countyscore
43.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.8Health 87.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Isanti County, Minnesota

Below the National Median

Isanti County receives a composite score of 43.6, which falls short of the national median of 50.0. The county struggles with affordability issues that weigh down its ranking.

Trailing the State Average

Isanti sits below the Minnesota state average of 55.8. High household incomes are not enough to offset the lower scores in safety and housing affordability.

Strong Incomes and Health

Residents enjoy an Income score of 89.8 and a Health score of 87.2. With a median household income of $86,573, the local population is financially robust compared to many peers.

Affordability and Safety Gaps

The Cost score of 11.2 is a major pain point, driven by rents that average $1,241 per month. A Safety score of 30.0 also highlights a need for more community security measures.

Best for High-Earning Commuters

Isanti suits high-earning households that can afford the expensive housing market while utilizing the county's strong healthcare. It is a functional choice for those focused on income growth.

Score breakdown

Tax35Cost11.2Safety30Health87.2Schools36.5Income89.8Risk73.1Water86Weather51.2
🏛35
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.7
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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Nearby counties

Chisago County
Minnesota
46.2
Sherburne County
Minnesota
55.6
Anoka County
Minnesota
43.7
Kanabec County
Minnesota
52.6
Polk County
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Mille Lacs County
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42.6
Hennepin County
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36
Wright County
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56.5

Deep Dives

Isanti County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Isanti County

via TaxByCounty

Isanti's tax rate above U.S. average

Isanti County's effective tax rate of 1.042% ranks in the 71st percentile nationally, meaning it taxes properties more heavily than roughly seven in ten U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,951 exceeds the national median of $2,690, with a typical home value ($283,200) nearly matching the U.S. average ($281,900).

Above Minnesota's state average

Isanti County's 1.042% effective rate surpasses Minnesota's state average of 0.968% by about three-quarters of a percentage point. The median tax of $2,951 is roughly 36% higher than the state median of $2,168, placing Isanti in the upper tier of Minnesota's 87 counties.

Higher than most regional peers

Isanti County's 1.042% rate exceeds Grant (0.939%), Itasca (0.873%), Hubbard (0.816%), and Jackson (0.914%) counties, though it trails Goodhue (1.064%), Houston (1.163%), and Hennepin (1.152%). Among exurban Twin Cities counties, Isanti carries a notably above-average burden.

Isanti homeowners face meaningful bills

A median-priced home valued at $283,200 in Isanti County results in an estimated annual property tax of $2,951. That's roughly $246 per month—a substantial housing cost that deserves careful review.

Your home might be overassessed

Many Isanti County homeowners are paying tax on inflated assessments and have a right to challenge them through the county assessor's office. A successful appeal to correct an overvaluation could trim your annual tax bill materially, particularly if your home's market value has shifted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Isanti County

via CostByCounty

Isanti's metro-influenced rents pinch budgets

Isanti County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% exceeds both the national affordability threshold and Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, driven by metropolitan influence from nearby Minneapolis. The county's median rent of $1,241 and income of $86,573 reflect its position as an inner-ring exurban county.

Housing affordability below Minnesota average

Isanti County ranks in Minnesota's lower-affordability tier with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio, placing it among the state's pricier counties despite suburban rather than urban location. The proximity to the Twin Cities drives up housing costs without fully metropolitan-level incomes.

Exurban premium over rural alternatives

Isanti's $1,241 rent significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Grant County at $779 and Jackson County at $736, though its $86,573 income provides slightly better cushioning than Hubbard County. The county's suburban positioning commands a housing cost premium over rural peers.

Housing claims over one-sixth of income

Renters spend $1,241 while homeowners commit $1,503 monthly, with homes valued at $283,200. Together, housing consumes 17.2% of the $86,573 median household income—above optimal levels and approaching strain for many households.

Suburban access with affordability trade-offs

Isanti County offers proximity to Twin Cities jobs and amenities but charges exurban housing premiums that consume 17% of income—more than pure urban or rural alternatives. Consider Isanti if Twin Cities commuting appeals, but compare nearby rural counties for better affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Isanti County

via IncomeByCounty

Isanti County exceeds national income median

Isanti County's median household income of $86,573 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 15.8%. The county demonstrates strong earning power well above the U.S. average.

Isanti ranks among Minnesota's top earners

At $86,573, Isanti County surpasses Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $10,816, ranking in the upper-middle tier of the state's 87 counties. Residents earn significantly more than the typical Minnesota household.

Isanti competes with Goodhue for region

Isanti's $86,573 income trails Hennepin County's $96,339 but exceeds Goodhue ($82,749), Houston ($77,087), and Grant ($72,957). The $283,200 median home value reflects suburban strength as exurban growth pushes outward from Minneapolis.

