47.8
County Score
Health 90.9Income & Jobs 86.4Lawn 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.

Score breakdown

Tax33.5Cost25.5Safety29.8Health90.9Schools55Income86.4Risk56.7Water60.4Weather48.2
🏛33.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠25.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼86.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡29.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
90.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓55
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
56.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧60.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤48.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨79.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱79.8
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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Deep Dives

Goodhue County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Cost of Living in Goodhue County

via CostByCounty

Goodhue rents lean affordable nationally

Renters in Goodhue County spend 13.6% of household income on rent, well below the national affordability threshold of 30% and better than Minnesota's state average of 14.5%. The county's median household income of $82,749 outpaces the national median by $8,000, cushioning housing costs.

Mid-pack affordability across Minnesota

Goodhue ranks in the middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio nearly a point better than state average. At $939 monthly rent, the county charges $24 more than Minnesota's median but residents earn enough to absorb the difference comfortably.

Slightly pricier than nearby counties

Goodhue's $939 rent exceeds Houston County's $881 and Grant County's $779, but its residents earn higher incomes to match. Among southeastern Minnesota counties, Goodhue offers a balance of moderate housing costs and strong wage earning.

Housing eats 13–14% of income

Renters spend $939 monthly while homeowners commit $1,268, with the typical home valued at $269,400. Together, housing claims roughly 13.6% of the median $82,749 household income—leaving plenty of budget room for other essentials.

Strong wages, manageable housing costs

If you're comparing counties for affordability and income stability, Goodhue delivers above-average earnings with below-average housing burden. The county's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% ranks among Minnesota's most livable, making it an attractive relocation target for budget-conscious professionals.

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.

Health in Goodhue County

via HealthByCounty

Goodhue's life expectancy matches Minnesota's strength

Goodhue residents live to 78.7 years on average, matching Minnesota's state average and exceeding the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. Just 12.8% of the population reports poor or fair health, slightly better than the national rate of 13.5%, indicating strong overall health outcomes.

Goodhue ranks solidly within Minnesota

With a life expectancy of 78.7 years, Goodhue ties the state average and performs in the middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties. The county's 12.8% poor/fair health rate places it among the healthier counties statewide.

Goodhue outpaces some rural neighbors

Goodhue's 78.7-year life expectancy exceeds Grant County (77.0 years) and Isanti County (78.5 years), though it trails Houston County (79.6 years) and Hubbard County (80.1 years). The county matches state averages on most metrics, reflecting stable healthcare access.

Good access to care, low uninsured rate

Just 5.2% of Goodhue residents lack health insurance—below Minnesota's 6.0% average—with 81 primary care providers and 135 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This provider density supports accessible, routine healthcare across the county.

Already well-insured? Stay covered.

If you're among Goodhue's 5.2% uninsured residents, November is open enrollment season. Visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to explore plans that fit your family's needs and budget.

Schools in Goodhue County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Network of Local Schools

Goodhue County supports 7,010 students through an infrastructure of 32 public schools across six districts. The system includes 9 elementary, 5 middle, and 16 high schools to serve a growing student population. This network balances traditional education with 10 alternative schools and 3 specialized education centers.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 86.6%. While per-pupil expenditure is lower than the state average at $7,791, the county's composite school score of 55.2 remains above the state benchmark. This data suggests the local districts are achieving competitive results with lean budgets.

Spotlight on Red Wing Public Schools

The Red Wing Public School District is the county's primary provider, educating 2,335 students across five facilities. The Goodhue County Education District oversees 13 different school sites, primarily focusing on alternative and specialized instruction. Charter options remain limited here, with only one charter school representing just over 3% of the total inventory.

Small Classes in Rural and Town Settings

Schools in Goodhue County average 270 students, offering a personal learning environment split between 17 rural and 15 town-based campuses. Red Wing Senior High is the largest facility with 866 students, providing a more comprehensive high school experience. In contrast, smaller middle schools like Pine Island Middle maintain a cozy feel with just over 500 students.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

Families looking for strong academic outcomes and close-knit communities should explore the residential options near Cannon Falls and Red Wing. With graduation rates well above national norms, this county offers a stable environment for long-term educational success. Consider school proximity as you research your next move in Goodhue County.

Disaster Risk in Goodhue County

via RiskByCounty

Goodhue's risk sits just above average nationally

With a composite risk score of 43.32, Goodhue County ranks as relatively low risk overall—nearly matching the national baseline. This means residents face moderate natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties, but not among the highest-risk areas.

Slightly above Minnesota's typical risk level

Goodhue's score of 43.32 edges above Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it in the middle tier of Minnesota counties. The county sits well below Hennepin County's 98.31 score but above several rural neighbors.

More exposed than Houston County neighbors

Goodhue's 43.32 score is notably higher than Houston County (29.52) to the south and Grant County (2.99) to the west. However, it remains significantly less at-risk than nearby Itasca County (76.72), showing important variation across southeast Minnesota.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate local hazards

Tornadoes pose your greatest threat with a risk score of 70.67—well above the typical baseline for most counties. Flooding ranks second at 53.59, making spring storm season and heavy rainfall events the periods requiring heightened awareness and preparation.

Secure coverage for storms and water damage

Given tornado and flood exposure, homeowners should verify they have windstorm and hail coverage in standard policies, then consider separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Review your policy annually and maintain a home inventory to accelerate claims if severe weather strikes.

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 47.8 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 #66 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 $2,866, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Goodhue County a tax score of 33.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Goodhue County?
The median household income in Goodhue County, Minnesota is $82,749 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Goodhue County earns an income score of 86.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Goodhue County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Goodhue County scores 47.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 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.