CountyScore

Chisago County

Minnesota · MN

#71 in Minnesota
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Chisago County, Minnesota

Upper-Middle Performer Nationally

Chisago County's composite score of 67.7 ranks 35% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the better-than-average category nationwide. The score trails Minnesota's state average of 70.9 by a modest margin.

Reliable Mid-Tier Minnesota Rank

Chisago County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties, just slightly below the state average. As an exurban Twin Cities county, it reflects reasonable suburban livability.

Health and Income Demonstrate Balance

Chisago County's health score of 81.4 and median household income of $98,260 (income score 47.5) show solid performance across quality of life measures. The county maintains moderate tax burden at 1.123% effective rate.

Housing Costs Moderate but Rising

With a median home value of $326,600 and rent at $1,112/month, Chisago County's cost score of 63.2 reflects escalating suburban prices. Housing affordability is the primary livability trade-off in this commuter county.

Good Fit for Suburban Commuters and Families

Chisago County works well for families seeking suburban comfort, reasonable health and income levels, and proximity to the Twin Cities metro area. Expect moderate housing costs and solid community resources.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.7Cost63.2SafetyComing SoonHealth81.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome47.5Risk55.5WaterComing Soon
🏛70.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡55.5
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 Chisago County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Juneau City and Borough
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Median income: $100,513
Bacon County
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67.7
Median income: $50,310
Lee County
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Median income: $88,024
Clark County
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Median income: $70,625

Deep Dives

Chisago County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chisago County

via TaxByCounty

Chisago County's taxes exceed national average

Chisago County's 1.123% effective tax rate sits 12% above the national median of 1.0%, placing it in the 65th percentile. Homeowners pay a median of $3,668 annually, 37% more than the national median of $2,690.

Among Minnesota's highest-taxing counties

Chisago ranks 15th among Minnesota's 87 counties by effective rate, significantly above the state average of 0.968%. The median property tax of $3,668 exceeds Minnesota's average of $2,168 by $1,500 annually.

Second-highest rate in the metro region

Only Carver County (1.026% rate but much higher values) rivals Chisago's tax burden in the metro area, with Chisago's 1.123% rate being the steepest. Compared to northern neighbors like Cass (0.576%), Chisago's burden is over twice as steep.

Median home taxes $3,668 annually

A $326,600 median home value multiplied by Chisago's 1.123% rate yields approximately $3,668 in annual property taxes. For mortgaged homes, escrow payments bring the total to $3,741.

Suburban reassessment errors are common

Rapidly appreciating suburban counties like Chisago often see overassessed properties, especially during boom cycles; homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. Even a 5% reduction in assessed value saves $150+ annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chisago County

via CostByCounty

Chisago combines strong income with ease

Chisago County residents earn $98,260—31% above the national median—and spend just 13.6% on rent, the best ratio in this group. This combination of above-average income and below-average affordability burden creates genuine comfort.

Among Minnesota's most livable counties

Chisago's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it among the easier housing markets in the state. The county balances suburban convenience with income levels that make housing genuinely manageable.

Better affordability than wealthy Carver

Though Chisago's median rent of $1,112 and home values of $326,600 exceed Carlton and most peers, the county's higher incomes ($98,260) produce a better affordability ratio (13.6%) than higher-earning Carver (14.1%). Chisago offers premium housing without premium affordability strain.

Housing stays comfortably proportional

Chisago renters pay $1,112 monthly while homeowners spend $1,643, representing roughly 13-20% of the $98,260 median income. Both renters and buyers maintain healthy housing-to-income margins, unusual for counties with this rental price level.

Chisago rewards solid middle-class earners

If you earn $90,000–$120,000 and want suburban access to Twin Cities employment without Carver's premium pricing, Chisago delivers excellent value. The county proves that housing affordability isn't just about low prices—it's about the right income-to-cost fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chisago County

via IncomeByCounty

Chisago Substantially Outearns Nation

Chisago County's median household income of $98,260 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 31.4 percent, reflecting strong regional prosperity. This $23,505 advantage places the county in the upper tier nationally, driven by proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Highest Among Most Counties Here

Chisago ranks significantly above Minnesota's state median of $75,757, earning $22,503 more annually per household. Its per capita income of $43,265 also exceeds the state average by 10 percent, signaling broad-based economic strength.

Second Only to Carver Regionally

Chisago's $98,260 median trails only Carver County ($123,144) among these counties, exceeding Carlton ($80,042) and all rural comparison areas. The county benefits from Twin Cities commute advantage and a educated, professional workforce.

Strong Income Supports Housing

Chisago's excellent 13.6 percent rent-to-income ratio—the best here—means households easily afford median home values of $326,600. High incomes relative to housing costs create genuine wealth accumulation potential.

Capitalize on Dual Opportunity

Chisago residents enjoy both strong income and favorable housing costs, creating prime wealth-building years. Max out retirement contributions, establish taxable investment accounts, and consider real estate as additional wealth vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Chisago County

via HealthByCounty

Chisago exceeds U.S. health benchmarks

At 79.4 years, Chisago County residents live about half a year longer than the U.S. average of 78.8 years. With just 13.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs notably better than the national average.

Above-average health outcomes statewide

Chisago's 79.4-year life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years, placing the county among stronger-performing Minnesota communities. The 13.4% poor/fair health rate aligns with mid-range state outcomes, suggesting solid overall health status.

Strong regional health performer

Chisago's 79.4-year life expectancy leads Carlton County (76.3 years), Chippewa County (76.6 years), and Cass County (74.7 years) significantly. The county's 13.4% poor/fair health rate is among the better regional outcomes, marking Chisago as a relatively healthy community.

Good coverage, moderate provider access

Chisago's 4.5% uninsured rate is well below Minnesota's 6.0% state average, ensuring most residents have health coverage. With 49 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 176 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers reasonable access to both medical and behavioral health services.

Maintain your health coverage

Chisago's 4.5% uninsured rate is solid, but staying covered ensures continuous care. Check your plan at MNSure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 annually to keep your coverage current and right for your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chisago County

via RiskByCounty

Chisago's risk sits near the national average

Chisago County scores 44.53 with a "Relatively Low" rating, placing it near the national average and indicating moderate natural disaster exposure. The county's risk profile is shaped by tornado and wildfire threats rather than extreme flooding.

Chisago slightly exceeds Minnesota's average risk

With a composite score of 44.53, Chisago County ranks just above Minnesota's state average of 42.38, positioning it in the state's moderate-risk category. This modest elevation reflects tornado and wildfire vulnerabilities.

Chisago faces tornado risk above regional peers

Chisago County (44.53) sits between safer Chippewa (36.99) and riskier Carlton (70.07), but its tornado score of 64.15 significantly exceeds nearby Chippewa (43.42). This tornado spike distinguishes Chisago's hazard profile in the region.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate Chisago threats

Chisago County faces tornado risk of 64.15 and wildfire risk of 65.46, both substantial concerns that dwarf its moderate flood risk of 55.66. The combination of spring tornadoes and wildfire season creates two distinct annual hazard periods.

Tornado and wildfire preparedness essential for Chisago

Chisago homeowners should prioritize tornado safety infrastructure (shelter or safe room) and wildfire defensibility, as these two hazards dominate the county's risk profile. Verify homeowners insurance includes tornado coverage and consider wildfire-specific preparation measures.

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.