countyscore
65.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.9Safety 88.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Clearwater County, Minnesota

Exceptional National Standing

Clearwater County boasts an impressive composite score of 65.2, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the most livable counties in the entire country.

A Minnesota High-Performer

The county's score is nearly 10 points higher than the Minnesota average of 55.8. It offers a unique combination of affordability and safety that is hard to find elsewhere in the state.

Elite Safety and Low Risk

Clearwater achieves a near-perfect risk score of 95.9 and a safety score of 88.5. It is also quite affordable, with a cost score of 60.0 and a median rent of just $740.

Educational and Income Gaps

The school score of 44.9 and income score of 54.2 represent the county's main weaknesses. A median income of $64,934 is lower than the state average, which may limit some professional opportunities.

A Sanctuary for Peace Seekers

This county is the ultimate destination for anyone prioritizing safety and environmental resilience above all else. It is perfect for remote workers or retirees seeking a low-cost, high-security life in the Northwoods.

2040608010059.56088.561.944.954.295.98647.7Tax59.5Cost60Safety88.5Health61.9Schools44.9Income54.2Risk95.9Water86Weather47.765.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average

Clearwater County DNA

D+overall

How Clearwater County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Clearwater County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95.9/100) but notably weak in Schools (44.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.5
Cost
60+12
Safety
88.5+33.5
Health
61.9+11.899999999999999
Schools
44.9-9.100000000000001
Income
54.2
Risk
95.9+48.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
47.7-8.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$177,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$740/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$177,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,934/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

46.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Mahnomen County
Minnesota
47
Beltrami County
Minnesota
36
Red Lake County
Minnesota
73.1
Pennington County
Minnesota
43.9
Hubbard County
Minnesota
50.3
Becker County
Minnesota
52.7
Polk County
Minnesota
50.9
Norman County
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68.8

Deep Dives

Clearwater County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clearwater County

via TaxByCounty

Clearwater's tax rate stays below national median

Clearwater County's 0.732% effective tax rate falls 27% below the national median of 1.0%, landing in the 30th percentile. Homeowners pay just $1,297 annually—52% less than the national median of $2,690.

Minnesota's third-most affordable county

Clearwater ranks 83rd among Minnesota's 87 counties by effective rate, at 0.732% versus the state average of 0.968%. The median property tax of $1,297 is the second-lowest statewide, beaten only by Cass County.

Lowest-taxing county in the north region

Clearwater's 0.732% rate offers significant relief compared to Carlton (1.169%), Clay (1.115%), and even Cook (0.790%), making it the most tax-friendly county in northwestern Minnesota. Only Cass County statewide beats this rate.

Median home taxes just $1,297 yearly

A $177,100 median home value multiplied by Clearwater's 0.732% rate yields approximately $1,297 in annual property taxes. This represents exceptional value for homeowners seeking low tax burdens.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

While Clearwater offers Minnesota's most affordable taxes, homeowners should still challenge assessments if values appear inflated relative to recent local sales. Even modest reductions on already-low taxes preserve more family income.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clearwater County

via CostByCounty

Clearwater offers rural affordability value

Clearwater County residents spend just 13.7% of their $64,934 income on rent, beating the national 14.5% benchmark despite earning 13% below the national median. This rural county punches above its economic weight in housing value.

Among Minnesota's most affordable

Clearwater's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Minnesota, sitting below the state average of 14.5%. Combined with the lowest median rent in this group at $740, Clearwater exemplifies rural affordability.

Clearwater undercuts even cheaper counties

Clearwater's $740 median rent is the absolute lowest among these eight counties, and its 13.7% ratio bests even Chisago's premium-priced 13.6%. The trade-off: rural isolation and limited employment diversity compared to regional centers.

Extreme affordability on modest income

Clearwater residents pay just $740 rent and $887 monthly owner costs from a $64,934 income, allocating roughly 13-16% to housing. This leaves substantial room in tight household budgets.

Clearwater for remote workers and retirees

If you work remotely or are retired with a modest but stable income, Clearwater County offers unbeatable housing value with minimal affordability strain. The tradeoff is rural character and distance from major services—ideal for those seeking lower cost of living over urban convenience.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clearwater County

via IncomeByCounty

Clearwater Significantly Below National

Clearwater County's median household income of $64,934 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 13.2 percent, placing it among the lowest regionally. This $9,821 shortfall reflects rural economic constraints and limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Well Below Minnesota State Norms

Clearwater ranks notably below Minnesota's state median of $75,757, earning $10,823 less per household annually. Its per capita income of $32,682—the lowest among these counties—signals particularly challenging workforce earnings in this rural area.

