countyscore
56.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 79.7Safety 70.5

County Report Card

About Itasca County, Minnesota

Above the National Average

Itasca County earns a composite score of 56.5, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It provides a higher-than-average quality of life for its residents.

A Typical Minnesota Experience

The county's score aligns almost perfectly with the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It serves as a reliable benchmark for the standard of living expected in the state.

Pure Water and Low Taxes

The county shines with a Water score of 86.0 and a low effective tax rate of 0.873%. These factors make it an attractive destination for those seeking environmental quality and financial efficiency.

Environmental Risk and Income

A Risk score of 23.3 suggests the county faces higher environmental hazards than its neighbors. Additionally, the Income score of 57.8 lags behind many other Minnesota counties.

Ideal for Nature-Focused Budgeters

Itasca is a great choice for individuals who want clean water and lower taxes in a scenic setting. It is best for those who can manage environmental risks in exchange for high-quality natural resources.

Score breakdown

Tax47.4Cost34.5Safety70.5Health79.7Schools56.8Income57.8Risk23.3Water86Weather48.7
🏛47.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤79.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.7
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

Cass County
Minnesota
57.2
Hubbard County
Minnesota
50.3
Beltrami County
Minnesota
36
Koochiching County
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St. Louis County
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Aitkin County
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Clearwater County
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Crow Wing County
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Deep Dives

Itasca County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Itasca County

via TaxByCounty

Itasca County offers tax relief

Itasca County's effective tax rate of 0.873% falls in the 35th percentile nationally, placing it well below the U.S. median and among the more tax-friendly counties in the country. The median property tax of $1,851 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, even though home values ($212,000) are also modest.

Below Minnesota's statewide average

Itasca County's 0.873% rate sits below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, positioning it in the lower half of the state's 87 counties for tax burden. The median tax of $1,851 falls well short of Minnesota's median of $2,168.

Among the region's best values

Itasca County's 0.873% rate is competitive with Hubbard (0.816%) as one of the region's most affordable tax climates, and it substantially beats Grant (0.939%), Goodhue (1.064%), and Houston (1.163%) counties. For northern Minnesota property owners, Itasca delivers strong tax value.

Itasca homeowners pay less annually

A median-priced home valued at $212,000 in Itasca County generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,851. That's roughly $154 per month—significantly below the state median and a meaningful advantage for homeowners.

Verify your assessment anyway

Even in a tax-friendly county, homeowners should confirm their property assessments reflect current market conditions and condition. Submitting an appeal to the county assessor if you believe your home is overvalued is free and could reduce your tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Itasca County

via CostByCounty

Itasca rents stress tight household finances

Itasca County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% significantly exceeds Minnesota's state average of 14.5% and approaches affordability strain, driven by modest incomes of $66,380 relative to rents of $944. The county's lower wages create proportional housing burden despite modest absolute rent.

Minnesota's least affordable by income ratio

Itasca County ranks among Minnesota's least affordable counties when measuring rent against income, with a 17.1% ratio driven by the state's lowest median household income at $66,380. The county faces a structural affordability challenge rooted in limited earning opportunities.

Highest rent burden in its peer group

Itasca's $944 rent runs slightly above state median, but its $66,380 income—the lowest among comparable counties—makes housing proportionally most burdensome. Hubbard and Jackson counties both offer lower rent-to-income ratios through either lower rents or higher incomes.

Housing strains the tightest incomes

Renters spend $944 while homeowners commit $967 monthly, with homes valued at $212,000. Housing claims 17.1% of the county's $66,380 median household income, leaving little room for savings or emergencies in many households.

Affordable housing, limited income opportunities

Itasca County's modest home prices ($212,000) and rents ($944) attract budget-conscious buyers, but the county's lower wages create ongoing affordability pressure. Relocate here only if you have secure, remote income or can tap northern Minnesota job markets; otherwise, consider higher-income counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Itasca County

via IncomeByCounty

Itasca County lags national income baseline

Itasca County's median household income of $66,380 falls 11.2% below the national median of $74,755. The county reflects economic challenges common to northern Minnesota's resource-dependent regions.

Itasca ranks among Minnesota's lowest-income

At $66,380, Itasca County ranks 12.4% below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it among the state's lower-earning counties. Residents earn roughly $9,400 less annually than the statewide typical household.

Itasca faces steepest income challenges regionally

Itasca's $66,380 median income lags all regional comparison counties, including Grant ($72,957), Hubbard ($70,622), and Jackson ($69,955). The $212,000 median home value is moderate, but represents a significant burden relative to lower incomes.

