countyscore
46.6
County Score
Soil Quality 87.8Lawn Care 80.6Health 66

County Report Card

About Freeborn County, Minnesota

Below the National Median

Freeborn County’s composite score of 47.5 sits slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard lifestyle that is common for much of the country.

Lagging Behind State Standards

The county's score of 47.5 is lower than the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It faces more challenges in safety and taxation than many of its neighbors.

Balanced Health and Mid-Range Costs

Freeborn maintains a Health Score of 66.0 and an Income Score of 64.3. With a median gross rent of $837, it remains an accessible option for many workers.

Safety and Tax Burdens

A Safety Score of 36.2 and a Tax Score of 33.7 are the primary areas for improvement. The effective tax rate of 1.061% is high relative to the safety metrics provided.

Suitable for Budget-Conscious Renters

Freeborn County fits residents who need moderate housing costs and decent health services. It is best for those who can manage a higher tax environment for lower home prices.

2040608010027.94836.2665164.14946.449.5Tax27.9Cost48Safety36.2Health66Schools51Income64.1Risk49Water46.4Weather49.546.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Freeborn County DNA

Foverall

How Freeborn County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Freeborn County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (66/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (27.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.9-24.1
Cost
48
Safety
36.2-18.799999999999997
Health
66+16
Schools
51
Income
64.1+13.099999999999994
Risk
49
Water
46.4-11.600000000000001
Weather
49.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Freeborn County?

Many homeowners in Freeborn County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$171,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$849/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$171,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,023/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.3

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

Worth County
Iowa
69.2
Winnebago County
Iowa
69.2
Faribault County
Minnesota
63.9
Steele County
Minnesota
49.2
Waseca County
Minnesota
51.3
Mower County
Minnesota
43.6
Mitchell County
Iowa
67.3
Cerro Gordo County
Iowa
42.5

Deep Dives

Freeborn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Freeborn County

via TaxByCounty

Freeborn taxes notably above national median

Freeborn County's effective rate of 1.061% exceeds the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in approximately the 65th percentile for property tax burden. With a median home value of $164,900—well below the national median of $281,900—residents pay $1,750 annually, less than the national median of $2,690.

Ranks 9th-highest in Minnesota

Freeborn County's 1.061% effective rate significantly exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it one of the state's higher-taxed counties. The median tax bill of $1,750 falls below the state median of $2,168, though the rate itself stands notably above state norms.

Heaviest tax burden in the region

Freeborn's 1.061% rate ranks as the highest among its immediate regional neighbors, outpacing Fillmore County (0.947%) and Faribault County (1.051%). Only Cottonwood County (1.128%) carries a higher burden in the broader south-central region.

What $165K home costs annually

A median-priced home in Freeborn valued at $164,900 generates approximately $1,750 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.061% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,745, while those without mortgages pay $1,758.

Appeal to contest high assessments

Freeborn County's relatively high tax rate makes accurate assessment even more critical—overvaluations carry extra sting in a higher-tax environment. Contact the county assessor's office to request a formal review of your home's value; successful appeals can deliver meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Freeborn County

via IncomeByCounty

Freeborn County slightly below U.S. median

Freeborn County's median household income of $69,012 runs 7.7% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting its rural Minnesota character. The county's manufacturing and agricultural sectors provide steady employment despite modest wage levels.

Below Minnesota's income benchmark

At $69,012, Freeborn ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $6,745 per household. Per capita income of $38,696 falls slightly short of the state average of $39,335.

Mid-range among southern counties

Freeborn's $69,012 median income ranks between Cottonwood ($68,239) and Crow Wing ($71,343), reflecting similar rural economic structures. The county's diversified manufacturing base supports more stable wages than purely agricultural counties.

Reasonable housing cost burden

Freeborn's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% falls within acceptable ranges, indicating housing costs claim a moderate share of household income. The median home value of $164,900 offers affordable homeownership for middle-income families.

Build wealth through patient investing

Freeborn's moderate income and reasonable housing costs create a foundation for gradual wealth accumulation with disciplined saving. Explore employer benefits, establish consistent investment contributions, and consider home equity as a long-term wealth-building strategy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Freeborn County

via CrimeByCounty

Freeborn County Safety Context

Freeborn County carries a safety score of 97.7, representing a secure environment relative to national figures. Its total crime rate of 1,477.8 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Freeborn vs the State Average

The county’s safety score is just below the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Its crime rate of 1,477.8 per 100K is higher than the statewide average of 1,123.5.

