CountyScore

Dakota County

Minnesota · MN

#84 in Minnesota
63.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Dakota County, Minnesota

Significantly outperforms national benchmark

Dakota County's composite score of 63.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 26%, placing it well above the typical American county for livability. Despite being the lowest scorer among these eight Minnesota counties, it still ranks ahead of the vast majority nationally.

Minnesota's only metro-adjacent county here

With a score of 63.2, Dakota ranks below the state average of 70.9 and is the lowest performer among these eight counties. Its position reflects the higher costs and risks typical of growing Twin Cities suburbs.

Income and health drive the score

Dakota leads all eight counties in income with a median household income of $105,212 and a strong health score of 84.2, the highest in this group. These advantages reflect its identity as a prosperous metro suburb with excellent healthcare access.

Housing costs and risk pose friction

The county struggles with affordability—median homes cost $362,100 and rent runs $1,497/month, earning a cost score of just 55.1. The risk score of 10.5 is also the lowest here, suggesting significant environmental or economic exposure.

For high-income families near jobs

Dakota County suits affluent families and professionals working in the Twin Cities who can absorb higher housing costs for proximity, amenities, and strong schools. It's a premium choice for those prioritizing career opportunity and income-earning potential over affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.2Cost55.1SafetyComing SoonHealth84.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome52.1Risk10.5WaterComing Soon
🏛74.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dakota County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Floyd County
Georgia
63.2
Median income: $62,540
Henry County
Illinois
63.2
Median income: $69,912
Barton County
Kansas
63.2
Median income: $56,733
Fayette County
Kentucky
63.2
Median income: $67,631
Nantucket County
Massachusetts
63.2
Median income: $119,750

Deep Dives

Dakota County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Dakota County

via HealthByCounty

Dakota County Leads on National Stage

At 80.9 years, Dakota County's life expectancy significantly outpaces the U.S. average of 78.9 years—a two-year advantage that reflects superior health outcomes across the population. Only 11.8% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 15.3%. Dakota's metrics suggest a county where preventive care, wealth, and access converge successfully.

Minnesota's Health Leaders

Dakota County ranks among Minnesota's healthiest, with a life expectancy of 80.9 years compared to the state average of 78.7 years—a 2.2-year advantage. The county's 11.8% poor/fair health rate is among the best in Minnesota, reflecting strong economic conditions and healthcare infrastructure. Dakota consistently performs in the top quartile statewide.

Standout Health Outcomes Regionally

Dakota's 80.9-year life expectancy is the highest in this regional analysis, surpassing Dodge (81.2) by a hair in terms of raw years but leading in broader health equity. Dakota's 11.8% poor/fair health rate significantly beats Freeborn (17.8%), Cottonwood (16.8%), and Fillmore (15.4%). The county's metro proximity near Minneapolis provides economic and healthcare advantages.

Excellent Coverage, Steady Access

Dakota's uninsured rate of 4.5% is among the lowest statewide, well below Minnesota's 6.0% average and reflecting strong employment and wealth levels. With 60 primary care providers and 245 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Dakota offers solid access across care types. The county's suburban position ensures residents can reach specialists and hospitals easily.

Maintain and Strengthen Your Coverage

If you're among Dakota's small uninsured population, affordable marketplace plans and Medicaid options are within reach. Review your current coverage annually to ensure it covers preventive services, screenings, and specialists at rates you can afford. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore your options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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