countyscore
41
County Score
Health 86.5Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 70.2

County Report Card

About Benton County, Minnesota

Below the National Median

Benton County's composite score of 41.0 falls short of the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a county with high individual health metrics but significant systemic hurdles.

A Lower State Ranking

Benton trails the Minnesota state average of 55.8 by nearly 15 points. It struggles to compete with neighbors due to a high tax burden and safety statistics.

Top-Tier Health and Water

Residents enjoy a health score of 86.5 and a water quality score of 86.0. These scores suggest excellent public utilities and a generally healthy resident population.

Critical Safety and Tax Issues

Safety scores are extremely low at 0.5, indicating a high incidence of reported incidents. Coupled with an effective tax rate of 1.025%, the cost and security trade-off is steep.

Suits Health-Conscious Commuters

This county is best for people who prioritize clean water and health services above all else. It works for residents who can overlook safety scores in exchange for strong local infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax36.4Cost26.5Safety0.5Health86.5Schools51.5Income70.2Risk48.7Water86Weather46.7
🏛36.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.6
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

Stearns County
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50.3
Sherburne County
Minnesota
55.6
Morrison County
Minnesota
50.8
Mille Lacs County
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Wright County
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Isanti County
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Meeker County
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Kanabec County
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Deep Dives

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Benton County

via TaxByCounty

Benton County taxes above U.S. average

Benton County's effective tax rate of 1.025% exceeds the national median of 0.956% by roughly 7%, placing it in the higher-tax tier nationally. This means Benton residents pay more in property taxes relative to home value than the typical American homeowner.

Minnesota's higher-end property tax county

Benton County ranks 10th among Minnesota's 87 counties for tax burden, with a 1.025% effective rate that significantly exceeds the state average of 0.968%. The county's median property tax of $2,532 surpasses Minnesota's median by $364.

Benton leads regional tax rates

Among central Minnesota counties, Benton's 1.025% rate stands above Beltrami County (0.996%), Becker County (0.731%), and Aitkin County (0.573%). A median-value home in Benton ($247,100) incurs $2,532 in annual taxes—roughly $318 more than a similar Becker County property.

What Benton residents pay annually

The median Benton County home is valued at $247,100, translating to approximately $2,532 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.025% effective rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $2,566 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $2,469.

Challenge assessments in high-tax Benton

In a higher-tax county like Benton, even small assessment errors translate into significant annual costs that compound over time. If your assessment increased substantially this year or seems high relative to recent neighbor sales, file an appeal—it's one of the few ways to directly reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benton County

via CostByCounty

Benton balances income and housing costs

Benton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% edges above the national average of 14.5%, but household incomes of $71,480 nearly match the national median of $74,755. The $917 median rent remains affordable in absolute terms, though homeowner costs of $1,295 pull the total housing burden higher.

Moderate affordability among Minnesota counties

Benton County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it in the middle range of county affordability. Local incomes support this positioning reasonably well, avoiding the extreme pressures seen in some rural peers.

Competitive rents in central Minnesota

Benton's $917 median rent nearly matches Big Stone County ($718) and Becker County ($899), making it competitively priced within the region. However, homeowner costs of $1,295 exceed most neighbors, suggesting higher property values and ownership premiums.

Ownership carries the heavier burden

Renters here pay $917 monthly while homeowners face $1,295—a $378 gap that reflects the county's median home value of $247,100. Combined housing expenses consume roughly 31% of the $71,480 median household income, with ownership pulling the average upward.

Consider renting before buying

Benton County offers reasonable rental affordability, but prospective homebuyers should plan carefully for the $1,295 monthly owner costs. If you're relocating here and considering purchase, ensure your income comfortably exceeds the median to avoid the ownership premium that strains household budgets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benton County

via IncomeByCounty

Benton slightly below national income average

Benton County's median household income of $71,480 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $3,275, a 5% shortfall. The county sits near the national average, reflecting a solid middle-income economy.

Below Minnesota's income standard

At $71,480, Benton County ranks about $4,300 below Minnesota's state average of $75,757. The county represents the middle-lower segment of Minnesota's income distribution, earning slightly less than the state norm.

