Blue Earth County

Minnesota · MN

#75 in Minnesota
66.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Blue Earth County, Minnesota

Blue Earth exceeds U.S. average

Blue Earth County's composite score of 66.2 beats the national median of 50.0 by 32%, positioning it above typical American counties. This reflects solid fundamentals across livability dimensions.

Below Minnesota's standard

With a score of 66.2 compared to the state average of 70.9, Blue Earth ranks in the lower-middle tier of Minnesota counties. It lags several peer counties but still delivers respectable livability.

Health and environmental safety

Blue Earth posts a health score of 77.3 and an exceptional environmental risk score of 27.8—the lowest vulnerability among these counties, signaling strong stability. Taxes (74.6) are also efficient.

Cost pressures rise

The cost score of 70.1 reflects median home values of $252,800 and rents at $1,076/month, moderately higher than peer rural counties. Income at 30.8 is also below state benchmarks.

For stability-seeking families

Blue Earth suits families and retirees prioritizing stable, low-risk environments and excellent healthcare over maximum affordability. It works best for those comfortable with modest housing costs and community-oriented living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.6Cost70.1SafetyComing SoonHealth77.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.8Risk27.8WaterComing Soon
🏛74.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠70.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
27.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Blue Earth County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Blue Earth County

via TaxByCounty

Blue Earth taxes near the national median

Blue Earth County's effective tax rate of 0.984% sits just 3% above the national median of 0.956%, placing it squarely in the moderate-tax range nationally. The county's median property tax of $2,487 approaches the U.S. median of $2,690 despite lower average home values.

Slightly above Minnesota's tax average

Blue Earth County ranks 28th among Minnesota's 87 counties with a 0.984% effective rate that marginally exceeds the state average of 0.968%. The county's median tax bill of $2,487 is about $319 higher than Minnesota's median of $2,168.

Blue Earth comparable to southern Minnesota peers

In south-central Minnesota, Blue Earth's 0.984% rate sits between Benton County (1.025%) and Becker County (0.731%). A median Blue Earth home ($252,800 value) produces $2,487 in annual taxes—about $45 less than Benton County on a slightly lower-valued property.

Blue Earth homeowners' annual tax bill

The median home in Blue Earth County is valued at $252,800, translating to approximately $2,487 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.984% effective rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $2,479 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $2,500.

Appeal your assessment if value seems inflated

In Blue Earth County's moderate-tax environment, assessment errors still represent real money—potentially hundreds of dollars annually if discovered and corrected. Compare your assessed value against recent comparable sales, and don't hesitate to file an appeal if the numbers don't align with the market.

Cost of Living in Blue Earth County

via CostByCounty

Blue Earth faces affordability pressure

Blue Earth County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% ranks among the highest in this analysis, exceeding the national average of 14.5% by over 3 percentage points. At $1,076 monthly rent, this county charges premium prices relative to local household incomes of $72,623.

Above Minnesota's affordability average

Blue Earth County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio places it among Minnesota's least affordable counties, significantly above the state average of 14.5%. The $1,076 median rent is the highest in this county set, straining local budgets despite respectable household incomes.

Premium rents for a regional center

Blue Earth's $1,076 median rent far exceeds rural neighbors like Big Stone ($718), Becker ($899), and Aitkin ($912), though it undercuts metro areas like Anoka ($1,396). This pricing reflects Blue Earth's status as a regional commercial hub with higher-demand housing.

Housing dominates Blue Earth budgets

Renters here pay $1,076 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,229—the second-highest owner costs in this county set—on a $72,623 median income. Combined, housing approaches 32% of household income, leaving limited funds for other necessities and savings.

Premium pricing for regional convenience

Blue Earth offers more amenities and job diversity than rural peers, but expect to pay a premium: median rents and homeowner costs are among the state's highest outside metro areas. If you're relocating here, secure employment at or above median income—otherwise housing costs will strain your budget significantly.

