Hubbard County

Minnesota · MN

#29 in Minnesota
72.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Hubbard County, Minnesota

Hubbard ranks among nation's most livable

Hubbard County's composite score of 72.6 is 22.6 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects above-average ratings across most livability dimensions.

Minnesota's most tax-efficient county

Hubbard ranks slightly above the Minnesota state average of 70.9 with a score of 72.6. The county stands out for its exceptional tax efficiency, with an effective tax rate of just 0.816%—the lowest in this group.

Tax breaks and affordable homes lead the way

Hubbard's tax score of 79.3 reflects the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.816%, while its cost score of 75.7 offers housing at $255,900 median value and $923/month rent. These dual strengths make the county exceptionally attractive for budget-conscious residents.

Income potential remains the weakest link

The county's income score of 29.5 is the lowest in this group, with a median household income of just $70,622. Health outcomes, while solid at 78.7, trail some comparable counties.

Ideal for tax-conscious rural dwellers

Hubbard County is perfect for retirees and families seeking maximum tax savings and affordable housing without needing high incomes. The combination of low taxes and reasonable costs makes it an excellent choice for those prioritizing financial efficiency in a northern Minnesota setting.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.3Cost75.7SafetyComing SoonHealth78.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.5Risk64.8WaterComing Soon
🏛79.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠75.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼29.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
78.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
64.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Hubbard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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