countyscore
56.4
County Score
Health 90Soil Quality 82.2Income & Jobs 80.3

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Minnesota

Performing Better Than Most

Douglas County’s composite score of 56.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0. This makes it a desirable location when compared to counties across the country.

Competitive Within the Gopher State

With a score of 56.4, Douglas County slightly outperforms the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It offers a consistent, reliable quality of life for its residents.

High Health and Solid Earnings

The county excels with a Health Score of 90.0 and an Income Score of 80.3. A median household income of $77,264 ensures a comfortable standard of living.

Water Infrastructure and Affordability Concerns

A Water Score of 18.6 and a Cost Score of 29.5 are the county's primary weak points. Residents pay a median rent of $896, which is high relative to its water resource ranking.

Suited for Active, Middle-Income Earners

This county is a great fit for people who prioritize physical health and professional opportunities. It is best for those who value health services over natural water accessibility.

2040608010048.129.564.69057.780.355.718.647.9Tax48.1Cost29.5Safety64.6Health90Schools57.7Income80.3Risk55.7Water18.6Weather47.956.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Douglas County DNA

Foverall

How Douglas County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Douglas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (90/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (18.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.1
Cost
29.5-18.5
Safety
64.6+9.599999999999994
Health
90+40
Schools
57.7
Income
80.3+29.299999999999997
Risk
55.7+8.700000000000003
Water
18.6-39.4
Weather
47.9-8.100000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$291,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$896/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$291,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,264/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

2.5

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

Pope County
Minnesota
65.4
Todd County
Minnesota
55.4
Grant County
Minnesota
66.1
Otter Tail County
Minnesota
51.7
Stevens County
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Swift County
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Wadena County
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Kandiyohi County
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46.2

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas taxes well below national norm

Douglas County's effective rate of 0.863% falls slightly below the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties for tax burden. With a median home value of $291,700—above the national median of $281,900—residents pay $2,516 annually, well below the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes statewide

Douglas County's 0.863% effective rate sits below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it one of the state's more favorable counties for homeowners. The median tax of $2,516 comes in below the state median of $2,168 despite above-average property values.

Competitive advantage in the region

Douglas County's 0.863% rate outperforms most regional neighbors, trailing only Crow Wing County (0.787%) while undercutting Dodge County (1.085%) and Cottonwood County (1.128%). For homeowners comparing locations, Douglas offers an attractive tax environment without sacrificing property values.

What $292K home costs annually

A median-priced home in Douglas valued at $291,700 generates approximately $2,516 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.863% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less at $2,446, while those without pay $2,662.

Protect your tax advantage

Douglas County's favorable rate is worth safeguarding—verify your assessed value is accurate and consider filing an appeal if you suspect overassessment. Even small discrepancies add up over time, and the county assessor's office makes the appeal process straightforward.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas County keeps rents below national stress

At 13.9%, Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Minnesota's state average and well within comfort zones, supported by a median income of $77,264. Renters pay $896 monthly—notably below state average—making Douglas attractive for budget-conscious movers.

Douglas County near Minnesota's affordability mean

Douglas County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio tracks closely to Minnesota's 14.5% average, positioning it as solidly middle-ground statewide. Its $896 median rent runs $19 below the state average, though home values climb higher due to regional demand.

Douglas bridges rural and metro costs

Douglas's $896 rent and $291,700 home value position it between affordable southern counties like Cottonwood ($765 rent, $154,000 homes) and expensive metro counties like Dakota ($1,497 rent, $362,100 homes). This middle ground reflects its role as a regional hub with moderate growth pressure.

13.9% for rent, 19.3% for homeownership

Renters spend $896 monthly while homeowners commit $1,240 on a $77,264 median income, allocating 13.9% and 19.3% to housing respectively. Homeownership costs run notably higher here, reflecting the elevated $291,700 median home value relative to income.

Douglas offers balanced regional opportunity

Douglas County suits relocators seeking neither rural isolation nor metro intensity—you'll find reasonable rents at $896 and manageable home prices near $291,700. The 13.9% rent-to-income ratio leaves room for savings while maintaining access to regional amenities and employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas County earns above national average

Douglas County's median household income of $77,264 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 3.4%, positioning it slightly above the national middle. This reflects the county's diverse economy centered on Superior, Wisconsin's influence and regional agriculture.