Housing costs strain Isanti budget

Isanti's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% exceeds the recommended 15% threshold, indicating renters and homeowners spend above-benchmark amounts on housing. The $283,200 median home requires 3.3 years of gross household income—notable for an above-average-earning county.

Invest beyond housing in Isanti

Despite housing pressures, Isanti's $86,573 median income provides room for wealth-building beyond mortgages. Automated retirement contributions and diversified investment accounts help high-earning households convert income advantage into lasting generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Isanti County

via CrimeByCounty

Isanti County Outpaces National Safety Rates

Isanti County reports a total crime rate of 1,665.2 per 100,000, significantly beating the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.4 based on its 2022 performance.

Comparing Isanti to Statewide Metrics

The local crime rate is roughly 48% higher than the Minnesota state average of 1,123.5. Consequently, the county's safety score is slightly lower than the statewide average of 98.2.

Isanti vs Nearby Minnesota Counties

Isanti's crime rate of 1,665.2 is nearly identical to Goodhue County (1,671.0) but significantly higher than Itasca (699.1). Four reporting agencies collaborate to manage public safety in the region.

Low Violent Crime, Higher Property Theft

Violent crime is low at 87.3 per 100,000, which is roughly half the state average of 153.0. However, property crime is more prevalent at 1,577.9, making it the primary concern for local households.

Defending Your Property from Intrusion

Because property crime is the main driver of local statistics, residents should focus on securing garages and sheds. Installing smart lighting and alarm systems provides a strong defense against regional theft trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Isanti County

via HealthByCounty

Isanti approaches state average on key health metrics

Isanti residents live to 78.5 years on average, just 0.2 years below Minnesota's 78.7-year state average and 2.1 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 13.8% reporting poor or fair health—in line with national trends—the county shows stable overall health.

Isanti ranks near Minnesota's middle tier

Isanti County's 78.5-year life expectancy places it at the state median among Minnesota's 87 counties, slightly below average. The county's 5.8% uninsured rate is just below the state's 6.0% average, indicating typical insurance coverage rates.

Isanti trails some regional health leaders

Isanti's 78.5-year life expectancy is slightly below Goodhue (78.7 years) and trails Houston (79.6 years) and Hubbard (80.1 years), though it exceeds Grant County (77.0 years). The county's 5.8% uninsured rate is middle-of-the-road for its region.

Moderate providers, strong mental health capacity

Isanti has 69 primary care providers and 208 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering good mental health access but below-average primary care density. With 5.8% uninsured, most residents can access care, though primary care availability may require travel.

Explore coverage options this season.

If you're uninsured or switching plans, enrollment closes December 15th. Visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to review options and ensure you're covered in 2025.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Isanti County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expanding Education in Isanti

Isanti County supports 6,189 students through a network of 23 public schools and three school districts. The system includes a balanced mix of 8 elementary, 4 middle, and 7 high schools, along with 4 other specialized facilities. This infrastructure provides significant variety for families in both town and rural settings.

Solid Performance with Efficient Budgets

The county's 86.1% graduation rate is nearly identical to the state average of 86.6%. Impressively, these results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of just $7,215, which is well below the state average of $8,463. The school score of 51.9 reflects a steady performance that remains above the national median.

The Reach of Cambridge-Isanti Schools

The Cambridge-Isanti Public School District dominates the local landscape, overseeing 17 schools and 5,062 students. Braham Public School District provides a smaller alternative with 790 students. The county also features the Art and Science Academy, one of two charter schools that represent 8.7% of the total school count.

Larger Campuses in Town Settings

School life is split between 15 rural campuses and 8 town-based facilities, with an average school size of 295 students. Cambridge-Isanti High School is the largest anchor, enrolling ,1605 students and offering a broad range of activities. Smaller primary schools like Cambridge Primary maintain a more manageable feel for younger learners.

Affordable Excellence in Isanti

Isanti County is an ideal spot for homebuyers who want reliable graduation rates and efficient school management. The combination of rural peace and town-based educational hubs like Cambridge offers a variety of living environments. Targeted districts here provide a strong value proposition for families looking to maximize their housing and education budgets.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Isanti County

via RiskByCounty

Isanti ranks significantly below national average risk

With a composite risk score of 26.91, Isanti County ranks as very low risk—well below the national average—placing residents among America's safer disaster zones. This favorable position reflects limited hazard concentration in the metro-adjacent county.

Protected compared to Minnesota state average

Isanti County's 26.91 score sits notably below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, ranking among the state's safer counties. Residents experience substantially reduced disaster risk compared to state peers, particularly urban Hennepin County.

