countyscore
35.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 94Health 93.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Hennepin County, Minnesota

High Costs Impact National Ranking

Hennepin County scores a 36.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. While it is an economic powerhouse, high urban costs and risks drive its overall ranking down.

Ranking Below the State Average

Hennepin sits significantly below the Minnesota state average of 55.8. The data highlights a sharp divide between the county's high income levels and its general livability metrics.

Superior Incomes and Healthcare

The county shines with an Income score of 94.4 and a Health score of 93.2. A high median household income of $96,339 provides residents with access to some of the nation's best medical facilities.

Urban Risks and Affordability

The county faces major challenges with a Risk score of 1.7 and a Safety score of 3.4. Furthermore, a Cost score of 6.1 reflects high rents that average $1,439 per month.

Best for Ambitious High-Earners

Hennepin is perfect for career-focused individuals who value top-tier healthcare and urban amenities. It suits those willing to trade safety and affordability for maximum economic opportunity.

2040608010026.56.33.493.247.9941.78646.9Tax26.5Cost6.3Safety3.4Health93.2Schools47.9Income94Risk1.7Water86Weather46.935.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Hennepin County DNA

Foverall

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

Hennepin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (93.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (3.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.5-25.5
Cost
6.3-41.7
Safety
3.4-51.6
Health
93.2+43.2
Schools
47.9
Income
94+43
Risk
1.7-45.3
Water
86+28
Weather
46.9-9.100000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in Hennepin County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$392,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,487/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$392,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$59,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $97,653/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.1

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Hennepin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Hennepin County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Trends in Minnesota's Urban Core

Hennepin County reports a total crime rate of 3,900.1 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these urban challenges, it maintains a safety score of 93.8.

State Comparisons for the Most Populous County

The county's crime rate is more than triple the Minnesota state average of 1,123.5 per 100,000 residents. It falls below the statewide average safety score of 98.2 as 35 reporting agencies manage the state's most complex region.

Hennepin County Compared to Regional Peers

Hennepin's activity level is significantly higher than neighboring Isanti (1,665.2) or Goodhue (1,671.0). The high volume of property crimes per 100,000 distinguishes it from more rural Minnesota counties.

Property Theft Remains Primary Concern

Violent crime sits at 569.1 per 100,000, which is notably higher than the state average of 153.0. Property crime is the most frequent issue, occurring at a rate of 3,331.0 per 100,000 residents.

Urban Security and Deterrence Strategies

High property crime rates make home security systems and neighborhood watch programs vital for urban residents. Visible deterrents like doorbell cameras can significantly reduce the risk of package theft and burglary.

Weather & Climate in Hennepin County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder than the National Average

Hennepin's annual average temperature of 46.2°F sits well below the national median of 54°F. This humid continental climate experiences dramatic swings between seasons throughout the year.

A Warm Spot in Minnesota

With an average temperature nearly four degrees warmer than the state average of 42.8°F, Hennepin is one of Minnesota's warmest counties. It also receives 32.4 inches of precipitation, slightly exceeding the state average of 30.0 inches.

Warmer and Drier than Southern Neighbors

Hennepin stays warmer than neighboring Isanti to the north, which averages 44.1°F. However, it is drier than Houston County to the southeast, which receives nearly six more inches of rain annually.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

Summers are warm with 13 extreme heat days peaking in a 73.5°F July average. Winters contrast sharply with 52.8 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 15.6°F.

Prepare for All Extremes

Residents need robust HVAC systems to handle both 90°F summer days and deep winter freezes. Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is essential for managing the four-plus feet of annual snow.

Soil Quality in Hennepin County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in the Metro Area

Hennepin County features a pH of 6.12, aligning closely with the Minnesota state average of 6.21. While it is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 benchmark, it provides an excellent baseline for a wide variety of urban and suburban landscapes.

Sandy Texture Dominates the Profile

The soil is predominantly sand at 54.0%, which ensures the ground warms up quickly in the spring for earlier planting. A lower clay content of 13.8% means the soil is less prone to heavy compaction than other parts of the state.

High Organic Matter for City Gardens

With 8.85% organic matter, Hennepin County is nearing the high state average of 9.9%. This richness supports a water capacity of 0.183 in/in, creating a fertile foundation for backyard raised beds and community gardens.

Fast Drainage for Building and Landscaping

The high sand percentage means water drains rapidly, making this soil excellent for stable building foundations and preventing puddles. However, the 0.183 water capacity means that urban gardeners will need to water more frequently during the summer heat.

Extended Growing in Zone 5a

Hennepin County enjoys a slightly warmer climate in Zone 5a, perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and summer flowers. Grab some seeds and take advantage of this rich, high-organic soil to grow your own food this year.

Lawn Care in Hennepin County

via LawnByCounty

High Success Rates in Hennepin

Hennepin County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 75.7, indicating a relatively easy maintenance environment compared to the state average of 63.9. Now classified in USDA Zone 5a, the county supports a wider variety of grass types than its northern neighbors. This favorable score reflects a climate that is generally conducive to lush, green suburban landscapes.

Warm Summers Drive Growth Cycles

The county generates 2,833 growing degree days, fueled by a July average of 73.5°F and 13 extreme heat days. This extra warmth accelerates grass growth, leading to more frequent mowing than in cooler parts of the state. While 32.4 inches of rain provides a solid base, those 13 hot days require careful monitoring to prevent heat stress.

Sandy Soil Requires Nutrient Management

The soil is notably sandy at 54.0%, which ensures excellent drainage but requires more frequent fertilization to keep nutrients in the root zone. A pH of 6.12 sits perfectly within the ideal range, ensuring that your grass can easily access the minerals it needs. Despite the high sand content, the 13.8% clay provides just enough structure to hold some moisture between waterings.

Exceptional Moisture Stability This Year

Hennepin County recorded zero weeks in drought over the past year, showcasing remarkable resilience compared to other Minnesota regions. Because current dry conditions are at 0.0%, lawns are entering the peak season with full moisture reserves. Maintaining this health is simple: water deeply in the early morning to combat those 13 annual high-heat days.

Long Growing Window for Metro Lawns

The growing season kicks off after the last spring frost on April 23 and stretches until October 14. This provides a generous window for seeding Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescues, which thrive in Zone 5a. Late summer remains the golden window for repair, allowing new grass to establish before the first autumn frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hennepin County's county score?
Hennepin County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 35.8 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 Hennepin County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Hennepin County ranks #86 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 Hennepin County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Hennepin County is $4,480, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Hennepin County a tax score of 26.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hennepin County?
The median household income in Hennepin County, Minnesota is $97,653 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hennepin County earns an income score of 94/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hennepin County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Hennepin County scores 35.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Hennepin 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 Hennepin 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.