CountyScore

Fillmore County

Minnesota · MN

#46 in Minnesota
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Fillmore County, Minnesota

43% outperforms U.S. average

Fillmore County's composite score of 71.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 43%, placing it firmly among top-tier counties nationwide for livability. The score reflects strong fundamentals across affordability, tax burden, and health.

Slightly above Minnesota midpoint

Fillmore scores 71.3 versus Minnesota's average of 70.9, matching Faribault for third place among these eight counties. It ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide.

Balanced affordability and tax advantage

Fillmore combines a cost score of 78.8 with reasonable tax burden (0.947% effective rate, 75.6 score) and modest income requirements of $75,225. This balance makes it accessible to middle-income families without extreme budget constraints.

Below-average income and modest health

The income score of 32.5 reflects limited high-wage opportunities, while the health score of 76.8 trails several peers here. Risk exposure of 50.2 also suggests moderate vulnerability to economic or environmental shocks.

Solid pick for modest-income families

Fillmore County suits working families with modest incomes and retirees who want genuine affordability without sacrificing all modern amenities or health access. It's a balanced rural choice for those seeking a quieter pace of life at a reasonable cost.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.6Cost78.8SafetyComing SoonHealth76.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.5Risk50.2WaterComing Soon
🏛75.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡50.2
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 Fillmore 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

Fillmore County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fillmore County

via TaxByCounty

Fillmore taxes slightly above national norm

Fillmore County's effective rate of 0.947% sits just above the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of U.S. counties. With a median home value of $204,000—below the national median of $281,900—residents pay $1,932 annually, notably less than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Minnesota's average

Fillmore County's 0.947% effective rate sits slightly below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, keeping the county near the middle of the state's tax distribution. The median tax bill of $1,932 comes in below the state median of $2,168, reflecting below-average property values.

Among lowest in surrounding region

Fillmore's 0.947% rate ranks as one of the region's lower rates, outpacing Freeborn County (1.061%) and Cottonwood County (1.128%) while staying close to Faribault County (1.051%). Home values here median at $204,000, sitting in the middle of the regional range.

What $204K home costs annually

A median-priced home in Fillmore valued at $204,000 generates approximately $1,932 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.947% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay nearly the same at $1,923, while those without mortgages pay $1,946.

Review your assessment proactively

Even in relatively affordable counties like Fillmore, homes can be assessed above market value—and homeowners should verify their figures annually. A straightforward appeal to the county assessor can catch and correct overvaluations before they compound.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fillmore County

via CostByCounty

Fillmore County's rents rank among Minnesota's best

At 12.2%, Fillmore County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, with renters benefiting from a $75,225 median income and just $763 monthly rent. This combination places Fillmore in the sustainable affordability tier across both state and national comparisons.

Fillmore leads Minnesota in rental affordability

Fillmore County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among all surveyed Minnesota counties at 12.2%, well below the state average of 14.5%. Its $763 median rent and $75,225 income create genuine affordability that would be difficult to find elsewhere in Minnesota.

Southeast Minnesota's affordability gem

Fillmore's 12.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts nearby Freeborn (14.6%) and Faribault (15.6%), even with comparable $763 rents to their $837. A median income of $75,225 gives Fillmore the edge, making it the region's most balanced housing market.

Housing barely stretches above 12%

Renters allocate $763 monthly while homeowners commit $1,049 on a $75,225 median income, consuming just 12.2% and 16.7% respectively. This favorable split means renters here enjoy exceptional breathing room, while owners still maintain reasonable housing-cost burdens.

Fillmore is Minnesota's rental affordability winner

Relocate to Fillmore County for the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Minnesota—just 12.2% for rents of $763 on a stable $75,225 income. You'll spend less on housing here than virtually anywhere else in the state while maintaining a strong community foundation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fillmore County

via IncomeByCounty

Fillmore meets national income baseline

Fillmore County's median household income of $75,225 nearly matches the U.S. median of $74,755, running just 0.6% above national average. The county's rural character and agricultural economy sustain stable, middle-class wages.