Housing costs press tight in Itasca

Itasca's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, signaling housing consumes more than recommended for median earners. The $212,000 median home value requires 3.2 years of gross household income—challenging at lower income levels.

Itasca residents: Start with stability first

With below-average incomes and above-threshold housing costs, Itasca County households should prioritize building emergency savings before investing. Community credit unions and nonprofit financial counseling can help residents develop realistic saving plans suited to local wage levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Itasca County

via CrimeByCounty

Itasca County Maintains Low National Profile

Itasca County sees a total crime rate of 699.1 per 100,000, which is about 70% lower than the national average. This impressive data yields a safety score of 98.9 out of 100.

Itasca Exceeds Minnesota Safety Averages

The county's crime rate is much lower than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5. Itasca also outperforms the statewide safety score average of 98.2.

Leading Regional Safety Trends

With a rate of 699.1, Itasca is twice as safe as Hubbard (1,326.9) and significantly safer than Isanti (1,665.2). Six reporting agencies provide comprehensive data for this largely rural area.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Violent crime stands at 164.2 per 100,000, slightly above the state average of 153.0. Property crime remains low at 534.9, indicating that theft is less common here than in neighboring counties.

Simple Upgrades for Lasting Security

Low property crime rates shouldn't lead to complacency regarding home security. Simple upgrades like motion-activated cameras and sturdy deadbolts help maintain the county's reputation as a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Itasca County

via HealthByCounty

Itasca faces significant life expectancy challenges

Itasca residents live to 76.5 years on average—10.2 years below the county with the highest life expectancy and 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 13.9% reporting poor or fair health and 6.0% uninsured, the county faces compounded health barriers.

Itasca ranks among Minnesota's lowest life expectancy

At 76.5 years, Itasca County has the lowest life expectancy in this cohort and ranks in the bottom quartile statewide among Minnesota's 87 counties. This gap signals need for targeted public health investments.

Itasca significantly lags regional health leaders

Itasca's 76.5-year life expectancy is 3.6 years below Hubbard County (80.1 years) and 2.0 years below Grant County (77.0 years), the worst in this county group. The disparity suggests concentrated health challenges requiring regional attention.

Strong providers support health despite barriers

Itasca has 102 primary care providers and 346 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest provider densities in this cohort. However, 6.0% uninsured rate and underlying socioeconomic challenges limit healthcare access despite provider availability.

Coverage is your first step to health.

With 6.0% uninsured, many Itasca residents lack a healthcare home. Enrollment is open through December 15th—visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to find affordable coverage and connect with Itasca's strong provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Itasca County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in the North

Itasca County manages a robust educational system of 24 public schools serving 6,629 students. Six districts coordinate a mix of 8 elementary, 3 middle, and 10 high schools. This infrastructure is designed to serve a large geographic area with diverse educational needs.

Strong Investment and Academic Success

Itasca County achieves a graduation rate of 86.8%, slightly exceeding the Minnesota state average. The county prioritizes education with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,441, which is roughly $1,000 more than the state average. These efforts result in a high composite school score of 57.1.

Grand Rapids Public Schools Anchor the Area

The Grand Rapids Public School District is the largest by far, with 11 schools and 4,023 students. Greenway and Deer River districts provide significant secondary options, together serving nearly 2,000 additional students. Charter schools are rare here, with only one such facility representing about 4% of the county's total.

Rural Schools with Strong Town Hubs

With 17 rural schools and 7 town-based campuses, the county averages about 301 students per school. Grand Rapids Senior High is the largest facility, hosting 1,129 students in a town setting. Many students attend smaller rural high schools like Deer River Secondary, which provides a more close-knit community feel.

Invest in Your Family's Future

Itasca County offers a high level of per-pupil investment that translates into strong graduation rates and school scores. Families should explore homes in Grand Rapids to be near the county's largest educational and extracurricular hubs. This region is perfect for those who want a rural lifestyle backed by well-funded public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Itasca County

via RiskByCounty

Itasca County carries above-average national risk

With a composite risk score of 76.72, Itasca County ranks as relatively low risk but substantially above the national average—placing it in a higher-exposure tier compared to most U.S. counties. This reflects significant flood and wildfire hazards concentrated in the northern landscape.

Notably elevated risk among Minnesota counties

Itasca County's 76.72 score is nearly double Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it one of the state's higher-risk counties. Residents face substantially greater natural disaster exposure than most Minnesota peers.

Most exposed county in the north-central region

Itasca's 76.72 is dramatically higher than nearby Hubbard County (35.18) and Isanti County (26.91), and roughly 25 times higher than Grant County (2.99). This positions Itasca as uniquely vulnerable in the north-central landscape.

