CountyScore

Dodge County

Minnesota · MN

#26 in Minnesota
72.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Dodge County, Minnesota

Nearly 46% above the national median

Dodge County scores 72.9 out of 100, sitting 46% above the national median of 50.0 and placing it among the most livable counties in the U.S. This consistent outperformance reflects strong fundamentals across multiple dimensions.

Second-best performer in this group

Dodge County's score of 72.9 edges out Minnesota's state average of 70.9, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's counties. Only Cottonwood outperforms it among these eight counties.

Health and risk resilience shine

Dodge excels with the highest health score of 84.8 among all eight counties and an outstanding risk score of 85.8, indicating strong resilience to environmental and economic shocks. Median income of $92,943 also places it comfortably above most rural peers.

Modest income growth opportunity

The county's income score of 44.0 suggests limited pathways to significantly higher earnings, though it remains respectable compared to other rural Minnesota counties. Rent affordability is also moderate at $1,007/month for this region.

Sweet spot for stable families

Dodge County suits families and working professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle with good health services, strong environmental stability, and reasonable housing costs without big-city drawbacks. It offers rural charm paired with genuine economic and health security.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.8Cost68.8SafetyComing SoonHealth84.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome44Risk85.8WaterComing Soon
🏛71.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.8
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 Dodge County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Henry County
Alabama
72.9
Median income: $60,135
Jackson County
Colorado
72.9
Median income: $41,809
Kit Carson County
Colorado
72.9
Median income: $59,810
Baker County
Georgia
72.9
Median income: $44,405
Clearwater County
Idaho
72.9
Median income: $57,961

Deep Dives

Dodge County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dodge County

via TaxByCounty

Dodge taxes run noticeably high nationally

Dodge County's effective rate of 1.085% places it above the national median of roughly 0.85%, putting it in approximately the 70th percentile for property tax burden. With a median home value of $267,500 and a tax bill of $2,902, Dodge residents pay more than the national median of $2,690.

Ranks 7th-highest in Minnesota

Dodge County's 1.085% effective rate significantly exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it one of the state's higher-taxed counties. The median tax bill of $2,902 also surpasses the state median of $2,168, though home values here are slightly below the state norm.

Among highest-taxed in the region

Dodge's 1.085% rate edges out Cottonwood County (1.128%) and trails only the highest-taxed neighbors, making it a comparatively expensive county for property taxes. For a similar home value, Dodge homeowners pay more than residents in Crow Wing (0.787%) or Douglas County (0.863%).

What $268K home costs annually

A median-priced home in Dodge valued at $267,500 generates approximately $2,902 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.085% rate. Those with mortgages pay $3,053, while homeowners without mortgages pay $2,644—a notable $409 difference year to year.

Appeal if your rate seems steep

Dodge County's relatively high tax rate makes it especially important to verify your home's assessed value is fair and accurate. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your burden considerably in a higher-tax county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dodge County

via CostByCounty

Dodge County punches above its income class

At 13.0%, Dodge County's rent-to-income ratio is one of Minnesota's best, maintained by a median income of $92,943—24% above the national average. Renters spend $1,007 monthly, a premium over rural peers, yet the higher income makes the burden manageable.

Dodge County balances income and housing costs

Dodge County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Minnesota's most favorable, sitting well below the state average of 14.5% despite above-average rents. Its $92,943 median income—the third-highest among surveyed counties—offsets higher housing costs effectively.

Dodge leads southern Minnesota in affordability

Dodge's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio beats nearby Faribault (15.6%) and Freeborn (14.6%) counties, even though rents run $1,007 versus their $837. This advantage stems from Dodge's significantly higher median income of $92,943 compared to neighbors closer to $65,000-69,000.

Housing takes just 13% of household income

Renters commit $1,007 monthly while homeowners spend $1,405 on a median income of $92,943, consuming only 13.0% and 18.2% respectively. This favorable ratio reflects how median income growth in Dodge has outpaced housing cost inflation.

