Crow Wing County's composite score of 68.6 runs 37% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the upper third of U.S. counties for livability. The county offers genuine quality-of-life advantages compared to most American communities.
2 / 5
Slightly below Minnesota's average
Crow Wing scores 68.6 compared to Minnesota's state average of 70.9, putting it just shy of the middle tier among the state's counties. It remains a solid performer despite ranking in the lower half statewide.
3 / 5
Low taxes and strong health outcomes
Crow Wing boasts the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.787%, earning a tax score of 80.1, and maintains excellent health metrics with a 78.5 health score. The combination of affordable taxes and robust health infrastructure makes the county particularly attractive for retirees.
4 / 5
Risk and income present concerns
The county's risk score of just 22.5 is the lowest among these eight counties, suggesting elevated environmental or economic vulnerabilities that merit investigation. Income levels are also modest at $71,343, limiting earning potential for working families.
5 / 5
Best for retirees seeking stability
Crow Wing County appeals to older adults and those nearing retirement who value tax efficiency and healthcare quality over career advancement. The county's low risk profile and excellent health infrastructure make it a secure, predictable choice for those in later life stages.
Crow Wing County's composite score of 68.6 runs 37% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the upper third of U.S. counties for livability. The county offers genuine quality-of-life advantages compared to most American communities.
Slightly below Minnesota's average
Crow Wing scores 68.6 compared to Minnesota's state average of 70.9, putting it just shy of the middle tier among the state's counties. It remains a solid performer despite ranking in the lower half statewide.
Low taxes and strong health outcomes
Crow Wing boasts the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.787%, earning a tax score of 80.1, and maintains excellent health metrics with a 78.5 health score. The combination of affordable taxes and robust health infrastructure makes the county particularly attractive for retirees.
Risk and income present concerns
The county's risk score of just 22.5 is the lowest among these eight counties, suggesting elevated environmental or economic vulnerabilities that merit investigation. Income levels are also modest at $71,343, limiting earning potential for working families.
Best for retirees seeking stability
Crow Wing County appeals to older adults and those nearing retirement who value tax efficiency and healthcare quality over career advancement. The county's low risk profile and excellent health infrastructure make it a secure, predictable choice for those in later life stages.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Crow Wing County's effective rate of 0.787% falls notably below the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the bottom quartile for property tax burden nationally. Despite having a median home value of $274,400—nearly equal to the national median of $281,900—residents pay a median tax of just $2,161 versus the national median of $2,690.
Lowest-taxed county in Minnesota
Crow Wing County's 0.787% effective rate ranks as one of the very lowest in Minnesota, sitting well below the state average of 0.968%. This advantage translates to a median tax bill of $2,161, which is slightly below Minnesota's median of $2,168 despite a home value well above state norms.
Significant tax advantage over neighbors
Crow Wing's 0.787% rate substantially undercuts nearby Douglas County (0.863%) and Cottonwood County (1.128%), offering one of the region's most favorable tax environments. For a similarly valued home, Crow Wing homeowners pay noticeably less than their counterparts just miles away.
What $274K home costs annually
A median-priced home in Crow Wing valued at $274,400 generates approximately $2,161 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.787% rate. Owners with mortgages pay $2,175, while those without mortgages pay $2,137.
Appeal to protect your advantage
Even in lower-tax counties, overassessments happen—and protecting your favorable rate means staying vigilant about your home's assessed value. Filing an appeal with Crow Wing County's assessor costs nothing and could preserve thousands in savings over your ownership years.
At 16.2%, Crow Wing County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, signaling tighter housing affordability despite a solid median income of $71,343. Renters here pay $962 monthly—roughly $188 more than the national median household would typically spend—pushing toward the affordability ceiling.
Crow Wing ranks among Minnesota's pricier
With a 16.2% rent-to-income ratio, Crow Wing County sits above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it in the less affordable tier statewide. Its $962 median rent is $47 higher than the Minnesota average, reflecting stronger regional demand.
Central Minnesota's housing costs peak here
Crow Wing's $962 rent and $1,141 monthly owner costs significantly exceed nearby Cottonwood ($765 rent, $835 owner cost) and Douglas County ($896 rent, $1,240 owner cost). The county's $274,400 median home value also reflects its position as a regional economic hub with higher demand.
