countyscore
52.7
County Score
Health 80.5Soil Quality 74.8Income & Jobs 69.1

County Report Card

About Becker County, Minnesota

Becker County Outpaces the Nation

With a composite score of 52.7, Becker County sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the top 45% of counties nationwide for its balanced livability profile.

A Solid Contender in Minnesota

Becker County closely mirrors the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It offers a profile typical of the state's high-performing mid-sized counties, balancing income with moderate costs.

Strong Health and Safety Profile

The county shines with a health score of 80.5 and a risk score of 62.6, indicating a safe and healthy environment. A median household income of $71,117 supports a stable local economy.

Water and Housing Costs

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 21.3. Additionally, a cost score of 33.1 reflects median home values of $266,900, which may challenge first-time buyers.

A Balanced Choice for Families

Becker is ideal for families looking for a mix of economic stability and public health. It offers a reliable Midwestern lifestyle for those who can manage slightly higher housing entries.

Score breakdown

Tax59.6Cost33.1Safety48Health80.5Schools49.8Income69.1Risk62.6Water21.3Weather47.2
🏛59.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡62.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.2
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 →
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Nearby counties

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47
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Otter Tail County
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Wadena County
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Deep Dives

Becker County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Becker County

via TaxByCounty

Becker taxes moderately, below national norm

Becker County's effective tax rate of 0.731% runs about 24% lower than the national median of 0.956%, placing it in the lower-tax quarter nationally. Homeowners here enjoy a more favorable tax environment than most U.S. communities of similar size and property values.

Minnesota's middle tier for property taxes

Becker County ranks 47th among Minnesota's 87 counties with a 0.731% effective rate, sitting well below the state average of 0.968%. The county's median tax bill of $1,951 is roughly $217 less than Minnesota's median of $2,168.

Becker offers better rates than regional rivals

Among north-central Minnesota counties, Becker's 0.731% rate outperforms Beltrami County (0.996%) and Aitkin County (0.573%), placing it solidly in the middle. A median-value home in Becker ($266,900) costs $1,951 annually in taxes—significantly less than comparable properties in faster-growing counties.

What Becker homeowners actually pay

The median home in Becker County is valued at $266,900, translating to approximately $1,951 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.731% effective rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $2,007 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $1,850.

Appeal if your assessment outpaces market value

Many Becker County homeowners pay taxes on assessments that haven't kept pace with recent market fluctuations or contain clerical errors. Review your assessment notice carefully—if your estimated value seems high compared to recent sales nearby, file an appeal with your county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Becker County

via CostByCounty

Becker offers balanced affordability advantage

Becker County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% sits comfortably below the national average of 14.5%, and incomes of $71,117 approach the national median of $74,755. This county achieves relatively strong housing affordability through a combination of reasonable rents ($899) and solid local earnings.

Well-positioned within Minnesota's market

Becker County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio places it among the more affordable Minnesota counties, beating the state average of 14.5%. The median rent of $899 is nearly identical to the state average, while local incomes sustain this balance better than many peers.

The sweet spot in the region

Becker County offers lower rents than Aitkin ($912) and Beltrami ($991) while maintaining comparable incomes, creating a genuine affordability advantage. Only Big Stone County beats Becker on rent-to-income ratio (13.2%), but Big Stone offers fewer amenities and lower home values.

Balanced housing and income mix

Renters here pay $899 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,095—a combined burden that consumes roughly 27% of the $71,117 median household income. This allocation sits right at the standard affordability benchmark, making Becker a rare example of balance.

A practical choice for affordability seekers

Becker County delivers one of Minnesota's better housing-to-income ratios without sacrificing small-city amenities and quality of life. Consider this county if you're seeking genuine affordability—median home values of $266,900 remain accessible on local incomes, making both renting and owning realistic options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Becker County

via IncomeByCounty

Becker slightly trails national average

Becker County's median household income of $71,117 falls about $3,600 below the national median of $74,755, representing a modest 5% gap. The county performs close to the national average, indicating a middle-income economy comparable to many American regions.

Below Minnesota's median income level

At $71,117, Becker County ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by roughly $4,600. The county represents the middle-lower segment of Minnesota's income distribution, with earnings below the state norm.