Safety Comparisons with Neighbors

Freeborn has a higher crime rate than neighboring Faribault County, which sits at 251.2. However, it remains safer than more urban areas like Dakota County.

Local Crime Breakdown

Property crime is the most common issue at 1,338.4 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate is 139.4, which is actually lower than the Minnesota state average of 153.0.

Home Security Awareness

Since property crime is the primary driver of local statistics, home security is a smart investment. Simple upgrades like video doorbells can significantly deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Freeborn County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Continental Profile

Freeborn County’s 45.2°F annual average is below the national median but typical for the Upper Midwest. It receives 35.8 inches of precipitation, making it one of the wetter counties in the region.

Warmer and Wetter than Minnesota

Freeborn is warmer than the state average of 42.8°F and receives nearly six inches more annual precipitation. This combination supports the county's productive agricultural environment.

Regional Precipitation Leader

Freeborn is wetter than Dakota County and significantly wetter than Douglas County to the northwest. Its 39.5 inches of snow is lower than many neighbors, making it slightly easier to manage in winter.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

Summers reach 90°F an average of eight times per year, with a July average of 72.0°F. Winter remains cold, with an average temperature of 17.9°F from December through February.

Seasonal Gear for High Moisture

Prepare for wet springs and snowy winters by maintaining reliable vehicles and waterproof boots. Homeowners should plan for significant humidity during the warm 72.0°F July peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Freeborn County

via SoilByCounty

Premier Neutral Soils in Freeborn

Freeborn County soil hits the national pH median exactly at 6.56. This neutral profile is warmer and more alkaline than the state average of 6.21, creating a highly hospitable environment for diverse biology. It is a gold-standard chemical base for Midwest agriculture.

Perfect Balance of Sand and Clay

The soil consists of 33.3% sand, 41.0% silt, and 23.1% clay. This mix provides enough clay for nutrient storage and enough sand for water movement. It is a versatile texture that supports both large-scale farming and delicate home gardening.

State-Leading Soil Performance

With a Soil Score of 87.8, Freeborn has some of the highest-rated land in Minnesota. The available water capacity is a robust 0.206 in/in, and organic matter stands at a strong 7.13%. These numbers point to a highly resilient soil that can sustain intense production year after year.

Excellent Water Holding and Management

The 23.1% clay content ensures high water retention, which is backed up by an available water capacity above the state average. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, this composition is ideal for resisting drought. It is a reliable foundation for any land-based project.

Maximize Your Harvest in Zone 5a

Zone 5a provides the heat units needed for peppers, melons, and high-yield corn. The elite Soil Score means you have one of the best growing foundations in the entire state. Put these world-class soils to work by starting your own backyard farm this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Freeborn County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Conditions for Freeborn Lawns

Freeborn County earns an 80.6 lawn difficulty score, making it a premier spot for Minnesota gardening. This Zone 5a rating reflects a climate that is much more forgiving than the national average, allowing for a vibrant lawn with moderate effort.

Wet and Warm Growing Environment

Lawns benefit from 35.8 inches of rain and 2685 growing degree days, ensuring thick, rapid turf development. This high precipitation helps counter the eight days of 90°F heat that typically occur during the summer months.

Nutrient-Rich Soil Profiles

The soil pH of 6.56 is nearly perfect, allowing grass to access essential minerals easily. With 23.1% clay and 33.3% sand, your soil has a solid texture that supports healthy root structures and retains moisture effectively during summer stretches.

Staying Ahead of Abnormal Dryness

About 31% of the county is currently abnormally dry, following eight weeks of drought in the past year. Use smart irrigation controllers or rain sensors to ensure you aren't wasting water when the frequent local rains do arrive.

An Early Start for Zone 5a

Take advantage of the early last frost on April 27 to get a head start on spring seeding. The reliable rains make this a great area for Kentucky Bluegrass, provided you get it established before the first frost on October 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freeborn County's county score?
Freeborn County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 46.6 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 Freeborn County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Freeborn County ranks #70 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 Freeborn County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Freeborn County is $1,907, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Freeborn County a tax score of 27.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Freeborn County?
The median household income in Freeborn County, Minnesota is $71,023 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Freeborn County earns an income score of 64.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Freeborn County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Freeborn County scores 46.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Freeborn 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 Freeborn County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.