countyscore
56
County Score
Health 99.1Income & Jobs 98.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Carver County, Minnesota

Outperforming the National Median

Carver County delivers a composite score of 56.0, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a high percentile for overall livability nationwide.

Leading the Minnesota Pack

The county sits above the Minnesota state average of 55.8, cementing its status as a premier regional destination. It ranks among the state's most desirable locations due to its consistent performance across health and income metrics.

Elite Incomes and Peak Health

Carver dominates with a health score of 99.1 and an income score of 98.9. The median household income of $123,144 is significantly higher than both state and national averages.

The High Price of Entry

The county's cost score is a mere 5.2, reflecting a median home value of $426,900 and rent at $1,444. These high prices create a significant barrier for first-time buyers or low-income residents.

A Haven for Affluent Families

This county is best suited for high-income professionals who value top-tier health infrastructure and safe neighborhoods. If you can afford the $400,000+ entry price for a home, the amenities are nearly unmatched.

Score breakdown

Tax36.3Cost5.2Safety70.2Health99.1Schools66.8Income98.9Risk40.3Water86Weather47.4
🏛36.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤99.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79.3
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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45.8
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Wright County
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Deep Dives

Carver County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carver County

via TaxByCounty

Carver's rate slightly above national median

Carver County's 1.026% effective tax rate edges above the national median of 1.0%, placing it in the 55th percentile. Despite having the state's highest median home values at $426,900, residents pay $4,380 annually—well above the national median of $2,690.

Mid-range Minnesota county for tax rates

Carver ranks 44th among Minnesota's 87 counties by effective rate, close to the state average of 0.968%. The county's median tax of $4,380 is the highest in Minnesota, reflecting both elevated home values and a slightly above-average tax rate.

Highest taxes in the southwest metro region

Carver's $4,380 median tax dwarfs nearby Chisago County ($3,668) and significantly exceeds Clay County ($2,854). As a affluent suburban county, Carver's combination of high property values and above-average rates creates Minnesota's steepest overall tax burden.

Median home taxes reach $4,380 annually

A $426,900 median home value multiplied by Carver's 1.026% rate yields approximately $4,380 in annual property taxes. Adding mortgage escrow brings the total to $4,562—among the highest in the state.

High assessments deserve careful review

In high-value markets like Carver, assessment errors can cost thousands annually; homeowners should request their property record from the assessor and verify the comparable sales used. A successful appeal on a $400,000+ property could save $2,000–$5,000 over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carver County

via CostByCounty

Carver's high incomes offset steep rents

Carver County residents earn $123,144 annually—65% more than the national median of $74,755—allowing them to spend just 14.1% on rent despite $1,444 monthly costs. This high-income advantage keeps affordability ratios manageable despite premium housing prices.

Among Minnesota's most expensive counties

Carver ranks among Minnesota's priciest markets with a median home value of $426,900 and median rent at $1,444—the highest among these eight counties. Yet its 14.1% rent-to-income ratio edges below the state average, a feat only possible due to outsized local incomes.

Carver towers above regional neighbors

Carver's median rent of $1,444 dwarfs Carlton County's $967 and Chisago County's $1,112, while median home values exceed nearby counties by $100,000+. This premium reflects Carver's proximity to the Twin Cities and concentration of high-earning professionals.

Wealth absorbs Carver's housing premium

With $1,444 rent and $1,993 monthly owner costs, Carver residents dedicate roughly 14-19% of their $123,144 income to housing. The county's exceptional incomes make these elevated costs affordable in ways that would strain residents elsewhere.

Carver suits high-earning relocators

If your household income exceeds $120,000 and you value suburban proximity to major employment centers, Carver's premium housing stock and strong affordability ratio work in your favor. The equation flips for middle-income families: these prices would consume unsustainable income shares.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carver County

via IncomeByCounty

Carver Leads National Income Charts

Carver County's median household income of $123,144 towers 64.8 percent above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the wealthiest counties nationwide. This $48,389 advantage reflects a high-opportunity economy anchored by professional services and suburban Minneapolis growth.

Minnesota's Income Champions

Carver dominates Minnesota's income landscape with a median $47,387 above the state average of $75,757. Its per capita income of $58,254 also outpaces Minnesota's average by 48 percent, signaling both high household earnings and strong individual wealth.

