CountyScore

Itasca County

Minnesota · MN

#68 in Minnesota
68.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Itasca County, Minnesota

Itasca ranks solidly in top third nationally

Itasca County's composite score of 68.4 is 18.4 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. This solid standing reflects particular strength in affordability and tax efficiency.

Slightly below Minnesota's county average

Itasca ranks just below the Minnesota state average of 70.9 with a score of 68.4, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Within Minnesota's high-livability context, it's a steady performer.

Affordability and taxes are exceptional

Itasca shines with a tax score of 77.7 and effective tax rate of 0.873%, plus a cost score of 76.6 featuring homes at just $212,000 and rent at $944/month. These budget-friendly fundamentals make the county highly accessible.

Income and risk management need attention

The county's income score of 26.7 reflects a median household income of $66,380—the lowest in this group. The risk score of 23.3 suggests higher economic volatility and vulnerability compared to peers.

Best for frugal retirees seeking stability

Itasca County suits retirees and families with modest fixed incomes seeking maximum affordability and tax relief in a northern Minnesota setting. The low costs make it ideal for those prioritizing financial security over income growth potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.7Cost76.6SafetyComing SoonHealth77.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.7Risk23.3WaterComing Soon
🏛77.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡23.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Itasca County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Morgan County
Alabama
68.4
Median income: $64,858
Mesa County
Colorado
68.4
Median income: $71,485
Levy County
Florida
68.4
Median income: $53,805
Atkinson County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $38,438
Irwin County
Georgia
68.4
Median income: $53,915

Deep Dives

Itasca County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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