Among Region's Lowest Earners

Clearwater's $64,934 median virtually ties Cass County ($64,937) as the lowest here, substantially trailing Carlton ($80,042) and regional averages. The county faces deep rural economic challenges requiring targeted development and workforce strategies.

Low Income, Affordable Housing Help

Clearwater's 13.7 percent rent-to-income ratio—relatively healthy for this income level—reflects median home values of just $177,100. Low housing costs partially offset income challenges, helping households stretch limited earnings.

Focus on Expense Control First

In Clearwater, building wealth begins with controlling expenses and maximizing income stability rather than investment returns. Seek free employer retirement plans, access community development financial institutions, and prioritize debt reduction before investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clearwater County

via CrimeByCounty

One of America’s Safest Counties

Clearwater County boasts an elite safety score of 99.6, ranking it among the safest regions in the country. Its total crime rate of 245.9 per 100K is nearly 90% lower than the national average.

Outperforming the State Safety Average

Clearwater’s safety score of 99.6 far exceeds the Minnesota average of 98.2. The local crime rate of 245.9 per 100K is also significantly lower than the state's average of 1123.5.

A Northern Minnesota Safety Stronghold

Clearwater County stands out with one of the lowest crime rates in the state. It provides a level of security that makes it a regional leader in public safety compared to neighboring counties.

A Unique Balance of Low Crime

The violent crime rate is 117.1 per 100K, while property crime is even lower at 128.8. This rare profile shows that property theft is almost as uncommon as violent incidents in Clearwater.

Preserving a Safe Community

Even in a community with a 99.6 safety score, neighborly vigilance keeps crime low. Participating in local watch programs helps ensure property crime remains at these impressively low levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Clearwater County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Schooling Options

Clearwater County manages 5 schools across just 2 districts for its 1,415 students. The infrastructure includes 2 elementary schools and 3 high schools.

Close to State Performance Goals

The graduation rate is 85.9%, very close to the state average of 86.6%. Local districts spend $7,952 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average investment of $8,463.

Bagley and Clearbrook-Gonvick Schools

The Bagley Public School District is the larger of the two, serving 946 students. No charter schools operate in the county, ensuring all resources are directed to the two primary public districts.

Quiet Rural Learning Environments

Every school in Clearwater County is located in a rural setting, providing a consistent small-town feel. Bagley Elementary is the largest campus with 520 students, while the county average is 283.

Find Your Rural Retreat Near Bagley

For families who value a quiet, rural educational environment, Clearwater County is an ideal fit. Explore real estate in the Bagley or Clearbrook areas to be part of these dedicated local school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clearwater County

via RiskByCounty

Clearwater is among America's safest counties

Clearwater County's composite risk score of just 4.17 with a "Very Low" rating places it among the nation's safest jurisdictions. This exceptionally low exposure to major natural disasters represents a significant advantage for residents and property owners.

Clearwater is Minnesota's lowest-risk county

Clearwater County scores 4.17, far below Minnesota's state average of 42.38 and well below all neighboring counties in the state. This exceptional safety profile makes Clearwater one of Minnesota's most disaster-resistant regions.

Clearwater stands alone as region's safest haven

Clearwater County (4.17) is dramatically safer than all regional peers, including Cook (11.23), Carlton (70.07), and Clay (73.66). The county's isolated northwestern location and minimal flood and tornado exposure create a uniquely protected environment.

Wildfire is Clearwater's only notable hazard

Clearwater County's wildfire risk of 65.52 stands in sharp contrast to its minimal flood (10.94) and tornado (17.27) risks, making fire the only significant concern. Even this wildfire score is substantially lower than the county's overall risk profile suggests.

Basic insurance and wildfire awareness suffice

Clearwater residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without requiring specialized flood or earthquake coverage, thanks to the county's exceptionally low composite risk. Maintaining defensible space around your property and a wildfire awareness plan address the county's primary natural hazard concern.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Clearwater County

via WaterByCounty

Clearwater County Reports Perfect Compliance Score

Drinking water in Clearwater County earns a Grade A, with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is far superior to the state average of 32.5. Local public systems consistently provide water that meets all federal health standards.

