countyscore
43
County Score
Health 97.2Income & Jobs 96.5Lawn Care 79

County Report Card

About Dakota County, Minnesota

A Highly Specialized Life Experience

Dakota County posts a composite score of 43.0, trailing the national median of 50.0. While its overall score is lower, it possesses elite-level metrics in specific lifestyle categories.

Below the State Average Baseline

The county's score of 43.0 is significantly lower than the Minnesota state average of 55.8. High costs and safety metrics impact its overall standing compared to rural neighbors.

Elite Incomes and Medical Access

With a Health Score of 97.2 and an Income Score of 96.5, this is one of the state's wealthiest areas. The median household income is a staggering $105,212 per year.

Addressing High Costs and Risk

The county faces a Cost Score of 5.9 and a Risk Score of 10.5, highlighting expensive housing and environmental vulnerabilities. Median gross rent reaches $1,497, placing pressure on lower earners.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Dakota County is ideal for affluent families who want world-class health services and high-paying jobs. It suits those willing to trade affordability for premium metropolitan access.

2040608010038.25.923.797.253.396.510.566.250.2Tax38.2Cost5.9Safety23.7Health97.2Schools53.3Income96.5Risk10.5Water66.2Weather50.243/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Dakota County DNA

Foverall

How Dakota County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dakota County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (97.2/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (5.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.2-13.799999999999997
Cost
5.9-42.1
Safety
23.7-31.3
Health
97.2+47.2
Schools
53.3
Income
96.5+45.5
Risk
10.5-36.5
Water
66.2+8.200000000000003
Weather
50.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Dakota County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$362,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,497/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$362,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$59,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $105,212/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.3

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

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Deep Dives

Dakota County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dakota County

via TaxByCounty

Dakota taxes align with national norms

Dakota County's effective rate of 0.997% sits slightly above the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of U.S. counties. With a median home value of $362,100—well above the national median of $281,900—residents pay $3,610 annually, exceeding the national median of $2,690.

Mid-range taxes across Minnesota

Dakota County's 0.997% effective rate sits just slightly above Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, keeping the county near the middle of the state's tax distribution. The median tax bill of $3,610 notably exceeds the state median of $2,168, reflecting Dakota's substantially higher property values.

Higher values, higher taxes than region

Dakota County's 0.997% rate falls between Crow Wing County's 0.787% and Dodge County's 1.085%, but its median home value of $362,100 far exceeds most regional neighbors. This combination means Dakota homeowners face higher absolute tax bills despite comparable or even lower rates.

What $362K home costs annually

A median-priced Dakota County home valued at $362,100 generates approximately $3,610 in annual property taxes at the 0.997% effective rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay nearly the same at $3,616, while those without mortgages pay $3,597.

Challenge your assessment today

At Dakota County's higher price points, even a small overassessment can cost hundreds or thousands over time. The county assessor welcomes appeals, and many homeowners have successfully reduced their tax burden by demonstrating their home's true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dakota County

via CostByCounty

Dakota County's housing costs rank steep nationally

Dakota County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most expensive, despite a robust median income of $105,212 that exceeds the national average by $30,457. Renters pay $1,497 monthly—substantially above national norms—reflecting the county's position as Minnesota's southern metro.

Minnesota's priciest housing county overall

Dakota County leads Minnesota in housing costs relative to income, with a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio and $1,497 median rent far above the state average of 14.5% and $915. Its $362,100 median home value is the highest among all surveyed Minnesota counties, reflecting Twin Cities metro dynamics.

Dakota towers over rural Minnesota peers

Dakota's $1,497 rent and $362,100 home values dwarf those of surrounding rural counties like Dodge ($1,007 rent, $267,500 home) and Douglas ($896 rent, $291,700 home). The gap reflects Dakota's status as an affluent metro suburb with sustained demand and limited inventory.

Housing consumes 17.1% to 19.4% of income

Renters allocate $1,497 monthly while homeowners spend $1,696 on a $105,212 median income—17.1% and 19.4% respectively. Despite higher absolute income than elsewhere in Minnesota, Dakota residents devote a larger percentage to housing, compressing other budget categories.

Dakota offers metro access at a premium

Dakota County appeals to dual-income households seeking suburban stability, excellent schools, and proximity to Twin Cities jobs—but expect to pay top dollar. Expect $1,497 for rent or $362,100 for a home, trading affordability for urban connectivity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dakota County

via IncomeByCounty

Dakota County far exceeds national earnings

Dakota County's median household income of $105,212 towers 40.8% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the highest-earning counties nationally. This prosperity reflects its proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul and concentration of professional jobs.

