countyscore
59.8
County Score
Health 90.5Safety 87.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Houston County, Minnesota

Strong National Standing

Houston County earns a composite score of 59.8, which comfortably beats the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard of living that outpaces most American counties.

Leading the Minnesota Average

The county stays ahead of the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It maintains a competitive edge within the state by balancing high health standards with community safety.

Secure and Healthy Community

Health (90.5) and Safety (87.9) are the county's standout pillars. These high scores, combined with an $80.2 Income score, suggest a very stable and well-supported population.

Tax and School Obstacles

A Tax score of 27.2 reflects a higher effective tax rate of 1.163%, which may pinch some budgets. The School score of 38.2 also indicates that local education is an area for potential growth.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Families

This county is a top choice for families who prioritize safety and physical wellness. It is a solid match for those who don't mind higher taxes in exchange for a secure environment.

Score breakdown

Tax27.2Cost39.2Safety87.9Health90.5Schools38.2Income80.2Risk70.5Water86Weather53.4
🏛27.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.8
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

Houston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Houston County

via TaxByCounty

Houston County taxes above national average

Houston County's effective tax rate of 1.163% ranks in the 80th percentile nationally, meaning it taxes properties more aggressively than roughly four-fifths of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,633 is close to the national median of $2,690, even though Houston's typical home value ($226,300) trails the U.S. average ($281,900).

Second-highest rate in Minnesota

Houston County's 1.163% effective rate is the second-highest in Minnesota, exceeded only by Hennepin County's 1.152%, and substantially above the state average of 0.968%. The median tax of $2,633 is about 22% higher than Minnesota's state median of $2,168.

The region's heaviest tax burden

Houston County's 1.163% rate is the highest in the immediate region, surpassing Goodhue (1.064%), Isanti (1.042%), and all other surrounding counties. This places Houston at the top of the regional tax ladder despite its rural character.

Houston homeowners pay a premium

A median-priced home valued at $226,300 in Houston County results in an estimated annual property tax of $2,633. That's approximately $219 per month—a significant portion of homeowners' annual housing costs in this southeastern county.

Appeals could ease the burden

Houston County homeowners should examine their property assessments carefully, as the high county tax rate makes any reduction in assessed value especially valuable. Filing a formal appeal with the county assessor is free and could result in meaningful savings if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Houston County

via CostByCounty

Houston balances rent and income well

Houston County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% sits just slightly above Minnesota's state average of 14.5% and well within the national affordability standard of 30%. The county's median rent of $881 and median income of $77,087 create a comfortable housing-cost equilibrium.

Solid affordability in southeastern Minnesota

Houston County ranks in Minnesota's upper-middle tier for affordability with a 13.7% rent-to-income ratio, beating roughly 40 of the state's 87 counties. Its positioning reflects typical rural Minnesota housing economics—modest rents matched to stable but moderate incomes.

Competitive rents among rural counties

Houston's $881 rent falls between Grant County's bargain $779 and Goodhue County's $939, while its $77,087 income trails both peers slightly. For southeastern Minnesota seekers, Houston offers a balanced middle ground on cost and earning potential.

Housing takes fair share of budget

Renters pay $881 while homeowners commit $969 monthly, with homes valued at $226,300. Housing totals 13.7% of the $77,087 median household income, leaving reasonable breathing room for other expenses.

Steady affordability with rural charm

Houston County offers reliable housing affordability and above-average wages for a rural Minnesota county, making it attractive to those seeking small-town living without extreme cost constraints. With rents and incomes both competitive regionally, it's a sensible choice for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Houston County

via IncomeByCounty

Houston County tracks above national median

Houston County's median household income of $77,087 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 3.1%. The county demonstrates stable, above-average earning power comparable to the broader U.S. economy.

Houston earns above Minnesota average

At $77,087, Houston County surpasses Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $1,330, placing it in the solid middle range of the state's 87 counties. The county maintains typical upper-middle-class income levels for rural Minnesota.

Houston splits the income gap regionally

Houston County's $77,087 income sits between Grant County ($72,957) and Goodhue County ($82,749), representing moderate earning power in southeastern Minnesota. Its $226,300 median home value reflects a balanced market between Grant's affordability and Goodhue's premium.

Housing costs well-managed in Houston

Houston County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio sits safely below the 15% affordability benchmark, indicating renters have manageable housing expenses. The $226,300 median home value requires approximately 2.9 years of gross household income—reasonable for the area.

