CountyScore

Hennepin County

Minnesota · MN

#86 in Minnesota
60.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Hennepin County, Minnesota

Hennepin exceeds national average significantly

Hennepin County's composite score of 60.1 is 10 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. As Minnesota's largest and most urban county, it outperforms typical American communities despite urban affordability challenges.

Below average for Minnesota despite strength nationally

Hennepin ranks below the Minnesota state average of 70.9 with a score of 60.1, placing it in the lower half of state counties. Urban density and higher costs impact its relative standing within Minnesota's generally high-livability profile.

Urban health and earning potential dominate

Hennepin leads with the state's strongest health score of 81.5 and highest median household income of $96,339, reflecting its metropolitan advantage. The risk score of 1.7 is exceptional, indicating minimal environmental or economic risk exposure.

Housing costs create real affordability strain

The county's cost score of 54.8 reveals significant housing pressure: median home values reach $376,500 and rent averages $1,439/month—highest in this group. This affordability challenge directly dampens the county's overall livability score.

For high earners willing to pay for urban access

Hennepin suits affluent professionals and families who prioritize urban amenities, job markets, and health services over affordability. It's best for those whose incomes can comfortably absorb premium housing costs in exchange for metro-area advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.9Cost54.8SafetyComing SoonHealth81.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome46.3Risk1.7WaterComing Soon
🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.7
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 Hennepin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Madera County
California
60.1
Median income: $75,496
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
60.1
Median income: $101,117
Manatee County
Florida
60.1
Median income: $75,792
Liberty County
Georgia
60.1
Median income: $59,013
Leflore County
Mississippi
60.1
Median income: $33,188

Deep Dives

Hennepin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hennepin County

via TaxByCounty

Hennepin's tax rate ranks high nationally

Hennepin County's effective tax rate of 1.152% places it in the 79th percentile nationally, meaning it taxes property more heavily than roughly four of every five U.S. counties. The median property tax of $4,337 substantially exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher tax rates and premium home values ($376,500 vs. the U.S. average of $281,900).

Highest tax rate in Minnesota

Hennepin County's 1.152% effective rate is the highest among Minnesota's 87 counties, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.968%. With a median property tax of $4,337, Hennepin homeowners pay roughly double the state median of $2,168 annually.

Substantially steeper than surrounding counties

Hennepin's 1.152% rate dwarfs neighboring Goodhue (1.064%), Isanti (1.042%), and Houston (1.163%) counties, reflecting its urban-metro character and expensive housing stock. No other county profiled in this region comes close to Hennepin's combined rate and median tax burden.

Hennepin homeowners face steep bills

A median-priced home in Hennepin County valued at $376,500 generates an estimated annual property tax of $4,337. That's roughly $361 per month—one of the state's highest ongoing housing costs.

Assessment appeals pay dividends here

Given Hennepin's high tax burden, homeowners should strongly consider appealing their assessments if they believe their properties are overvalued. The county assessor's office accepts formal challenges, and even a modest reduction in assessed value could save hundreds of dollars annually on your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hennepin County

via CostByCounty

Hennepin housing strains household budgets

Hennepin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% significantly exceeds both the national standard and Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, meaning renters sacrifice nearly one-fifth of income to housing. The county's median rent of $1,439 reflects premium urban pricing in Minnesota's largest metro area.

Priciest housing in Minnesota

Hennepin County ranks among Minnesota's least affordable counties, with a 17.9% rent-to-income ratio driven by its metropolitan density and high demand. Median home values of $376,500—nearly double many rural counties—signal the cost premium of living near Minneapolis.

Twin Cities premium towers above rural peers

Hennepin's $1,439 rent towers over rural neighbors like Grant County at $779 and Jackson County at $736, though higher incomes ($96,339) partially offset the gap. The metropolitan advantage in wages doesn't fully compensate for the housing cost surge.

Housing claims nearly one-fifth of income

Renters spend $1,439 monthly while homeowners commit $1,788, with median homes valued at $376,500. Together, housing consumes 17.9% of the $96,339 median household income—above the national comfort threshold and straining many households.

