countyscore
49.3
County Score
Health 85.5Income & Jobs 69.7Water Quality 65.3

County Report Card

About Crow Wing County, Minnesota

Aligning Near the National Median

Crow Wing County's composite score of 49.3 sits just below the national median of 50.0. It offers a life experience that mirrors the average American county profile.

Trailing the Minnesota Average

While competitive nationally, the county's score of 49.3 lags behind the Minnesota state average of 55.8. Local factors in housing and risk keep it from the state's top tier.

Superior Health Outcomes and Incomes

The county boasts a remarkable Health Score of 85.5 and a strong Income Score of 69.7. Residents enjoy a median household income of $71,343, supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Navigating Environmental Risk and Cost

A Risk Score of 22.5 and a Cost Score of 27.1 present hurdles for long-term stability. High median home values of $274,400 make entry into the local market more difficult than elsewhere.

A Fit for Health-Conscious Earners

This county is best for established professionals who prioritize wellness and can afford premium housing. It appeals to those seeking the amenities of a healthy, active community.

2040608010054.327.141.685.545.669.722.565.347.7Tax54.3Cost27.1Safety41.6Health85.5Schools45.6Income69.7Risk22.5Water65.3Weather47.749.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Crow Wing County DNA

Foverall

How Crow Wing County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Crow Wing County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (85.5/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (22.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.3
Cost
27.1-20.9
Safety
41.6-13.399999999999999
Health
85.5+35.5
Schools
45.6-8.399999999999999
Income
69.7+18.700000000000003
Risk
22.5-24.5
Water
65.3
Weather
47.7-8.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$274,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$962/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$274,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,343/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

74.5

per 100K

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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Nearby counties

Morrison County
Minnesota
50.8
Aitkin County
Minnesota
53.3
Mille Lacs County
Minnesota
42.6
Cass County
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57.2
Todd County
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Kanabec County
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Wadena County
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Benton County
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41

Deep Dives

Crow Wing County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Crow Wing County

via TaxByCounty

Crow Wing taxes rank below national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crow Wing County

via CostByCounty

Crow Wing rents stretch above national norms

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crow Wing County

via IncomeByCounty

Crow Wing earns close to national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crow Wing County

via CrimeByCounty

National Context for Crow Wing

Crow Wing County holds a safety score of 97.9, showing it is safer than many regions across the country. The total crime rate of 1,322.2 per 100K is about 45% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Crow Wing's Minnesota Standing

The county's safety score of 97.9 trails slightly behind the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Its crime rate of 1,322.2 per 100K is higher than the state average of 1,123.5, though it remains relatively secure.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Compared to Dakota County’s rate of 1,928.4, Crow Wing maintains a significantly lower total crime volume. It provides a safer profile than several of the more densely populated counties in the region.

Analyzing Local Crime Data

Most crime in the county is property-related, occurring at a rate of 1,146.4 per 100K. The violent crime rate of 175.8 per 100K is less than half the national average of 369.8.

Simple Steps for Home Security

With property crime as the primary local concern, residents should focus on securing valuables and outdoor gear. Local safety stays strong when the community takes preventative steps at home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Crow Wing County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Brainerd Lakes Area

Crow Wing County operates 22 public schools serving 9,573 students across five distinct districts. The system features 11 elementary schools and six high schools that serve both town centers and rural corridors.

Steady Investment in Student Success

The county maintains an 84.0% graduation rate, which is slightly below the state average of 86.6%. Spending sits at $8,428 per pupil, nearly identical to the Minnesota state average of $8,463.

Brainerd Public Schools Dominate the Region

Brainerd Public School District is the largest by far, managing 13 schools for 6,232 students. Charter schools are a significant part of the landscape here, representing 18.2% of all schools in the county.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Schools

Schools are split between 13 town locations and nine rural sites, with an average enrollment of 456 students. Brainerd Senior High is the largest facility with 1,842 students, creating a vibrant high school atmosphere.

Relocate Near Diverse Educational Options

Prospective residents can choose between large districts like Brainerd or smaller charter options in Crosslake. Access to these varied educational environments is a major draw for families moving to the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crow Wing County

via RiskByCounty

Crow Wing faces moderate national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Crow Wing County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade B with Minimal Violations

Crow Wing County earns a Grade B for drinking water, recording only one health violation in the past five years. Its violation rate of 3.3 per 100,000 people remains far below the Minnesota state average of 32.5. Most residents can rely on a consistent and safe supply of municipal tap water.

Federal Watershed Assessment Still Pending

Local water bodies in Crow Wing County are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment database. Without ATTAINS data, the official impairment percentage remains unknown relative to the 1.5% state average. Local conservation districts typically manage health assessments until federal reporting is finalized.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Includes PFAS Testing

With 306 monitoring sites and 58,069 measurements recorded over five years, Crow Wing County has one of the most dense data footprints in the region. Monitoring efforts prioritize physical characteristics, nutrients, and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). This high volume of data ensures early detection of emerging contaminants.