16.2% of income goes to rent alone
Renters dedicate $962 monthly to housing on a $71,343 median income, while homeowners commit $1,141—together totaling 16.2% and 19.2% of income respectively. This distribution leaves less discretionary income than state averages, though still within acceptable limits.
Crow Wing offers value for metro-adjacent living
Moving to Crow Wing from the Twin Cities metro can save you hundreds monthly while maintaining regional job access and amenities. At $962 for rent and $274,400 for home purchase, you're paying a premium for proximity—but less than urban alternatives.
Crow Wing County's median household income of $71,343 runs just 4.6% below the national median of $74,755, positioning it solidly in the middle-income range. The county performs better than many rural areas nationally.
Competitive with Minnesota statewide
At $71,343, Crow Wing falls modestly below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, a gap of $4,414 per household. Per capita income of $40,308 exceeds the state average of $39,335, suggesting more equitable wealth distribution.
Mid-range among regional counties
Crow Wing's $71,343 median income ranks between Cottonwood ($68,239) and Douglas ($77,264), reflecting its position as a regional economic hub. The county's tourism and healthcare sectors support stable employment.
Housing costs stretch budgets slightly
Crow Wing's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% creeps above the ideal 13-15% range, indicating housing costs claim more of household earnings here. The median home value of $274,400 reflects strong property values but requires careful financial planning.
Invest early to build long-term wealth
Crow Wing's solid middle-class income provides a foundation for wealth building despite moderate housing costs. Begin dollar-cost averaging into low-cost index funds and prioritize tax-advantaged retirement savings to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Crow Wing County's life expectancy of 78.7 years aligns closely with the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing the county squarely in the national mainstream. Only 14.3% of residents report poor or fair health, better than the national average of 15.3%. This suggests Crow Wing's residents enjoy relatively stable, preventive-focused health outcomes.
At Minnesota's State Average
Crow Wing County's 78.7-year life expectancy matches Minnesota's state average exactly, indicating the county is performing in line with the state's strong health profile. With 14.3% reporting poor/fair health, Crow Wing ranks above the median for the state. The county demonstrates that solid healthcare infrastructure and access support good outcomes.
Strong Performer Among Peers
Crow Wing's 78.7-year life expectancy outpaces Cottonwood (78.3 years) and Freeborn (78.1 years) while matching or slightly trailing top performers like Dakota (80.9 years). At 14.3% poor/fair health rates, Crow Wing sits in the healthier half of its regional cohort. Mental health provider density of 387 per 100K significantly exceeds most neighbors.
Good Access, Low Uninsured Rates
Crow Wing's uninsured rate of 6.1% is just slightly above Minnesota's state average of 6.0%, among the lowest in the region. The county boasts 101 primary care providers and an exceptional 387 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest concentration in this analysis. Access to both routine and specialized mental health care is a local strength.
Keep Your Coverage Strong and Current
With most Crow Wing residents already insured, focus shifts to maintaining coverage quality and helping the 6.1% uninsured find affordable options. Review your current plan annually to ensure it meets your needs and budget. Contact a local health navigator or visit healthcare.gov to explore upgrades or enroll if uninsured.
With a composite risk score of 77.54 and a Relatively Low rating, Crow Wing County exceeds the national average significantly, placing it in the higher-risk category for natural disasters. This reflects the county's exposure to multiple weather-related hazards.
Well above Minnesota's risk average
Crow Wing's 77.54 score ranks it among the state's more hazard-prone counties, nearly double Minnesota's 42.38 average. Only a handful of Minnesota counties face comparable disaster risk levels.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Crow Wing's risk profile significantly exceeds neighbors Douglas County (44.34) and Faribault County (45.52), making it one of north-central Minnesota's higher-hazard areas. This elevated risk stems primarily from flood and wildfire exposure.
Floods and wildfires dominate threats
Flood risk scores a concerning 84.19 in Crow Wing, while wildfire risk reaches 76.14—both well above state averages. Tornado risk at 61.29 compounds the county's weather vulnerability and requires serious preparation.
Comprehensive insurance is critical
Homeowners in Crow Wing should carry full coverage including flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, as standard policies exclude water damage. A wildfire defensible space plan around your home and ember-resistant vents are equally vital protections.