CountyScore

Faribault County

Minnesota · MN

#45 in Minnesota
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Faribault County, Minnesota

43% above national livability baseline

Faribault County scores 71.3, running 43% higher than the national median of 50.0 and ranking it among the best-performing U.S. counties for overall livability. The score demonstrates competitive quality of life despite its small rural footprint.

Marginally above state average

At 71.3, Faribault ranks just above Minnesota's 70.9 average, tying with Fillmore for third place among these eight counties. It's a solid performer in the upper-middle tier statewide.

Exceptional housing affordability

Faribault's standout strength is cost, with a score of 80.8—the second-highest in this group—offering median homes at just $120,200 and rent at $837/month. Tax burden is also reasonable at 1.051%, providing real relief to household budgets.

Income growth significantly lags

The income score of 25.4 is the lowest in this group, with median household income of only $64,391, limiting long-term wealth accumulation and career advancement. The county appears to lack higher-wage employment sectors.

Ideal for retirees on fixed income

Faribault County is best suited to retirees, seniors, and households on fixed or modest incomes who prioritize keeping expenses minimal over career growth. The county's rock-bottom housing costs make it one of Minnesota's most affordable places to live.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.7Cost80.8SafetyComing SoonHealth78.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.4Risk54.5WaterComing Soon
🏛72.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.5
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 Faribault County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barbour County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,290
Marengo County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,205
Clark County
Arkansas
71.3
Median income: $50,985
Jefferson County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $56,984
Lafayette County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $60,692

Deep Dives

Faribault County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Faribault County

via TaxByCounty

Faribault taxes high despite low values

Faribault County's effective rate of 1.051% exceeds the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. With a median home value of just $120,200—well below the national median of $281,900—residents pay $1,263 annually, less than the national median of $2,690 primarily due to lower property values.

Above-average rate in Minnesota

Faribault County's 1.051% effective rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it a relatively high-tax county despite modest property values. The median tax bill of $1,263 falls well below the state median of $2,168, a reflection of Faribault's significantly lower home values.

Pricier taxes, cheaper homes than region

Faribault's 1.051% rate sits between Fillmore County (0.947%) and Freeborn County (1.061%), but stands out for the lowest home values in the region at $120,200. This combination means Faribault's tax rate is relatively steep for the property values it applies to.

What $120K home costs annually

A median-priced home in Faribault valued at $120,200 generates approximately $1,263 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.051% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,310, while those without mortgages pay $1,220.

Challenge assessments to lower bills

In Faribault County, where home values and incomes tend to be lower, every dollar of property tax matters—making assessment appeals especially valuable. Contact the Faribault County assessor's office to request a review if you believe your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Faribault County

via CostByCounty

Faribault's affordability challenges modest incomes

At 15.6%, Faribault County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, with renters stretched by a median income of only $64,391—$10,364 below the national median. The $837 median rent, while modest in absolute terms, consumes a notably larger share of earnings here.

Faribault struggles among Minnesota peers

Faribault County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Minnesota's worst, sitting well above the state average of 14.5% despite modest $837 rents. The county's lower median income of $64,391 is the primary driver, making housing less affordable relative to earnings.

Southern Minnesota's affordability challenge

Faribault's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio trails nearby Dodge County (13.0%) and Freeborn County (14.6%), despite comparable rent levels of $837. The gap reflects Faribault's lower median income ($64,391 vs. $92,943 in Dodge), compressing housing affordability.

15.6% of income claimed by rent costs

Renters dedicate $837 monthly while homeowners spend $826 on a modest $64,391 median income, consuming 15.6% and 15.4% respectively. Notably, owner costs run lower than rents—a rare situation suggesting accessible homeownership for those who can qualify.

Faribault suits buyers over renters

If you're ready to buy, Faribault County offers exceptional value with a $120,200 median home and $826 monthly costs—cheaper than renting. Renters should compare this to nearby Fillmore or Dodge, where rent-to-income ratios run lower on similar incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Faribault County

via IncomeByCounty

Faribault lags U.S. income average

Faribault County's median household income of $64,391 falls 13.9% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income counties nationally. The county's agricultural focus and smaller employment base contribute to this gap.