Competitive with regional county incomes

Becker's $71,117 median income outpaces Aitkin ($59,498), Beltrami ($67,257), and Big Stone ($65,475) counties. However, it trails slightly behind Benton ($71,480) and Blue Earth ($72,623), placing it squarely in the middle of the regional income landscape.

Housing costs remain very manageable

Becker's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the region, indicating excellent housing affordability. A median home value of $266,900 represents solid value for local incomes, freeing up resources for savings and investments.

Affordability creates savings opportunities

Becker residents earning $71,117 benefit from low housing costs that leave substantial room for wealth-building activities. Directing even 10-15% of income toward retirement accounts and diversified investments can create significant long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Becker County

via CrimeByCounty

Becker County beats the national safety average

Becker County reports a total crime rate of 1164.8 per 100,000 people, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to an impressive safety score of 98.2.

Safety scores match Minnesota state benchmarks

The county aligns perfectly with the state average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,164.8 is just slightly above the statewide average of 1,123.5.

One of the region's more stable profiles

Becker remains much safer than nearby Beltrami County, which sees nearly triple the crime volume. Seven local agencies coordinate to keep these rates among the state's more favorable scores.

Violent crime rate requires community awareness

While property crime is low at 951.7, the violent crime rate of 213.1 sits above the Minnesota average of 153.0. This indicates that while theft is rare, interpersonal safety is a local priority.

Improving home safety in Becker County

Residents should focus on home security to maintain the county's favorable property crime statistics. Simple actions like exterior lighting and participating in neighborhood watch groups enhance overall safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Becker County

via HealthByCounty

Becker's health slightly trails U.S. average

At 77.9 years, Becker County life expectancy aligns with national trends but falls just below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 14.1% poor or fair health rate is reasonable compared to many regions, though room for improvement exists.

Slightly below Minnesota health benchmarks

Becker's 77.9-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's 78.7-year state average by 0.8 years, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. At 7.0% uninsured, Becker exceeds the state's 6.0% average, suggesting coverage gaps for some residents.

Comparable to Aitkin, better than Beltrami

Becker's 77.9-year life expectancy matches Aitkin County exactly but trails Beltrami County's mental health resources of 264 per 100,000. The county offers 80 primary care providers per 100,000, placing it squarely within regional norms.

Moderate access with uninsured challenges

Becker provides 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, supporting routine care access. However, the 7.0% uninsured rate—the state's fifth-highest—means roughly 1 in 14 residents may delay seeking care due to cost.

Close the coverage gap in Becker

With 7.0% of residents uninsured, Becker has room to improve health security. Visit MNsure.org to compare affordable plans and find coverage today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Becker County

via SchoolsByCounty

Town and Country Education in Becker

Five school districts serve 4,693 students across 18 public schools in Becker County. The system is balanced between early and late education, featuring six elementary schools and nine high schools to support the region's growing population.

Solid Performance and Efficient Spending

Becker County reports an 86.3% graduation rate, nearly matching the state average and approaching the national benchmark. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $8,383, which is very close to the Minnesota average of $8,463.

Detroit Lakes Public Schools Lead the Way

The Detroit Lakes Public School District is the county's largest, overseeing 12 schools and 2,775 students. All 18 schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools currently operate in the area.

A Mix of Town Centers and Rural Outposts

The county features 10 schools in town settings and 8 in rural areas, with an average school size of 335 students. Detroit Lakes Senior High is the largest campus with 865 students, while several primary schools offer more intimate community environments.

Settle Near Top-Rated Schools in Becker

From the hub of Detroit Lakes to the quiet outskirts of Frazee, Becker County offers homes near reliable community schools. Families moving here often prioritize school proximity to take advantage of the county's steady academic reputation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Becker County

via RiskByCounty

Becker: Among Minnesota's Safest

Becker County scores 37.40 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and well below Minnesota's 42.38 state average. This makes Becker one of the state's safer counties for natural disaster exposure, though residents still face localized risks.

Low Risk Across Minnesota

Becker County ranks among the lowest-risk counties statewide, with a composite score that places it in the bottom tier of Minnesota's 87 counties for disaster vulnerability. Its 37.40 score reflects minimal overall exposure compared to state peers.

Safest County in Its Region

Becker County (37.40) is notably safer than neighboring Aitkin County (56.58) and substantially safer than the higher-risk Beltrami County (60.56). Among its regional peers, Becker ranks as one of the least vulnerable to natural disasters.