Income & Jobs in Blue Earth County

via IncomeByCounty

Blue Earth near national income median

Blue Earth County's median household income of $72,623 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $2,132, a marginal 3% gap. The county performs nearly at national average levels, reflecting a solid middle-income economy.

Below Minnesota's median income level

At $72,623, Blue Earth County ranks about $3,100 below Minnesota's state average of $75,757. The county sits in the middle-lower segment of Minnesota's income distribution, earning slightly below the state norm.

Among the higher-earning regional counties

Blue Earth's $72,623 is the highest among several nearby counties, exceeding Aitkin ($59,498), Beltrami ($67,257), Big Stone ($65,475), and Brown ($68,690). The county ranks just behind Becker ($71,117) and Benton ($71,480) in the regional income hierarchy.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Blue Earth's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio is among the highest in the region, indicating tighter housing affordability relative to earnings. While still below the critical 30% threshold, the ratio suggests limited discretionary income after housing expenses.

Disciplined saving essential despite constraints

Blue Earth residents earning $72,623 should prioritize automatic contributions to retirement accounts to build wealth despite higher housing costs. Even 10-12% of income directed to investments can compound meaningfully over decades and secure financial independence.

Health in Blue Earth County

via HealthByCounty

Blue Earth leads Minnesota life expectancy

At 79.7 years, Blue Earth County life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 78.9 years by nearly a full year, placing it among the nation's healthier counties. However, the 17.7% poor or fair health rate is the highest in this analysis, suggesting pockets of serious health struggles.

Top-tier life expectancy, complex health picture

Blue Earth's 79.7-year life expectancy ranks among Minnesota's best, beating the state average of 78.7 by 1.0 year. Yet its 17.7% poor or fair health rate—the highest of all counties analyzed—indicates significant underlying health disparities within the county.

Longest life, but highest health burden

Blue Earth's 79.7-year life expectancy exceeds Becker (77.9) and Aitkin (77.9) by 1.8 years, though its 17.7% poor or fair rate far surpasses regional peers. The county's 507 mental health providers per 100,000 is the highest in this analysis, reflecting commitment to mental health services.

Excellent coverage, disparities within county

Blue Earth's 5.2% uninsured rate matches state-leading peers, and it offers 92 primary care providers per 100,000, ensuring broad care access. Yet the 17.7% reporting poor or fair health suggests that access alone doesn't address underlying disparities or chronic disease burdens.

Health coverage bridges Blue Earth's gaps

Blue Earth's paradox—high life expectancy but high health burden—makes comprehensive coverage even more essential for managing chronic conditions. Ensure your family has coverage at MNsure.org to access the county's strong provider network.

Disaster Risk in Blue Earth County

via RiskByCounty

Blue Earth: Higher Than Average Risk

Blue Earth County scores 72.20 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but notably above Minnesota's state average of 42.38. This southern Minnesota county faces elevated natural disaster exposure, primarily driven by tornado and flood risks.

Upper-Tier Risk Statewide

Blue Earth County ranks in the upper tier of Minnesota's 87 counties for composite disaster risk, with a 72.20 score that exceeds approximately 80% of statewide counties. Its vulnerability level places it among Minnesota's more hazard-prone communities.

Highest Risk in Its Southern Region

Blue Earth County (72.20) faces notably higher risks than neighboring Brown County (50.38), making it the most vulnerable county in its immediate area. Compared to Benton County (51.34) to the north, Blue Earth's exposure is substantially higher.

Tornadoes and Floods Dominate Threats

Blue Earth County residents face severe tornado risk (77.07) and elevated flood exposure (65.87), making these the county's primary natural disaster concerns. Wildfire risk is comparatively lower at 31.84, but the combination of tornado and flood hazards requires robust household preparedness.

Flood Insurance and Storm Shelters Essential

Blue Earth County residents must secure separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, and the county's 65.87 flood score warrants this protection. Ensure your home has a safe tornado shelter or access to a community shelter, and verify your homeowners policy includes tornado and severe storm coverage.

ByCounty Network

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