countyscore
61.6
County Score
Schools 90.8Health 89.9Disaster Risk 88.8

County Report Card

About Cook County, Minnesota

Elite National Livability Ranking

Cook County earns a standout composite score of 61.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It is a high-performing outlier in the national data set.

Outpacing the Minnesota Average

With a score significantly higher than the state average of 55.8, Cook County is a regional leader. It combines natural beauty with high-performing social and economic indicators.

Top Schools and Resilience

The county excels with a school score of 90.8 and a risk score of 88.8. A health score of 89.9 further confirms that residents enjoy access to excellent wellness resources.

Cost and Safety Trade-offs

A safety score of 40.5 is lower than many would expect for a rural area. Additionally, the cost score of 35.5 indicates that housing is becoming less affordable as the median home value hits $294,000.

Perfect for Education-Focused Families

This county is a premier choice for families who want the best schools and a resilient environment. If you can navigate the moderate safety and cost levels, the educational and health benefits are world-class.

2040608010054.135.540.589.990.870.588.88649.4Tax54.1Cost35.5Safety40.5Health89.9Schools90.8Income70.5Risk88.8Water86Weather49.461.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Cook County DNA

Doverall

How Cook County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cook County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (88.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (40.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.1
Cost
35.5-12.5
Safety
40.5-14.5
Health
89.9+39.900000000000006
Schools
90.8+36.8
Income
70.5+19.5
Risk
88.8+41.8
Water
86+28
Weather
49.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Cook County

Whether buying or refinancing in Cook County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$294,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$886/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$294,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,643/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

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
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Counties with similar scores

Carroll County
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Larue County
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Kearney County
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Sanborn County
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Henderson County
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Carroll County
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Median income: $68,528
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Nearby counties

Lake County
Minnesota
65.4
Keweenaw County
Michigan
71.6
Bayfield County
Wisconsin
58.6
Ashland County
Wisconsin
37.6
Ontonagon County
Michigan
63.5
St. Louis County
Minnesota
40.7
Gogebic County
Michigan
55.5
Houghton County
Michigan
54.6

Deep Dives

Cook County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cook County

via TaxByCounty

Cook County's rate sits below national median

Cook County's 0.790% effective tax rate falls 21% below the national median of 1.0%, placing it in the 35th percentile. Despite median home values near the national average at $294,000, homeowners pay just $2,322 annually—14% less than the national median.

Minnesota's fourth-most affordable county

Cook ranks 82nd among Minnesota's 87 counties by effective rate, at 0.790% versus the state average of 0.968%. The median property tax of $2,322 falls below Minnesota's average of $2,168, offering solid tax value.

More affordable than all nearby counties

Cook's 0.790% rate beats Carlton (1.169%), Clearwater (0.732%), and Clay (1.115%), ranking as the second-lowest in the northern region. Only Cass County's 0.576% offers greater relief.

Median home taxes $2,322 per year

With a median home value of $294,000 and Cook's 0.790% effective rate, homeowners pay approximately $2,322 in annual property taxes. The variation between mortgaged and non-mortgaged properties ($2,061 vs. $2,578) reflects timing in assessment records.

Review assessments even in low-tax areas

Cook County homeowners should still verify their property assessment against recent comparable sales, particularly if they've completed home improvements or if market conditions have shifted. A successful appeal could preserve $100–$300 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cook County

via CostByCounty

Cook balances rural charm with affordability

Cook County residents spend 14.8% of their $71,643 income on rent—just slightly above the national 14.5% benchmark—despite earning 4% below the national median. This modest premium for rural housing reflects reasonable regional value.

Near Minnesota's affordability center

Cook's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just 0.3 percentage points above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The county offers neither standout bargains nor particular strain.

Cook offers moderate rental middle ground

Cook's $886 median rent falls between cheaper Clearwater ($740) and Chippewa ($846) while exceeding Cass ($889) slightly. With home values of $294,000, Cook offers more expensive housing than its rural peers but remains accessible compared to suburban counties.

Balanced housing costs on modest wages

Cook renters pay $886 monthly while homeowners spend $1,053 against a $71,643 income, representing roughly 15-18% for housing. Both rental and ownership pathways remain proportional, though incomes remain the limiting factor.

Cook attracts nature-focused pragmatists

If you value access to Lake Superior, outdoor recreation, and small-town character without sacrificing housing affordability, Cook County delivers practical balance. This is authentic northeast Minnesota living at reasonable cost—ideal for relocators prioritizing quality of life over income growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cook County

via IncomeByCounty

Cook Slightly Below National Median

Cook County's median household income of $71,643 falls 4.2 percent short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This $3,112 gap places the county modestly below national average, reflecting the economic realities of a remote, natural-resource-dependent region.