Flooding dominates, wildfire secondary threat

Flood risk reaches 75.45—among the highest in the state—reflecting Itasca County's river systems and wet landscape. Wildfire also presents substantial exposure at 44.78, creating compound hazards during spring thaw and summer dry seasons.

Flood insurance is critical for Itasca residents

Homeowners must evaluate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and check FEMA maps for property-specific risk, then secure coverage before the next major rain event. Maintain wildfire-resistant landscaping, clear gutters regularly, and ensure standard homeowners policies include windstorm coverage as dual protection strategy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Itasca County

via WeatherByCounty

Among the Nation's Coldest

Itasca is one of the coldest spots in the country with an average annual temperature of 39.1°F. This is roughly 15 degrees below the national median of 54°F.

Far Below State Averages

Itasca is much colder than the Minnesota average of 42.8°F. Its summer average of 64.7°F is one of the lowest in the state, reflecting its far northern position.

Snowier than Western Peers

Itasca is colder and snowier than Hubbard County to the west. With 51.8 inches of snow annually, it faces more winter accumulation than many surrounding counties.

Frigid Winters and Rare Heat

Winters are extreme with a January average of just 6.9°F. Summers remain cool and comfortable, seeing only 2 days of extreme heat per year compared to the state average.

Heavy-Duty Winter Planning

Investing in heavy-duty winter gear and reliable vehicle block heaters is a necessity here. Home cooling is rarely a concern given the very low frequency of 90-degree days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Itasca County

via SoilByCounty

Extreme Acidity in the North Woods

Itasca County's soil is highly acidic with a pH of 4.28, far below the national 6.5 median and the state average of 6.21. This indicates a specialized environment, likely boggy or forested, where only certain plants can naturally survive.

A Gritty Silt and Sand Blend

The soil contains 45.6% sand and 33.2% silt, creating a texture that is light but holds together better than pure sand. A low clay content of 9.4% prevents the soil from becoming heavy or mucky during wet seasons.

World-Class Organic Matter Content

Itasca County features a massive 24.75% organic matter content, more than double the state average. This fuels an exceptional available water capacity of 0.261 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.199.

High Water Retention in Moist Soils

The extreme 0.261 water capacity means this soil stays moist much longer than average Minnesota land. While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high organic content suggests the soil acts like a sponge for rainfall.

Blueberry Heaven in Zone 3b

This acidic, high-organic soil in Zone 3b is the perfect habitat for blueberries and cranberries. Embrace the unique chemistry of Itasca County and start a specialized garden for northern fruits.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Itasca County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Tasks in Itasca

Itasca County presents significant challenges with a lawn difficulty score of 35.7, one of the lowest in the state. The Zone 3b climate means extreme winter cold, with a January average temperature of just 6.9°F. Maintaining a traditional lawn here requires specialized knowledge of cold-hardy species and soil chemistry.

Short Seasons and Minimal Heat

Grass has a very short window to thrive, with only 1,782 growing degree days annually—the lowest in this group. While 28.5 inches of rain is near the state average, the lack of heat (only 2 days above 90°F) keeps growth slow. Mowing will be much less frequent here than in southern Minnesota, but the recovery from any damage is also slower.

Extreme Soil Acidity Challenges Grass

The soil pH is remarkably low at 4.28, which is far too acidic for most standard lawn grasses. Without significant and ongoing lime applications, most turf will struggle to survive and likely suffer from nutrient deficiencies. The soil is also sandy (45.6%), which compounds the difficulty of maintaining consistent nutrient levels for healthy growth.

Sustained Drought Pressure

The county has endured 41 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the area is currently under abnormally dry conditions. This long-term moisture deficit is particularly hard on lawns already struggling with high acidity. Investing in irrigation or selecting the most drought-tolerant native grasses is essential for survival here.

A Narrow Window for Success

Spring frosts linger until May 16, and autumn arrives early with the first frost on October 1. This leaves a very tight window to establish new grass, making early August the best time for seeding to ensure winter survival. Only the most cold-tolerant varieties, like specialized Zone 3 seed mixes, should be used.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Itasca County's county score?
Itasca County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 56.4 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 Itasca County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Itasca County ranks #42 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 Itasca County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Itasca County is $1,851, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Itasca County a tax score of 47.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Itasca County?
The median household income in Itasca County, Minnesota is $66,380 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Itasca County earns an income score of 57.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Itasca County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Itasca County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Itasca 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 Itasca 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.