CountyScore

Carlton County

Minnesota · MN

#78 in Minnesota
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Carlton County, Minnesota

Above Average, But Room to Grow

Carlton County's composite score of 65.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. That puts the county in solid livability territory, though it trails Minnesota's state average of 70.9.

Middle of the Minnesota Pack

Carlton County ranks in the middle tier among Minnesota's 87 counties, slightly below the state average. While not a top performer, the county still outperforms most U.S. peers on overall livability.

Health and Affordability Stand Out

Carlton County excels in health (77.6) and housing affordability (70.9 cost score), with a median home value of $232,000 and median rent at $967/month. The county also maintains a reasonable tax burden at 1.169% effective rate.

Income Levels Need Attention

With a median household income of $80,042 and an income score of just 35.6, Carlton County's earning potential lags considerably. The county's risk score of 29.9 is also among its weaker dimensions, suggesting economic vulnerability.

Best for Retirees and Budget-Conscious Families

Carlton County suits people prioritizing affordability and health outcomes over high incomes. This is a solid choice for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking lower costs without sacrificing reasonable livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.4Cost70.9SafetyComing SoonHealth77.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.6Risk29.9WaterComing Soon
🏛69.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡29.9
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 Carlton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Arkansas
65.8
Median income: $48,552
Kent County
Delaware
65.8
Median income: $72,872
Citrus County
Florida
65.8
Median income: $55,355
Jefferson County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $46,561
Polk County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,308

Deep Dives

Carlton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carlton County

via TaxByCounty

Carlton's taxes rank above national median

Carlton County's effective tax rate of 1.169% sits well above the national median of 1.0%, placing it in the 68th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,712 annually, nearly matching the national median of $2,690 despite properties being worth 18% less than the U.S. average.

Among Minnesota's higher-taxing counties

Carlton ranks 18th highest for effective tax rates among Minnesota's 87 counties, with a 1.169% rate compared to the state average of 0.968%. The county's median property tax of $2,712 exceeds Minnesota's average of $2,168 by $544 annually.

Higher than nearby northeastern counties

Carlton's 1.169% rate significantly outpaces neighboring Cass County (0.576%), making it one of the region's steepest tax burdens. Among northern Minnesota peers, only Clay County (1.115%) comes close to Carlton's effective rate.

Median home costs $2,712 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $232,000 and a 1.169% effective rate, Carlton homeowners pay approximately $2,712 in annual property taxes. For mortgaged properties, expect an additional $93 in escrow payments, bringing the total to $2,805.

Many Carlton homeowners could appeal assessments

Studies show 10–15% of properties nationwide are overassessed relative to market value, and Carlton's higher-than-average tax rate suggests similar potential for overvaluation. Homeowners questioning their assessment can file an appeal with the county assessor—a free process that often results in lower taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carlton County

via CostByCounty

Carlton matches the national affordability norm

Carlton County residents spend 14.5% of their income on rent, matching the national benchmark exactly. With a median household income of $80,042—well above the national median of $74,755—renters here enjoy better income cushion than many Americans.

Right in the Minnesota middle

Carlton's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio ties it exactly with Minnesota's state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the affordability spectrum across Minnesota's 87 counties. This stability reflects a balanced relationship between local wages and housing costs.

More affordable than nearby Carver

Carlton's median rent of $967 is $477 cheaper than Carver County's $1,444, though Carlton residents earn $43,102 less annually. Cook County to the north offers similar rent ($886) and comparable affordability at 14.8%.

Housing costs stay in balance here

Carlton renters average $967 monthly while homeowners spend $1,312, with both representing manageable shares of the $80,042 median income. Combined rental and ownership costs suggest roughly 14-20% of household budgets go to housing.

Carlton offers stable, balanced living

If you're seeking housing stability without dramatic cost burdens, Carlton's balanced affordability metrics and income levels make it a practical choice. The county's rental parity with national standards means your housing costs won't surprise you—they'll be predictable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carlton County

via IncomeByCounty

Carlton Outearns the Nation

Carlton County's median household income of $80,042 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than 7 percent, placing it firmly in the upper-middle tier nationally. This $5,287 advantage reflects the county's stronger economic base relative to the average American household.

Above-Average Across Minnesota

Carlton ranks solidly above Minnesota's state median of $75,757, earning $4,285 more per household annually. With a per capita income of $37,608—slightly below the state average of $39,335—the county's strength lies in multi-earner households and dual-income families.

Competitive With Regional Peers

Carlton's $80,042 median sits between Chippewa County ($69,192) and Chisago County ($98,260), reflecting a diverse regional economy. Among nearby counties, Carlton performs well, outearning Clay County ($77,664) and holding its own against regional growth centers.

Rent Stays Affordable Here

At 14.5 percent, Carlton County's rent-to-income ratio signals healthy affordability—well below the 30 percent threshold that signals housing stress. Median home values of $232,000 remain accessible for households earning $80,042, supporting both renters and homebuyers.

Build Wealth From Strong Earnings

With household incomes above national average, Carlton residents have genuine capacity to save and invest. Consider directing even 10 percent of household earnings to retirement accounts or diversified investments to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Carlton County

via HealthByCounty

Carlton's life expectancy lags nation

At 76.3 years, Carlton County residents live about 2.5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 13.9% exceeds the national average by roughly 3 percentage points, reflecting above-average health challenges in the population.

Below Minnesota's health benchmark

Carlton ranks below Minnesota's state average life expectancy of 78.7 years, a gap of 2.4 years that places it among the state's lower-performing counties. With a 13.9% poor/fair health rate, Carlton's residents report worse health outcomes than most Minnesota communities.

Outpaces some regional peers

Carlton's 76.3-year life expectancy beats neighboring Cass County (74.7 years) and Clearwater County (76.0 years), but trails Chippewa County (76.6 years) by a slight margin. The county's 13.9% poor/fair health rate sits between its struggling neighbors and higher-performing regional counties.

Modest uninsured rate, adequate providers

Carlton's uninsured rate of 5.4% is better than Minnesota's state average of 6.0%, meaning most residents have health coverage. The county maintains 88 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 225 mental health providers per 100,000, supporting reasonable access to routine and behavioral health care.

Explore your coverage options today

With 5.4% of Carlton residents uninsured, there's room to improve coverage. Visit MNSure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to explore affordable health insurance plans designed for Minnesota families and individuals.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carlton County

via RiskByCounty

Carlton ranks in middle for U.S. disaster risk

Carlton County's composite risk score of 70.07 places it above the national average, reflecting elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards. While the county's "Relatively Low" rating suggests manageable overall risk, residents face more frequent threats than the typical American community.

Carlton's risk is well above Minnesota average

With a score of 70.07, Carlton County ranks significantly higher than Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it among the state's riskier counties. This elevation reflects the county's geographic vulnerability to flooding and wildfire.

Carlton faces higher risks than nearby counties

Carlton County's score of 70.07 exceeds neighboring Cass County (53.53) and Chisago County (44.53), making it the most exposed in its immediate region. The difference is driven primarily by Carlton's flood and wildfire vulnerabilities.

Flooding and wildfire dominate Carlton's threats

Flood risk scores 63.96 in Carlton, while wildfire risk reaches 41.00—both substantial concerns for residents and property owners. Tornadoes present a moderate threat with a score of 33.52, meaning Carlton residents should prepare for multiple seasonal hazards.

Flood insurance is essential for Carlton homeowners

Given Carlton's elevated flood risk of 63.96, homeowners should verify flood insurance coverage regardless of mortgage lender requirements—standard home policies do not cover flood damage. Consider also reviewing wildfire preparedness measures and having an emergency plan for severe weather events.

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.