countyscore
52.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 78.7Health 74.6

County Report Card

About Kanabec County, Minnesota

Kanabec Surpasses the National Median

With a composite score of 52.6, Kanabec County outpaces the national median of 50.0. This performance places the county in the upper half of all U.S. jurisdictions for overall livability.

Trailing the Minnesota State Average

While competitive nationally, Kanabec sits slightly below the Minnesota state average composite of 55.8. Local factors like tax burden and housing costs weigh on its regional standing.

Clean Water and Environmental Stability

The county excels in environmental factors, boasting a water quality score of 86.0 and a natural risk score of 78.7. Health outcomes are also a bright spot, scoring 74.6 on our index.

Housing and Tax Pressures

Affordability poses a challenge as the cost score sits at 24.5, reflecting a median home value of $221,100. Additionally, the tax score of 30.2 indicates a higher effective tax rate of 1.114%.

A Haven for Nature Lovers

Kanabec suits residents who prioritize environmental resilience and safety over low taxes. It is an ideal fit for families who value high health scores and reliable water quality.

2040608010026.928.372.474.644.865.478.78648.1Tax26.9Cost28.3Safety72.4Health74.6Schools44.8Income65.4Risk78.7Water86Weather48.152.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Kanabec County DNA

Foverall

How Kanabec County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Kanabec County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (78.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (26.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.9-25.1
Cost
28.3-19.7
Safety
72.4+17.400000000000006
Health
74.6+24.599999999999994
Schools
44.8-9.200000000000003
Income
65.4+14.400000000000006
Risk
78.7+31.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
48.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Kanabec County?

Many homeowners in Kanabec County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$228,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$962/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$228,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,460/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Kanabec County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kanabec County

via TaxByCounty

Kanabec taxes above the national norm

At 1.114%, Kanabec's effective tax rate runs well above the national median of 0.84%, putting the county in the upper tier nationally. The typical Kanabec homeowner pays $2,463 annually—below the national median of $2,690—thanks to lower property values, but the rate itself signals higher-than-average tax burden.

Kanabec ranks high among Minnesota counties

Kanabec's 1.114% effective rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968% by about 15%, placing it in the top third of Minnesota counties by tax rate. The county's median tax of $2,463 runs notably higher than the state median of $2,168.

Kanabec carries heavier burden than peers

Compared to neighboring counties, Kanabec stands out: Kittson County's rate is 0.916% and Koochiching is 0.799%, both notably lower. Among similar-sized rural Minnesota counties, Kanabec's tax rate is decidedly on the steeper side.

Your estimated annual Kanabec property tax

Own a home worth the county median of $221,100? Expect to pay roughly $2,463 annually in property taxes. For those with mortgages, that bill typically lands around $2,555; without a mortgage, about $2,342.

Appeal your assessment if you're overvalued

Many Minnesota homeowners are assessed above fair market value and never realize they can appeal. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and could lower your annual tax bill substantially.

Income & Jobs in Kanabec County

via IncomeByCounty

Kanabec Trails National Income Standard

Kanabec County's median household income of $71,915 falls about $2,840 short of the national median of $74,755. While this 3.8% gap is modest, it reflects the county's positioning slightly below the U.S. average for household earnings.

Middle Ground in Minnesota Rankings

At $71,915, Kanabec ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 87 counties. The county earns about $3,842 less than the state median, indicating room for wage growth.

Competing with Regional Peers

Kanabec's $71,915 median income falls below nearby Kandiyohi County ($75,097) but outpaces Kittson County ($69,615) and Lake of the Woods County ($70,091). The variation across neighboring counties suggests different economic drivers and job markets in the region.

Rents Affordable for Most Households

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.7%, Kanabec households spend less than one-fifth of income on housing—comfortably under the 30% threshold recommended by housing experts. A median home value of $221,100 remains accessible for homebuyers earning the county median.

Building Financial Security in Kanabec

Households earning Kanabec's median of $71,915 have solid ground to build savings and investment portfolios, especially with reasonable housing costs. Consider consulting a local financial advisor to create a plan for retirement accounts, emergency funds, and long-term wealth growth.

Safety in Kanabec County

via CrimeByCounty

Kanabec County maintains a high safety rating

With a safety score of 99.0, Kanabec County is significantly more secure than the typical American community. Its total crime rate of 656.6 per 100K residents is roughly 72% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the pack in Minnesota safety

Kanabec's crime rate of 656.6 per 100K sits well below the Minnesota state average of 1,123.5. This performance earns the county a safety score that exceeds the state's already high average of 98.2.

