildfire hazards.

Ranking Among Minnesota Counties

Among Minnesota's 87 counties, Aitkin ranks in the upper-middle tier for disaster risk, with a score that exceeds two-thirds of the state's counties. The county's 56.58 composite score reflects above-average vulnerability compared to its peers statewide.

Aitkin vs. Neighboring Counties

Aitkin (56.58) faces notably higher risk than nearby Big Stone County (8.52), one of Minnesota's safest counties, but sits below the higher-risk profile of Anoka County (88.01). Among its direct neighbors, Aitkin's exposure puts it in the middle range of regional disaster vulnerability.

Flood and Wildfire Top Concerns

Aitkin County's greatest hazards are flooding (69.37 risk score) and wildfire exposure (57.60), both significantly higher than the state average. Tornado risk is lower at 23.89, meaning residents should prioritize preparedness for water-related emergencies and seasonal fire season threats.

Ensure Comprehensive Coverage Today

With elevated flood and wildfire risks, Aitkin County residents should verify they have both standard homeowners insurance and separate flood coverage—standard policies don't cover flood damage. Consider wildfire-specific endorsements if your property is near forested areas, and review your policy annually as risks evolve.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Aitkin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Northwoods Climate Below National Medians

Aitkin County averages 40.7°F annually, significantly cooler than the national median of roughly 53°F. It features a humid continental climate with distinct, sharp seasonal transitions.

Cooler Than the Minnesota Average

The county's 40.7°F average falls about 2 degrees below the state annual average of 42.8°F. This reflects its position in the northern half of the state where colder air masses linger longer.

Comparing Aitkin to Its Regional Neighbors

Aitkin is nearly identical in temperature to Becker County (40.5°F) but notably cooler than southern Anoka (44.2°F). It receives 30.4 inches of precipitation, matching the statewide average almost exactly.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

July stays comfortable with an average of 68.0°F and only 3 extreme heat days per year. Winter is more intense, averaging 12.9°F with 43.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Preparing for Aitkin's Deep Freeze

Residents should invest in high-efficiency heating systems and heavy winter gear for the sub-zero January lows of 9.0°F. Summer cooling needs are minimal, as temperatures rarely exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Aitkin County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Entisols of Aitkin

Aitkin County’s soil consists primarily of Entisols with a very acidic pH of 4.31. This is significantly lower than both the Minnesota state average of 6.21 and the national median of 6.5.

A Sandy and Silty Blend

The soil contains 43.8% sand and 36.2% silt, balanced by a low 7.4% clay content. This mixture creates a coarse texture that provides easy workability but may require careful nutrient management.

Exceptional Organic Richness

Organic matter levels reach a massive 24.02%, more than double the state average of 9.90%. This richness drives a high available water capacity of 0.258 in/in, far exceeding the Minnesota benchmark of 0.199.

Well Drained for Diverse Use

The soil is classified as well-drained, which helps prevent root rot in wet years. While hydrologic group data is limited, the natural drainage makes it suitable for most agricultural and building projects.

Growing in Zone 4a

Hardiness zone 4a is perfect for growing cold-hardy staples like blueberries and potatoes. Use the naturally high organic matter to jumpstart a productive home garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Aitkin County

via LawnByCounty

Tough growing in Aitkin County

Aitkin County earns a lawn difficulty score of 39.4, making it significantly harder to maintain than the national median of 50.0. This score sits well below the Minnesota state average of 63.9, reflecting the challenges of gardening in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. Residents must contend with a shorter growing season and harsher winter conditions than many of their southern neighbors.

Short summers and cool nights

The county records 1,963 growing degree days and an average of only 3 extreme heat days per year. While the annual precipitation of 30.4 inches is within the ideal range, the cool climate slows grass metabolism and recovery. Mowing schedules typically ramp up after the last spring frost on May 10 and end abruptly by early October.

Acidic soil challenges turf health

The local soil is highly acidic with a pH of 4.31, which is far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. This well-drained soil consists of 43.8% sand and a low 7.4% clay content. Homeowners likely need significant lime applications to neutralize the acidity and improve nutrient availability for a healthy lawn.

Navigating persistent dry spells

Aitkin County has spent 37 weeks in drought over the past year, with 24.1% of the area currently facing severe conditions. Even though 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry, the well-drained soil helps prevent root rot during sudden heavy rains. To conserve water, residents should prioritize deep, infrequent soaking to encourage deep root growth.

Starting your Zone 4a lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the top choices for this climate because they tolerate the cold winters of Zone 4a. For the best results, wait until the threat of frost passes after May 10 before seeding. Early fall is also an excellent window for sodding before the first frost hits on October 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aitkin County's county score?
Aitkin County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 53.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Aitkin County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Aitkin County ranks #50 among all counties in Minnesota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Aitkin County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Aitkin County is $1,346, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Aitkin County a tax score of 77.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Aitkin County?
The median household income in Aitkin County, Minnesota is $59,498 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Aitkin County earns an income score of 37.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Aitkin County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Aitkin County scores 53.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Aitkin County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Aitkin County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.