Houston households have modest wealth room

With incomes above state and national averages but housing costs held in check, Houston County residents can carve out savings beyond rent or mortgage. Starting an automatic transfer to savings or investment accounts, even $100 monthly, begins compounding wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Houston County

via CrimeByCounty

Houston County Achieves High National Safety

Houston County presents a total crime rate of 260.3 per 100,000, which is well below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. This strong performance results in an elite safety score of 99.6.

A Top Safety Performer in Minnesota

The county is one of Minnesota's safest, with a crime rate far lower than the state average of 1,123.5. It comfortably outperforms the statewide average safety score of 98.2.

Consistently Low Rates Among Neighbors

Houston County's rate of 260.3 is much lower than Goodhue County's 1,671.0, though it is comparable to Jackson County's 270.3. Five reporting agencies contribute to these consistently low safety metrics.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime is rare at just 37.2 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 223.1. These numbers suggest a community where residents face very little risk of either personal or property-related offenses.

Simple Habits Maintain High Safety

While local crime is minimal, residents should still practice common-sense security like locking doors at night. Simple perimeter lighting serves as an effective and low-cost way to maintain this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Houston County

via HealthByCounty

Houston ranks among America's healthiest counties

Houston residents live to 79.6 years on average, 3.2 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years and 2.9 years above Minnesota's 78.7-year state average. With just 15.1% reporting poor or fair health and an uninsured rate of only 4.2%, Houston demonstrates exceptional health outcomes.

Houston ranks in Minnesota's top tier

At 79.6 years, Houston County's life expectancy places it in the highest quartile of Minnesota's 87 counties, rivaling the state's best-performing regions. The county's 4.2% uninsured rate is among the lowest statewide.

Houston outpaces most neighboring counties

Houston's 79.6-year life expectancy is second-highest in the region, trailing only Hubbard County (80.1 years) and leading Goodhue (78.7 years) and Grant (77.0 years). The county's 4.2% uninsured rate is the lowest among its neighbors.

Solid access with room for mental health expansion

Houston has 59 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 43 mental health providers per 100,000—moderate primary care access but notably low mental health provider density. The county's exceptionally low 4.2% uninsured rate ensures most residents can afford care.

Keep your coverage strong.

With 4.2% uninsured, Houston is doing well—but if you're among those without coverage, now's the time to act. Open enrollment is through December 15th; visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Houston County

via SchoolsByCounty

Virtual and Physical School Options

Houston County hosts 18 public schools across five districts, serving a total of 4,330 students. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary, 3 middle, and 8 high schools. A unique aspect of this county is its significant virtual school presence, which reshapes the traditional enrollment landscape.

Performance Challenges and Spending

Houston County's graduation rate currently sits at 70.4%, which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 86.6%. The county spends $8,726 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average in an effort to improve outcomes. Its composite school score of 46.9 reflects the need for continued focus on academic growth.

A Hub for Virtual Education

The Houston Public School District is the largest in the county with 2,115 students, primarily due to hosting the Minnesota Virtual Academy. The La Crescent-Hokah district also provides a substantial footprint, educating 1,028 students. Two charter schools operate within the county, accounting for 11.1% of all school facilities.

Rural Roots with Digital Reach

While 11 schools are located in rural areas, the county's largest "campuses" are the virtual programs, with the Virtual Academy High School serving 814 students. Traditional local schools maintain an average size of 255 students. This creates a dual character where many students learn from home while others attend small rural or suburban sites.

Flexible Schooling in a Scenic Setting

Houston County is an excellent fit for families who value flexible education models, especially virtual learning. Those preferring traditional settings will find community-focused schools in La Crescent or Caledonia. Consider the diverse mix of physical and digital classrooms when looking for your new home here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Houston County

via RiskByCounty

Houston County rates well below national average

With a composite risk score of 29.52, Houston County ranks as very low risk—substantially below the national average—placing residents in one of America's safer disaster zones. This favorable position reflects the county's southeastern location and limited exposure to extreme hazards.

Well-protected compared to Minnesota average

Houston County's 29.52 score sits notably below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, ranking among the safer Minnesota counties. Residents experience significantly reduced natural disaster risk compared to state peers, particularly urban centers like Hennepin.

Safest option among southeast Minnesota counties

Houston County's 29.52 is lower than Goodhue County (43.32) and Grant County (2.99), positioning it as one of the most protected areas in the region. Its location in Minnesota's southeastern corner contributes to this favorable risk profile.

