countyscore
68.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.5Water Quality 86Health 78.6

County Report Card

About Big Stone County, Minnesota

A National Livability Leader

Big Stone County achieves an impressive composite score of 68.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top tier of all US counties for quality of life.

Exceeding Minnesota’s High Bar

Big Stone easily surpasses the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It stands out as one of the state's hidden gems, offering superior scores across almost every major category.

High Safety and Extreme Affordability

The county excels with a risk score of 91.5 and a safety score of 67.1. Homes are remarkably affordable with a median value of $135,700 and a high cost score of 72.4.

Income and Taxation Pressures

The tax score of 48.2 and income score of 55.9 are the county's only moderate areas. While median income is $65,475, the tax burden is slightly higher than regional averages.

Ideal for Quality-Seeking Families

Big Stone is perfect for families seeking safety, great schools, and low housing costs. It offers an incredible value proposition for those who prioritize community stability.

2040608010048.272.467.178.675.655.991.58651.1Tax48.2Cost72.4Safety67.1Health78.6Schools75.6Income55.9Risk91.5Water86Weather51.168.8/100
This county
National avg
6 above average

Big Stone County DNA

C-overall

How Big Stone County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Big Stone County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (91.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.2
Cost
72.4+24.400000000000006
Safety
67.1+12.099999999999994
Health
78.6+28.599999999999994
Schools
75.6+21.599999999999994
Income
55.9
Risk
91.5+44.5
Water
86+28
Weather
51.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$135,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$718/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,475/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.8

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
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Claiborne Parish
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Norman County
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Faulk County
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Hancock County
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Nearby counties

Roberts County
South Dakota
52.8
Grant County
South Dakota
68.9
Stevens County
Minnesota
65.6
Traverse County
Minnesota
68.1
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
72.5
Swift County
Minnesota
65.2
Codington County
South Dakota
40.4
Grant County
Minnesota
66.1

Deep Dives

Big Stone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Big Stone County

via TaxByCounty

Big Stone County taxes well below national levels

Big Stone County's effective tax rate of 0.862% runs roughly 10% below the national median of 0.956%, placing it in the lower-tax half nationally. Combined with some of Minnesota's lowest home values, Big Stone offers an exceptionally affordable property tax environment.

Among Minnesota's lowest-tax counties

Big Stone County ranks 73rd among Minnesota's 87 counties, with a 0.862% effective rate below the state average of 0.968%. The county's median property tax of just $1,169 represents one of the lowest annual tax bills in the state.

Big Stone offers rural tax advantages

In southwest Minnesota, Big Stone's 0.862% rate compares favorably to Benton County (1.025%) and Beltrami County (0.996%), though it sits slightly above Aitkin County (0.573%). A homeowner in Big Stone pays just $1,169 annually—roughly half the tax bill of similar properties in neighboring Benton County.

Big Stone's modest annual tax burden

The median home in Big Stone County is valued at $135,700, resulting in approximately $1,169 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.862% effective rate. Homeowners with or without mortgages pay nearly identical amounts ($1,171 and $1,168 respectively).

Even rural assessments deserve review

Big Stone County's lower tax bills don't mean assessments are always accurate—errors occur in rural areas too, and they directly impact your bottom line. Request your assessment details and compare them against recent sales of similar rural properties in the county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Big Stone County

via CostByCounty

Big Stone County leads in affordability

Big Stone County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% sits below both the national average (14.5%) and most state peers, making it Minnesota's most affordable county for renters. With a median rent of just $718 and household incomes of $65,475, housing costs consume the smallest share of income in this analysis.

Minnesota's most affordable housing market

Big Stone County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's best for affordability, beating Minnesota's 14.5% average by over a full percentage point. The $718 median rent is the lowest in this county set, reflecting Big Stone's rural character and lower cost of living.

The clear regional affordability leader

Big Stone's $718 median rent dramatically undercuts every neighboring county: Aitkin ($912), Benton ($917), Becker ($899), and Blue Earth ($1,076). This county's rural isolation delivers genuine housing bargains unavailable in more developed regions.

Housing leaves room in the budget

Renters pay just $718 monthly while homeowners face $750—the lowest combined housing costs in this county set—on a $65,475 median income. This leaves Big Stone households roughly 22% of income for non-housing expenses, providing genuine financial breathing room.