Mid-range income among nearby counties

Benton's $71,480 slightly exceeds Becker ($71,117) and tops several other regional neighbors, though trails Blue Earth ($72,623). The county occupies the middle of the regional income spectrum, competitive with surrounding rural and small metro areas.

Housing highly affordable on local wages

Benton's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the region's best, indicating strong housing affordability. A median home value of $247,100 is very accessible to local earners, enabling savings for other financial goals.

Low housing costs enable wealth building

Benton residents earning $71,480 benefit from exceptional housing affordability that frees up capital for long-term investing. Allocating even 15% of income to retirement and investment vehicles can generate substantial wealth over a working lifetime.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Benton County

via CrimeByCounty

Benton County faces high crime volume

Benton County reports a total crime rate of 10322.1 per 100,000 residents, which is over four times the national average. This high activity results in a safety score of 83.7.

Safety levels far below state averages

The county's safety score of 83.7 is much lower than the Minnesota average of 98.2. Its total crime rate is nearly ten times the state average of 1,123.5.

Most active crime profile in the group

Benton's crime statistics are exponentially higher than those of neighbors like Anoka or Aitkin. Seven agencies manage a caseload that is unparalleled among its regional peers.

Both violent and property crime are elevated

Violent crime sits at 917.7, while property crime reaches a significant 9404.4 per 100,000 people. These numbers indicate that roughly one in ten residents could be affected by crime annually.

Priority security for Benton County homes

With property crime at such high levels, comprehensive home security is essential for all residents. Visible cameras and robust alarm systems provide the necessary defense for local properties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Benton County

via HealthByCounty

Benton trails national health benchmarks

At 77.3 years, Benton County life expectancy falls below the U.S. average of 78.9 years, though the 12.7% poor or fair health rate is relatively moderate. The county faces some health headwinds despite reasonable health perception among residents.

Below Minnesota's state health average

Benton's 77.3-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's 78.7-year state average by 1.4 years, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The 5.5% uninsured rate is better than state average of 6.0%, suggesting reasonable coverage uptake.

Lowest provider access in this cohort

Benton's 77.3-year life expectancy falls below nearly all regional neighbors, including Anoka (79.9) and Brown (80.2). The county's 22 primary care providers per 100,000 is by far the lowest in this analysis, creating a significant access constraint.

Severe primary care shortage threatens access

Benton's 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than a quarter of state norms—creates a critical bottleneck for routine care. The 5.5% uninsured rate is relatively low, but the lack of available providers makes the coverage less meaningful.

Secure coverage despite access barriers

Benton's low provider availability makes insurance coverage even more essential for coordinating care. Ensure your family is covered at MNsure.org—and work with community health centers to navigate limited local options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Benton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Benton County's Focused Three-District System

Just three districts manage the education of 6,778 students across 15 public schools in Benton County. The landscape includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools, primarily concentrated in suburban and rural pockets.

Strong Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

Benton County achieves an impressive 88.4% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national averages. This success comes despite a leaner per-pupil expenditure of $7,908, which is lower than the Minnesota average of $8,463.

Sauk Rapids-Rice Leads Enrollment

The Sauk Rapids-Rice Public School District serves 4,423 students across seven schools, making it the county's largest educational provider. There are currently no charter schools in Benton County, with all 6,778 students enrolled in traditional district programs.

Large Campus Feel in a Suburban-Rural Split

Schools in Benton County are larger than average, with a mean enrollment of 565 students. The setting is evenly split between suburban and rural locales, ranging from the 1,394-student Sauk Rapids-Rice Senior High to smaller specialized centers.

Join a High-Performance School Community

With graduation rates exceeding 88%, Benton County is a prime choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Look for homes in the Sauk Rapids or Foley areas to secure a place in these high-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benton County

via RiskByCounty

Benton: Moderate Risk, Below State Average

Benton County scores 51.34 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and slightly above Minnesota's 42.38 state average. This central Minnesota county experiences natural disaster exposure that's typical or slightly elevated compared to most state peers.

Mid-Range Risk Statewide

Benton County ranks near the middle of Minnesota's 87 counties for composite disaster risk, with a 51.34 score that indicates moderate vulnerability. Its exposure level reflects a balance of multiple hazard types without exceptional concentration in any single area.

