countyscore
36
County Score
Soil Quality 70.6Water Quality 61Income & Jobs 59.5

County Report Card

About Beltrami County, Minnesota

Work to Do Nationally

Beltrami County earns a composite score of 36.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. The county faces significant demographic and infrastructure challenges compared to the US average.

Struggling Against State Averages

The county ranks significantly below the Minnesota average score of 55.8. High tax rates and safety concerns put Beltrami at a disadvantage compared to southern Minnesota counties.

Reliable Water and Median Incomes

The county's strongest assets are its water quality score of 61.0 and a respectable income score of 59.5. Residents earn a median household income of $67,257, providing a stable economic floor.

Safety and High Taxation

Safety is the primary challenge with a score of 5.5, the lowest in the region. An effective tax rate of 0.996% also creates a heavy burden for local homeowners.

Best for Budget-Conscious Renters

Beltrami suits individuals who prioritize lower rent, which averages $991, and solid water quality. It is a functional choice for those focused on income stability over community safety metrics.

2040608010038.331.65.555.644.659.539.56148.1Tax38.3Cost31.6Safety5.5Health55.6Schools44.6Income59.5Risk39.5Water61Weather48.136/100
This county
National avg
3 below average

Beltrami County DNA

Foverall

How Beltrami County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Beltrami County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5.5/100), though Income (59.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.3-13.700000000000003
Cost
31.6-16.4
Safety
5.5-49.5
Health
55.6
Schools
44.6-9.399999999999999
Income
59.5+8.5
Risk
39.5
Water
61
Weather
48.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$222,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$991/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$222,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,257/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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 Beltrami County with Douglas County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Clearwater County
Minnesota
65.2
Pennington County
Minnesota
43.9
Red Lake County
Minnesota
73.1
Mahnomen County
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47
Hubbard County
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Roseau County
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Lake of the Woods County
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Polk County
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50.9

Deep Dives

Beltrami County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Beltrami County

via TaxByCounty

Beltrami edges above the national tax norm

Beltrami County's effective tax rate of 0.996% sits approximately 4% above the national median of 0.956%, placing it in the moderate-to-high tier nationally. Despite a median home value 21% below the U.S. average, Beltrami applies a tax rate that exceeds most American counties.

Higher-tax Minnesota county overall

Beltrami County ranks 19th among Minnesota's 87 counties for tax burden, with a 0.996% effective rate that exceeds the state average of 0.968%. The county's median property tax of $2,214 is about $46 more than Minnesota's median despite lower home values.

Beltrami taxes above regional averages

In north-central Minnesota, Beltrami's 0.996% rate stands higher than Becker County (0.731%) and Aitkin County (0.573%), making it the priciest option in the region. A Beltrami homeowner pays $2,214 annually on a $222,300 median home—about $263 more than a comparable Becker County resident.

Annual tax cost for Beltrami homeowners

The median Beltrami County home is valued at $222,300, resulting in approximately $2,214 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.996% effective rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $2,228 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $2,192.

Verify your assessment in a high-tax county

In Beltrami County's relatively high-tax environment, assessment accuracy becomes especially important to your bottom line. Request a detailed breakdown of your assessment and ask your assessor how they determined your property's value—errors here cost you more than in lower-tax areas.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Beltrami County

via CostByCounty

Beltrami stretches incomes further than most

Beltrami County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% exceeds the national average of 14.5%, reflecting the tension between modest local incomes ($67,257) and regional housing costs. The $991 median rent consumes a noticeably larger share of paychecks here than in most U.S. counties.

Above-average affordability stress in Minnesota

Beltrami's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% ranks among Minnesota's worst, beating only a handful of counties with similar challenges. The median rent of $991 sits above the state average of $915, while local incomes lag state peers, creating genuine affordability pressure.

Rents climb in Beltrami's region

Beltrami's $991 median rent surpasses nearby Big Stone ($718) and Aitkin ($912), though it undercuts Anoka's metro pricing. The affordability challenge here stems from higher regional rents meeting lower-than-average local incomes of $67,257.

Housing dominates household budgets

Renters pay $991 monthly while homeowners face $970 in mortgage costs, pushing combined housing expenses toward 29% of the $67,257 median income. For renters specifically, housing alone consumes 17.7% of income—notably above comfortable thresholds.

Weigh true costs before relocating

Beltrami offers small-town character and lower home values ($222,300), but factor in that housing costs consume a higher share of local incomes than most Minnesota counties. If you're considering a move here, verify that your income aligns with regional earnings levels to avoid the affordability crunch many residents face.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Beltrami County

via IncomeByCounty

Beltrami income falls below national median

Beltrami County's median household income of $67,257 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $7,500, a 10% gap. The county reflects a lower-income economic base compared to national averages, though still above the poorest regions.