Low crime compared to regional peers

Kanabec’s total crime rate is less than half that of nearby Kandiyohi County, which reports 1,606.9 incidents per 100K. This makes it a notably quiet enclave in the central-east region of the state.

Property crime drives local statistics

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 105.3 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 551.3 incidents per 100K, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement activity.

Stay proactive in a safe community

While rates are low, 84% of local incidents involve property, making home security a smart investment. Residents should use motion-sensor lighting and secure entry points to maintain the county's high safety standards.

Weather & Climate in Kanabec County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant Cold and Snow

At 42.0°F, Kanabec County sits 12 degrees below the national median temperature. It experiences a classic humid continental climate with sharp, snowy seasonal transitions.

Cooler and Wetter than Typical

Kanabec is slightly cooler than the state average of 42.8°F. Its 31.7 inches of precipitation makes it a bit wetter than the state average of 30.0 inches.

A Chilly Central Neighbor

It is cooler than neighboring Isanti to the south but stays warmer than Itasca to the north. Snowfall of 52 inches is high, matching levels seen in much larger metro counties.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are cold with a 14.5°F average and over 4 feet of snow. Summers are mild, with July averaging 69.2°F and only 5 days of extreme heat.

Focus on Snow Removal

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a priority to handle the 52-inch snowfall average. Air conditioning is a secondary concern compared to the long, cold winters.

Soil Quality in Kanabec County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols define the local landscape

Kanabec County features a highly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 4.62, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. These Entisols are young soils that lack well-developed horizons but provide a unique chemical foundation for the region. This acidity creates a specialized environment for native plants and local agriculture alike.

A balanced mix with low clay content

The soil composition consists of 39.1% sand and 40.0% silt, creating a versatile medium for root growth. With clay representing only 9.7% of the mix, the soil remains easy to work and resists heavy compaction. This combination allows for decent structural stability without the stickiness found in clay-heavy counties.

Exceptional organic richness boosts growing potential

Kanabec boasts an impressive 17.80% organic matter, nearly double the Minnesota state average of 9.90%. This richness contributes to an available water capacity of 0.236 in/in, which surpasses the state benchmark of 0.199. These high levels of organic material ensure excellent nutrient cycling and moisture retention for crops.

Reliable drainage for versatile land use

The county's soils are classified as well-drained, facilitating efficient water movement through the profile. While specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, the natural drainage prevents long-term saturation after heavy rains. This makes the land suitable for a variety of building projects and traditional farming practices.

Thriving in hardiness zone 4a

Gardeners in zone 4a can leverage this high-organic soil to grow cool-season vegetables and acid-loving berries like blueberries. The soil's moisture-holding capacity provides a safety net during dry summer spells. Start your garden today by selecting varieties that thrive in acidic, nutrient-dense conditions.

Lawn Care in Kanabec County

via LawnByCounty

Kanabec County's Uphill Lawn Challenge

Maintaining a lush lawn here is harder than most of the country, with a lawn difficulty score of 48.7 compared to the national median of 50.0. This score sits well below the Minnesota state average of 63.9, meaning local homeowners face unique regional obstacles. In USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, freezing winters dictate a specific window for growth.

Moderate Rain and Cool Summers

With 31.7 inches of annual precipitation, the county meets the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass without excessive irrigation. Temperatures rarely stress turf, as the area only sees 5 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 8. The 2,148 growing degree days provide a steady but brief window for active mowing and maintenance.

Combatting Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil pH of 4.62 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, likely requiring lime applications to unlock nutrients. The ground is well-drained but contains 39.1% sand and only 9.7% clay, which can lead to rapid nutrient leaching. Targeted fertilization is essential to support healthy root systems in this light soil profile.

Managing Persistent Dry Spells

The county has spent 22 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. While only 6.6% faces severe conditions, moisture conservation is critical to prevent lawn dormancy. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass survive these recurring dry periods.

Starting Your Zone 4a Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best choices for the cold winters of Zone 4a. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on May 9 or during the late summer before the first fall frost on September 30. Despite the soil challenges, consistent amendments will help your lawn thrive in this Northwoods climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kanabec County's county score?
Kanabec County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Kanabec County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Kanabec County ranks #52 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 Kanabec County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Kanabec County is $2,582, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Kanabec County a tax score of 26.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kanabec County?
The median household income in Kanabec County, Minnesota is $71,460 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kanabec County earns an income score of 65.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kanabec County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Kanabec County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Kanabec 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 Kanabec County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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