41.7
County Score
Soil Quality 87.5Health 81.5Lawn Care 80.4

County Report Card

About Blue Earth County, Minnesota

Below the National Median

Blue Earth County scores 41.7, which is below the national median of 50.0. While it features strong incomes, other livability factors drag down the overall composite ranking.

Challenged by State Peers

The county falls well below the Minnesota state average of 55.8. High housing costs relative to income and lower safety scores make it less competitive than other regional hubs.

Solid Health and Income

Blue Earth delivers a health score of 81.5 and an income score of 73.0. A median household income of $72,623 supports a robust local economy driven by healthcare and education.

High Costs and Risk Exposure

The county struggles with affordability, scoring only 19.5 for cost with rents averaging $1,076. A risk score of 27.8 also suggests higher vulnerability to environmental factors.

Suits Early-Career Professionals

This county is a good fit for medical or educational professionals who value high-quality healthcare access. It works best for those who can trade off higher costs for economic opportunity.

2040608010039.219.521.181.5517327.854.446.8Tax39.2Cost19.5Safety21.1Health81.5Schools51Income73Risk27.8Water54.4Weather46.841.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Blue Earth County DNA

Foverall

How Blue Earth County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Blue Earth County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (81.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (21.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.2-12.799999999999997
Cost
19.5-28.5
Safety
21.1-33.9
Health
81.5+31.5
Schools
51
Income
73+22
Risk
27.8-19.2
Water
54.4
Weather
46.8-9.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Blue Earth County

Whether buying or refinancing in Blue Earth County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$252,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,076/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$252,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,623/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Blue Earth County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Safety in Blue Earth County

via CrimeByCounty

Blue Earth stays below national crime rates

Blue Earth County reports 2042.8 crimes per 100,000 people, which is safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.8.

Crime rates exceed the Minnesota average

The county's crime rate of 2,042.8 is nearly double the Minnesota average of 1,123.5. Seven reporting agencies manage the public safety needs of this regional hub.

Typical safety for an active urban center

Blue Earth sees more crime than rural neighbors like Brown County but is much safer than Benton. This activity level is common for a county hosting a major population center like Mankato.

Property crime is the primary concern

Property crime accounts for 1838.5 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 204.3. Both figures are higher than Minnesota's statewide averages.

Securing your home in a regional hub

In busy areas, smart home technology and motion sensors are effective tools for home protection. Securing entry points and monitoring packages can help reduce the risk of property crime.

Schools in Blue Earth County

via SchoolsByCounty

Mankato-Centered Education in Blue Earth

Blue Earth County manages 26 schools across 5 districts, educating 9,049 students. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 10 elementary schools and 11 high schools to serve a growing regional population.

Steady Performance Matching State Norms

The county's 86.6% graduation rate perfectly matches the Minnesota state average and sits just below the 87.0% national benchmark. Spending is also aligned with state figures, with $8,479 invested per pupil annually.

The Mankato Public School District Hub

The Mankato Public School District is the primary engine of education here, operating 23 schools for 8,362 students. Charter school options are limited, with only one such institution representing less than 4% of the county's total schools.

City-Driven Schools with Rural Outreach

With 17 schools located in city settings, the county has a distinctly urban educational feel despite its rural surrounding areas. Large campuses like Mankato East Senior High (1,293 students) provide a comprehensive high school experience.

Live Near Regional Excellence in Mankato

The Mankato area offers a wide variety of neighborhood schools that mirror the state's best performance metrics. Consider a home here to enjoy the balance of city educational resources and high graduation standards.

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.

Water Quality in Blue Earth County

via WaterByCounty

Grade C with Moderate Violations

Blue Earth County holds a Grade C with 6 health violations recorded over five years. However, the violation rate of 10.9 per 100K remains well below the state average of 32.5.

Watershed Assessments Not Available

Water bodies in Blue Earth County are not currently assessed under the federal §303(d) program. Federal impairment data is not yet available for this county.

Robust Nutrient and Pesticide Data

A network of 96 sites has recorded 57,790 measurements in the last five years. The data shows a strong emphasis on organics, pesticides, and nutrients.