Dodge balances affordability with prosperity

Relocate to Dodge County if you want small-town living with genuine economic stability and accessible housing costs relative to income. Your $1,007 rent or $267,500 home purchase will consume less income here than in neighboring counties or Minnesota's metros.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dodge County

via IncomeByCounty

Dodge County income ranks well nationally

Dodge County's median household income of $92,943 runs 24.3% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it firmly in the upper-income tier nationally. The county's agricultural and manufacturing economy delivers strong wage stability.

Highest income among southern Minnesota

At $92,943, Dodge County exceeds Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $17,186 per household, ranking among the state's top performers. Per capita income of $43,903 also tops the state average of $39,335.

Clear income advantage in region

Dodge County's $92,943 median income substantially exceeds neighbors like Faribault ($64,391) and Freeborn ($69,012), approaching Dakota County's level. The county's economic diversification supports higher household earnings across sectors.

Excellent housing affordability

Dodge County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% ranks among the region's best, indicating housing costs are highly manageable relative to income. The median home value of $267,500 offers strong property value without straining household budgets.

Strong income supports wealth acceleration

Dodge County's above-average income combined with manageable housing costs creates prime conditions for aggressive wealth building. Direct savings toward long-term investments, including real estate appreciation, retirement accounts, and diversified portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dodge County

via HealthByCounty

Dodge County Exceeds U.S. Longevity

Dodge County's 81.2-year life expectancy is among the highest in the nation, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 2.3 years. With only 11.5% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national average of 15.3%—Dodge residents enjoy notably robust health outcomes. These figures suggest a population with strong preventive care practices and low chronic disease burden.

Top-Tier Health in Minnesota

Dodge County's 81.2-year life expectancy ranks it among Minnesota's healthiest counties, exceeding the state average of 78.7 years by 2.5 years. The county's 11.5% poor/fair health rate is among the best in the state, indicating exceptional population health. Dodge demonstrates that solid primary care and community health investment yield measurable longevity gains.

Clear Winner in Regional Rankings

Dodge's 81.2-year life expectancy is the highest in this analysis, edging Dakota (80.9) and Fillmore (79.6) by meaningful margins. At 11.5% poor/fair health, Dodge ties or beats all regional neighbors, a sign of consistent, community-wide wellness. The county's combination of rural stability and healthcare investment creates outsized health returns.

Near-Perfect Insurance Coverage

Dodge's uninsured rate of 4.3% is the lowest or near-lowest statewide, reflecting strong economic stability and employer-sponsored coverage. The county does face lower primary care density (43 per 100K) and notably low mental health provider density (57 per 100K) compared to larger urban neighbors, requiring longer travel for specialized care. Despite these gaps, preventive care and community health appear robust.

Support the Uninsured Few

With 95.7% of Dodge County already insured, community focus should turn to reaching the 4.3% who remain uninsured and ensuring continuity of care. If you're uninsured, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion may provide affordable options without employer sponsorship. Contact a local health navigator or visit healthcare.gov to explore plans tailored to your income and needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dodge County

via RiskByCounty

Dodge ranks among safest U.S. counties

Dodge County's composite risk score of 14.22 and Very Low rating place it far below the national average, making it exceptionally safe from natural disasters. This exceptional resilience distinguishes Dodge as one of America's lowest-risk counties.

Minnesota's safest disaster zone

Dodge County's 14.22 score is Minnesota's lowest, well under one-third of the state average of 42.38. Few Minnesota residents enjoy this level of natural disaster protection.

Dramatically safer than all neighbors

Dodge's 14.22 stands far below Faribault County (45.52), Fillmore County (49.78), and Freeborn County (50.99), making it the safest county in southern Minnesota. This distinction reflects its unique geographic and climatic advantages.

Tornado risk remains worth noting

Even in very-safe Dodge County, tornado risk scores 43.45—the primary hazard residents should monitor. Flood and earthquake risks are minimal, making severe weather the only significant natural disaster concern.

Standard coverage provides strong protection

Basic homeowners insurance with a tornado rider offers sufficient protection in Dodge County for most residents. A weather radio and simple storm preparedness plan complete the essential safeguards in this exceptionally safe county.

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.