Houston County's composite score of 72.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 22 points, ranking it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. This reflects strong fundamentals across tax, cost, and health dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly ahead of Minnesota's average
Houston ranks just above the Minnesota state average with a score of 72.1 compared to 70.9, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. While solid within Minnesota, the county performs better nationally.
3 / 5
Affordability and health drive livability
Houston excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 77.8, offering a median home value of $226,300 and rent of $881/month. Health outcomes score 80.4, supporting strong overall wellness in the county.
4 / 5
Income lags significantly behind potential
The county's income score of 33.7 reflects a median household income of just $77,087, limiting economic mobility and advancement potential. Risk management scores at 70.5, suggesting moderate exposure to economic fluctuations.
5 / 5
Best for retirees and health-focused families
Houston County suits retirees and health-conscious families seeking affordable living with good medical access in a rural setting. It's ideal for those prioritizing quality of life and stability over income growth in a tight-knit community.
Houston County's composite score of 72.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 22 points, ranking it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. This reflects strong fundamentals across tax, cost, and health dimensions.
Slightly ahead of Minnesota's average
Houston ranks just above the Minnesota state average with a score of 72.1 compared to 70.9, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. While solid within Minnesota, the county performs better nationally.
Affordability and health drive livability
Houston excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 77.8, offering a median home value of $226,300 and rent of $881/month. Health outcomes score 80.4, supporting strong overall wellness in the county.
Income lags significantly behind potential
The county's income score of 33.7 reflects a median household income of just $77,087, limiting economic mobility and advancement potential. Risk management scores at 70.5, suggesting moderate exposure to economic fluctuations.
Best for retirees and health-focused families
Houston County suits retirees and health-conscious families seeking affordable living with good medical access in a rural setting. It's ideal for those prioritizing quality of life and stability over income growth in a tight-knit community.
Score breakdown
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🏛69.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.