Minnesota's income leader among peers

Dakota County's $105,212 median income surpasses Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $29,455 per household. Per capita income reaches $50,901, nearly 30% higher than the state average of $39,335.

Outpaces all regional income comparisons

Dakota County's $105,212 median significantly exceeds every other county in this analysis, nearly matching Dodge County ($92,943) plus a substantial premium. The county's suburban Twin Cities location drives above-average professional salaries and household earnings.

High income faces housing affordability challenge

Despite strong earnings, Dakota's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% signals that housing costs consume a larger share of income here than in lower-cost counties. The median home value of $362,100 reflects metropolitan-area pricing that demands substantial household budgets.

Leverage high income for aggressive investing

Dakota County's $105,212 median income positions households to maximize tax-deferred retirement contributions and build diversified investment portfolios. Consider working with a financial advisor to structure wealth-building strategies that account for higher income and property values.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dakota County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety in Dakota County

Dakota County reports a safety score of 97.0, placing it above the national average for security. While its crime rate of 1,928.4 per 100K is higher than some rural areas, it remains below the national average of 2,385.5.

Statewide Safety Comparisons

Dakota sits below the statewide safety average of 98.2 and exceeds the state crime rate average of 1,123.5. As a populous area, it experiences more frequent incidents than rural Minnesota counterparts.

How Dakota Compares Locally

Dakota's crime rate of 1,928.4 is notably higher than Dodge County's rate of 603.1. However, it maintains a lower crime footprint than many comparable metropolitan hubs across the country.

Property and Violent Crimes

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1,738.7 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate stands at 189.7 per 100K, which is higher than the state average of 153.0 but below the national level.

Proactive Home Defense

Because property crime is the most frequent issue, home security systems and proper lighting are vital tools. Communities that look out for one another help keep Dakota County safe and secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dakota County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Infrastructure for Modern Learning

Dakota County hosts a sprawling network of 150 public schools serving 73,725 students across 17 districts. This robust system includes 62 elementary schools, 21 middle schools, and 48 high schools.

High Funding Levels Support Large Populations

The county spends $8,984 per pupil, which is well above the state average of $8,463. This investment supports an 86.1% graduation rate, nearly matching the state average while serving a much larger student body.

Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Leads the Way

The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district is the largest, educating 29,221 students across 41 schools. Charter schools represent about 5% of the county's total public school options with eight dedicated facilities.

A Primarily Suburban Educational Experience

With 102 schools located in suburban locales, campuses are generally large and average 523 students. Rosemount Senior High is the county’s largest school, serving 2,425 students in a high-energy environment.

Suburban Living Near Top-Tier Schools

Families looking for extensive extracurriculars and diverse course offerings should focus on homes in Lakeville or Eagan. The county's strong per-pupil spending makes it a premier destination for education-minded buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dakota County

via RiskByCounty

Dakota County faces elevated national risk

Dakota County's composite risk score of 89.50 with a Relatively Moderate rating places it well above the national average, making it one of the nation's higher-hazard counties. This elevated profile reflects significant exposure to multiple disaster types.

Minnesota's most disaster-prone county

At 89.50, Dakota County ranks among the highest-risk counties in Minnesota, more than double the state average of 42.38. No other Minnesota county faces such a comprehensive threat profile.

Substantially riskier than surroundings

Dakota County's 89.50 score dwarfs neighboring Dodge County (14.22) and Faribault County (45.52), making it a regional outlier for disaster risk. This disparity underscores Dakota's unique vulnerability in the Twin Cities metro area.

Tornadoes and floods are primary threats

Dakota County's tornado risk of 97.36 is the highest of any Minnesota county, combined with flood risk at 88.71. These two hazards alone create a serious and sustained threat environment for residents.

Multi-layered protection is essential

Dakota County residents must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance, flood insurance through NFIP, and a separate tornado/severe weather rider covering structural damage. A basement safe room or interior safe closet can save lives during violent storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Dakota County

via WaterByCounty

Large Population Managed with Grade B Quality

Dakota County maintains a Grade B drinking water rating despite reporting 11 health violations over the last five years. Because of the large population, the violation rate is just 2.9 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the state average of 32.5. The county manages a complex system with higher reliability than many peer regions.

Clean Bill of Health for Assessed Waters

Current 2022 ATTAINS data shows 0.0% impairment for assessed water bodies in Dakota County, outperforming the 1.5% state average. The assessment focuses on major water bodies, ensuring they meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards for their designated uses. Ongoing management efforts aim to maintain this status as development continues.

Massive Data Set Tracks County Water Quality

Dakota County features 282 monitoring sites that have generated 67,449 measurements in the last five years. This vast monitoring footprint focuses on physical properties, organics, and pesticides. Such rigorous data collection allows for precise tracking of how urban and agricultural land use affects water chemistry.