Wildfire and Tornado Present Concerns

Though Becker County's overall risk is low, residents should monitor wildfire exposure (77.16) and tornado activity (56.77), which exceed the county's composite baseline. Flood risk remains relatively moderate at 52.23, meaning seasonal weather requires some preparedness.

Standard Insurance Likely Sufficient

Becker County residents with strong homeowners insurance and standard tornado/storm coverage are reasonably well-protected, though those near forests should consider wildfire endorsements. Review your policy annually and maintain basic emergency supplies, as even low-risk areas can experience localized events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Becker County

via WeatherByCounty

Traditional Northern Continental Climate

Becker County averages 40.5°F annually, which is about 12 degrees colder than the national median. This climate is known for its dramatic swings between sub-zero winters and warm summers.

Trailing the Minnesota Average

The county's average temperature of 40.5°F is 2.3 degrees below the state average of 42.8°F. It sits in a transitional zone where western plains air meets northern forests.

Becker Versus the Surrounding Region

Becker is slightly cooler than Aitkin (40.7°F) but significantly warmer than Beltrami (38.7°F) to the north. Its 47.6 inches of snowfall is standard for central-northern Minnesota.

Harsh Januarys and Pleasant Julys

January is the most challenging month with an average of just 6.9°F. July offers relief at 68.9°F, though the county still sees 5 days where temperatures hit or exceed 90°F.

Practical Cold-Weather Preparedness

With a winter average of 10.9°F, residents need superior home insulation and reliable heating fuels. Summer outdoor planning is generally easy with moderate precipitation and few extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Becker County

via SoilByCounty

The State Benchmark for pH

Becker County perfectly matches the Minnesota state average pH of 6.21. This near-neutral acidity provides a stable chemical base compared to the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Texture and Workability

The soil consists of 47.2% sand, 32.1% silt, and 16.6% clay. This moderate balance provides enough clay for nutrient retention without sacrificing the ease of tillage.

Steady Growth Potential

Organic matter levels stand at 8.42%, slightly below the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in ensures that plants have steady access to moisture throughout the season.

Reliable Foundation for Farming

While specific drainage and hydrologic class data are currently unavailable, the soil composition suggests a functional balance. Proper site-specific testing is recommended for major construction or irrigation projects.

Hardy Crops for Zone 4a

Located in Zone 4a, this region is famous for hardy grains and cool-season vegetables. Start your garden with confidence knowing your soil chemistry is right at the state's ideal sweet spot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Becker County

via LawnByCounty

Middle-of-the-road lawn care

Becker County earns a 53.2 lawn difficulty score, which is slightly higher than the national median but lower than the Minnesota state average. Situated in Zone 4a, the county presents moderate challenges for homeowners looking to maintain a lush green space. Success here depends heavily on timing around the late spring frost.

Lower rainfall requires attention

Annual precipitation averages 29.4 inches, sitting just below the ideal 30-50 inch threshold for lawns. With 2,115 growing degree days and only 5 days of extreme heat, the climate is generally mild but dry. Lawns here benefit from careful monitoring of moisture levels during the peak summer months.

Strong soil pH balance

The soil pH in Becker County is 6.21, which falls perfectly within the ideal range for most lawn grasses. The soil composition is a balanced mix of 47.2% sand and 16.6% clay, providing a solid foundation for root development. This favorable chemistry means homeowners spend less on chemical amendments compared to other Minnesota counties.

Combatting extended dry periods

The county has endured 41 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the area currently reports abnormally dry conditions. While severe drought is currently at 0.0%, the lack of consistent rain makes irrigation essential. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain precious soil moisture.

Planting for the Becker climate

Hardy Tall Fescue and Bluegrass blends are recommended for the cold winters of Zone 4a. Plan to start your lawn projects after May 15 to ensure the soil has warmed enough for germination. You have until October 3 to finish any major seeding before the first fall frost hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Becker County's county score?
Becker County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 52.7 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 Becker County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Becker County ranks #51 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 Becker County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Becker County is $1,951, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Becker County a tax score of 59.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Becker County?
The median household income in Becker County, Minnesota is $71,117 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Becker County earns an income score of 69.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Becker County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Becker County scores 52.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Becker 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 Becker 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.