Below Minnesota's State Average

Cook ranks below Minnesota's state median of $75,757 by $4,114 annually per household. However, its per capita income of $45,390—the highest here—suggests concentrated wealth among smaller population, with broader household income challenges.

Mid-Range Among Regional Counties

Cook's $71,643 median sits between lower-income Clearwater and Cass counties and higher-earning Carlton and Clay. The county reflects transition-zone economics between pure rural areas and suburban centers.

Balanced Housing Affordability

Cook's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8 percent—near regional average—means households manage housing relatively well despite modest income. Median home values of $294,000 remain accessible for the median household earning $71,643.

Leverage High Per-Capita Advantage

Cook County's unusually high per capita income relative to household income suggests concentrated earners—an opportunity for targeted wealth-building among higher-income households. Those earning above the median should prioritize aggressive saving strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cook County

via CrimeByCounty

Cook County’s High National Safety Rating

Cook County maintains a safety score of 97.9, well above many national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 1354.5 per 100K remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Close to the Minnesota Safety Standard

The county's safety score of 97.9 is just slightly below the Minnesota state average of 98.2. The total crime rate of 1354.5 per 100K sits slightly higher than the statewide average of 1123.5.

Single Agency Data Insights

Data for Cook County comes from one reporting agency, reflecting the unique nature of this high-tourism border region. While the crime rate is 1354.5 per 100K, it remains lower than the national baseline.

Property vs. Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime stands at 1087.2 per 100K, while violent crime is reported at 267.3. Though property issues are more frequent, the violent crime rate remains comfortably below the national average of 369.8.

Securing Your North Shore Property

With property crime occurring at a rate of 1087.2 per 100K, cabin owners should prioritize security. Reliable locks and remote monitoring systems are vital for protecting properties in this scenic region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cook County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools, Big Results

Cook County provides a unique educational setting with 7 schools across 4 districts for only 662 students. This includes 4 elementary schools and 2 high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Performance

The county boasts an incredible 95% graduation rate, far exceeding state and national averages. Investment is also very high at $12,089 per pupil, nearing the national average of $13,000.

A Hub for Charter Innovation

Cook County Public Schools serves 459 students, but the county is also a charter hub; three charter schools represent nearly 43% of all local schools. This includes the Birch Grove Community and Great Expectations schools.

Intimate Rural Classrooms

All 7 schools are in rural settings, with an average school size of just 110 students. Sawtooth Mountain Elementary is the county's largest school, yet only enrolls 185 students.

Discover Top-Tier Rural Education

With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Cook County is a hidden gem for education-minded buyers. Search for homes in the Grand Marais area to access these high-performing, small-scale schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cook County

via RiskByCounty

Cook County ranks among America's safest regions

Cook County's composite risk score of 11.23 with a "Very Low" rating places it among the nation's most protected counties from major natural disasters. This exceptionally low exposure provides residents with one of the lowest disaster risk profiles in the United States.

Cook ranks second-lowest in Minnesota risk

Cook County scores 11.23, well below Minnesota's state average of 42.38 and second only to Clearwater County (4.17) in statewide safety rankings. This positions Cook among Minnesota's most resilient and disaster-resistant counties.

Cook is region's second-safest county overall

Cook County (11.23) trails only Clearwater (4.17) but substantially outperforms neighboring Carlton (70.07) and Clay (73.66) in safety. The county's northeastern Lake Superior location provides natural protection from many hazards affecting interior Minnesota.

Wildfire is Cook's only meaningful hazard

Cook County's wildfire risk score of 79.58 is notably elevated, reflecting its boreal forest geography and fire ecology. However, flood (19.85), tornado (2.89), and earthquake risks are nearly nonexistent, making fire the sole significant hazard.

Wildfire awareness matters most for Cook residents

Cook County residents should focus fire preparedness efforts on wildfire defense—creating defensible space, maintaining evacuation routes, and following seasonal fire restrictions. Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage for most risks, with wildfire awareness being the primary personal protection measure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cook County

via WaterByCounty

Cook County Achieves Perfect Drinking Water Grade

Cook County maintains a Grade A for drinking water safety, with zero health violations reported in the last five years. The county avoids the state average violation rate of 32.5 per 100,000 people. Residents can trust that their public water systems are operating within all federal health guidelines.

