countyscore
59.5
County Score
Safety 87.7Water Quality 86Health 76.9

County Report Card

About Chippewa County, Minnesota

Top-Tier National Performance

Chippewa County achieves a composite score of 59.5, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life that is rare for many rural counties.

Leading the State Average

The county's performance is nearly four points higher than the Minnesota average of 55.8. It stands out as a highly livable option within the state's western region.

Unmatched Safety and Stability

An impressive safety score of 87.7 makes this one of the most secure counties in the region. Residents also benefit from a water score of 86.0 and an affordable median home value of $149,000.

Tax and School Hurdles

Despite low home prices, the tax score of 35.1 reflects a 1.041% effective tax rate. The school score of 44.5 also indicates that local schools are performing below the state average.

Ideal for Security-Minded Homeowners

This county is best for those who prioritize safety and affordable homeownership above all else. It is a great fit for individuals looking for a secure, small-town atmosphere with low entry costs.

Score breakdown

Tax35.1Cost44.6Safety87.7Health76.9Schools44.5Income64.8Risk63Water86Weather41.9
🏛35.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Chippewa County?

Many homeowners in Chippewa County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Chippewa County with Pendleton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pendleton County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,601
59.5
Lewis County
New York
Median income: $68,329
59.5
Houston County
Tennessee
Median income: $54,475
59.5
Unicoi County
Tennessee
Median income: $50,381
59.5
Franklin County
Idaho
Median income: $65,991
59.6
Perry County
Indiana
Median income: $61,099
59.4
Decatur County
Iowa
Median income: $57,146
59.4
Doniphan County
Kansas
Median income: $72,833
59.6

Nearby counties

Yellow Medicine County
Minnesota
66.5
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
72.5
Swift County
Minnesota
65.2
Kandiyohi County
Minnesota
46.2
Renville County
Minnesota
57.4
Lyon County
Minnesota
64.5
Redwood County
Minnesota
62.9
Pope County
Minnesota
65.4

Deep Dives

Chippewa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chippewa County

via TaxByCounty

Chippewa's rate rises above U.S. median

Chippewa County's 1.041% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.0%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. However, the median property tax of $1,551 runs well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values.

Above-average for Minnesota tax rates

Chippewa ranks 39th among Minnesota's 87 counties by effective rate, slightly above the state average of 0.968%. The county's median tax of $1,551 falls below Minnesota's $2,168 average, reflecting the county's lower median home value of $149,000.

Mid-range among western Minnesota counties

Chippewa's 1.041% rate sits between Clay County (1.115%) and Clearwater (0.732%), placing it in the moderate tier for the region. The $1,551 median tax is the second-lowest among peer counties.

Median home taxes run $1,551 per year

A $149,000 median home value multiplied by Chippewa's 1.041% rate yields approximately $1,551 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, expect to pay $1,690 annually.

Challenge assessments to lower county bills

In smaller markets like Chippewa, assessment practices can lag behind current market values; homeowners should request a recent comparable sales analysis to verify their home is fairly valued. A successful appeal could trim $100–$300 off annual taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chippewa County

via CostByCounty

Chippewa delivers genuine affordability

Chippewa County residents spend just 14.7% of their $69,192 income on rent—nearly matching the national standard of 14.5%—while paying only $846 monthly. This exceptional value proposition holds despite below-national median incomes.

Minnesota's most affordable option here

Chippewa County's median rent of $846 is the lowest among these eight counties, and its 14.7% rent-to-income ratio sits virtually at the state average. The county punches above its weight in affordability despite modest local incomes.

Chippewa undercuts every comparable county

Chippewa's $846 rent beats Clearwater ($740) in absolute cost, but Clearwater residents enjoy a 13.7% ratio. Carlton ($967), Clay ($1,000), and all more urban neighbors charge substantially more, making Chippewa among the region's most economical.

Balanced housing burden on modest wages

With $846 rent and $936 monthly owner costs against a $69,192 income, Chippewa residents allocate roughly 15-16% to housing. Both renters and buyers find reasonable proportions, though incomes remain the county's constraint.

Chippewa is the budget-friendly choice

If housing affordability is your priority and you can adapt to a smaller job market and rural character, Chippewa County delivers the best rent-to-income ratio in this group. Your housing dollar stretches furthest here, freeing budget for other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chippewa County

via IncomeByCounty

Chippewa Below National Baseline

Chippewa County's median household income of $69,192 falls 7.5 percent short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This $5,563 gap places the county in the lower-middle range nationally, reflecting rural economic constraints.

