countyscore
47.4
County Score
Health 90.9Income & Jobs 85.8Lawn Care 79.8

County Report Card

About Goodhue County, Minnesota

A Middle-of-the-Pack National Standing

Goodhue County earns a composite score of 47.8, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it is a high-income area, other factors keep it near the middle of the national rankings.

Trailing the Minnesota Average

Compared to its state peers, Goodhue lags behind the Minnesota average composite score of 55.8. It faces stiffer competition within the state than it does when measured against national neighbors.

Elite Health and Income Levels

The county excels with a Health score of 90.9 and an Income score of 86.4. A robust median household income of $82,749 supports a population with access to top-tier wellness resources.

High Costs and Safety Gaps

Affordability is a hurdle, with a Cost score of 25.5 and median home values reaching $269,400. The Safety score of 29.8 also suggests there is significant room for improvement in local security.

Best for High-Earning Health Seekers

This county is a great fit for professionals who prioritize health infrastructure and have the income to support higher housing costs. It offers a premium health profile for those who can afford the entry price.

2040608010031.825.129.890.95585.856.760.448.2Tax31.8Cost25.1Safety29.8Health90.9Schools55Income85.8Risk56.7Water60.4Weather48.247.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Goodhue County DNA

Foverall

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

Goodhue County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (90.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (29.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.8-20.2
Cost
25.1-22.9
Safety
29.8-25.2
Health
90.9+40.900000000000006
Schools
55
Income
85.8+34.8
Risk
56.7+9.700000000000003
Water
60.4
Weather
48.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Goodhue County

Whether buying or refinancing in Goodhue County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$285,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$966/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$285,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,171/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Goodhue County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Goodhue County

via TaxByCounty

Goodhue's tax rate tops the nation

Goodhue County's effective tax rate of 1.064% ranks in the 73rd percentile nationally, meaning it's higher than roughly three-quarters of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $2,866, slightly above the national median of $2,690, even though the typical home value ($269,400) is lower than the U.S. average ($281,900).

Above average among Minnesota counties

Goodhue's 1.064% rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968% by about one percentage point. Among the state's 87 counties, Goodhue ranks in the higher tier for property tax burden, pulling in a median tax of $2,866 compared to the state median of $2,168.

Heavier than most regional peers

Goodhue's 1.064% rate surpasses neighboring Houston County (1.163%) slightly, but both substantially exceed Hubbard County (0.816%) and Itasca County (0.873%) in the broader region. Among comparable rural-metro counties, Goodhue sits firmly in the upper half of the tax burden range.

What Goodhue homeowners actually pay

A median-priced home worth $269,400 in Goodhue County generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,866. That's roughly $239 per month—a meaningful expense for budgeting homeowners in the county.

Your assessment might be too high

Many Goodhue County homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable properties, creating an opportunity to file a formal appeal with the county assessor. A successful challenge could lower your taxable value and reduce your annual bill, especially if your home's condition or market position has changed since the last assessment.

Income & Jobs in Goodhue County

via IncomeByCounty

Goodhue exceeds national income benchmark

Goodhue County's median household income of $82,749 outpaces the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $8,000. This 11% advantage reflects a stronger-than-average earning power across the county's households.

Above-average earner in Minnesota

At $82,749, Goodhue's median household income ranks above Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 87 counties. Residents here earn roughly $7,000 more annually than their state average peer.

Goodhue leads surrounding county incomes

Goodhue's $82,749 median income exceeds nearby Houston County ($77,087) and Grant County ($72,957), but trails regional powerhouse Hennepin County at $96,339. The county represents solid middle-class earning strength in southeastern Minnesota.

Housing costs fit comfortably in Goodhue

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.6%, Goodhue County falls well below the recommended 15% threshold, meaning housing remains affordable for renters earning the median income. A median home value of $269,400 is also accessible at this income level, requiring roughly 3.3 years of gross household income.

Build on Goodhue's income advantage

With incomes outpacing national and state averages, Goodhue households have strong capacity to invest beyond housing. Consider automating retirement savings and diversifying into stocks or bonds to turn this earnings edge into long-term wealth.

Safety in Goodhue County

via CrimeByCounty

Goodhue County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Goodhue County maintains a total crime rate of 1,671.0 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 97.4 out of 100.

Crime Rates Slightly Above Minnesota Average

The county's crime rate of 1,671.0 per 100,000 sits above the Minnesota state average of 1,123.5. Six reporting agencies contribute to a safety score that trails slightly behind the state average of 98.2.