Close to Minnesota's income benchmark

Douglas County's $77,264 median income runs just $2,493 above Minnesota's state average of $75,757, performing nearly at par. Per capita income of $43,543 exceeds the state average of $39,335, suggesting better wealth distribution.

Solid performer among regional peers

Douglas County's $77,264 ranks above Cottonwood, Crow Wing, and Faribault counties, but below Dodge and Dakota. The county's location on Lake Superior and regional economic ties support steady employment and income growth.

Balanced housing costs here

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% sits comfortably within affordability ranges, indicating housing costs claim a reasonable share of household income. The median home value of $291,700 reflects a healthy property market with manageable affordability.

Build wealth with steady income base

Douglas County's stable, slightly above-average income and reasonable housing costs provide a solid foundation for long-term wealth accumulation. Take advantage of employer retirement benefits, emergency savings, and consider property ownership as a wealth-building vehicle.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Douglas County Safety Context

Douglas County achieves a high safety score of 98.7, reflecting its reputation as a secure community. Its total crime rate of 826.5 per 100K is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Douglas Outperforms State Average

The county exceeds the Minnesota state average safety score of 98.2. Its crime rate of 826.5 per 100K remains comfortably below the statewide average of 1,123.5.

How Douglas Compares Regionally

Douglas reports a total crime rate of 826.5, which is lower than Crow Wing’s 1,322.2. It stays competitive with Dodge County's very low rate of 603.1 per 100K.

Crime Type Analysis

The violent crime rate of 97.2 is significantly lower than the state average of 153.0. Property crime makes up 729.3 per 100K, showing that most local incidents involve theft rather than physical harm.

Securing the Community

Residents help keep these numbers low by staying alert and reporting suspicious activity. Simple home security habits, like locking doors and windows, go a long way in this peaceful county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Douglas County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network in Douglas County

Five districts operate 20 public schools in Douglas County, serving a total of 5,777 students. The system is elementary-heavy with 11 primary schools, supported by three middle and five high schools.

Outperforming State Averages in Success

Douglas County maintains an 89.0% graduation rate, beating both the state average of 86.6% and the national average. Per-pupil spending is $8,437, aligning closely with Minnesota’s statewide average investment.

Alexandria Public Schools Lead Growth

The Alexandria Public School District is the county's largest, managing nine schools and 4,046 students. One charter school provides alternative options, making up 5% of the total school landscape.

Rural Learning Meets Regional Hubs

Twelve schools are located in rural settings, while eight serve town centers, with an average school size of 304 students. Alexandria Area High School is the largest campus, enrolling 1,302 students.

Lake Life Near Excellent Schools

Families researching homes in Alexandria will find a district with graduation rates that exceed state benchmarks. Buying property here offers the dual benefit of lake country living and high-quality education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas moderately below national risk

With a composite risk score of 44.34 and Relatively Low rating, Douglas County sits slightly above the national average, indicating moderate but manageable natural disaster exposure. This middle-ground profile reflects balanced hazard exposure across multiple threat types.

Slightly above Minnesota's average

Douglas County's 44.34 score edges past Minnesota's 42.38 average, placing it in the mid-range of the state's risk profile. Most Minnesota residents face comparable or higher disaster exposure.

Similar risk to nearby counties

Douglas County's 44.34 aligns closely with neighboring Faribault County (45.52) and falls well below Crow Wing County (77.54), positioning it as a moderate-risk area in central Minnesota. This consistency reflects shared geographic and climatic conditions.

Wildfire and tornado require attention

Douglas County faces wildfire risk at 50.29 and tornado risk at 62.47, with flood risk at 48.19 completing its hazard profile. The combination of these three threats makes comprehensive preparation essential.

Complete insurance coverage protects assets

Homeowners should maintain standard coverage plus tornado and wildfire riders to address Douglas County's primary threats. Create and maintain a defensible space around your home, and consider flood insurance if you're in a higher-risk area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Douglas County

via WaterByCounty

Douglas County Faces Serious Compliance Challenges

Douglas County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, having recorded 28 health violations in five years. The violation rate of 144.9 per 100,000 people is more than four times the state average of 32.5. This indicates significant and recurring issues with the safety of local public water supplies.

Watershed Impairment Data Currently Unavailable

Federal §303(d) assessment data is not yet available for the water bodies within Douglas County. Consequently, there is no official impairment rating to compare against the Minnesota state average of 1.5%. Local residents must rely on drinking water compliance data until watershed assessments are completed.