Below Minnesota's State Average

Chippewa ranks below Minnesota's state median of $75,757 by $6,565 annually per household. With per capita income of $35,205—well below the state average of $39,335—the county faces workforce earnings challenges typical of agricultural and rural regions.

Mid-Range Among Regional Counties

Chippewa's $69,192 median positions it between lower-income Cass and Clearwater counties and higher-earning Carlton and Clay. The county reflects typical rural Minnesota economics, with limited high-wage job clusters offsetting agricultural and small-business revenue.

Affordable Housing Offsets Low Income

Chippewa's low rent-to-income ratio of 14.7 percent—alongside median home values of just $149,000—makes housing accessible despite modest earnings. This affordability advantage helps households stretch limited income further.

Low-Cost Living Creates Opportunity

Chippewa's low cost of living relative to income creates surprising wealth-building potential if households save consistently. Even saving 5-10 percent of the median $69,192 income compounds significantly over decades in rural markets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chippewa County

via CrimeByCounty

Chippewa County’s Elite Safety Profile

Chippewa County is exceptionally safe, posting a near-perfect safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 264.7 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Among Minnesota’s Top Safe Counties

Ranking far above the state safety average of 98.2, Chippewa County is a standout for public security. The local crime rate of 264.7 per 100K is roughly 75% lower than the state average.

Setting the Standard for Rural Safety

Chippewa County significantly outperforms its neighbors and the statewide average total crime rate of 1123.5 per 100K. This rural stronghold provides one of the most secure environments in the region.

Minimal Risks for Crime Victims

Violent crime is almost non-existent at 40.1 per 100K, while property crime is also minimal at 224.6. These figures represent some of the lowest crime risks in the United States.

Maintaining a High Safety Bar

Even with a safety score of 99.6, basic precautions help maintain these low numbers. Locking vehicles and outbuildings remains a simple, effective way to deter the few property crimes that occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chippewa County

via HealthByCounty

Chippewa's health outcomes lag nationally

At 76.6 years, Chippewa County residents live about 2.2 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years. The county's 14.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average, indicating above-average health challenges across the population.

Below Minnesota's health standards

Chippewa's 76.6-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 2.1 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 14.3% poor/fair health rate reflects health outcomes below Minnesota's typical standards.

Mixed standing among regional peers

Chippewa's 76.6-year life expectancy edges out Cass County (74.7 years) and Clearwater County (76.0 years), but falls below Carlton County (76.3 years) slightly. The county's 14.3% poor/fair health rate positions it midway among neighboring counties' health challenges.

Better uninsured rate, modest providers

Chippewa's 6.8% uninsured rate exceeds Minnesota's 6.0% state average, though the difference is modest. The county supports 97 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, but mental health coverage is limited at just 90 providers per 100,000.

Improve your coverage today

With 6.8% of Chippewa uninsured, there's opportunity to increase coverage. Head to MNSure.org or dial 1-855-366-7873 to explore affordable health insurance options tailored to Chippewa families.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chippewa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Chippewa

Chippewa County manages a focused network of 11 schools across 3 districts for its 2,235 students. This infrastructure includes 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 4 high schools.

Steady Investment in Local Pupils

Per-pupil expenditure is $8,485, aligning closely with the Minnesota state average of $8,463. The county maintains an 83% graduation rate, working toward the state benchmark of 86.6%.

Montevideo Public Schools Core

The Montevideo Public School District is the county's primary educational provider, serving 1,383 students across 5 schools. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a traditional public school focus.

Town-Centered Campus Life

Most students attend school in town settings, as 8 of the 11 schools are located in these areas. Montevideo Middle is the largest single school with 432 students, contributing to an average school size of 248.

Community-Focused Living Near Schools

Chippewa County offers a stable town-based school environment for growing families. Explore residential options in Montevideo to stay close to the county's central educational and athletic hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chippewa County

via RiskByCounty

Chippewa ranks among America's safest counties

Chippewa County's composite risk score of 36.99 with a "Very Low" rating places it well below the national average, indicating lower-than-typical exposure to major natural disasters. This favorable position makes Chippewa one of the more resilient counties nationally.

Chippewa is Minnesota's safer side

Chippewa County scores 36.99, below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This relative safety is a meaningful advantage for residents and businesses in the region.

