With a composite score of 72.4, Aitkin County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 44%, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This strong performance reflects a county that offers genuine livability advantages compared to typical U.S. communities.
2 / 5
Slightly above Minnesota average
Aitkin's score of 72.4 edges out the state average of 70.9, making it a middle-of-the-pack performer among Minnesota's 87 counties. It holds its own in a state known for strong overall livability, though several county neighbors rank higher.
3 / 5
Tax benefits and healthcare shine
Aitkin excels in tax efficiency with a score of 86.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.573%—among the lowest in the state. Health outcomes are solid at 75.8, and housing is genuinely affordable with median home values of $235,100 and rents under $920/month.
4 / 5
Income growth lags regional pace
The income score of 22.2 is a significant weakness, with a median household income of $59,498 trailing state and national norms. Environmental risk management (43.4) also needs attention, though data on schools and safety remain unavailable.
5 / 5
For budget-conscious retirees
Aitkin suits individuals and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable living over high earning potential or urban amenities. This is an especially good fit for retirees or remote workers whose income isn't tied to the local economy.
With a composite score of 72.4, Aitkin County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 44%, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This strong performance reflects a county that offers genuine livability advantages compared to typical U.S. communities.
Slightly above Minnesota average
Aitkin's score of 72.4 edges out the state average of 70.9, making it a middle-of-the-pack performer among Minnesota's 87 counties. It holds its own in a state known for strong overall livability, though several county neighbors rank higher.
Tax benefits and healthcare shine
Aitkin excels in tax efficiency with a score of 86.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.573%—among the lowest in the state. Health outcomes are solid at 75.8, and housing is genuinely affordable with median home values of $235,100 and rents under $920/month.
Income growth lags regional pace
The income score of 22.2 is a significant weakness, with a median household income of $59,498 trailing state and national norms. Environmental risk management (43.4) also needs attention, though data on schools and safety remain unavailable.
For budget-conscious retirees
Aitkin suits individuals and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable living over high earning potential or urban amenities. This is an especially good fit for retirees or remote workers whose income isn't tied to the local economy.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.