Significant Impairments Found in Local Watersheds

Of the 17 water bodies assessed in Clearwater County, 17.6% are classified as impaired, far exceeding the state average of 1.5%. The primary causes of impairment are sulfate and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) as of the 2022 cycle. These contaminants can affect both aquatic life and water clarity.

Lake and Algae Health Under Close Watch

Clearwater County utilizes 115 monitoring sites that have recorded 29,330 measurements over five years. Scientists focus on physical traits, nutrients, and biological indicators like algae and phytoplankton. This monitoring is essential for tracking the high impairment rates found in local streams.

Red Lake River Flows at Record Lows

The Red Lake River near Red Lake is currently flowing at 196 cfs, just 42% of its long-term mean. This critical gauge monitors a drainage area of 1,950 square miles. Such low flow levels can exacerbate existing water quality issues by reducing the dilution of suspended solids.

Address Sulfate and Suspended Solids

High impairment rates for sulfate and suspended solids mean residents should be cautious about using untreated surface water. During current low-flow conditions (42% of typical), these contaminants can become even more concentrated. Protecting shorelines from erosion can help reduce the sediment loading currently impacting 17.6% of assessed waters.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clearwater County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest Counties

Clearwater County averages only 38.7°F annually, making it one of the coldest spots in the lower 48 states. This extreme northern climate is defined by long-duration freezes and very short growing seasons.

Far Below the Already Chilly State Average

At 38.7°F, Clearwater is four degrees colder than the Minnesota state average. It is also slightly drier than average, receiving 27.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Coldest January in the Region

Clearwater’s January average of 6.3°F is significantly lower than that of southern neighbors like Chippewa. It receives 51.6 inches of snow, which is consistent with the northern forested regions of the state.

Brutal Winters and Mild, Short Summers

Winters are extreme with a 6.3°F January average and 10.2°F average for the whole winter season. Summers are mild and peak at 66.9°F in July, with only four days topping 90°F annually.

Extreme Winter Hardiness is Required

Homeowners must invest in maximum-rated insulation and backup heating sources for the 6.3°F January averages. Heavy winter gear and engine block heaters are standard requirements for living in this frigid climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clearwater County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic headwaters soil

Clearwater County soil has a pH of 5.71, indicating an acidic environment compared to the national median. This reflects the transition between the western prairies and the northern evergreen forests.

Sand and silt dominance

The soil is 52.6% sand and 32.9% silt, with a low clay content of 9.9%. This composition makes the soil relatively easy to work, though it may be prone to erosion if left uncovered.

Exceptional organic stores

The county features a very high organic matter content of 16.08%, well above the state average of 9.90%. With an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, the soil is excellent at supporting plant life through dry spells.

Moderate moisture retention

Local drainage data is not currently specified in the records. However, the high organic matter and sand mix suggest a soil that absorbs water quickly while retaining enough for plant use.

Hardy growth in Zone 3b

As one of the coldest regions in Zone 3b, Clearwater requires short-season crops. Potatoes and cold-hardy greens thrive here, benefiting from the high 16.08% organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clearwater County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Growth in Zone 3b

Clearwater County faces a difficult lawn score of 44.8, reflecting the harsh realities of its Zone 3b climate. This makes it tougher to maintain a lush lawn here than in the average Minnesota county.

Short Seasons and Cool Temps

With only 1,796 growing degree days, the season for lawn recovery and growth is quite limited. The county sees 27.6 inches of rain annually and very few heat days, leading to a slow-paced mowing schedule.

Sandy Loam Needs Nutrient Boosts

The soil is 52.6% sand and has a pH of 5.71, which is slightly more acidic than most grasses prefer. Regular fertilization and light lime applications help overcome the nutrient leaching common in sandy soils.

Widespread Dryness Persistent

Every acre of Clearwater County is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 41 weeks of drought over the last year. Prioritize watering the most visible or high-traffic areas to conserve water during these lean times.

Hardy Varieties for Cold Climates

Select cold-hardy Fine Fescues that can survive the deep freezes of Zone 3b. Wait until after May 18 to start your lawn, ensuring your new grass has enough time to harden before September frosts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clearwater County's county score?
Clearwater County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 65.2 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 Clearwater County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Clearwater County ranks #20 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 Clearwater County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Clearwater County is $1,297, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Clearwater County a tax score of 59.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clearwater County?
The median household income in Clearwater County, Minnesota is $64,934 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clearwater County earns an income score of 54.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clearwater County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Clearwater County scores 65.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Clearwater 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 Clearwater County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.