Minnesota ranks Beltrami below average

At $67,257, Beltrami County falls roughly $8,500 below Minnesota's state average of $75,757. The county ranks among the lower-income counties in Minnesota, indicating economic conditions below the state norm.

Among the lower-earning nearby counties

Beltrami's $67,257 income is lower than most neighboring counties, though slightly ahead of Big Stone ($65,475). The county trails Becker ($71,117), Benton ($71,480), and Blue Earth ($72,623), and significantly lags Anoka ($98,764).

Housing costs stretch household budgets

Beltrami's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the highest in the region, indicating tighter housing affordability. While still below the critical 30% threshold, the ratio suggests less discretionary income for savings after housing costs.

Prioritize modest but consistent investing

Beltrami residents earning $67,257 should focus on steady, automatic contributions to retirement and investment accounts despite tighter budgets. Even small monthly investments compound significantly over time and can build meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Beltrami County

via CrimeByCounty

Beltrami County exceeds national crime rates

Beltrami County reports 3412.3 total crimes per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently holds a safety score of 94.6.

Crime rates triple the Minnesota average

The county's total crime rate of 3,412.3 is more than three times the state average of 1,123.5. This ranks Beltrami among the more active law enforcement areas in Minnesota.

Significantly higher crime than neighboring counties

Beltrami faces more safety challenges than neighbors like Becker or Aitkin. Three reporting agencies manage a high volume of cases for the region's population.

Property crime accounts for most incidents

The property crime rate reaches 3079.5 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 332.8. Both categories are substantially higher than the Minnesota averages.

Securing your home in Beltrami County

Given the elevated property crime rates, professional home security systems are a wise investment. High-quality locks and security cameras help mitigate risks in areas with higher theft volume.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Beltrami County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Diversity in Beltrami County

Beltrami County hosts 37 public schools across 11 districts, serving a total of 8,106 students. This infrastructure includes 14 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 12 high schools, alongside 8 alternative learning centers.

High Investment Despite Graduation Challenges

While the graduation rate sits at 70.0%, the county invests heavily with $10,167 per pupil, well above the Minnesota average of $8,463. This increased funding aims to support a diverse student body through specialized programs and alternative schools.

Charter Schools and Bemidji Public District

Bemidji Public School District is the primary provider with 15 schools and 4,836 students. Charter schools have a significant presence here, with 7 institutions making up nearly 19% of the county's school landscape.

Predominantly Rural with Notable High Schools

Three-quarters of the schools in Beltrami County are rural, creating a spread-out educational footprint with an average of 238 students per school. Bemidji Senior High stands as a major outlier, serving 1,432 students in a centralized town locale.

Invest in a Community with Deep Educational Options

Whether you prefer the specialized focus of a charter school or the resources of a large district like Bemidji, Beltrami has varied options. High per-pupil spending makes this an interesting area for families seeking robust student support services.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Beltrami County

via RiskByCounty

Beltrami: Above-Average Risk Statewide

Beltrami County's composite risk score of 60.56 places it in the Relatively Low category but well above Minnesota's state average of 42.38. This rural northern county experiences significantly more natural disaster exposure than most of its peers statewide.

Upper-Middle Risk Among State Counties

Beltrami County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties for composite disaster risk, with its 60.56 score exceeding roughly two-thirds of statewide counties. The county's exposure reflects its northern location and landscape vulnerabilities.

Higher Risk Than Most Regional Peers

Beltrami County (60.56) faces notably higher risks than neighboring Becker County (37.40) and is comparable to Aitkin County (56.58). Its wildfire and flood exposures place it among the more vulnerable counties in northern Minnesota.

Wildfire and Flood Dominate Hazards

Beltrami residents face elevated wildfire risk (82.47) and flooding exposure (72.55), making these the county's primary natural disaster concerns. Tornado risk is moderate at 40.78, but the combination of fire and water hazards requires focused preparedness planning.

Prioritize Flood and Fire Coverage

Beltrami County residents should secure separate flood insurance—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage—and evaluate wildfire protection for properties in or near forested areas. Consider home hardening measures against fire, such as defensible landscaping, and ensure your homeowners policy includes storm and tornado coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Beltrami County

via WaterByCounty

Stable Grade C Compliance

Beltrami County earns a Grade C with just one health violation in five years. Its violation rate of 5.8 per 100K is much lower than the state average of 32.5.