Minnesota River Flowing Strong

At Mankato, the Minnesota River flows at 6440 cfs. This is 150% of the long-term mean, indicating high seasonal runoff.

Watch for Nutrient Runoff

High streamflow often carries nutrients and pesticides from agricultural areas. Residents should monitor for these contaminants and stay updated on the six reported health violations.

Weather & Climate in Blue Earth County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Minnesota's Warmer Profile

Blue Earth County’s 46.3°F average is closer to the national median than most of the state, though still roughly 7 degrees cooler. It features a productive climate with higher precipitation than northern peers.

Among the State's Warmest Counties

At 46.3°F, Blue Earth sits 3.5 degrees above the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It represents the warmer, agricultural heartland of southern Minnesota.

Warmer and Rainier Than Neighbors

Blue Earth is warmer than Brown County (45.1°F) and experiences more precipitation at 33.3 inches. It also sees more extreme heat, with 13 days over 90°F annually.

Hot Summers and Bracing Winters

The county averages 13 extreme heat days, with July reaching 72.6°F. Winters are relatively mild for Minnesota at 19.1°F, though the area still receives 42.5 inches of snow.

Managing Heat and High Moisture

Residents need robust air conditioning to handle the frequent 90°F+ days. The 33.3 inches of precipitation requires effective property drainage and gutter maintenance.

Soil Quality in Blue Earth County

via SoilByCounty

The Ideal National pH Median

Blue Earth County hits the bullseye with a pH of 6.50, exactly matching the national median. This ideal balance makes it one of the most chemically neutral counties in the entire state.

Heavy Silt and Clay

The soil is composed of 33.3% sand, 40.4% silt, and 24.1% clay. This heavy silt and clay presence creates a dense soil that retains water and nutrients exceptionally well.

High Capacity for Growth

The 7.30% organic matter is robust, while the available water capacity of 0.201 in/in exceeds the state average. This combination provides a great natural buffer against dry spells.

Superior Physical Scores

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the high soil score of 87.5 reflects superior physical properties. The balance of silt and clay suggests a stable but dense environment for foundations.

Long Seasons in Zone 5a

As part of Zone 5a, you can enjoy a longer growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and fruit trees. Your soil's neutral pH makes it some of the most versatile gardening land in Minnesota.

Lawn Care in Blue Earth County

via LawnByCounty

Elite lawn conditions in Minnesota

Blue Earth County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 80.4, placing it among the easiest areas in the state for lawn care. Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, it enjoys a warmer and more hospitable climate than the Minnesota average of 63.9. This high score reflects a perfect storm of favorable rainfall and mild soil conditions.

Abundant rain and high heat

The county receives a generous 33.3 inches of rain annually, placing it squarely in the ideal zone for turfgrass. While it sees 13 extreme heat days per year, its 2,829 growing degree days ensure rapid growth and recovery. Mowers stay busy from the early April 30 spring frost until mid-October.

Nearly perfect soil chemistry

The soil pH is an ideal 6.50, which is the 'sweet spot' for nutrient absorption in most grass types. The texture is a robust mix of 24.1% clay and 33.3% sand, offering excellent stability and water retention. Lawns in Blue Earth County rarely require intensive chemical adjustments to thrive.

Exceptional drought resistance

With only 4 weeks in drought over the last year, Blue Earth is one of the most resilient counties in the region. Currently, about 42.3% of the area is abnormally dry, but severe conditions are non-existent. The combination of high annual rainfall and clay-rich soil makes it easy to keep lawns green with minimal effort.

Vibrant growth in Zone 5a

Homeowners can choose from a wide variety of grasses, including Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue. Seeding is most effective after the last frost on April 30, taking advantage of the long 2,829 GDD season. You have until October 9 before the first frost, allowing for a very long fall renovation window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blue Earth County's county score?
Blue Earth County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 41.7 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 Blue Earth County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Blue Earth County ranks #82 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 Blue Earth County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Blue Earth County is $2,487, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Blue Earth County a tax score of 39.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blue Earth County?
The median household income in Blue Earth County, Minnesota is $72,623 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blue Earth County earns an income score of 73/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blue Earth County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Blue Earth County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Blue Earth 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 Blue Earth County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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