Kandiyohi County

Minnesota · MN

#50 in Minnesota
70.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Kandiyohi County, Minnesota

Kandiyohi significantly outperforms national livability norms

Kandiyohi County's composite score of 70.2 exceeds the national median of 50 by a full 20 points, positioning it among the top 40% of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong showing reflects competitive performance across affordability, health, and tax dimensions.

Right in line with Minnesota county averages

At 70.2, Kandiyohi sits just slightly below Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper tier of the state's 87 counties. The county is a reliable performer within Minnesota's competitive county landscape.

Affordable housing and strong health outcomes lead the way

Kandiyohi shines on cost (75.7) and health (78.4), with median rent at just $843/month and homes valued at $230,500. The county's tax score of 74.3 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.994%, one of the lowest burdens in the state.

Risk score signals potential vulnerability

Kandiyohi's risk score of 48.6 is notably lower than other dimensions, suggesting the county faces elevated exposure to economic, environmental, or public safety challenges. Like income (32.4), this dimension indicates areas where the county may need strategic improvement.

Ideal for budget-minded residents seeking healthy communities

Kandiyohi County appeals to families and professionals seeking exceptional housing affordability and health care quality without breaking the bank on taxes. The county's lower risk score warrants closer inspection for specific concerns, but overall it's a practical choice for cost-conscious living in rural Minnesota.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.3Cost75.7SafetyComing SoonHealth78.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.4Risk48.6WaterComing Soon
🏛74.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠75.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼32.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
78.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
48.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Kandiyohi County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kandiyohi County

via TaxByCounty

Kandiyohi's tax rate sits near national average

At 0.994%, Kandiyohi's effective tax rate hovers slightly above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the moderate-to-high range nationally. Annual taxes here average $2,291, meaningfully below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Kandiyohi moderately above Minnesota average

Kandiyohi's 0.994% effective rate edges above Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, ranking it in the middle-upper tier statewide. The county's median tax of $2,291 exceeds the state median of $2,168 by roughly $123.

Kandiyohi taxed slightly higher than region

Lac qui Parle County to the west has a 0.948% rate, and Kittson to the north sits at 0.916%—both lower than Kandiyohi's 0.994%. Within its regional peer group, Kandiyohi carries a moderate-to-higher tax burden.

Your estimated annual Kandiyohi property tax

A home valued at Kandiyohi's median of $230,500 generates an estimated annual tax bill of $2,291. Homeowners with mortgages typically see around $2,217; those without mortgages average about $2,416.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Property assessments can lag market conditions, occasionally inflating your tax base beyond fair value. Kandiyohi homeowners should review recent comparable sales and consider filing a formal appeal with the county assessor if their assessed value appears inflated—the process is free and straightforward.

Cost of Living in Kandiyohi County

via CostByCounty

Kandiyohi beats national rent affordability

Kandiyohi County residents spend just 13.5% of their median household income of $75,097 on rent—better than the national comfort zone and above the national average income. Monthly rents of $843 are modest compared to the national trend, giving renters here a genuine affordability advantage.

Below-average rent burden statewide

Kandiyohi's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Minnesota's 14.5% state average, putting the county among the more affordable regions in the state. At $843 per month, median rent trails the state average of $915 by $72, reflecting lower housing pressure.

Kandiyohi offers competitive rental pricing

Kandiyohi renters pay $843 monthly, competing favorably with Kittson County ($728) while offering stronger median incomes of $75,097 versus Kittson's $69,615. This balance of reasonable rents and solid wages makes Kandiyohi one of the region's more accessible housing markets.

Balanced costs across renters and owners

Renters in Kandiyohi dedicate 13.5% of their income to housing, while homeowners pay $1,151 monthly for homes valued at $230,500. The modest rent burden leaves households with more disposable income compared to state and national averages, providing financial breathing room.

A solid choice for budget-conscious relocators

Kandiyohi delivers below-average rent costs with above-average local incomes—a rare combination that benefits renters and first-time buyers alike. If you're relocating and prioritize affordability without sacrificing wage potential, Kandiyohi deserves serious consideration against pricier Minnesota alternatives.

Income & Jobs in Kandiyohi County

via IncomeByCounty

Kandiyohi Slightly Above National Average

Kandiyohi County's median household income of $75,097 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $342, placing it in the top half nationally. This positions the county as a solid performer compared to typical American households.

Keeping Pace with Minnesota State Average

Kandiyohi's median of $75,097 nearly matches Minnesota's state average of $75,757, falling just $660 behind. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier among Minnesota's 87 counties, reflecting a balanced local economy.

Among the Region's Income Leaders

Kandiyohi County outpaces most neighboring counties, earning $75,097 compared to Kanabec ($71,915), Kittson ($69,615), and Lake of the Woods ($70,091). Only Lake County ($75,621) and Le Sueur County ($90,218) earn notably more in the broader region.

Excellent Housing Affordability

At 13.5%, Kandiyohi's rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend roughly one-seventh of income on housing. A median home value of $230,500 is manageable for households earning the county median.

Strong Foundation for Wealth Building

Kandiyohi's median income of $75,097 combined with low housing costs creates favorable conditions for saving and investing. Use the money freed up by affordable housing to boost retirement contributions, education funds, or diversified investment accounts.

Health in Kandiyohi County

via HealthByCounty

Kandiyohi exceeds national life expectancy

Kandiyohi residents live an average of 79.8 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 79.3 years. With a poor or fair health rate of 15.1%, the county sits below national and state averages, reflecting stronger overall population health.

Above-average health outcomes statewide

At 79.8 years, Kandiyohi's life expectancy ranks 1.1 years above Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. The county consistently performs in the top half statewide for health metrics, indicating residents enjoy better-than-average longevity and wellness.

Among the healthiest in the region

Kandiyohi's 79.8-year life expectancy ties with Le Sueur County and exceeds most regional peers, including Kanabec (77.4 years) and Koochiching (76.9 years). The county's 15.1% poor/fair health rate is in the middle-to-lower range regionally, reflecting good population health.

Low uninsured rate, strong mental health access

Kandiyohi's uninsured rate of 6.5% is close to the state average of 6.0%, meaning most residents have health coverage. The county stands out with 548 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far above state norms—while primary care providers number 85 per 100,000, providing solid access to preventive care.

Ensure your health coverage is current

Even in a county with strong health outcomes, maintaining insurance is essential. Check your coverage status at MNsure.org and confirm you have the right plan for your health needs and budget.

Disaster Risk in Kandiyohi County

via RiskByCounty

Kandiyohi's moderate risk sits above state

At 51.37, Kandiyohi County's composite risk score earns a Relatively Low rating and exceeds Minnesota's average of 42.38. The county faces more balanced exposure across multiple hazard types than the typical Minnesota community.

Above-average risk for Minnesota

Kandiyohi ranks higher than roughly 60% of Minnesota counties, with a composite score 21% above the state average. The county's elevated tornado risk (58.40) and moderate flood exposure (52.16) drive this standing.

Riskiest county in its immediate region

Kandiyohi's score of 51.37 exceeds neighboring Lac qui Parle County (18.80) and Le Sueur County (22.81) by a significant margin. It faces notably higher tornado and wildfire risks than both neighbors.

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat

Tornado risk reaches 58.40 in Kandiyohi—substantially higher than the state average and the county's most pressing hazard. Flood risk (52.16) and wildfire risk (49.97) are nearly equal secondary concerns.

Prioritize tornado and flood protection

A safe room or reinforced basement shelter can save lives during tornadoes; verify your home has adequate protection. Flood insurance is strongly recommended, particularly if you live in a mapped flood zone or low-lying area.

ByCounty Network

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