Outearns All Regional Competitors

Carver's $123,144 median household income exceeds every comparison county, including Chisago ($98,260) and Carlton ($80,042). This premium reflects its position as a prosperous Twin Cities suburb with strong job markets and highly educated workforce.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

Despite median home values of $426,900—the highest among these counties—Carver maintains a healthy 14.1 percent rent-to-income ratio. High incomes relative to housing costs create genuine wealth-building potential for homeowners and renters alike.

Leverage Peak Earning Years

Carver County's exceptional income creates rare opportunity to aggressively build wealth through 401(k) maximization, taxable investment accounts, and real estate. Start or increase contributions immediately—high earners in strong markets accelerate wealth faster than any other income cohort.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carver County

via CrimeByCounty

Carver County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Carver County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.9, driven by a total crime rate of just 701.4 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly 70% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Minnesota Public Safety

The county’s safety score of 98.9 easily outpaces the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 701.4 per 100K is also significantly better than the state average of 1123.5.

Exceeding Safety Standards of Neighboring Areas

Carver County maintains a much lower crime footprint than many of its Twin Cities metro neighbors. Local agencies report significantly fewer incidents per capita than the average Minnesota community.

Minimal Violent Crime Risks for Residents

Violent crime is remarkably rare in Carver County, occurring at a rate of 71.8 per 100K compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 629.6 incidents per 100K, which is still very low by any standard.

Preserving Your Carver County Haven

Maintaining this elite level of safety requires ongoing community vigilance. Simple measures like doorbell cameras help discourage the property crimes that make up the bulk of local reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carver County

via HealthByCounty

Carver outpaces U.S. life expectancy

At 82.3 years, Carver County residents live about 3.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.8 years, placing the county among America's healthiest communities. Just 10.9% of residents report poor or fair health, roughly half the national average, reflecting strong overall health status.

Minnesota's healthiest county peers

Carver's 82.3-year life expectancy ranks substantially above Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years—a 3.6-year advantage that places it among the state's top-performing counties. The 10.9% poor/fair health rate trails the state norm, underscoring Carver's exceptional health outcomes.

Regional health leader

Carver's 82.3-year life expectancy leads its neighbors decisively: Chisago County (79.4 years), Carlton County (76.3 years), and Chippewa County (76.6 years) all lag significantly behind. Carver's 10.9% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among nearby counties, marking it as a regional health standout.

Strong coverage, solid provider access

Just 3.3% of Carver residents lack health insurance—the lowest uninsured rate among Minnesota counties and well below the state average of 6.0%. With 85 primary care providers and 231 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers accessible healthcare across both medical and behavioral services.

Keep coverage intact and strong

Carver's 3.3% uninsured rate is excellent, but staying covered matters. Review your plan annually at MNSure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to ensure your coverage remains optimal for your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carver County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Infrastructure for Growing Families

Carver County supports a large educational network of 48 schools and 7 districts serving 18,105 students. The landscape includes 16 elementary schools and 18 high schools to accommodate various age groups.

Top-Tier Graduation and Performance

The county achieves an impressive 92.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87%. Investment remains efficient, with per-pupil spending at $7,900 compared to the Minnesota state average of $8,463.

Eastern Carver County Leads the Way

Eastern Carver County Public School is the largest district by far, managing 20 schools and 9,320 students. Three charter schools also operate here, representing about 6.3% of the total school options.

Modern Suburban Campus Environments

The majority of schools (28) are located in suburban settings, with large campuses like Chaska High School serving 1,584 students. Even with these large hubs, the average school size across the county is a manageable 411 students.

Join a High-Achieving Community

Exceptional graduation rates make Carver County a premier choice for home buyers prioritizing education. Research properties in the Chanhassen or Waconia areas to access some of the state's most successful public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carver County

via RiskByCounty

Carver's risk profile is moderate nationally

Carver County scores 59.67 with a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it slightly above the national average and indicating above-average exposure to natural hazards. The county's risk landscape is shaped primarily by tornado and flood threats rather than rarer events.

Carver ranks higher than most Minnesota counties

Carver County's composite score of 59.67 exceeds Minnesota's state average of 42.38 by a significant margin, reflecting greater-than-typical disaster exposure for the state. This positions Carver among Minnesota's counties with elevated natural hazard vulnerability.