Assessed Water Bodies Show Pristine Health

All six water bodies assessed in Cook County during the 2022 cycle show 0.0% impairment. This perfect record outperforms the Minnesota state average of 1.5% for impaired waters. The county’s watersheds currently meet all federal standards for their designated environmental uses.

Extensive Monitoring Tracks PFAS and Microbiology

Cook County has a robust monitoring footprint of 390 sites with 86,587 measurements recorded over five years. Testing efforts are intensive for physical characteristics, microbiological health, and PFAS chemicals. This wide-ranging surveillance protects the county's pristine lake and river resources.

Pigeon River Flowing at 425% of Typical

The Pigeon River at Middle Falls near Grand Portage is currently discharging 2,100 cfs, a staggering 425% of its long-term mean. While this gauge covers a smaller 609 square mile area, the extreme flow indicates significant recent precipitation or snowmelt. Such high volumes can dramatically increase the transport of forest nutrients into Lake Superior.

Watch High Flows for Source Water Changes

With the Pigeon River flowing at 425% of its typical level, residents should watch for increased turbidity in surface water sources. Although compliance is currently perfect, extreme flow events can stir up sediment and affect microbiological levels. Continue to support the extensive local monitoring that tracks emerging contaminants like PFAS.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cook County

via WeatherByCounty

A Frigid National Outlier on Lake Superior

Cook County's annual average of 37.9°F is one of the lowest in the United States. Its climate is heavily influenced by its northern latitude and its proximity to the cold waters of Lake Superior.

The Coldest Average in the North Star State

Cook County is nearly five degrees colder than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It records 27.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly lower than the state's 30.0-inch average.

Cooler Summers than Anywhere Nearby

Cook County’s July average of 62.4°F is the lowest in the region, much cooler than Carlton or Cass. This unique lakeside effect keeps the county exceptionally stable but very cold.

A Land of Permanent Spring and Long Winters

The county sees only one day per year over 90°F, with the coolest summer average in the state at 60.2°F. Winter is long and snowy, bringing 57.1 inches of snow and a January average of 10.1°F.

Forget the AC, Buy a Heavy Coat

Air conditioning is virtually unnecessary here given the single day of extreme heat and 62.4°F July average. Focus your budget on high-quality winter tires and premium wool layers to handle the 57.1 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cook County

via SoilByCounty

Cook County’s acidic North Shore

Cook County soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.67, significantly lower than the state average of 6.21. This acidity is driven by the region's coniferous forests and basaltic bedrock.

High silt and moderate sand

The soil is composed of 48.6% silt and 39.8% sand, with clay at 11.3%. This silty-sand texture is typical of the rugged Arrowhead region, offering a fine-grained feel but shallow depth.

Rich organic forest floors

Organic matter is very high at 15.06%, far surpassing the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.214 in/in is also superior, providing a deep reservoir for forest vegetation.

Water movement in the Arrowhead

Standardized drainage and hydrologic group data are not recorded for this area. The high silt content and 0.214 water capacity suggest the soil holds moisture well even on the county's steep slopes.

Cold-hardy plants for Zone 3b

In the chilly Zone 3b climate, gardeners should focus on berries and cold-tolerant kale. The high organic content helps plants maximize the short growing season typical of the North Shore.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cook County

via LawnByCounty

Patience Required for Cook Lawns

Cook County has a lawn difficulty score of 44.3, significantly lower than the Minnesota average of 63.9. The Zone 3b climate and unique geography present a significant challenge for traditional turf grass.

Cold Shores and Short Summers

With just 1,218 growing degree days and only 1 extreme heat day per year, grass grows very slowly here. Annual precipitation is 27.2 inches, but the cool average temperatures of 37.9°F mean moisture evaporates slowly.

Highly Acidic Soil Hazards

The soil pH is 4.67, which can limit nutrient availability for most common lawn grasses. Because the soil is 39.8% sand, it drains quickly but lacks the chemical balance of a more neutral environment.

Abnormally Dry Conditions Prevail

Currently, 58.0% of the county is abnormally dry, and the region experienced 14 weeks of drought last year. Focus on native grass alternatives that require less water and better tolerate the local soil acidity.

Late Spring Planting Window

Creeping Red Fescue is a resilient choice for the cool, acidic conditions found in this northern region. Schedule your seeding after the May 23 frost to give your lawn a chance during the brief summer window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cook County's county score?
Cook County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 61.6 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 Cook County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Cook County ranks #29 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 Cook County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Cook County is $2,322, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Cook County a tax score of 54.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cook County?
The median household income in Cook County, Minnesota is $71,643 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cook County earns an income score of 70.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cook County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Cook County scores 61.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Cook 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 Cook 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.