countyscore
49.9
County Score
Health 85.5Income & Jobs 68Water 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.

2040608010055.829.141.685.545.66822.565.347.7Tax55.8Cost29.1Safety41.6Health85.5Schools45.6Income68Risk22.5Water65.3Weather47.749.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Crow Wing County DNA

Foverall

How Crow Wing County compares to the national average across nine baseline 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
55.8
Cost
29.1-18.9
Safety
41.6-13.399999999999999
Health
85.5+35.5
Schools
45.6-8.399999999999999
Income
68+17
Risk
22.5-24.5
Water
65.3
Weather
47.7-8.299999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Crow Wing County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$306,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$971/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$306,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,589/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.

Deep Dives

Crow Wing County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crow Wing County's county score?
Crow Wing County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 49.9 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 #59 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 $2,283, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Crow Wing County a tax score of 55.8/100 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 $72,589 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crow Wing County earns an income score of 68/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crow Wing County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Crow Wing County scores 49.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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