Chippewa stands out as region's safest county

Chippewa County (36.99) significantly underperforms compared to higher-risk neighbors Carlton (70.07) and Clay (73.66), making it the region's clear safety outlier. The county avoids the extreme flood and wildfire exposure that defines other parts of Minnesota.

Tornado risk is Chippewa's only moderate concern

Chippewa County's tornado risk of 43.42 is its highest hazard score, though it remains moderate in absolute terms. Flood and wildfire risks (46.34 and 34.67 respectively) are relatively low, indicating Chippewa residents face fewer multi-hazard pressures.

Standard insurance and basic preparedness suffice

Chippewa residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and a tornado safety plan, though the county's low overall risk profile means residents face fewer specialized insurance needs. Annual weather monitoring and a household emergency kit remain prudent precautions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chippewa County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than its Neighbors, Cooler than National Norms

Chippewa County averages 45.9°F annually, which is mild for the region but still below the national median. This southern Minnesota climate is defined by more intense summer heat than its northern counterparts.

Leading the State in Temperature and Heat

Chippewa is significantly warmer than the state average of 42.8°F, posting a 45.9°F annual mark. It is also slightly drier than the average Minnesota county, receiving 27.4 inches of precipitation per year.

The Heat Hub of the Region

Chippewa County experiences 19 extreme heat days, far surpassing neighbors like Cass or Carlton. Its July average of 73.0°F makes it one of the warmest agricultural zones in the state.

Hot Agricultural Summers and Bracing Winters

July brings a robust average of 73.0°F, including nearly three weeks of temperatures over 90°F. Winter remains a factor with a 14.1°F January average and 51.0 inches of seasonal snow.

High-Demand AC and Soil Moisture Management

Unlike much of Minnesota, Chippewa residents need powerful air conditioning to manage the 19 days of extreme heat. Farmers and gardeners must also account for the drier 27.4-inch annual precipitation when planning irrigation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chippewa County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline prairies of Chippewa

Chippewa County features a pH of 7.18, making it more alkaline than both the state average of 6.21 and the national median. These soils reflect the limestone-influenced glacial till of the Minnesota River Valley.

High silt and clay density

The soil contains 44.6% silt and 23.5% clay, giving it a heavy, nutrient-rich texture. With only 31.5% sand, this soil holds together well but can be difficult to work when wet.

Dense but water-efficient

Organic matter is lower at 5.28% compared to the state average, yet it remains well above the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.193 in/in ensures that moisture stays accessible to crops during dry spells.

Heavy soils and moisture

Specific drainage classifications are unavailable, but the 23.5% clay content indicates a tendency to hold water. Farmers in the area often manage these soils to prevent surface ponding and compaction.

Prairie-hardy growth in Zone 4b

Zone 4b allows for a long growing season for soybeans, corn, and prairie grasses. Gardeners should choose plants that tolerate slightly alkaline conditions, such as asparagus or clematis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chippewa County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Chippewa

Chippewa County tracks closely with the Minnesota average with a lawn difficulty score of 63.0. This makes it slightly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0, despite some summer heat challenges.

Warm Summers and Moderate Rain

Lawns experience 19 extreme heat days per year, which is more than double the state average of 8. Combined with 2,889 growing degree days and 27.4 inches of rain, you will need to monitor for heat stress in mid-July.

Rich, Alkaline Soil Base

The soil pH of 7.18 is slightly alkaline, meaning it sits just above the ideal lawn range. With 23.5% clay, this soil holds nutrients well but may require aeration to prevent compaction over time.

Managing Moderate Dry Conditions

Only 11.4% of the county is currently abnormally dry, a significant improvement over the 10 weeks of drought seen last year. Utilize mulch-mowing to keep grass clippings on the lawn and shade the soil from the summer sun.

Vigorous Growth in Zone 4b

Tougher grasses like Perennial Ryegrass can handle the high growing degree days here. Your best window for spring work opens after the May 3 frost date, giving the lawn time to establish before the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chippewa County's county score?
Chippewa County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 59.5 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 Chippewa County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Chippewa County ranks #33 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 Chippewa County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Chippewa County is $1,551, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Chippewa County a tax score of 35.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chippewa County?
The median household income in Chippewa County, Minnesota is $69,192 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chippewa County earns an income score of 64.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chippewa County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Chippewa County scores 59.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Chippewa 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 Chippewa 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.