Safer than Houston County and Goodhue neighbors

Isanti's 26.91 score is lower than Goodhue County (43.32) and Houston County (29.52), positioning it among the region's most protected areas. The county benefits from northeast Minnesota's generally moderate risk profile.

Wildfire and tornado present main concerns

Wildfire risk reaches 65.01 for Isanti County, reflecting its forested character and summer seasonal vulnerability. Tornadoes rank second at 50.70, making spring and summer months the critical periods for weather awareness and family preparedness planning.

Seasonal hazard preparedness keeps families safe

Maintain defensible space around your home and verify wildfire coverage with your insurance agent, especially on forested or rural properties. Review tornado safe room options and keep emergency supplies accessible during spring; standard homeowners coverage should include windstorm and hail protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Isanti County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Continental Patterns

Isanti's 44.1°F average temperature falls about 10 degrees short of the national median. It experiences a classic continental pattern of cold winters and warm, humid summers.

Matching the State Average

Isanti's temperature stays slightly above the state average of 42.8°F. Its annual precipitation of 29.7 inches almost perfectly mirrors the Minnesota state average of 30.0 inches.

Central Minnesota Middle Ground

It sits in a regional middle ground, warmer than Kanabec County to the north but cooler than Hennepin to the south. Precipitation levels are very consistent with its direct neighbors.

Cold Januarys and Warm Julys

July is warm at 71.3°F, while January plunges to a 12.7°F average. The county receives 44.1 inches of snow, which is slightly less than the totals seen in the metro area.

Balanced Seasonal Preparation

Residents should prepare for moderate snow removal and a heating season that lasts roughly half the year. Cooling needs are manageable, with only 5 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Isanti County

via SoilByCounty

Low pH in Isanti's Sandy Soil

Isanti County has a fairly acidic pH of 5.51, well below the national median of 6.5. This acidity, combined with a soil score of 61.6, indicates a landscape that may require soil amendments like lime for traditional garden crops.

A Predominantly Sandy Composition

The soil is 55.1% sand, which leads to a gritty texture and fast-warming soil in the spring. Silt makes up 29.1% of the mix, while clay is low at 9.4%, making the soil easy to work but prone to rapid drying.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is high at 9.02%, nearly reaching the Minnesota state average of 9.9%. This richness is vital for plant health, especially since the available water capacity of 0.182 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark.

Quick Drying for Spring Planting

The 55.1% sand content means the soil drains rapidly, preventing it from becoming waterlogged after heavy rains. This is ideal for builders, but gardeners should monitor soil moisture closely during the peak of summer.

Root Vegetables Thrive in Zone 4b

The sandy texture of Zone 4b is perfect for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Get a head start on your garden by taking advantage of how quickly this sandy soil warms up in the sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Isanti County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Minnesota Conditions in Isanti

Isanti County scores 66.7 for lawn difficulty, placing it slightly above the state average and well ahead of the national median. Situated in Zone 4b, it offers a typical North Country growing environment that favors traditional cool-season lawns. While manageable, the region's specific soil profile requires targeted attention for the best results.

Moderate Temperatures and Rainfall

Annual precipitation averages 29.7 inches, which is almost exactly at the state average of 30.0 inches. With only 5 extreme heat days per year, heat stress is minimal, allowing grass to remain active through most of the summer. The 2,484 growing degree days provide enough thermal energy for a healthy, vibrant lawn without excessive mowing requirements.

Acidic Sands Need Amendments

The soil pH of 5.51 is below the ideal range, meaning grass may struggle to absorb nutrients without occasional lime treatments. The soil is predominantly sandy at 55.1%, which facilitates quick drainage but offers low natural fertility. Regular light fertilization is more effective here than heavy, infrequent applications that might wash away.

Monitoring Growing Dry Conditions

While Isanti had zero weeks in official drought last year, currently 65.3% of the county is classified as abnormally dry. This shift suggests that homeowners should begin monitoring soil moisture closely to prevent stress. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain moisture in these sandy, drying soils.

Spring and Fall Planting Windows

The spring frost usually clears by May 2, opening the door for new seeding or sodding projects. With the first fall frost occurring on October 4, there is a solid five-month window for maintenance. Hardiness Zone 4b grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass blends are the most reliable choices for this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isanti County's county score?
Isanti County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Isanti County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Isanti County ranks #78 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 Isanti County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Isanti County is $2,951, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Isanti County a tax score of 35/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Isanti County?
The median household income in Isanti County, Minnesota is $86,573 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Isanti County earns an income score of 89.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Isanti County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Isanti County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Isanti 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 Isanti County with other counties side by side.

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