countyscore
58.4
County Score
Health 97.9Income & Jobs 93Lawn Care 87.1

County Report Card

About Dodge County, Minnesota

Well Above the National Median

Dodge County earns a 58.4 composite score, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing county on the national stage.

Exceeding the Minnesota Benchmark

Its score of 58.4 sits above the Minnesota state average of 55.8. This indicates a quality of life that is better than many surrounding Midwestern counties.

Stellar Health and Economic Stability

A near-perfect Health Score of 97.9 and an Income Score of 93.0 define the county. Households earn a median of $92,943, supporting a safe and resilient community.

Rising Costs of Local Living

The Cost Score of 19.3 indicates that housing affordability is a primary concern for the area. With median home values at $267,500, new residents may find the market competitive.

Perfect for Prosperous, Healthy Lifestyles

This county is a match for families seeking exceptional health outcomes and high economic security. It appeals to those who value safety and can navigate a tighter housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax32.2Cost19.3Safety74.6Health97.9Schools53.7Income93Risk85.8Water86Weather47.9
🏛32.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤97.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱87.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Steele County
Minnesota
49.6
Olmsted County
Minnesota
43.7
Mower County
Minnesota
44.7
Rice County
Minnesota
49.3
Goodhue County
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Waseca County
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Freeborn County
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Wabasha County
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64.4

Deep Dives

Dodge County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Dodge County

via CrimeByCounty

Dodge County's Exceptional Safety

Dodge County boasts an impressive safety score of 99.0, marking it as one of the safer areas in the nation. Its total crime rate of 603.1 per 100K is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in State Safety

This county ranks well above the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2. With a total crime rate of 603.1, Dodge is significantly more secure than the state average of 1,123.5.

Dodge vs Neighboring Counties

Dodge's crime rate of 603.1 is much lower than nearby Dakota County's rate of 1,928.4. It also outperforms Douglas County, which reports a rate of 826.5 per 100K.

Minimal Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is rare here, with a rate of 86.2 per 100K compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of incidents at 516.9 per 100K, but remains exceptionally low overall.

Stay Safe in Dodge

Low crime numbers are a testament to the county's strong community focus on prevention. Residents can help maintain these trends by using smart locks and motion-sensor lights.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Dodge County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Roots with Strong District Alignment

Dodge County manages 12 public schools across four districts, providing education to 3,939 students. The landscape consists of three elementary schools and five high schools, emphasizing secondary education.

High Achievement Despite Lower Spending

The county achieves a remarkable 92.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. This success comes despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,882 compared to the state average.

Kasson-Mantorville is the Local Hub

Kasson-Mantorville School District is the largest in the county, serving 2,163 students in three specialized buildings. There are currently no charter schools in Dodge County, as the community relies on traditional public districts.

Rural Settings with Strong Community Ties

The county features seven rural schools and five town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 328 students. Kasson-Mantorville Elementary is the largest school, housing 794 students in a town-based campus.

Quiet Living with Top-Tier Graduation Rates

Home buyers in Dodge County enjoy the benefits of high-achieving rural schools in towns like Kasson and Mantorville. Exceptional graduation rates make this a smart choice for families investing in their children's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Dodge County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal pH Levels for Agriculture

Dodge County soils feature an average pH of 6.44, sitting right at the national sweet spot of 6.5. This makes the soil naturally suited for most crops without the need for heavy chemical adjustments. It is significantly more balanced than the broader state average of 6.21.

Silt-Heavy Soils for Nutrient Retention

The soil composition is 19.9% sand, 58.0% silt, and 20.6% clay. This high silt content creates a smooth, flour-like texture that is excellent at holding nutrients. These silty soils are among the most productive in the state for grain production.

High Soil Score and Water Capacity

With a Soil Score of 85.6, Dodge County ranks well above the state average of 73.0. Its available water capacity of 0.211 in/in exceeds the state average, ensuring crops have access to moisture during dry spells. Organic matter stands at a healthy 4.64%, more than double the national average.

Steady Hydrology for Farm Productivity

The dominance of silt and clay suggests that water moves slowly and stays where plants can reach it. While specific drainage classes aren't provided, this mix is typical of high-performing prairie soils. Farmers here rely on this consistent moisture to drive some of the best yields in the Midwest.

A Gardener's Dream in Zone 4b

Hardiness Zone 4b supports a wide array of cool-season vegetables and hearty grains. The high Soil Score means your garden starts with a significant natural advantage. Whether you are planting a small vegetable patch or a large field, these soils are ready to produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dodge County

via LawnByCounty

Minnesota's Premier Lawn Environment

Dodge County boasts a stellar lawn difficulty score of 87.1, the highest in this group and far exceeding the state average of 63.9. For residents in Zone 4b, this means significantly less stress and fewer inputs are required to achieve a professional-looking lawn.

Abundant Water for Thirsty Grass

Lawns here enjoy 35.5 inches of annual precipitation, well above the state average and safely within the ideal growth range. Nine extreme heat days provide enough summer warmth to fuel growth without causing the widespread dormancy issues seen in hotter climates.

Rich Soil with Excellent Balance

A soil pH of 6.44 provides the sweet spot for turf health and microbial activity. The soil is composed of roughly 20% clay and 20% sand, a balanced foundation that holds moisture well while allowing for necessary drainage.

Quick Recovery from Dry Spells

With only four weeks of drought in the past year and currently clear conditions, Dodge County lawns are in excellent shape. To keep this advantage, aerate your lawn annually to ensure that the 35.5 inches of rain can reach the root zone effectively.

Prime Planting in Zone 4b

Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this productive climate. Since specific local frost dates vary, monitor regional forecasts to start seeding once soil temperatures consistently hit 55 degrees in the spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dodge County's county score?
Dodge County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 58.4 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 Dodge County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Dodge County ranks #35 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 Dodge County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Dodge County is $2,902, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Dodge County a tax score of 32.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dodge County?
The median household income in Dodge County, Minnesota is $92,943 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dodge County earns an income score of 93/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dodge County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Dodge County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Dodge 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 Dodge County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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