Affordability champion for budget movers

Big Stone County is ideal if housing affordability is your priority: median rents and home values ($135,700) are the lowest available in Minnesota. Factor in that job markets and amenities are more limited here—the trade-off for this affordability advantage is geographic and economic isolation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Big Stone County

via IncomeByCounty

Big Stone substantially below national average

Big Stone County's median household income of $65,475 falls approximately $9,300 short of the national median of $74,755, a 12% gap. The county reflects a below-average income economy compared to national standards.

Among Minnesota's lower-income counties

At $65,475, Big Stone County ranks roughly $10,300 below Minnesota's state average of $75,757. The county falls in the lower income tier for Minnesota, with earnings notably below the state median.

Lowest income among regional neighbors

Big Stone's $65,475 median income is the lowest among nearby counties, trailing Beltrami ($67,257), Becker ($71,117), and Benton ($71,480). The county's rural character reflects lower wage opportunities compared to more developed regional neighbors.

Exceptional housing affordability advantage

Big Stone boasts the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 13.2%, indicating outstanding housing affordability. A median home value of just $135,700 is remarkably accessible, providing an economic foundation for households despite lower earnings.

Low costs create wealth-building potential

Big Stone residents earning $65,475 have tremendous advantage in the form of ultra-affordable housing, freeing substantial income for savings and investing. Even modest, consistent contributions to retirement accounts can generate significant long-term financial security in this low-cost environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Big Stone County

via CrimeByCounty

Big Stone is significantly safer than average

Big Stone County boasts a 98.8 safety score, with a total crime rate of only 775.0 per 100,000. This is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety score exceeds the state benchmark

The county's crime rate of 775.0 is much lower than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5. Note that data comes from a single agency, so these figures should be interpreted with caution.

A leader in regional safety statistics

Big Stone is safer than many larger peers like Blue Earth. Its rural setting and single-agency reporting reflect a quiet, low-crime landscape compared to the rest of the state.

Low property crime, slightly elevated violent rate

Property crime is very low at 620.0 per 100,000. However, the violent crime rate of 155.0 is just above the Minnesota state average of 153.0.

Maintaining safety in Big Stone County

Even in low-crime areas, keeping doors locked and properties well-lit preserves community security. Monitoring local law enforcement updates helps residents stay informed about rare incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Big Stone County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Big Stone

Big Stone County operates a highly personalized school system with only 8 public schools across 2 districts. This intimate network serves 791 total students, split evenly between elementary and high school buildings.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

The county boasts an elite 93.3% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 86.6% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Spending is efficient at $8,605 per pupil, which remains slightly above the state average of $8,463.

Ortonville and Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley

The Ortonville Public School District is the largest by enrollment, serving 479 students, while Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley manages six smaller campus buildings. Traditional public schooling is the only option here, with no charter schools present in the county.

Ultra-Small Rural School Environments

Every school in Big Stone County is rural, featuring an incredibly low average school size of just 99 students. While Knoll Elementary is the largest with 246 students, Lismore Colony Elementary serves a tiny cohort of just 25 children.

Personalized Attention for Every Student

For families seeking a 'everyone knows your name' environment with world-class graduation rates, Big Stone County is a top contender. Explore homes in Ortonville to benefit from these exceptional small-town educational standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Big Stone County

via RiskByCounty

Big Stone: Minnesota's Safest County

Big Stone County's composite risk score of just 8.52 ranks it in the Very Low category—one of the safest counties in Minnesota and far below the state average of 42.38. This southwestern Minnesota county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure across all major hazard types.

Lowest Risk in the Entire State

Big Stone County ranks as Minnesota's lowest-risk county by composite score, with exceptional safety compared to all 87 counties statewide. Its 8.52 score places it in an entirely different risk category from most Minnesota communities.

Dramatically Safer Than Regional Peers

Big Stone County (8.52) is substantially safer than all neighboring counties, including Brown County (50.38), Benton County (51.34), and Blue Earth County (72.20). It stands as a clear outlier for safety in its region and across the state.

Minimal Risk Across All Hazards

Big Stone County residents face very low tornado risk (23.25), minimal flooding (13.58), and low wildfire exposure (32.03). The county's overall safety profile means natural disaster preparedness, while always prudent, is less urgent than in most Minnesota communities.

Standard Coverage Is Generally Sufficient

Big Stone County residents with basic homeowners and auto insurance have solid protection against the county's minimal natural disaster risks. Maintaining emergency supplies and staying weather-aware remain good practices, but the urgency for specialized flood or wildfire insurance is low.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Big Stone County

via WaterByCounty

Top-Tier Grade A Compliance

Big Stone County reports zero health violations over the past five years, earning a Grade A. This outperforms the state average rate of 32.5 per 100K.