Slightly below Minnesota average

Fillmore County's $75,225 median income falls slightly short of Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by just $532 per household, essentially matching state performance. Per capita income of $37,134 trails the state average of $39,335.

Mid-range performer regionally

Fillmore's $75,225 ranks between Crow Wing ($71,343) and Douglas ($77,264), positioning it as a solid mid-income county. The county's role as a regional healthcare and agricultural hub supports steady employment opportunities.

Best housing affordability ratio

Fillmore County boasts the region's best rent-to-income ratio at 12.2%, meaning housing costs consume the smallest share of household earnings. The median home value of $204,000 provides excellent property value for families prioritizing affordability.

Maximize savings with low housing costs

Fillmore County's superior housing affordability ratio means households can dedicate more earnings toward long-term wealth building than most regions. Prioritize retirement contributions, establish automatic savings plans, and consider investment in appreciating assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fillmore County

via HealthByCounty

Fillmore Slightly Behind National Norms

At 79.6 years, Fillmore County's life expectancy edges above the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 0.7 years, a modest but meaningful advantage. With 15.4% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 15.3%, Fillmore's health burden is nearly equivalent to the U.S. average. The county's longer life expectancy suggests preventive gains despite chronic disease prevalence.

Slightly Above Minnesota Average

Fillmore's 79.6-year life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's 78.7-year state average by 0.9 years, putting the county in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county's 15.4% poor/fair health rate is close to the state median, indicating typical health burden. Fillmore performs solidly but lacks the standout metrics of top-tier Minnesota counties.

Mid-Tier Performer in Region

Fillmore's 79.6-year life expectancy ranks in the middle of this regional analysis, behind Dakota (80.9) and Dodge (81.2) but ahead of Freeborn (78.1) and Cottonwood (78.3). At 15.4% poor/fair health, Fillmore shows elevated chronic disease burden compared to regional leaders. Primary care access at 28 per 100K and mental health providers at 42 per 100K are among the lowest in the region.

High Uninsured Rate, Limited Providers

Fillmore's uninsured rate of 7.7% is the second-highest in this analysis, well above Minnesota's 6.0% average and creating barriers to care for many residents. The county faces severe provider shortages: only 28 primary care providers and 42 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest or near-lowest in this region. Rural residents regularly travel 45+ minutes to reach specialists.

Seek Affordable Coverage Today

With 7.7% uninsured, Fillmore residents should prioritize finding affordable coverage before medical emergencies strike. Marketplace plans with subsidies and Medicaid expansion have made coverage accessible to more households; don't assume cost is a barrier without checking. Call a local health navigator, visit healthcare.gov, or reach out to a community health center for help enrolling.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fillmore County

via RiskByCounty

Fillmore moderately below national risk

Fillmore County's composite risk score of 49.78 with Relatively Low rating exceeds the national average moderately, indicating balanced but manageable natural disaster exposure. This profile reflects typical hazard exposure across the Upper Midwest.

Above Minnesota's average risk

At 49.78, Fillmore County ranks above Minnesota's 42.38 average, placing it in the moderate-risk tier statewide. Roughly half of Minnesota counties face comparable or greater disaster vulnerability.

Riskier than western neighbors

Fillmore's 49.78 exceeds Dodge County (14.22) dramatically, aligns with Cottonwood County (27.70) moderately, and slightly surpasses Faribault County (45.52). This variation reflects Fillmore's location in southeastern Minnesota's higher-risk zone.

Floods and tornadoes are major concerns

Fillmore County faces flood risk at 66.19 and tornado risk at 62.28—both well above state averages—making water and severe weather the primary hazards. Wildfire risk remains minimal at 10.81.

Flood and tornado insurance essential

Fillmore County residents should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with tornado coverage, plus flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Elevation information and flood maps are available through your county emergency management office.

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.