CountyScore

Big Stone County

Minnesota · MN

#9 in Minnesota
76.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Big Stone County, Minnesota

Big Stone leads livability race

Big Stone County's composite score of 76.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 53%, placing it among the highest-performing counties in the nation. This exceptional score reflects outstanding value and livability.

Minnesota's strongest performers

With a score of 76.4 versus the state average of 70.9, Big Stone County ranks among Minnesota's top-tier counties. It demonstrates that exceptional livability is achievable even in rural communities.

Unbeatable affordability and value

Big Stone's cost score of 84.2 is exceptional, with median home values of just $135,700 and rents at $718/month—the state's most affordable. Tax efficiency (78.0) and health (76.3) complete a compelling value proposition.

Income and environmental risk

The income score of 26.1 reflects a median household income of $65,475, well below state averages. Environmental risk at 91.5 is notably elevated, suggesting climate, flooding, or other resilience challenges.

For budget-first rural seekers

Big Stone is perfect for retirees, remote workers, or families with secure outside income seeking maximum affordability and genuine small-town living. Be prepared for rural isolation and potential environmental vulnerability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78Cost84.2SafetyComing SoonHealth76.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.1Risk91.5WaterComing Soon
🏛78
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡91.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Big Stone County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Washington County
Colorado
76.4
Median income: $65,164
Keya Paha County
Nebraska
76.4
Median income: $60,313
Miner County
South Dakota
76.4
Median income: $72,589
Niobrara County
Wyoming
76.4
Median income: $48,987
Clay County
Alabama
76.5
Median income: $51,852

Deep Dives

Big Stone County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Big Stone County

via HealthByCounty

Big Stone's health matches national norms

At 77.5 years, Big Stone County life expectancy sits just slightly below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.6% poor or fair health rate is reasonable, suggesting generally stable health outcomes for most residents.

Slightly below Minnesota's state average

Big Stone's 77.5-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's 78.7-year state average by 1.2 years, placing it in the middle-lower tier of state counties. The 6.2% uninsured rate modestly exceeds the state's 6.0%, indicating some coverage gaps.

Mid-range health metrics within region

Big Stone's 77.5-year life expectancy sits between Becker (77.9) and Benton (77.3), representing middle-range county health. The county's 175 primary care providers per 100,000 is among the highest in this analysis, offsetting modest life expectancy.

Strong primary care but elevated uninsured

Big Stone excels with 175 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above state and regional norms, ensuring accessible routine care. However, the 6.2% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 16 residents lack coverage despite abundant providers.

Take advantage of abundant local care

Big Stone's strong provider base makes insurance crucial—with so many doctors available, having coverage means you can actually access them. Visit MNsure.org to find affordable plans and maximize your county's healthcare advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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