Strong Monitoring Footprint Tracks Algal Health

Douglas County maintains 126 monitoring sites that have logged 18,531 measurements over the last five years. Most measurements focus on physical traits, nutrients, and biological indicators like algae and phytoplankton. This monitoring is critical for a county with many lakes sensitive to nutrient loading.

No Active USGS Streamgages in County

Douglas County does not have a primary USGS streamgage currently providing live discharge data to the federal network. In the absence of real-time flow signals, the focus shifts to the county's drinking water compliance, which is currently the highest risk factor. Residents should stay informed through local utility alerts and health department notices.

Take Immediate Action on Water Safety

The Grade F rating and 28 violations suggest that residents should use certified water filters or bottled water for drinking and cooking. Given the heavy monitoring of algae and nutrients, lake users should also watch for harmful algal blooms during summer months. Regular testing of private wells is essential until municipal compliance rates improve.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Dry Continental Climate

Douglas County averages 42.5°F annually, which is significantly cooler than the national median. Its annual precipitation of 24.1 inches is relatively low compared to both state and national trends.

Near the State Temperature Average

At 42.5°F, Douglas County sits almost exactly at the Minnesota average of 42.8°F. However, it is much drier than the state average, receiving nearly six inches less precipitation annually.

Drier than Southern Neighbors

Compared to Freeborn County, Douglas receives over 11 inches less precipitation per year. Its January average of 10.7°F makes it colder than the metro and southern counties.

Brief Summers and Frigid Winters

The county experiences only six days of extreme heat, keeping summers moderate with a 68.4°F average. Winters are deep and cold, with temperatures averaging 14.2°F from December through February.

Managing Cold and Seasonal Snow

While local snowfall data is unavailable, neighboring patterns suggest residents should prepare for significant winter accumulation. Winter car kits and backup heating are vital for the 10.7°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Minnesota Soil Chemistry

Douglas County soil has an average pH of 6.26, nearly identical to the state average. This level is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, but remains very hospitable to standard crops. The soil provides a stable chemical environment for the region's diverse agricultural needs.

A Gritty and Productive Mix

The texture is composed of 43.6% sand, 34.0% silt, and 17.1% clay. This relatively high sand content aids in drainage and prevents soil compaction in high-traffic areas. The clay and silt components provide enough structure to keep nutrients available for root uptake.

Rich Organic Matter and High Scores

Douglas County boasts a high Soil Score of 82.2, reflecting its excellent growing potential. The organic matter content is an impressive 11.22%, which is higher than the state average of 9.90%. This richness provides a massive natural reservoir of nutrients for local flora.

Efficient Water Management Potential

With 43.6% sand, these soils likely offer efficient drainage, though official classifications are not listed here. This sand-to-silt ratio is excellent for preventing the root rot common in heavier clay soils. It makes the land well-suited for varied uses, from lakeside developments to active farmsteads.

Thriving in the 4b Hardiness Zone

Hardiness Zone 4b is perfect for pumpkins, squash, and hardy berries. The high organic matter means you will need less fertilizer to get your home garden started. The soil here is a proven winner for anyone looking to grow their own food.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Performance in Zone 4b

Douglas County sits at a comfortable 65.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, slightly better than the Minnesota average. While this is easier than the national median, the lower annual precipitation means you'll need to be more strategic with your watering than your southern neighbors.

Managing Low Natural Rainfall

At just 24.1 inches of annual precipitation, Douglas County falls below the ideal 30-inch threshold for many turfgrasses. With only six extreme heat days, you can mitigate the low rainfall by timing your watering for the early morning to minimize evaporation.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Access

The soil pH of 6.26 is fantastic for grass, ensuring your fertilizer applications work as efficiently as possible. A sandy profile of 43.6% helps with drainage but also means nutrients can leach away faster, so consider slow-release fertilizers.

Preparing for Dry Cycles

The county faced 10 weeks of drought over the past year, highlighting the need for drought-tolerant grass varieties. Though current conditions are stable, choosing species with deep roots will help your lawn survive future dry periods without permanent damage.

Spring Start for Success

Focus on Drought-tolerant Fine Fescues to handle the 24.1-inch rain average. Your growing season begins after the May 2 frost and remains productive until the first frost around October 8, providing a solid window for establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 56.4 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Douglas County ranks #41 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 Douglas County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $2,516, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 48.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Minnesota is $77,264 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 80.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.