countyscore
36
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.4Health 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.

20406080100286.13.493.247.994.41.78646.9Tax28Cost6.1Safety3.4Health93.2Schools47.9Income94.4Risk1.7Water86Weather46.936/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Hennepin County DNA

Foverall

How Hennepin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hennepin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (3.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28-24
Cost
6.1-41.9
Safety
3.4-51.6
Health
93.2+43.2
Schools
47.9
Income
94.4+43.400000000000006
Risk
1.7-45.3
Water
86+28
Weather
46.9-9.100000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in Hennepin County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$376,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,439/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$376,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $96,339/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.1

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

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43.7
Ramsey County
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32.6
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56.5
Carver County
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Scott County
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Deep Dives

Hennepin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hennepin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban Education Hub

Hennepin County features a sprawling educational landscape with 460 public schools serving over 172,000 students. This massive system is managed by 76 districts and includes a mix of 201 elementary, 62 middle, and 162 high schools. It is the most complex and diverse school environment in Minnesota.

High Investment Amid Diverse Outcomes

The county invests heavily in its students with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,764, which is significantly higher than the state average of $8,463. Despite this, the graduation rate of 80.4% trails both state and national averages. The composite school score of 54.4 reflects a wide range of performance across the county's varied urban and suburban districts.

Diverse Choices and Large Districts

Minneapolis Public School District is the largest entity, managing 97 schools and 29,205 students. The county is also a hub for innovation, with 98 charter schools representing over 21% of all educational facilities. Large suburban districts like Osseo also play a major role, serving more than 20,000 students.

Urban Centers and Suburban Powerhouses

School life here varies wildly, with 279 city-based schools and 165 suburban campuses. Large high schools are common, with Wayzata and Minnetonka High Schools each enrolling over 3,500 students. The average school size of 438 is nearly double that of more rural Minnesota counties.

Endless Options for Every Family

From the massive suburban campuses of Wayzata to the specialized charter schools in Minneapolis, Hennepin County offers unparalleled choice. Homebuyers can target specific districts that align with their students' academic or extracurricular interests. Use the high per-pupil spending and diverse school types as a guide for your next home search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Hennepin County

via WaterByCounty

Exceptional Drinking Water Safety in Hennepin

Hennepin County earns a perfect A grade, recording zero health violations over the last five years. While the state average violation rate is 32.5 per 100,000, Hennepin maintains a flawless 0.0 rate. This high performance reflects consistent adherence to federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards across the county's systems.

Watershed Assessments Show Healthy Status

Two major water bodies in Hennepin County underwent assessment in the 2022 reporting cycle. Both achieved a 0.0% impairment rate, meeting all Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. This status puts the county ahead of the Minnesota state average of 1.5% for impaired water bodies.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Water Trends

Hennepin County hosts a massive monitoring footprint with 402 active sites. Over the past five years, these locations produced 313,295 measurements, the highest volume among the studied counties. Physical, organic, and pesticide groups are the most frequently measured characteristics in this data-rich environment.

Mississippi River Flows at Typical Levels

The USGS gauge on the Mississippi River at Brooklyn Park currently records 8,890 cubic feet per second. This flow is 102% of the long-term mean, indicating highly typical hydrological conditions for this season. The river drains an area of 19,100 square miles as it passes through the county.

Maintaining Excellence in Water Stewardship

With perfect compliance and typical streamflow, Hennepin County residents can feel confident in their water infrastructure. Continue to support the extensive monitoring network that tracks over 300,000 data points to detect emerging contaminants. Even with an A grade, staying informed about local runoff helps protect the county's unimpaired watersheds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hennepin County's county score?
Hennepin County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 36 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 $4,337, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Hennepin County a tax score of 28/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hennepin County?
The median household income in Hennepin County, Minnesota is $96,339 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hennepin County earns an income score of 94.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hennepin County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Hennepin County scores 36/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.