Comparable to Regional Counties

Benton County (51.34) sits between safer Becker County (37.40) and higher-risk Beltrami County (60.56), placing it in a typical vulnerability range for central-northern Minnesota. Compared to Aitkin County (56.58), Benton faces slightly lower overall exposure.

Tornado and Flood Are Equal Concerns

Benton County residents face similar risks from tornado activity (67.72) and flooding (61.67), both moderately elevated compared to the state. Wildfire exposure at 67.62 adds a third significant hazard, making multi-hazard preparedness important for households.

Balanced Insurance and Preparedness

Benton County residents should secure flood insurance in addition to standard homeowners coverage, given the county's 61.67 flood risk score. Ensure your policy includes tornado and severe storm protection, and develop a household emergency plan addressing all three primary hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Benton County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Mid-State Northern Climate

Benton County averages 41.6°F annually, falling well below the national median temperature. It experiences the high-pressure systems and clear, cold air typical of the Upper Midwest.

Close to the Minnesota Median

The county is just 1.2 degrees cooler than the state average of 42.8°F. This makes it a representative example of central Minnesota weather patterns.

Comparing Benton to Nearby Counties

Benton is warmer than Aitkin (40.7°F) but follows a similar precipitation pattern of about 30 inches annually. It sees more extreme heat than its northern neighbors, with 7 days over 90°F.

Freezing Winters and Humid Summers

Winter averages 13.6°F while July reaches 69.2°F. Although snowfall records are incomplete, the 30.1 inches of annual precipitation suggests a moderately snowy and rainy cycle.

Preparing for Seasonal Extremes

Homeowners should prepare for a balanced mix of heavy winter heating and occasional summer cooling. The 7 extreme heat days require functional air conditioning or cooling centers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Benton County

via SoilByCounty

The Sour Sands of Benton

Benton’s Entisols have an acidic pH of 5.42, which is more sour than the national median of 6.5. This chemical identity also places it below the Minnesota state average of 6.21.

High Sand, Low Clay

With 65.4% sand and only 7.6% clay, this soil is exceptionally light and porous. While it drains quickly, it may struggle to hold onto fertilizers compared to siltier neighboring counties.

Moderate Fertility Profile

Organic matter sits at 8.51%, which is healthy by national standards but falls below the Minnesota average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.162 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark.

Well-Drained Ground

The soil is classified as well-drained, making it an excellent choice for building foundations and preventing soggy fields. This high-drainage profile is a direct result of the dominant sand content.

Garden Strategies for Zone 4a

Zone 4a gardeners should choose drought-tolerant perennials or implement mulching to conserve moisture. Your sandy soil is perfect for early-season planting as it warms up faster than clay-heavy land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Benton County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced lawn care conditions

Benton County offers a manageable lawn difficulty score of 62.6, closely matching the Minnesota state average of 63.9. Its position in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a means homeowners deal with standard northern climate hurdles but generally see good results. The score suggests it is roughly 25% easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median.

Favorable precipitation levels

The county receives 30.1 inches of annual precipitation, which hits the low end of the ideal range for turf. With 2,144 growing degree days and 7 days of extreme heat, the climate supports steady growth without excessive thermal stress. Mowing begins in earnest after the last spring frost on May 10.

High sand and acidic soil

Benton County soil is quite sandy at 65.4%, which contributes to its well-drained status. However, the pH of 5.42 is more acidic than the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for healthy lawns. Regular soil testing and lime applications will help balance the chemistry and support thicker grass blades.

Current moisture levels are stable

While 37.5% of the county is currently abnormally dry, there have been zero weeks of actual drought over the past year. This stability is a significant advantage for maintaining a lush lawn with minimal irrigation. If dry spells occur, the well-drained sandy soil will require more frequent, light watering than clay-heavy areas.

Starting your Benton lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the most successful varieties for Zone 4a. Aim to seed or sod after the May 10 frost date when soil temperatures rise consistently. The first fall frost usually arrives by September 29, so finish any renovation projects by early September.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benton County's county score?
Benton County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 41 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 Benton County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Benton County ranks #83 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 Benton County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Benton County is $2,532, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Benton County a tax score of 36.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benton County?
The median household income in Benton County, Minnesota is $71,480 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benton County earns an income score of 70.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benton County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Benton County scores 41/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Benton 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 Benton 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.