Flooding and tornadoes require attention

Flood risk reaches 46.02 in Houston County, likely reflecting proximity to rivers and seasonal rainfall patterns in the bluffs region. Tornadoes rank second at 41.89, making spring storm preparedness essential despite the county's overall low-risk status.

Balanced coverage meets Houston County needs

Homeowners should maintain standard coverage including tornado and windstorm protection, then evaluate flood insurance based on local topography and stream proximity. Update your insurance annually and keep important documents in a waterproof, portable container for peace of mind.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Houston County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler but Lush

At 45.5°F, Houston County is significantly cooler than the national median of 54°F. It represents the wetter, southeastern edge of the humid continental climate zone.

One of Minnesota's Wettest Counties

Houston is much wetter than the state average, receiving 38.3 inches of precipitation compared to the typical 30.0 inches. Its 45.5°F annual average also makes it warmer than the state average of 42.8°F.

Milder than the Twin Cities

The county experiences only 5 extreme heat days, far fewer than the 13 recorded in Hennepin County. It also sees about 8 inches less snow than the northern metro counties.

High Precipitation and Moderate Heat

The county averages 44.8 inches of snow and a relatively mild 19.5°F during the winter months. Summers are comfortable with a 69.4°F average and limited days of extreme heat.

Manage the Moisture

Focus on high-capacity drainage systems and moisture control due to the high annual rainfall. Winter gear is necessary, but summer cooling demands are lower than in neighboring urban centers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Houston County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal pH for Diverse Growth

Houston County has a pH of 6.39, putting it very close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity is a key factor in the county's strong soil score of 75.5, which beats the state average of 73.0.

Silty Soils of the Southeast

The soil texture is remarkably silty at 52.0%, paired with 30.8% sand for a fine, crumbly feel. With 17.2% clay, the soil has enough body to hold onto nutrients without being difficult to till.

Consistent Moisture for Healthy Roots

Organic matter sits at 3.53%, comfortably above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.195 in/in nearly matches the state average, ensuring that plants have access to a steady supply of moisture.

Stable Hydrology in the Driftless Area

The high silt content indicates moderate drainage speeds that are generally favorable for farming and gardening. Because the water capacity is so close to the state average, the soil maintains a healthy balance of air and water for root systems.

Hardy Zone 5a for Perennials

Being in Zone 5a allows for a diverse range of perennial berries and orchard trees. The high soil score of 75.5 makes this an excellent place to plant fruit trees or start a high-yield vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Houston County

via LawnByCounty

Minnesota's Top Spot for Easy Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 83.8, Houston County is one of the easiest places in Minnesota to maintain a beautiful lawn. It sits in USDA Zone 5a, enjoying a milder climate and significantly better conditions than the national average score of 50.0. For homeowners here, the environment does much of the heavy lifting to keep turf healthy.

Abundant Rainfall and Low Heat Stress

The county receives a generous 38.3 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 30.0 inches. This high precipitation is paired with only 5 extreme heat days, meaning your lawn is much less likely to go dormant in the summer. Such favorable climate factors mean you can spend less time watering and more time enjoying your outdoor space.

Solid Foundation for Root Health

A soil pH of 6.39 is ideal for Minnesota turf, minimizing the need for expensive chemical adjustments. The soil texture is balanced with 17.2% clay and 30.8% sand, which helps retain the county's ample rainfall without becoming waterlogged. This natural balance supports a diverse range of cool-season grasses with minimal supplemental prep work.

Consistent Moisture with Low Risk

Houston County only experienced 6 weeks of drought over the past year, keeping it among the more resilient counties in the state. Currently, none of the county area is classified as dry or in drought, which preserves the health of the local turf. To maintain this vigor, local gardeners should prioritize aeration to ensure that the 38.3 inches of annual rain reaches the roots.

Extended Seasons for Best Results

The last spring frost typically hits on April 29, and the first fall frost doesn't arrive until October 10. These dates offer a wide window for establishing hardy Zone 5a grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. Seed in early autumn to take advantage of the warm soil and the county's naturally high precipitation levels.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Houston County's county score?
Houston County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 59.8 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 Houston County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Houston County ranks #32 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 Houston County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Houston County is $2,633, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Houston County a tax score of 27.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Houston County?
The median household income in Houston County, Minnesota is $77,087 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Houston County earns an income score of 80.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Houston County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Houston County scores 59.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Houston 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 Houston County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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