Below Minnesota's statewide performance

At $64,391, Faribault ranks notably below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, a gap of $11,366 per household. Per capita income of $36,782 also falls short of the state average of $39,335.

Among lowest income in region

Faribault's $64,391 median income ranks among the lowest in this analysis, below Cottonwood ($68,239) and Freeborn ($69,012). Limited industry diversification constrains wage growth relative to more economically robust neighboring counties.

Affordable housing helps stretch income

Faribault's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% reflects moderately tight housing costs, though still manageable given limited income. The median home value of just $120,200 ranks among the region's most affordable, offering strong property value for budget-conscious families.

Start small, build consistent savings

Faribault's lower income requires intentional financial planning, but affordable housing creates opportunities to direct resources toward savings and investments. Begin with modest emergency funds, explore employer retirement programs, and consider side income opportunities to accelerate wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Faribault County

via HealthByCounty

Faribault Slightly Behind National Average

At 78.5 years, Faribault County's life expectancy is just 0.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing it squarely in the national mainstream. With 13.9% reporting poor or fair health, Faribault performs better than the national average of 15.3%, a positive sign for population wellness. The county demonstrates average-to-above-average health outcomes despite modest economic resources.

Near Minnesota's Average Performance

Faribault's 78.5-year life expectancy is slightly below Minnesota's 78.7-year state average, placing it in the middle tier of statewide rankings. The county's 13.9% poor/fair health rate is better than average, showing relative resilience in health outcomes despite some economic challenges. Faribault's performance is solidly typical for Minnesota.

Competitive but Not a Standout

Faribault's 78.5-year life expectancy falls between higher performers like Douglas (79.4) and lower performers like Cottonwood (78.3) and Freeborn (78.1). At 13.9% poor/fair health, Faribault ranks in the healthier half of the regional cohort. Primary care access at 50 per 100K is moderate; mental health providers at 79 per 100K lag larger neighbors.

Slightly Higher Uninsured Rate

Faribault's uninsured rate of 6.8% exceeds Minnesota's state average of 6.0%, leaving more residents at risk for delayed care and medical debt. With 50 primary care providers and 79 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Faribault offers basic access but trails larger counties in specialist availability. Rural residents may face 45+ minute travel times to specialists.

Affordable Coverage Is Available

If you're among Faribault's uninsured, marketplace plans often come with tax credits that make coverage more affordable than you might expect. Medicaid expansion has made coverage available to more low-income residents; check your eligibility today. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or connect with a local enrollment counselor to find a plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Faribault County

via RiskByCounty

Faribault moderately below national average

Faribault County's composite risk score of 45.52 with Relatively Low rating sits slightly above the national average, reflecting moderate but generally manageable natural disaster exposure. This profile indicates balanced hazard exposure across multiple threat types.

Mid-range risk for Minnesota

At 45.52, Faribault County ranks slightly above Minnesota's 42.38 average, positioning it in the moderate-risk category statewide. Most Minnesota residents face similar or higher disaster exposure levels.

Comparable risk to surrounding counties

Faribault's 45.52 aligns closely with neighbors Douglas County (44.34) and Freeborn County (50.99), but significantly exceeds the safety of Dodge County (14.22). This variation reflects the diverse hazard landscapes across southern Minnesota.

Tornadoes dominate threat landscape

Tornado risk reaches 57.70 in Faribault County, the dominant hazard residents face, with flood risk at 48.98 providing secondary concern. Wildfire risk remains minimal at 9.57, making tornado preparedness the priority.

Tornado insurance is nonnegotiable

Homeowners must carry comprehensive coverage with a dedicated tornado or severe weather rider to protect against Faribault's primary threat. A designated safe room or basement shelter offers critical life protection during violent storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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