countyscore
52.6
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.

Score breakdown

Tax30.2Cost24.5Safety72.4Health74.6Schools44.8Income71.2Risk78.7Water86Weather48.1
🏛30.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.7
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

Mille Lacs County
Minnesota
42.6
Isanti County
Minnesota
43.6
Pine County
Minnesota
46.9
Aitkin County
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Chisago County
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Burnett County
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Benton County
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Sherburne County
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Deep Dives

Kanabec County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kanabec County

via CostByCounty

Kanabec rents outpace national affordability

Kanabec County residents spend 16.7% of their income on rent, well above the national comfort zone of 12–14%. While the county's median household income of $71,915 sits slightly below the national average of $74,755, rental costs have climbed to $1,003 per month, putting pressure on renters relative to their earnings.

Above-average rent burden in Minnesota

Kanabec's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, indicating tighter housing affordability than most of the state. The county's median rent of $1,003 is also $88 higher than Minnesota's state average of $915, a 10% premium.

Kanabec costs more than nearby peers

Kanabec renters pay $1,003 monthly—$175 more than Kittson County ($728) and $95 more than Koochiching County ($774) just across the border. Despite similar median incomes across the region ($69,000–$72,000), Kanabec's housing costs are notably steeper than its rural neighbors.

Rent consumes large share of income

Renters in Kanabec dedicate 16.7% of their $71,915 annual income to rent, while homeowners pay $1,143 monthly against homes valued at $221,100. Together, rental and ownership costs reveal a county where housing security requires careful budgeting, especially for lower-income households.

Consider the rental math carefully

If affordability is your priority, Kanabec's rental market may stretch tighter than nearby Kittson or Koochiching counties, where rent burdens dip below 13%. However, home values remain reasonable at $221,100, making homeownership a potential long-term relief for those who can save for a down payment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kanabec County

via HealthByCounty

Kanabec's life expectancy lags national average

Kanabec residents live an average of 77.4 years, about 2 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. The county's poor or fair health rate stands at 16.0%, slightly above the national average, suggesting residents face higher rates of chronic illness and ongoing health challenges.

Below-average health outcomes within Minnesota

At 77.4 years, Kanabec's life expectancy trails Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.3 years. The county ranks in the lower half statewide for overall health outcomes, indicating residents experience greater health burdens than most Minnesotans.

Health challenges compared to regional peers

Kanabec's 77.4-year life expectancy falls short of neighboring Kandiyohi County (79.8 years) and Lac qui Parle County (79.3 years), though it exceeds Kittson County (75.8 years) and Koochiching County (76.9 years). The county's 16.0% poor/fair health rate is among the highest in its region.

Moderate insurance coverage, solid primary care

Kanabec's uninsured rate of 6.9% slightly exceeds Minnesota's 6.0% average, meaning roughly 1 in 15 residents lack health coverage. The county has 99 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above the state median—and 229 mental health providers per 100,000, indicating decent access to both primary and behavioral health services.

Explore your coverage options today

If you're among the 6.9% of uninsured Kanabec residents, now is the time to explore your options. Visit MNsure.org to compare plans, check eligibility for subsidies, and enroll in coverage that fits your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kanabec County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Educational Infrastructure

Kanabec County manages a focused education network consisting of seven public schools across two school districts. The system serves 2,164 students through two elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools. This infrastructure includes three alternative schools to support diverse learning needs.

Matching State Graduation Benchmarks

The county maintains an 86.3% graduation rate, effectively mirroring the Minnesota state average of 86.6%. Although its $7,852 per-pupil expenditure is lower than the state's $8,463 average, the county achieves a school score of 53.4. These metrics suggest a lean but efficient educational system compared to national spending norms.

Mora Public Schools Lead the Way

Mora Public School District serves as the county's primary educational provider, enrolling 1,642 students across four separate schools. The Ogilvie Public School District supports the remaining 522 students through three additional facilities. No charter schools currently operate within the county lines.

Rural Roots and Intimate Learning Environments

Education in Kanabec County feels personal, with an average school size of 309 students spread across rural and town locales. Mora Elementary is the largest campus with 832 students, while the Mora Alternative Learning Center offers a highly specialized environment for just 58 students. The mix of four rural and three town schools reflects the county's geographic character.

Settling Near Quality Community Schools

For families looking for a close-knit community, the Mora and Ogilvie districts offer stable environments with graduation rates that keep pace with the rest of the state. Exploring homes in these districts allows buyers to prioritize localized education in a rural setting. School quality remains a significant driver for property values in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kanabec County

via RiskByCounty

Kanabec ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 21.31, Kanabec County sits in the Very Low category—far safer than the national average. This score reflects relatively modest exposure to the natural hazards that typically affect Minnesota communities.

One of Minnesota's safest counties

Kanabec's score of 21.31 is less than half the state average of 42.38, placing it well below the middle of the pack among Minnesota counties. The county benefits from moderate risk across all major hazard types.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Kanabec outperforms nearby Koochiching County (31.49) and rivals Lac qui Parle County (18.80) as one of the region's lower-risk areas. Its composite score reflects a balanced, manageable hazard profile compared to neighbors.

Wildfire and flood dominate here

Wildfire risk scores 63.33—Kanabec's most pressing threat—while flood risk stands at 34.54. Tornado risk (38.01) rounds out the top three, though all remain below state averages.

Wildfire coverage matters most

Standard homeowners policies may not cover wildfire damage; verify your coverage includes this hazard. Flood insurance is also worth evaluating, especially if your property sits in or near a flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kanabec County's county score?
Kanabec County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 52.6 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 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 $2,463, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Kanabec County a tax score of 30.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kanabec County?
The median household income in Kanabec County, Minnesota is $71,915 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kanabec County earns an income score of 71.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kanabec County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Kanabec County scores 52.6/100 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.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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