countyscore
60.3
County Score
Safety 89.7Health 88.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Brown County, Minnesota

Top-Tier National Performance

Brown County earns a composite score of 60.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high score indicates a significantly better quality of life than the average US county.

A Standout Minnesota County

Brown County outperforms the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It is one of the more reliable counties in the state, offering high safety and excellent utility infrastructure.

Superior Safety and Public Health

The county is exceptionally safe with a score of 89.7 and healthy with a score of 88.1. These metrics, combined with a high water score of 86.0, create a very secure living environment.

High Taxation and Costs

The tax score of 35.2 is a weak point, driven by a 1.040% effective tax rate. Housing affordability also lags with a cost score of 38.7 despite lower home values of $181,700.

The Gold Standard for Safety

Brown County is the premier choice for families prioritizing safety and public health. It is ideal for those who are willing to pay a higher tax rate in exchange for peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax35.2Cost38.7Safety89.7Health88.1Schools46.5Income63.5Risk49.6Water86Weather48.3
🏛35.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.1
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

Watonwan County
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53.6
Redwood County
Minnesota
62.9
Nicollet County
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Cottonwood County
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Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County taxes highest among peers

Brown County's effective tax rate of 1.040% exceeds the national median of 0.956% by roughly 9%, placing it in the higher-tax tier nationally. Despite median home values below the U.S. average, Brown homeowners shoulder above-average property tax rates.

Minnesota's 8th-highest property tax county

Brown County ranks 8th among Minnesota's 87 counties for tax burden, with a 1.040% effective rate that significantly exceeds the state average of 0.968%. The county's median property tax of $1,890 is only $44 below the state median of $2,168, despite home values that run $66,200 lower.

Brown County leads regional tax rates

In south-central Minnesota, Brown's 1.040% rate stands above Benton County (1.025%), Blue Earth County (0.984%), and all northern counties. A Brown County homeowner pays $1,890 on a $181,700 median home—a notably higher rate than comparable properties in neighboring areas.

Brown County's annual property tax cost

The median home in Brown County is valued at $181,700, resulting in approximately $1,890 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.040% effective rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $1,952 yearly, while those without mortgages pay $1,822.

High tax rate makes appeals especially valuable

Brown County's above-average tax rate means assessment errors cost you more than in lower-tax counties—making appeals a high-value investment of your time. Review your assessment carefully, especially after recent home sales in your area, and file a formal appeal if your assessed value diverges significantly from market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Brown County approaches national norms

Brown County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits between the national average (14.5%) and the most strained counties, reflecting moderate affordability pressure. With median rent of $931 and household incomes of $68,690—slightly below the national median of $74,755—local residents feel the squeeze somewhat.

Slightly above Minnesota's affordability line

Brown County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% state average, indicating above-average affordability pressure within the state. The $931 median rent sits modestly above the state average of $915, while local incomes lag state peers.

Mid-range costs in southern Minnesota

Brown County's $931 rent places it between Big Stone ($718) and Blue Earth ($1,076), offering moderate pricing within the region. Home values here are the lowest in this county set at $181,700, providing an affordability offset for prospective homeowners.

Ownership is the better deal

Renters pay $931 monthly while homeowners face just $901—an unusual reversal where ownership costs less than renting on a $68,690 median income. For homebuyers, this county's low property values ($181,700) make ownership highly accessible relative to rental markets.

A buyer's market in southern Minnesota

Brown County's remarkably low home values ($181,700) make it an excellent choice for renters ready to buy, as ownership costs less than renting here. If you're relocating and can access homeownership financing, Brown County delivers genuine value unavailable in most Minnesota markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown below but near national average

Brown County's median household income of $68,690 falls approximately $6,065 short of the national median of $74,755, an 8% gap. The county reflects a below-average but respectable income level compared to national standards.

Minnesota ranks Brown below average

At $68,690, Brown County trails Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by roughly $7,100. The county sits in the lower-middle segment of Minnesota's income distribution, earning noticeably below the state median.