Mississippi River Flow Levels Trending Low

The Mississippi River at Brainerd currently records a discharge of 2,560 cfs, which is just 72% of its long-term mean. These lower-than-typical levels reflect recent dry spells affecting the upper Mississippi drainage area. Sustained low flows can impact both aquatic habitats and the dilution of treated wastewater.

Focus on Emerging Contaminants and Flow

The presence of PFAS in local monitoring records suggests residents should stay informed about perfluorinated chemicals in their area. Because Mississippi River flows are currently at only 72% of typical levels, water conservation is increasingly important. Consider high-quality carbon filtration if you are concerned about the specific contaminants being tracked locally.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crow Wing County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Than the National Average

Crow Wing County averages 41.6°F annually, placing it more than 10 degrees below the national median temperature. It experiences a classic continental climate with moderate precipitation of 28.0 inches per year.

Cooler than the Minnesota Norm

The county’s 41.6°F annual average falls below the state average of 42.8°F. It is also slightly drier than the rest of the state, receiving 28.0 inches of precipitation compared to the 30.0-inch state mean.

Lakes Region Climate Patterns

Crow Wing is notably cooler than southern counties like Dakota, which averages nearly four degrees warmer. Its January average of 9.5°F reflects its more northern latitude and distance from southern heat influences.

Cold Winters and Mild Summers

The county experiences only five extreme heat days per year, keeping summers comfortable with a 67.1°F average. However, winter is intense, featuring 43.7 inches of snow and a December-February average of 13.4°F.

Prioritize Insulation and Winter Gear

The sub-zero January lows demand high-efficiency home heating and heavy-duty winter apparel. Minimal extreme heat days mean residents can rely more on natural ventilation than those in southern Minnesota.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crow Wing County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in the North

Crow Wing County features an average pH of 4.33, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This sharp acidity defines the local ecosystem and dictates which plants can thrive. Taxonomic data is limited, but the chemical profile is distinct for the region.

Sandy Texture Dominates the Landscape

The soil is predominantly sand at 53.9%, paired with 18.3% silt and only 6.4% clay. This high sand content leads to rapid drainage but lower nutrient retention compared to heavier soils. It is easy to work and warm up in the spring, though it requires frequent watering.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 20.30% organic matter, Crow Wing far exceeds the state average of 9.90% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.212 in/in, helping to offset the sand's natural drainage. This rich organic profile suggests many areas contain peat or muck deposits.

Complex Water Management Needs

While official drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the 53.9% sand content typically indicates rapid water movement. Gardeners and builders must account for how quickly moisture leaves the root zone. Proper site assessment is key before starting any major drainage or construction projects.

Perfect for Acid-Loving Plants

In Hardiness Zone 4a, blueberries and azaleas thrive in this naturally acidic, sandy soil. You can balance the pH with lime for traditional vegetables or lean into the unique local chemistry. It is a great place to experiment with northern-hardy varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crow Wing County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Northern Minnesota

Crow Wing County faces a steep uphill battle with a lawn difficulty score of 36.9, far below the national average of 50.0. In this Zone 4a climate, shorter growing windows and specific soil needs require more dedication from homeowners to maintain a green carpet.

Cool Temps and Low Rainfall

Annual precipitation is just 28.0 inches, slightly below the 30-inch ideal minimum for low-maintenance turf. With only five extreme heat days and 2142 growing degree days, your grass will grow more slowly than it would in the southern parts of the state.

Acidic Soil Requires Immediate Attention

The soil pH of 4.33 is highly acidic and well outside the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, likely necessitating significant lime applications to unlock soil nutrients. High sand content at 53.9% means water drains away quickly, so you may need to amend the soil with organic matter to improve moisture retention.

Adapting to Prolonged Dryness

A significant 40 weeks of drought over the past year has stressed local lawns, even though current severe drought is at 0%. To protect your turf during these frequent dry stretches, keep your mower blade high to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Hardy Choices for a Shorter Season

Select cold-hardy Fine Fescue or Creeping Red Fescue to withstand the Zone 4a winters. Your optimal planting window opens after the May 8 frost and closes quickly as the first fall frost typically hits by September 29.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crow Wing County's county score?
Crow Wing County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Crow Wing County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Crow Wing County ranks #63 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 Crow Wing County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Crow Wing County is $2,161, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Crow Wing County a tax score of 54.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crow Wing County?
The median household income in Crow Wing County, Minnesota is $71,343 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crow Wing County earns an income score of 69.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crow Wing County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Crow Wing County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.