countyscore
65.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 82.9Lawn Care 80.5

County Report Card

About Fillmore County, Minnesota

Top-Tier National Performance

Fillmore County’s composite score of 65.1 is significantly higher than the 50.0 national median. It provides one of the strongest livability profiles in the Midwest.

A Star in the State

With a 65.1 score, Fillmore far exceeds the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It is a premier destination for those looking for a high quality of life within the state.

Clean Water and High Safety

The county boasts a Water Score of 86.0 and a Safety Score of 82.9. These fundamental strengths provide a stable and healthy foundation for all residents.

Average Tax and Risk Scores

The Tax Score of 42.0 and Risk Score of 50.2 represent the county's moderate challenges. While not critical, these areas prevent the county from achieving a perfect profile.

The Ultimate Family Haven

Fillmore is a top choice for families seeking a balance of great schools, safety, and clean water. Its median rent of $763 makes high-quality living accessible.

Score breakdown

Tax42Cost50.1Safety82.9Health78.4Schools70.3Income77.6Risk50.2Water86Weather48.3
🏛42
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.5
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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Olmsted County
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67.9
Mower County
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Deep Dives

Fillmore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Fillmore County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Ranking for Fillmore

Fillmore County earns a stellar safety score of 99.4, indicating it is one of the safest jurisdictions nationwide. Its total crime rate of 404.7 per 100K is remarkably low compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Standing Tall in Minnesota

This score puts Fillmore well above the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2. The county's crime rate of 404.7 is less than half the state average of 1,123.5.

Neighboring County Comparisons

Fillmore presents a lower crime rate than Dodge County's 603.1. However, it sits slightly higher than Faribault County, which reports a rate of 251.2 per 100K.

Fillmore Crime Breakdown

Violent crime occurs at a low rate of 42.4 per 100K, far below the state's 153.0 average. Property crime accounts for 362.3 per 100K, suggesting that most incidents are minor and infrequent.

Protecting Your Household

Maintaining these low rates is easier when residents take basic precautions like using alarms. A little prevention helps ensure Fillmore County remains a safe haven for all.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Fillmore County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Purely Rural Educational Landscape

Fillmore County manages 15 public schools within five districts, serving a total of 2,952 students. The network includes six elementary and six high schools, ensuring local access for rural families.

Exceptional Graduation Performance

The county achieves a 93.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average of 86.6%. This success is reached with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,850, which is slightly below the state average.

Fillmore Central and Rushford-Peterson Lead

Fillmore Central is a major district with 589 students, while Rushford-Peterson Public Schools serves 639 students across three schools. The county maintains a traditional system with no charter schools currenty operating.

Small Schools in an All-Rural Setting

Every one of the 15 schools is located in a rural locale, with an intimate average size of 197 students. Chatfield Elementary is the largest campus in the county, yet it only enrolls 467 students.

Country Living with Stellar Graduation Rates

Families seeking an all-rural lifestyle without sacrificing school quality should explore homes in Fillmore Central. High graduation rates and small school sizes make this county a hidden gem for buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Fillmore County

via WeatherByCounty

Higher Rainfall in the Heartland

Fillmore County averages 44.3°F annually, which is cooler than the national median. However, its 36.9 inches of annual precipitation is high, reflecting a more humid continental climate.

The State's Wettest Corner

The county is significantly wetter than the state average, receiving 6.9 extra inches of precipitation annually. Its 44.3°F temperature also outpaces the 42.8°F state average.

Rainier than its Neighbors

Fillmore is wetter than both Goodhue and Freeborn counties, which receive about 2 to 3 inches less rain. Its January average of 14.6°F is slightly milder than many central Minnesota counties.

Consistent Snow and Warm Summers

Winters feature 44.4 inches of snow and a January low average of 14.6°F. Summers are pleasant with eight days of 90°F heat and a July average of 70.2°F.

Prioritize Moisture Control

Given the 36.9 inches of annual precipitation, homeowners should focus on gutter maintenance and basement waterproofing. The 44.4 inches of snow requires reliable winter equipment and thermal clothing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fillmore County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Chemistry in the Driftless Area

Fillmore County soils have an average pH of 6.48, making them nearly perfectly neutral according to the national 6.5 median. This is higher and more balanced than the state average of 6.21. The chemical profile supports a wide variety of native and agricultural plants.

Silt-Rich Soils for Easy Working

The soil composition is 46.7% silt, 34.1% sand, and 18.9% clay. This silty texture is common in the region's loess deposits, providing a soil that is easy to till and work by hand. It holds onto water well while still allowing for adequate air space near the roots.

Dependable Soil for Diverse Use

Fillmore matches the state average soil score of 73.0, representing solid agricultural value. Organic matter is 3.40%, which is lower than the state average but still above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in ensures a steady supply of moisture for local crops.

Natural Drainage for Rolling Terrain

The sand and silt balance suggests the soil drains effectively, a vital trait for the county's sloping topography. Although specific drainage class data is missing, the physical makeup helps prevent erosion during heavy rains. These soils are well-suited for the diverse landscapes of southeastern Minnesota.

Hardy Options for Zone 4b

In Hardiness Zone 4b, gardeners can enjoy success with root vegetables and apple orchards. The silt-heavy soil is particularly friendly to home gardeners who want easy-to-dig beds. It is a fantastic environment to establish a long-term orchard or a seasonal vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fillmore County

via LawnByCounty

Abundant Water Makes Growing Easy

Fillmore County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 80.5, placing it well above the state average of 63.9. This Zone 4b county benefits from the highest annual precipitation in this group, making it much easier to keep lawns lush and green.

The Most Rain in the Region

A generous 36.9 inches of rain falls annually, providing an excellent natural water supply for your lawn. With 8 extreme heat days—exactly the state average—turfgrass here is less likely to go dormant compared to drier western counties.

A Healthy Foundation for Roots

Soil pH is excellent at 6.48, which is right in the middle of the 6.0-7.0 ideal window. The soil texture features 34.1% sand and 18.9% clay, creating a balanced medium that provides both drainage and nutrient-holding capacity.

Strong Resistance to Dryness

Despite six weeks of drought over the past year, the county currently has zero abnormally dry areas. This natural resilience means you can likely rely on rainfall alone for much of the season, saving on water bills and conservation effort.

Mind the Late Spring Frost

While the climate is great, a late spring frost on May 14 means you should wait longer than your neighbors to start sensitive projects. Plant cold-hardy varieties in the early fall to establish roots before the October 3 frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fillmore County's county score?
Fillmore County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 65.1 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 Fillmore County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Fillmore County ranks #22 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 Fillmore County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Fillmore County is $1,932, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Fillmore County a tax score of 42/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fillmore County?
The median household income in Fillmore County, Minnesota is $75,225 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fillmore County earns an income score of 77.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fillmore County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Fillmore County scores 65.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Fillmore 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 Fillmore 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.