countyscore
50.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 83.5Income & Jobs 68

County Report Card

About Hubbard County, Minnesota

Defining the National Median

Hubbard County scores a 50.3, landing it almost exactly at the national median. It represents a typical American livability experience across its various data dimensions.

Falling Behind State Peers

While it meets the national average, Hubbard trails the Minnesota state average of 55.8. Compared to other Minnesota counties, it faces some headwinds in schools and costs.

Pristine Water and Good Health

Standout metrics include a Water score of 86.0 and a Health score of 83.5. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 0.816% provides some relief to the local taxpayer.

Education and Cost Concerns

The School score of 35.1 is the county's lowest metric, followed by a Cost score of 32.5. High home values relative to local incomes create a tighter market for new residents.

Great for Outdoor Enthusiasts

This county is a strong fit for retirees or couples without children who value clean water and healthcare. It rewards those who prioritize natural resources over educational scores.

Score breakdown

Tax51.9Cost32.5Safety41.4Health83.5Schools35.1Income68Risk64.8Water86Weather47.3
🏛51.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Hubbard County

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

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Hubbard County with Appling County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Appling County
Georgia
Median income: $43,728
50.3
Henry County
Illinois
Median income: $69,912
50.3
Iroquois County
Illinois
Median income: $62,439
50.3
Will County
Illinois
Median income: $107,799
50.3
Haskell County
Kansas
Median income: $69,138
50.3
Iosco County
Michigan
Median income: $47,777
50.3
Stearns County
Minnesota
Median income: $76,447
50.3
Harrison County
Missouri
Median income: $53,364
50.3

Nearby counties

Becker County
Minnesota
52.7
Cass County
Minnesota
57.2
Wadena County
Minnesota
62.5
Clearwater County
Minnesota
65.2
Mahnomen County
Minnesota
47
Otter Tail County
Minnesota
51.7
Itasca County
Minnesota
56.4
Beltrami County
Minnesota
36

Deep Dives

Hubbard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hubbard County

via TaxByCounty

Hubbard County taxes run well below national

Hubbard County's effective tax rate of 0.816% falls in the 28th percentile nationally, placing it among the lowest-taxed counties in the United States. The median property tax of $2,087 is substantially below the national median of $2,690, despite a home value ($255,900) close to the U.S. average ($281,900).

Among Minnesota's most affordable

Hubbard County's 0.816% rate ranks among the lowest in Minnesota, well below the state average of 0.968%. With a median property tax of just $2,087, Hubbard residents enjoy one of the state's most favorable tax environments.

Tax champion of the north

Hubbard County's 0.816% rate is the lowest in the profiled region, beating Itasca (0.873%), Grant (0.939%), and all other neighboring counties by a significant margin. For northern Minnesota homeowners, Hubbard stands out as exceptionally tax-friendly.

Hubbard homeowners pay less tax

A median-priced home valued at $255,900 in Hubbard County generates an estimated annual property tax of just $2,087. That's roughly $174 per month—among the lowest property tax burdens in the state.

Even low taxes deserve a review

Although Hubbard County offers tax-friendly rates, homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate to ensure they're not overpaying. Submitting an appeal to the county assessor is straightforward and costs nothing—a potential way to save money even in a low-tax environment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hubbard County

via CostByCounty

Hubbard rents strain modest incomes

Hubbard County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% exceeds Minnesota's state average of 14.5% and approaches the national affordability threshold of 30%. Despite modest rent of $923, the county's lower median income of $70,622 makes housing cost proportionally heavier.

Below-average affordability in Minnesota

Hubbard County ranks in the lower half of Minnesota's 87 counties for affordability, with a 15.7% rent-to-income ratio that signals housing strain compared to state average. The county's challenge stems less from high rents than from lower wages relative to housing costs.

Rent reasonable, incomes below peer average

Hubbard's $923 rent closely tracks the state median, but its $70,622 median income lags nearly all neighbors, particularly Goodhue at $82,749 and Isanti at $86,573. This income gap widens the housing cost burden despite moderate rents.

Housing eats 15–16% of limited income

Renters spend $923 while homeowners commit $1,057 monthly, with homes valued at $255,900. Housing claims 15.7% of the $70,622 median household income—above comfort levels and constraining household budgets more than higher-income peers.

Affordable rents, but tight household budgets

Hubbard County offers moderate rents but lower incomes relative to housing costs, creating tighter household budgets than nearby alternatives. Relocate here if you value northern Minnesota character and can live on modest wages, but explore Goodhue or Grant County if income stability is paramount.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hubbard County

via IncomeByCounty

Hubbard County below national income standard

Hubbard County's median household income of $70,622 falls 5.5% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county reflects lower-income rural patterns common to northern Minnesota.