High Impairment in Assessed Waters

Nearly 19% of the 101 assessed water bodies fail Clean Water Act standards, far exceeding the state average of 1.5%. Top causes for impairment include E. coli, sulfate, and total suspended solids.

Minnesota's Massive Monitoring Network

Beltrami leads with 450 monitoring sites and 102,504 measurements recorded in five years. This data tracks physical, nutrient, and major inorganic concentrations across the county.

Mississippi River Above Typical Flow

The Mississippi River near Bemidji flows at 261 cfs. This current discharge is 133% of the long-term mean, indicating high water levels.

Manage Runoff and Bacteria Risks

With an 18.8% impairment rate involving E. coli, residents should avoid swimming in impaired waters after heavy rain. High streamflow can also increase the transport of suspended solids into the water supply.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Beltrami County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest Spots

Beltrami County’s 38.7°F annual average is more than 14 degrees below the national median. It represents one of the most extreme northern climates in the continental United States.

Far Below the State Average

At 38.7°F, Beltrami is over 4 degrees colder than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It consistently ranks as one of the coldest counties in the entire state.

Colder and Drier Than Neighbors

Beltrami is nearly 2 degrees colder than Becker County and receives less precipitation at 25.6 inches. While annual snowfall data is limited, the extreme cold ensures snow stays on the ground for months.

Extreme Winters and Short Summers

Winter temperatures average a frigid 9.6°F, with January dipping to 5.6°F. Summer is brief and mild, peaking at 67.0°F in July with only 3 days of extreme heat.

Essential Gear for Extreme Cold

Extreme winterization is mandatory, including engine block heaters for vehicles and high-performance cold-weather gear. Summer cooling is rarely a concern given the very low count of 90°F days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Beltrami County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Northern Soils

Beltrami’s soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.18, trailing both the state average and the 6.5 national median. The county maintains a unique chemical profile despite limited taxonomic classification data.

Light and Porous Mix

A blend of 49.5% sand and 34.7% silt dominates the landscape, held together by only 8.3% clay. This composition creates a light soil that is easy to till but may require supplemental feeding for heavy crops.

Vast Organic Reservoirs

The county boasts a massive 22.54% organic matter content, dwarfing the state average of 9.90%. This richness drives a high available water capacity of 0.232 in/in, providing superior natural drought resistance.

Moisture-Retaining Landscapes

Local data regarding specific drainage classes is limited for this northern region. However, the combination of high organic matter and sand suggests a landscape that retains moisture while allowing for decent drainage.

Short-Season Success in 3b

In the chilly Zone 3b, focus on short-season crops like kale, peas, and root vegetables. Take advantage of the incredible organic matter to grow nutrient-dense produce in your backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Beltrami County

via LawnByCounty

Severe challenges in the North

Beltrami County faces a difficult lawn maintenance environment with a score of 36.9. As one of the few regions in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b, it is significantly tougher than both the national average and the state score of 63.9. The extremely cold climate and short growing window demand a specialized approach to turf care.

Cold winters and low rain

The county records just 1,805 growing degree days and an average of only 3 extreme heat days. Precipitation is limited to 25.6 inches annually, well below the 30-inch ideal for healthy lawns. These factors mean grass grows slowly and requires supplemental water to stay green through the brief summer.

Acidic and sandy soil profile

The soil pH is 5.18, indicating an acidic environment that can stunt grass growth and limit nutrient uptake. The ground contains 49.5% sand and only 8.3% clay, which often leads to fast drainage and nutrient leaching. Adding organic matter or compost is vital to help this soil hold onto water and fertilizers.

Managing a year of drought

Beltrami County has struggled with drought for 44 weeks over the last year, with 100% of the area currently abnormally dry. Although severe drought is currently absent, the low annual rainfall makes lawns highly vulnerable. Water deeply in the early morning to minimize evaporation loss in these dry conditions.

Targeting the short summer

Only the hardiest Zone 3 grasses, like Creeping Red Fescue, can survive the intense winters here. Seeding should occur quickly after the late spring frost on May 24 to maximize the short growing season. Be prepared for the first fall frost as early as September 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beltrami County's county score?
Beltrami County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 36 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 Beltrami County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Beltrami County ranks #85 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 Beltrami County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Beltrami County is $2,214, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Beltrami County a tax score of 38.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Beltrami County?
The median household income in Beltrami County, Minnesota is $67,257 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Beltrami County earns an income score of 59.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Beltrami County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Beltrami County scores 36/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Beltrami 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 Beltrami County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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