Mississippi River Holding Steady at Hastings

At the Hastings Lock and Dam, the Mississippi River flows at 18,900 cfs, representing 98% of its long-term mean. This near-perfect alignment with historical averages suggests stable hydrological conditions for the county's primary waterway. Consistent flow supports both industrial use and the health of the river's ecosystem.

Watch for Pesticide and Organic Traces

With 11 health violations on record, residents should periodically check their local utility's annual water quality report for specific exceedances. Monitoring data shows a high focus on pesticides and organics, making activated carbon filters a wise choice for tap water. Current streamflow is stable, but high monitoring density suggests proactive vigilance is necessary.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dakota County

via WeatherByCounty

A Continental Mix of Extremes

Dakota County’s 45.3°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median but reflects a typical humid continental zone. It receives 33.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than many of its western neighbors.

Warmer and Wetter than Average

The county stays warmer than the Minnesota average of 42.8°F, fueled by its southeastern location. It also sees 3.3 inches more precipitation than the state norm, marking it as a wetter regional hub.

Milder than the Northern Counties

Dakota is nearly four degrees warmer annually than Crow Wing County to the north. While it is slightly cooler than Cottonwood, it maintains a similar summer profile with an average July temp of 72.2°F.

Vibrant Summers and Snow-Covered Winters

Summers are warm with eight days of extreme heat and a July average of 72.2°F. Winter brings 41.0 inches of snow, providing a consistent white blanket for the December through February period.

Ready for Rain and Snow

With 33.3 inches of annual precipitation, residents should ensure proper home drainage and waterproofing. Standard Minnesota winter gear is essential for the 14.4°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dakota County

via SoilByCounty

Near Neutral Soils Near the Cities

Dakota County soil has an average pH of 6.27, which is nearly identical to the Minnesota state average of 6.21. This level is just slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. It provides a versatile chemical base for both suburban lawns and commercial agriculture.

Balanced Loamy Mix for Versatility

The soil consists of 43.3% sand, 40.3% silt, and 15.7% clay. This creates a loamy texture that balances drainage with the ability to hold onto vital nutrients. The moderate clay content ensures the soil is stable enough for construction while remaining friable for farming.

Strong Organic Foundation for Growth

The soil holds 5.72% organic matter, nearly tripling the national average of 2.0%. While the available water capacity of 0.187 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.199, the high organic content supports healthy plant development. These soils are reliable and productive throughout the growing season.

Reliable Water Movement Patterns

Though specific drainage classes aren't listed, the 43.3% sand content facilitates steady water infiltration. This prevents the heavy ponding often seen in clay-dominated regions. It is a forgiving soil for homeowners looking to establish sustainable rain gardens or healthy lawns.

Gardening Success in Zone 5a

Hardiness Zone 5a allows for a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and various fruit trees. The soil's balanced pH and texture make it one of the more versatile regions in the state for gardening. Your backyard has the potential to be a highly productive green space.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dakota County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Performing Region for Turf

Dakota County earns an impressive lawn difficulty score of 79.0, making it one of the easiest places in Minnesota to grow a lawn. This Zone 5a county benefits from a combination of favorable weather and balanced soil that outperforms the national median by nearly 30 points.

Optimal Precipitation and Steady Growth

With 33.3 inches of rain annually, your lawn receives ample natural moisture throughout the year. The climate matches the state average of 8 extreme heat days, providing enough warmth for steady growth without the scorching conditions found in the south.

Balanced and Productive Soils

The soil pH of 6.27 falls perfectly within the ideal range for nutrient uptake in grass. While specific drainage data is limited, the mix of 43.3% sand and 15.7% clay suggests a soil that provides decent aeration for healthy root systems.

Resilient Landscapes in Dakota

Unlike many neighbors, Dakota County saw zero weeks of drought in the past year and remains at 0% abnormally dry area. You can maintain this resilience by using mulch-clippings to return nitrogen and moisture to the soil naturally.

Maximize Your Zone 5a Potential

Kentucky Bluegrass is a favorite here, providing a lush look that handles the 2672 growing degree days well. Plan your primary lawn work between the last frost on April 27 and the first fall freeze on October 10.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dakota County's county score?
Dakota County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 43 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 Dakota County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Dakota County ranks #79 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 Dakota County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Dakota County is $3,610, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Dakota County a tax score of 38.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dakota County?
The median household income in Dakota County, Minnesota is $105,212 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dakota County earns an income score of 96.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dakota County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Dakota County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Dakota 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 Dakota 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.