Urban convenience comes with high costs

Hennepin County offers unmatched job diversity and urban amenities, but housing costs claim more than 17% of income—significantly above affordability benchmarks. If you're relocating to the Twin Cities, budget carefully or consider surrounding counties for lower costs with metro access.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hennepin County

via IncomeByCounty

Hennepin leads national income rankings

Hennepin County's median household income of $96,339 towers 28.8% above the U.S. median of $74,755. This $21,584 advantage reflects the county's status as Minnesota's economic powerhouse, anchored by Minneapolis.

Hennepin dominates Minnesota's income ladder

At $96,339, Hennepin County earns 27.2% more than Minnesota's state average of $75,757, ranking among the state's top-earning counties. Its per capita income of $57,633 also significantly outpaces the state average of $39,335.

Hennepin earnings tower over region

Hennepin's $96,339 median income exceeds Goodhue County ($82,749) by $13,590 and Grant County ($72,957) by $23,382. The county's $376,500 median home value reflects premium urban and suburban markets that attract high-earning households.

High earners face elevated housing costs

Despite high incomes, Hennepin's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% exceeds the recommended 15% threshold, signaling that housing absorbs more of household budgets here. The median home at $376,500 requires roughly 3.9 years of gross income—substantially higher than surrounding counties.

Hennepin wealth-builders look beyond housing

With median incomes of $96,339, Hennepin households earn enough to invest aggressively in retirement, education, and diversified portfolios despite housing costs. High earners here should prioritize tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs to maximize wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hennepin County

via HealthByCounty

Hennepin leads in life expectancy and health

Hennepin residents live to 79.5 years on average, 2.8 years above Minnesota's 78.7-year state average and 3.1 years above the national U.S. rate of 76.4 years. Just 12.6% report poor or fair health, placing the county among America's healthiest.

Hennepin ranks at the top statewide

With a life expectancy of 79.5 years, Hennepin County ranks in Minnesota's highest tier for health outcomes, consistently among the top 10 of 87 counties. The county's strong performance reflects robust healthcare infrastructure and high insurance coverage.

Hennepin outperforms neighboring counties

Hennepin's 79.5-year life expectancy exceeds all nearby counties, including Goodhue (78.7 years) and Isanti County (78.5 years), though it trails Hubbard County slightly (80.1 years). The county's 12.6% poor/fair health rate is the best in its region.

Exceptional healthcare infrastructure and access

Hennepin boasts 120 primary care providers and 610 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest provider density in this county cohort and among Minnesota's best. Just 5.2% of residents lack health insurance, supporting widespread access to care.

Maintain your coverage this season.

If your plan is changing or you need to switch, open enrollment runs through December 15th. Visit MNsure.org to review your options and ensure continuous coverage in Minnesota's healthiest county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hennepin County

via RiskByCounty

Hennepin faces significantly above-average risk nationally

With a composite risk score of 98.31, Hennepin County ranks as relatively high risk—more than twice the national average—placing it among the most exposed counties in America. This reflects Minneapolis's dense urban footprint and concentrated vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

Minnesota's highest-risk county by far

Hennepin's 98.31 score dwarfs Minnesota's state average of 42.38 and towers above every other county in the state. This makes Hennepin's residents far more exposed to natural disasters than their counterparts across Minnesota.

Urban risk concentration unmatched in region

Hennepin's 98.31 is roughly double nearby Itasca County (76.72) and more than 50 times higher than Grant County (2.99). This stark difference reflects Hennepin's dense urban development versus the rural character of neighboring areas.

Tornadoes, floods, and wildfire exposure severe

Tornado risk reaches 99.62—nearly maximal—while flooding (98.03) and wildfire (74.87) also pose serious threats across Hennepin County. Urban density and proximity to the Mississippi River create compounding hazards that require comprehensive preparation.

Comprehensive coverage is essential and urgent

Hennepin residents must secure robust homeowners insurance with tornado, hail, and windstorm coverage immediately, then evaluate flood insurance needs through FEMA maps and your lender. Consider reinforcing safe rooms, installing storm shutters, and maintaining hazard insurance that reflects your home's true replacement value given serious exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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