countyscore
61.9
County Score
Safety 88.4Water Quality 86Soil Quality 83.5

County Report Card

About Faribault County, Minnesota

A National Leader in Livability

Faribault County’s 61.9 composite score is well above the national median of 50.0. It offers a life experience that ranks in the upper tier of American counties.

Stronger Than the State Average

The county outpaces the Minnesota state average of 55.8 with its 61.9 score. It stands out as a highly livable option in the southern part of the state.

Unmatched Safety and Water Quality

Faribault achieves a Safety Score of 88.4 and a Water Score of 86.0. Residents enjoy a secure environment with reliable, clean resources for their families.

Lower Incomes and Tax Pressures

The Income Score of 51.7 and Tax Score of 34.5 indicate tighter household budgets. While home values are low at $120,200, the effective tax rate remains at 1.051%.

Ideal for Secure, Affordable Living

This county is perfect for retirees or young families looking for peace of mind and low-cost housing. It rewards those who prioritize safety and clean water above high salaries.

Score breakdown

Tax34.5Cost52.8Safety88.4Health83.2Schools48Income51.7Risk54.5Water86Weather48.7
🏛34.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨83.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.2
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

Winnebago County
Iowa
68.8
Freeborn County
Minnesota
47.5
Martin County
Minnesota
59.2
Blue Earth County
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Waseca County
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Kossuth County
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Worth County
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Deep Dives

Faribault County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Faribault County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier Safety in Faribault

Faribault County is exceptionally safe, earning a near-perfect safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 251.2 per 100K is one of the lowest in the country, far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Faribault Leads Minnesota Safety

The county far surpasses the state safety average score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 251.2 is nearly five times lower than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Faribault is significantly safer than Freeborn County, which has a crime rate of 1,477.8. It also reports fewer incidents than Fillmore County, which sits at 404.7 per 100K.

Breakdown of Local Crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at just 35.9 per 100K, compared to the national 369.8. Property crime is also very low at 215.3 per 100K, making it a highly secure place to live.

Maintaining a Safe Haven

While crime is minimal, keeping a home security plan in place helps preserve this peace of mind. Consistent community vigilance keeps Faribault County among the safest in Minnesota.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Faribault County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Southern Minnesota

Faribault County features a compact system of six public schools across two districts, serving 1,844 students. The infrastructure is divided into two elementary, one middle, and two high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates in Small Schools

The county reports an 88.7% graduation rate, which is higher than the Minnesota average of 86.6%. Expenditure is $7,562 per pupil, providing a solid foundation for student success in smaller classroom settings.

Blue Earth Area Schools Lead the County

The Blue Earth Area School District is the primary educator here, enrolling 1,066 students across four schools. There are no charter schools in the county, as the two main districts provide the community's educational needs.

Close-Knit Campuses in Town Settings

With four schools in town locales and two in rural areas, students experience an average school size of 307. Blue Earth Area Elementary is the largest campus, serving 491 students in a primary setting.

Affordable Living with Reliable Schools

Consider homes in Blue Earth for a community-focused educational environment with graduation rates above the state average. Small school sizes in Faribault County offer a personalized feel for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Faribault County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Relative to the North

Faribault County’s 45.5°F average annual temperature is cooler than the national median but high for its latitude. It is a wet region, seeing 33.9 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Minnesota's Warmer Spots

Faribault stays nearly three degrees warmer than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It is also notably wetter, exceeding the state precipitation average by nearly four inches.

Southern Tier Warmth

The county shares similar temperature patterns with neighbor Freeborn County, though it receives slightly more snowfall. Its July average of 72.2°F makes it a prime location for regional agriculture.

Snowy Winters and Humid Summers

The county sees 10 days of extreme heat above 90°F and 45.2 inches of annual snowfall. January is cold with a 14.4°F average, contrasting sharply with the 72.2°F July heat.

Prepare for Snow and Humidity

Residents should invest in snow blowers to manage the 45.2 inches of annual snow. High-capacity cooling systems are recommended to handle the double-digit extreme heat days in summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Faribault County

via SoilByCounty

Productive and Neutral Southern Soils

Faribault County features an average pH of 6.73, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral profile is ideal for maximizing the availability of phosphorus and other essential nutrients. It stands out against the state average pH of 6.21.

Heavy Soils with Strong Structure

The soil contains 25.7% clay and 40.0% silt, making it heavier and more structured than many northern counties. The 29.1% sand content provides just enough aeration to keep the soil from becoming too dense. This mix is a classic foundation for the state's most intensive agriculture.

Top-Tier Soils for High Yields

A Soil Score of 83.5 and an available water capacity of 0.203 in/in place Faribault above state averages. Organic matter is high at 8.39%, providing a deep reserve of energy for plant growth. These metrics explain why this region is a powerhouse for Minnesota crop production.

Moisture Retention for Dry Years

The high silt and clay percentages indicate a soil that excels at holding onto water through the heat of summer. While drainage data is limited, the high available water capacity suggests that plants rarely go thirsty. Proper management ensures these heavy soils stay aerated and productive.

Abundant Growth in Zone 5a

Zone 5a climate paired with these rich soils is perfect for sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes. The neutral pH means you can plant almost anything without significant soil amendments. Start your garden and take advantage of some of the best soil in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Faribault County

via LawnByCounty

Successful Growing in Southern Minnesota

Faribault County’s lawn difficulty score of 77.2 indicates a very manageable environment for homeowners. In this Zone 5a region, the climate and soil work together to produce results that are significantly better than the national and state averages.

Healthy Rains and High Growth Potential

The county receives 33.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the 30-inch minimum for healthy turf. With 10 extreme heat days and 2738 growing degree days, the environment supports rapid growth that may require a more frequent mowing schedule.

Sturdy Soil with Great pH

The soil pH of 6.73 is near the top of the ideal range, supporting a wide variety of grass types. A clay content of 25.7% provides a heavy foundation that holds onto moisture and nutrients, though it may require occasional aeration to prevent compaction.

Monitoring Dry Surface Conditions

Currently, 83% of the county is abnormally dry, and there were six weeks of drought in the last year. During these dry periods, avoid heavy traffic on the lawn and let the grass grow a bit longer to protect the crowns from the sun.

Target the Late April Launch

Zone 5a is perfect for Kentucky Bluegrass blends which can capitalize on the long growing season. Aim to seed your lawn after the April 30 frost but before the heat of July, ensuring it is well-rooted before the October 10 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Faribault County's county score?
Faribault County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 61.9 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 Faribault County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Faribault County ranks #28 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 Faribault County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Faribault County is $1,263, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Faribault County a tax score of 34.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Faribault County?
The median household income in Faribault County, Minnesota is $64,391 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Faribault County earns an income score of 51.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Faribault County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Faribault County scores 61.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Faribault 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 Faribault County with other counties side by side.

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