Mid-range income in regional context

Brown's $68,690 income exceeds Aitkin ($59,498), Beltrami ($67,257), and Big Stone ($65,475), but trails Becker ($71,117), Benton ($71,480), and Blue Earth ($72,623). The county occupies the middle tier of regional income levels.

Housing costs moderately manageable

Brown's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates reasonable housing affordability, though not exceptional. A median home value of $181,700 is accessible to local earners, though the lower income base leaves limited cushion for other expenses.

Consistent investing builds long-term security

Brown County residents earning $68,690 should establish automatic retirement contributions and diversified investments to build wealth systematically. With housing costs manageable, even 12-15% of income directed to long-term investments can generate substantial financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Brown County is one of the nation's safest

With a safety score of 99.7, Brown County is exceptionally secure. Its total crime rate of 212.5 per 100,000 is less than 10% of the national average.

State-leading safety in Brown County

Brown County far outperforms the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2. Its crime rate is roughly five times lower than the state's average of 1,123.5.

Exceptionally safe compared to neighboring peers

Brown County is significantly safer than nearby Blue Earth, maintaining a fraction of its neighbor's crime volume. Four reporting agencies contribute to this high standard of public safety.

Extremely low violent and property crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 30.9 per 100,000, while property crime is also very low at 181.6. Both figures are among the best in the entire state.

Preserving the high safety of Brown County

Maintaining home security through simple habits like outdoor lighting helps keep local crime rates low. Being a good neighbor and watching for unusual activity supports this safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Brown County

via HealthByCounty

Brown County leads U.S. life expectancy

At 80.2 years, Brown County has the highest life expectancy of all counties analyzed—exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 1.3 years. The county's 15.8% poor or fair health rate is moderate, suggesting overall solid health outcomes.

Minnesota's top health performer

Brown County's 80.2-year life expectancy is the highest in this analysis and exceeds Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.5 years. The 5.0% uninsured rate—the lowest statewide—reflects exceptional health insurance coverage across the county.

Outpaces all regional counties

Brown's 80.2-year life expectancy substantially exceeds all analyzed neighbors, topping even Anoka (79.9) and Blue Earth (79.7). The county offers 93 primary care providers per 100,000 and 230 mental health providers per 100,000, supporting comprehensive care access.

Best overall health access profile

Brown County combines the lowest uninsured rate (5.0%) with solid provider availability—93 primary care and 230 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This combination directly translates to the county's best-in-analysis life expectancy outcomes.

Maintain Brown County's health advantage

Brown's exceptional health outcomes stem partly from its 5.0% uninsured rate—the best in this analysis. If you're uninsured or shopping for better coverage, MNsure.org helps you join Brown's health-insured majority.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Brown County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-Focused Learning in Brown County

Brown County supports 3,636 students across 18 public schools and 5 districts. The system is heavily weighted toward secondary education, with eight high schools and five elementary schools serving the local population.

Consistent Outcomes and Disciplined Spending

Graduation rates in Brown County stand at 85.5%, which is slightly lower than the state's 86.6% average. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,198, representing a disciplined approach compared to the national average of $13,000.

New Ulm Leads the District Hierarchy

New Ulm Public School District is the county's largest, enrolling 2,162 students across five specialized campuses. The county relies exclusively on traditional public districts, as there are no charter schools currently available.

Town-Based Schools with Intimate Sizes

Thirteen of the county's schools are located in town settings, contributing to an average school size of 214 students. New Ulm High School is the largest campus with 706 students, while many other facilities serve fewer than 300 children.

Safe, Town-Centered Neighborhoods for Families

Homebuyers will find a high concentration of schools within the town limits of New Ulm and Sleepy Eye. These tight-knit school communities offer a stable environment for families looking for a classic Minnesota town experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown: Low Risk, Below State Average

Brown County scores 50.38 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and slightly above Minnesota's state average of 42.38. This southern Minnesota county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure compared to most state peers.

Below-Average Risk Statewide

Brown County ranks in the lower half of Minnesota's 87 counties for composite disaster risk, with a 50.38 score that indicates relatively safe conditions. Its exposure level places it among the safer counties in Minnesota, though not in the very-low category.