Carver faces more tornado risk than neighbors

While Carver's overall score of 59.67 is moderate, its tornado risk of 79.48 substantially exceeds neighboring Clay County (62.02) and Chisago County (64.15). This spike makes tornadoes the defining hazard for Carver residents.

Tornadoes pose Carver's primary threat

Carver County's tornado risk score of 79.48 is the dominant hazard, requiring serious preparedness from all residents and businesses. Flood risk (60.37) ranks second, while wildfire risk (39.34) remains relatively modest compared to state peers.

Tornado and flood coverage protects Carver homes

Carver residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes tornado coverage and consider separate flood insurance given the 60.37 flood risk score. A tornado safe room or shelter and a regularly updated emergency plan are critical for Carver families.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carver County

via WeatherByCounty

A Northern Climate with Temperate Shifts

Carver County records an annual average temperature of 44.4°F, which remains cooler than the national median. This reflects the typical Upper Midwest pattern of distinct, dramatic seasonal transitions.

One of Minnesota's Warmer and Wetter Counties

At 44.4°F, Carver County is noticeably warmer than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It also receives 33.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly 10% more moisture than the state norm.

Warmer and Wetter than its Northern Neighbors

Carver County experiences a milder climate than northern peers like Carlton or Clearwater. Its higher precipitation levels and 71.6°F July average make it more productive for agriculture than the drier counties to the west.

Humid Summers Meet Standard Minnesota Winters

July averages a warm 71.6°F with nine days of extreme heat reaching above 90°F. Winters are cold but manageable by regional standards, with a January average of 13.6°F and 53.2 inches of annual snow.

Balance Seasonal HVAC and Storm Drainage

Residents should invest in dual-purpose HVAC systems to handle both the nine extreme heat days and the sub-zero winter stretches. Effective gutter systems are also a priority to manage the 33.5 inches of annual rain and snowmelt.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carver County

via SoilByCounty

Carver’s neutral, balanced profile

Carver County boasts a near-perfect neutral pH of 6.51, aligning almost exactly with the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity supports a wide variety of agricultural uses and plant types.

Gritty texture with firm structure

The soil consists of 45.4% sand and 18.9% clay, creating a relatively gritty but firm texture. With 32.5% silt, the soil holds enough structure to retain nutrients without excessive compaction.

Reliable organic richness

Organic matter stands at 6.38%, which is below the state average of 9.90% but remains three times higher than the national average. The available water capacity of 0.188 in/in stays just below the Minnesota benchmark of 0.199 in/in.

Monitoring soil saturation

Although local drainage class data is limited, the high sand percentage generally aids in moisture movement. Landowners should monitor local saturation levels because the clay content can still slow drainage in heavy rain.

Productive crops in Zone 4b

Located in Zone 4b, Carver County is ideal for growing hearty vegetables like sweet corn and squash. Residents can leverage the neutral pH to plant diverse gardens without heavy chemical amendments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carver County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Conditions for Carver Lawns

Carver County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 79.3, making it one of the easiest places in Minnesota to grow grass. This far exceeds both the state average of 63.9 and the national median of 50.0.

Plenty of Sun and Rain

Lawns benefit from 33.5 inches of rain annually and 2,526 growing degree days, providing a robust environment for lush turf. Despite 9 extreme heat days, the overall climate supports a vigorous and reliable growing season.

Near Perfect Soil Balance

The soil pH is an excellent 6.51, sitting right in the sweet spot for nutrient absorption. With 45.4% sand and 18.9% clay, the soil provides a stable foundation that typically requires minimal corrective amendments.

Minimal Drought Pressure Currently

With only 4 weeks of drought in the past year and 0% of the area currently classified as dry, watering needs are standard. Focus on maintaining consistent soil moisture to preserve the high quality of your turf.

Early Success in Zone 4b

Kentucky Bluegrass is a top choice for this Zone 4b climate and its balanced soil. Aim to plant after the last frost on May 5 to take full advantage of the long, favorable growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carver County's county score?
Carver County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 56 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 Carver County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Carver County ranks #45 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 Carver County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Carver County is $4,380, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Carver County a tax score of 36.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carver County?
The median household income in Carver County, Minnesota is $123,144 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carver County earns an income score of 98.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carver County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Carver County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Carver 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 Carver 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.