Low Impairment in Local Waters

Assessment covers two water bodies in the 2022 cycle, with 0% failing Clean Water Act standards. This is a positive signal compared to the state impairment average of 1.5%.

Tracking Organics and Pesticides

The monitoring network includes 22 sites that have produced 2,905 measurements. Organics and pesticides are the primary groups tracked by these samples.

Minnesota River Running Low

The Minnesota River at Ortonville currently flows at 78 cfs. This is only 45% of its long-term mean, indicating significant dry conditions.

Conservation During Low Flow

With streamflow at just 45% of typical levels, residents should be mindful of water use. Low flows can lead to the concentration of pesticides and other monitored organic compounds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Big Stone County

via WeatherByCounty

Prairie Climate Below National Averages

Big Stone County averages 44.7°F annually, about 8 degrees below the national median. Its location on the western border subjects it to open prairie winds and high seasonal variance.

A Warmer Pocket in Minnesota

At 44.7°F, Big Stone is nearly 2 degrees warmer than the state average of 42.8°F. It is part of the warmer southwestern tier of the state.

Drier and Warmer Than the North

The county is significantly warmer than Becker (40.5°F) and drier than Anoka, receiving only 25.9 inches of precipitation. Snowfall remains significant at 43.3 inches per year.

Warm Summers and Moderate Snowfall

July is warm at 72.5°F with 6 days of extreme heat. Winters average 16.3°F, providing a slightly more temperate experience than northern Minnesota counties.

Planning for Wind and Dry Spells

Residents should plan for lower precipitation and potential prairie winds by using windbreaks and drought-resistant landscaping. Winter heating remains a priority for the 12.8°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Big Stone County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Western Soils

Big Stone County features an alkaline soil pH of 7.18, rising above the national median of 6.5. It is significantly less acidic than the Minnesota state average of 6.21.

Silty-Clay Soil Structure

The mix includes 30.4% sand and 43.1% silt, with a relatively high 25.3% clay content. This silty-clay blend offers excellent nutrient storage and structural stability for local crops.

Quality Water Retention

Organic matter levels of 5.77% are modest compared to the state average but triple the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in keeps it competitive with state benchmarks.

Consistent Moisture Support

Specific drainage classifications are not currently available for this county's soil profile. However, the high clay and silt percentages usually indicate a soil that holds water quite effectively for seasonal growth.

Prairie Favorites in Zone 4b

Hardy Zone 4b plants like corn and hearty squash thrive in this environment. Monitor your soil's alkalinity and consider sulfur amendments if you want to grow acid-loving plants like blueberries.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Big Stone County

via LawnByCounty

Strong results in Western Minnesota

Big Stone County carries a lawn difficulty score of 64.5, making it slightly easier than the state average for lawn care. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, the region benefits from more growing degree days than many northern counties. This score indicates a favorable environment compared to the national median of 50.0.

Dry climate with long summers

The county enjoys 2,727 growing degree days, which is quite high for Minnesota and supports active growth. However, annual precipitation is low at 25.9 inches, making supplemental irrigation a necessity for green lawns. Mowing typically runs from the early May 1 frost until the first freeze in October.

Clay-rich, alkaline soil profile

Unlike many neighboring counties, the soil here is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.18. It contains a higher clay content of 25.3% and 30.4% sand, which helps the ground retain moisture during dry periods. Homeowners may need to monitor for iron chlorosis if the pH rises much further above the neutral mark.

Resilient against dry cycles

Big Stone County has faced 11 weeks of drought over the last year, but current data shows 0% of the area in drought or dry conditions. The clay-heavy soil provides a natural buffer against short-term rain deficits by holding water longer. Using a smart irrigation controller can help manage the low 25.9-inch annual rainfall efficiently.

Early start for Zone 4b

A mix of Heat-Tolerant Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue is ideal for the high GDD and dry summers here. You can start seeding as early as May 1 due to the favorable spring frost schedule. The long season lasts until the first fall frost on October 8, providing plenty of time for establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Big Stone County's county score?
Big Stone County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 68.8 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 Big Stone County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Big Stone County ranks #10 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 Big Stone County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Big Stone County is $1,169, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Big Stone County a tax score of 48.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Big Stone County?
The median household income in Big Stone County, Minnesota is $65,475 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Big Stone County earns an income score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Big Stone County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Big Stone County scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Big Stone 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 Big Stone 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.