Safer Than Nearby Blue Earth County

Brown County (50.38) faces notably lower risks than neighboring Blue Earth County (72.20), making it one of the safer areas in southern Minnesota. Compared to Benton County (51.34) to the north, Brown County is comparable in overall vulnerability.

Tornado and Flood Are Main Hazards

Brown County residents face moderate tornado risk (56.58) and flood exposure (44.47), both below state highs but still requiring preparedness. Wildfire risk is notably low at 24.08, making tornado and water-related events the county's primary natural disaster concerns.

Standard Coverage Plus Flood Protection

Brown County residents should obtain separate flood insurance given the county's 44.47 flood risk score, since standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Ensure your homeowners policy includes tornado and severe storm protection, and maintain a basic emergency kit for severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Four-Season Climate

Brown County averages 45.1°F annually, trailing the national median by about 8 degrees. It experiences the full range of continental weather, from deep snow to humid heat.

Exceeding the State Average

With an average of 45.1°F, Brown County is 2.3 degrees warmer than the Minnesota state average. It ranks as one of the more temperate counties in the southern region.

Comparing Brown to the Southern Tier

Brown is slightly cooler than Blue Earth (46.3°F) but follows a similar pattern of 10 extreme heat days. Its 40.3 inches of snowfall is lower than many central Minnesota counties.

Frequent Heat and Cold Winters

Summer heat is common, with 10 days reaching 90°F or more and a July average of 71.8°F. Winter averages 17.9°F, creating a substantial snow season of 40.3 inches.

Dual-Season Home Preparation

HVAC systems must be prepared for both intense summer heat and the 14.4°F January average. Snow removal is a priority, but so is managing the 30.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Ground

Brown County’s soil leans slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.88. This is higher than both the state average of 6.21 and the national median of 6.5.

Versatile Loamy Balance

A balanced texture of 44.4% sand, 33.4% silt, and 20.3% clay defines the local ground. This provides a versatile medium that is easier to work than pure clay but more retentive than sand.

Reliable Moisture Levels

Organic matter stands at 6.25%, which is lower than the Minnesota average but still robust for agricultural use. The available water capacity of 0.188 in/in remains just below the state average of 0.199.

Stable Soil Structure

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this specific dataset. However, the moderate clay content suggests decent structural integrity and water management for various land uses.

Zone 5a Garden Staples

Zone 5a allows for a wide variety of garden favorites like sweet corn and sunflowers. Take advantage of the easy-to-work texture to build a flourishing backyard oasis this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

Strong growth in Zone 5a

Brown County features a high lawn difficulty score of 71.1, making it easier to maintain a yard here than in most of Minnesota. This USDA Hardiness Zone 5a region outperforms the national median score by over 20 points. Its favorable conditions are driven by a long growing season and balanced soil.

Ideal rain for lush lawns

Annual precipitation averages 30.3 inches, which is right at the threshold for healthy, non-irrigated grass. The county experiences 10 extreme heat days and 2,666 growing degree days, providing plenty of energy for turf development. Mowing typically begins after the May 4 spring frost and continues through early October.

Balanced pH and solid structure

The soil pH of 6.88 is nearly perfect, ensuring that grass can easily access all essential nutrients. With a composition of 20.3% clay and 44.4% sand, the soil offers a good balance of drainage and moisture retention. This stable foundation minimizes the need for specialized fertilizers or heavy soil amendments.

Managing abnormally dry spells

Brown County has seen only 6 weeks of drought in the past year, though 100.0% of the area is currently listed as abnormally dry. The lack of severe drought (D2+) means that most established lawns will stay healthy with standard care. Deep watering during the 10 annual extreme heat days will prevent summer dormancy.

Prime conditions for seeding

Kentucky Bluegrass is a favorite in this region due to the favorable 5a climate and neutral soil. The best window for starting a new lawn opens after May 4 and extends through the warm summer months. Plan to wrap up major projects before the first fall frost on October 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 60.3 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 Brown County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Brown County ranks #30 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 Brown County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $1,890, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 35.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, Minnesota is $68,690 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 63.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Brown County scores 60.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Brown 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 Brown 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.