Among Minnesota's lower-earning counties

At $70,622, Hubbard County ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $5,135, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 87 counties. Residents here earn notably less than the statewide typical household.

Hubbard trails most comparison counties

Hubbard's $70,622 income lags Goodhue ($82,749), Houston ($77,087), Grant ($72,957), and Itasca ($66,380) across the region. The $255,900 median home value is mid-range, but represents a heavier burden relative to lower incomes.

Rising housing burden in Hubbard County

Hubbard's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, signaling that renters spend more than recommended on housing. The $255,900 median home value requires 3.6 years of gross household income—a stretch for median earners.

Build financial resilience carefully in Hubbard

With incomes below state average and housing costs pressing the affordability limit, Hubbard County residents should prioritize emergency savings of 3-6 months expenses first. Once stabilized, even small investments like automatic transfers to a savings account create protection against unexpected hardship.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hubbard County

via CrimeByCounty

Hubbard County Beats National Crime Averages

Hubbard County’s total crime rate of 1,326.9 per 100,000 is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a robust safety score of 97.9.

Local Safety Relative to Minnesota Averages

The crime rate here is slightly higher than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100,000. Hubbard sits just below the state’s average safety score of 98.2.

Regional Comparisons Show Moderate Activity

Hubbard's rate of 1,326.9 is roughly double that of Itasca County (699.1) but remains lower than Goodhue (1,671.0). Three agencies monitor the public safety landscape for the county's residents.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Levels

The data shows 190.9 violent crimes and 1,136.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While property crime is the main factor, violent crime also tracks slightly above the state average of 153.0.

Securing Your Home Against Theft

Homeowners can benefit from reinforced door frames and window locks to address the local property crime rate. Active monitoring and community communication help prevent theft in this mid-sized county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hubbard County

via HealthByCounty

Hubbard leads in life expectancy despite healthcare gaps

Hubbard residents live to 80.1 years on average—4.7 years above the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years and 1.4 years above Minnesota's 78.7-year average. However, 13.9% report poor or fair health, and 7.5% lack health insurance, both above state norms.

Hubbard boasts Minnesota's highest life expectancy

At 80.1 years, Hubbard County leads all Minnesota counties in life expectancy, ranking in the top 5 statewide. Yet its 7.5% uninsured rate is among the highest in Minnesota, suggesting health gains mask underlying access barriers.

Hubbard leads region despite access challenges

Hubbard's 80.1-year life expectancy is the highest among its neighboring counties, exceeding Houston (79.6 years), Goodhue (78.7 years), and Grant (77.0 years). Despite this longevity advantage, the county's 7.5% uninsured rate is also the highest in the region.

Uninsured rate undercuts strong mental health access

Hubbard has 60 primary care providers and 158 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering strong mental health capacity. Yet 7.5% of residents lack insurance—the highest rate among regional peers—making care unaffordable for many despite availability.

Don't let cost block your care.

If you're among Hubbard's 7.5% uninsured residents, subsidies are likely available to lower your premiums. Visit MNsure.org by December 15th or call 1-855-366-7873 to find plans you can afford.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hubbard County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Purely Rural School Network

Hubbard County's 2,709 students are served by 14 public schools distributed among three districts. The network is composed of 3 elementary, 4 middle, and 6 high schools. All schools in the county are situated in rural locales, emphasizing a consistent small-town educational experience.

Growth Potential in Hubbard Schools

The graduation rate stands at 75.1%, which is below the state average of 86.6% but supports a population with diverse needs. Hubbard spends $8,057 per pupil, trailing the state average but maintaining a focus on core rural education. The composite school score of 48.0 indicates areas for academic improvement compared to the national median.

Park Rapids Leads the Region

The Park Rapids Public School District is the county's primary educator, serving 1,765 students across 8 schools. Nevis and Laporte districts provide smaller community alternatives, together educating nearly 1,000 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students enrolled in traditional district programs.

Community-Centered Rural Campuses

Every school here is rural, with an average enrollment of 226 students per campus. Park Rapids Area Century Elementary is the largest school, welcoming 618 students to its primary programs. These smaller campus sizes allow for strong community ties between teachers and local families.

Rural Living with Centered Schools

If you value a rural lifestyle where schools serve as the heart of the community, Hubbard County is a strong contender. Park Rapids offers a more robust school infrastructure for families seeking larger peer groups. Explore residential opportunities near these local hubs to enjoy a quiet, focused upbringing for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hubbard County

via RiskByCounty

Hubbard County sits well below national risk level

With a composite risk score of 35.18, Hubbard County ranks as very low risk—notably below the national average—providing residents with below-average natural disaster exposure. This reflects the county's north-central position and limited concentration of high-risk hazards.

