Clearwater County's composite score of 75.8 ranks it in the top 20% of U.S. counties, outpacing the national median of 50.0 by 52%. The county significantly outperforms Minnesota's state average of 70.9, remarkable for its rural character.
2 / 5
Among Minnesota's Best Overall Livability
Clearwater County ranks in the top tier of Minnesota's 87 counties, well above the state average. For a sparsely populated north-central county, this represents exceptional livability performance.
3 / 5
Tax Burden and Affordability Are Exceptional
Clearwater County delivers the lowest housing costs among these eight counties: median home value of $177,100, rent at $740/month, and a cost score of 81.7. The effective tax rate of 0.732% is the second-lowest across this group.
4 / 5
Income and Risk Present Trade-offs
Median household income of $64,934 and an income score of 25.8 are among the lowest here, while a risk score of 95.9 suggests economic concentration concerns. These factors temper the county's otherwise excellent affordability profile.
5 / 5
Ideal for Cost-Minimizing Retirees and Telecommuters
Clearwater County is perfect for retirees and remote workers seeking the absolute lowest housing costs and tax burden in Minnesota. This is the budget champion among these eight counties, though economic diversity remains limited.
Clearwater County's composite score of 75.8 ranks it in the top 20% of U.S. counties, outpacing the national median of 50.0 by 52%. The county significantly outperforms Minnesota's state average of 70.9, remarkable for its rural character.
Among Minnesota's Best Overall Livability
Clearwater County ranks in the top tier of Minnesota's 87 counties, well above the state average. For a sparsely populated north-central county, this represents exceptional livability performance.
Tax Burden and Affordability Are Exceptional
Clearwater County delivers the lowest housing costs among these eight counties: median home value of $177,100, rent at $740/month, and a cost score of 81.7. The effective tax rate of 0.732% is the second-lowest across this group.
Income and Risk Present Trade-offs
Median household income of $64,934 and an income score of 25.8 are among the lowest here, while a risk score of 95.9 suggests economic concentration concerns. These factors temper the county's otherwise excellent affordability profile.
Ideal for Cost-Minimizing Retirees and Telecommuters
Clearwater County is perfect for retirees and remote workers seeking the absolute lowest housing costs and tax burden in Minnesota. This is the budget champion among these eight counties, though economic diversity remains limited.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛81.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 76.0 years, Clearwater County residents live about 2.8 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years. With 15.9% reporting poor or fair health—nearly double the national average—the county faces substantial health challenges.
Among Minnesota's lowest performers
Clearwater's 76.0-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 2.7 years, ranking it among the state's worst-performing counties. The 15.9% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Minnesota's norms, indicating serious health obstacles.
Tied for lowest regional life expectancy
Clearwater's 76.0-year life expectancy matches Carlton County (76.3 years nearby) and only slightly exceeds Cass County (74.7 years), placing it among the region's worst-performing communities. Its 15.9% poor/fair health rate ranks it second-worst in the region, just behind Cass County.
Highest uninsured rate, severe gaps
Clearwater's 9.1% uninsured rate is the highest among these eight counties and far exceeds Minnesota's 6.0% state average, leaving a significant portion uninsured. The county critically lacks providers with just 35 primary care providers and 23 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest densities in Minnesota.
Coverage is urgent here
With 9.1% uninsured and severe provider shortages, getting covered is critical for Clearwater residents. Call 1-855-366-7873 or visit MNSure.org immediately to explore affordable health insurance options.
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.