A Comparative Look at Regional Safety

Goodhue's total crime rate of 1,671.0 is notably higher than neighbors like Houston County at 260.3 or Jackson County at 270.3. Local law enforcement manages a landscape that is more active than these smaller rural peers.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime dominates the local data at 1,520.0 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate of 151.0 aligns closely with the state average of 153.0. These figures indicate that residents are far more likely to experience theft than physical harm.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Property

Since property crimes represent the vast majority of local incidents, securing entry points remains a top priority. Installing motion-sensor lights and smart cameras can effectively deter opportunistic theft in residential neighborhoods.

Weather & Climate in Goodhue County

via WeatherByCounty

A Sharp Contrast of Seasons

Goodhue County averages 44.8°F annually, staying below the national median temperature. It receives a healthy 34.2 inches of annual precipitation, characteristic of the humid continental zone.

Above the Minnesota Average

The county is warmer than the state average of 42.8°F and receives 4.2 inches more precipitation than the state norm. It sits in a transitional zone of southeastern Minnesota warmth.

Milder than the Northern Metro

Goodhue is slightly warmer than Dakota County and much warmer than Crow Wing. Its 43.8 inches of annual snow is comparable to southern neighbors like Fillmore County.

Snowy Winters and Toasty Summers

The county experiences nine extreme heat days each year and 43.8 inches of snowfall. January is cold at 13.9°F, while July provides a warm 71.5°F average for residents.

Versatile Wardrobes are Key

Residents need gear for both the 43.8 inches of snow and the nine days of 90°F heat. Energy-efficient heating is a must for the 17.6°F average winter temperatures.

Soil Quality in Goodhue County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced and Productive Goodhue Soils

Goodhue County boasts a near-perfect pH of 6.45, which sits just under the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited, the overall soil score of 79.4 is significantly higher than the state average of 73.0. This profile indicates a highly capable foundation for various agricultural uses.

Silt-Heavy Texture for Easy Working

The soil is dominated by 53.5% silt, creating a smooth and workable texture for farmers and gardeners. With 29.2% sand and 17.2% clay, the mix strikes a balance between easy tilling and essential structural stability.

Reliable Moisture for Growing Crops

The organic matter content is 3.77%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state's typical 9.9%. However, its available water capacity of 0.199 in/in matches the state average exactly, providing a dependable reservoir for plants.

Steady Hydrology and Water Retention

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high silt content suggests moderate water movement through the profile. The soil's ability to hold water at the state average rate helps protect crops during dry spells without becoming overly saturated.

Orchards Thrive in Zone 4b

Located in Hardiness Zone 4b, this soil is ideal for apples, pumpkins, and various grains. With its high soil score of 79.4, you have some of the best land in the state to start your next garden project.

Lawn Care in Goodhue County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Ease in Goodhue

Goodhue County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 79.8, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, providing a stable environment for cool-season grasses despite the cold winters. Homeowners here enjoy better growing conditions than the average Minnesotan, whose state-wide score sits at 63.9.

Ideal Rainfall Supports Steady Growth

The county receives 34.2 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. With 2,560 growing degree days and only 9 extreme heat days, grass grows vigorously without the frequent scorching seen in warmer climates. Although specific growing season data is limited, the moderate July average of 71.5°F keeps mowing schedules consistent through mid-summer.

Balanced Soil pH Limits Prep Work

Goodhue's soil pH of 6.45 is nearly perfect, fitting right into the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The ground consists of 17.2% clay and 29.2% sand, providing a stable foundation that generally requires few intensive amendments. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded, this texture balance typically supports healthy root development for standard lawn varieties.

Short Drought Spells Maintain Resilience

The county experienced only 4 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently shows 0.0% coverage of abnormally dry conditions. This high level of resilience means lawns here stay green longer than those in western Minnesota. To maintain this advantage, homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage the deep roots that protect against occasional dry weeks.

Prime Planting After May Frosts

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in Zone 4b and should be seeded once the final spring frost passes around May 9. The fall window remains wide, as the first frost typically doesn't arrive until October 14. Starting your lawn project in late August allows these cool-season grasses to establish before the winter dormancy begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goodhue County's county score?
Goodhue County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 47.4 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 Goodhue County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Goodhue County ranks #68 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 Goodhue County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Goodhue County is $2,998, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Goodhue County a tax score of 31.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Goodhue County?
The median household income in Goodhue County, Minnesota is $84,171 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Goodhue County earns an income score of 85.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Goodhue County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Goodhue County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Goodhue 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 Goodhue County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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