Below Minnesota average despite wildfire exposure

Hubbard County's 35.18 score falls below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it among safer Minnesota counties despite elevated wildfire risk. The county benefits from relatively low tornado and earthquake exposure that balances its wildland fire vulnerability.

More exposed than Grant but safer than Itasca

Hubbard County's 35.18 ranks higher than Grant County (2.99) and Isanti County (26.91), but substantially lower than nearby Itasca County (76.72). This positions Hubbard in the middle tier of north-central Minnesota's risk landscape.

Wildfire and flooding are dual primary threats

Wildfire risk scores notably high at 66.41, reflecting Hubbard County's forested landscape and seasonal fire season vulnerability. Flooding ranks second at 54.64, making spring snowmelt and heavy rainfall periods when heightened preparedness proves critical.

Prepare for fire and flood dual exposure

Homeowners should maintain defensible space around structures—clearing dead branches and vegetation—and verify wildfire coverage with their insurer, particularly in forest-adjacent properties. Standard flood and windstorm coverage rounds out protection; annual policy review ensures adequate limits given property values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hubbard County

via WeatherByCounty

A True Northern Climate

Hubbard's 40.4°F annual average is nearly 14 degrees colder than the national median. This northern climate is defined by long, deep winters and short, mild summers.

Colder and Drier than Average

The county is significantly colder than the Minnesota average of 42.8°F. It also receives less moisture, with 23.9 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 30.0-inch state average.

Warmer than Its Eastern Neighbor

Hubbard is slightly warmer than neighboring Itasca to the east, which averages a chilling 39.1°F. However, it remains much drier than the central counties like Kanabec.

Deep Freezes and Comfortable Summers

Winters are harsh with a January average of 7.6°F, while July highs reach a comfortable 68.7°F. While specific snowfall totals are currently unavailable, the 11.4°F winter average ensures a consistent snowpack.

Focus on Winter Survival

Prioritize high-efficiency heating and superior home insulation to survive the sub-zero January lows. Summer planning is simpler, as extreme heat only occurs about 5 days per year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hubbard County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Sandy Northern Earth

Hubbard County features an acidic pH of 5.45, which is notably lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the region's forested landscapes and impacts which types of plants will naturally thrive here.

High Sand and Light Texture

The soil is very sandy at 59.3%, with a low clay content of only 8.2%. This creates a light, loose texture that is easy to dig but may require frequent fertilization because it doesn't hold nutrients as long as clay-heavy soils.

Surprising Organic Wealth in the North

Despite being sandy, this soil is rich in organic matter at 11.09%, which exceeds the state average of 9.9%. However, the water capacity of 0.175 in/in is below the state average, as sand particles cannot hold onto moisture as effectively as silt.

Fast Drainage for Sandy Landscapes

With sand making up nearly 60% of the soil, water moves through the ground very quickly. This keeps the soil from staying wet after rain, which is great for building projects but means gardens will dry out fast.

Acid-Loving Plants for Zone 3b

The short growing season of Zone 3b is perfect for blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs that enjoy Hubbard's pH level. Use the high organic matter to your advantage and start a berry patch or a cold-hardy vegetable plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hubbard County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Hubbard County

Lawn care in Hubbard County is difficult, with a low score of 41.0 compared to the national average of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b, lawns here must survive some of the coldest winters in the country. Success requires specialized grass types and significantly more effort than the average Minnesota property.

Dry Air and Short Seasons

The county receives only 23.9 inches of rain, which is 6 inches below the state average and well under the 30-inch ideal for lawns. Only 2,052 growing degree days occur annually, indicating a very short window for grass to grow and recover from damage. Mowing schedules must be flexible to accommodate the limited growing activity during the 68.7°F average July summers.

Acidic and Sandy Soil Hazards

The local soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.45, often requiring lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A very high sand content of 59.3% means water and nutrients drain away rapidly before the grass can use them. Adding organic matter like compost is essential here to build soil structure and improve water retention.

Extreme Drought Vulnerability

Hubbard County has spent 41 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. This persistent lack of moisture combined with sandy soil creates high stress for traditional turf. Homeowners should consider drought-resistant Fine Fescues and strict water conservation to keep lawns alive.

Wait for May to Start

With the last spring frost occurring as late as May 14, seeding should not begin until late spring. The window for growth is tight, as the first fall frost arrives on September 25. Focus on the most cold-hardy Zone 3b varieties and ensure they are well-watered before the January average of 7.6°F sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hubbard County's county score?
Hubbard County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Hubbard County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Hubbard County ranks #58 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 Hubbard County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Hubbard County is $2,087, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Hubbard County a tax score of 51.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hubbard County?
The median household income in Hubbard County, Minnesota is $70,622 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hubbard County earns an income score of 68/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hubbard County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Hubbard County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Hubbard 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 Hubbard 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.