46.2
County Score
Soil Quality 86.8Health 84.9Income & Jobs 77.6

County Report Card

About Kandiyohi County, Minnesota

Trailing the National Benchmark

Kandiyohi County earns a composite score of 46.2, falling short of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects specific local challenges that impact the overall quality of life ranking.

Below the Minnesota Curve

The county ranks significantly below the Minnesota state average of 55.8. Disparities in water quality and safety account for much of the gap between Kandiyohi and its state peers.

Strong Health and Solid Incomes

Public health is a major asset here, evidenced by a high health score of 84.9. The income score of 77.6 is supported by a respectable median household income of $75,097.

Water Quality and Public Safety

Environmental and safety metrics are the primary hurdles, with a water score of 23.7 and a safety score of 31.9. These figures suggest significant room for infrastructure and community improvements.

Best for Health-Conscious Professionals

Kandiyohi is best for workers who prioritize high health standards and competitive wages. Prospective residents should consider if the strong medical profile outweighs the current safety and water concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax38.6Cost36.7Safety31.9Health84.9Schools40.5Income77.6Risk48.6Water23.7Weather46.1
🏛38.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠36.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼77.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡31.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
84.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓40.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
48.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧23.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤46.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨86.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱70.4
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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Deep Dives

Kandiyohi County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Safety in Kandiyohi County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety remains high despite moderate activity

Kandiyohi County earns a safety score of 97.5, indicating it is safer than most of the United States. The total crime rate of 1,606.9 per 100K is roughly 32% lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Monitoring rates against the state average

The county's crime rate of 1,606.9 per 100K is higher than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5. However, Kandiyohi still maintains a safety score close to the state average of 98.2.

A regional hub with higher activity

Kandiyohi reports more crime than neighbors like Kanabec, which sees only 656.6 incidents per 100K. As a regional center with three reporting agencies, its higher volume reflects more concentrated population activity.

Violent crime remains below national levels

Violent crime in Kandiyohi sits at 288.4 per 100K, staying well under the national average of 369.8. Property crime represents the bulk of the data at 1,318.5 incidents per 100K residents.

Secure your property in Kandiyohi

Because property crime accounts for 82% of local reports, home security systems provide significant value. Simple steps like locking windows and using smart doorbells help keep these numbers trending downward.

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.

Schools in Kandiyohi County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Learning Opportunities

Kandiyohi County features a robust educational landscape with 20 public schools serving 6,299 total students. The system is diverse, comprising five elementary, three middle, and five high schools, alongside seven alternative and three special education programs. This infrastructure is managed across four distinct school districts.

Investing Above Average in Local Students

The county spends $8,863 per pupil, which exceeds the Minnesota state average of $8,463. While the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, the high investment level and 49.7 school score indicate a strong focus on providing specialized resources and alternative pathways. This spending remains higher than many neighbors, despite being below the national $13,000 average.

Willmar Public Schools Anchor the Region

The Willmar Public School District is the county's largest, overseeing 12 schools and 4,279 students. New London-Spicer follows with 1,548 students, while one charter school provides an alternative choice, representing 5% of the total school count. These districts provide a comprehensive range of academic and extracurricular options.

Town-Centered Schools with Large Secondary Campuses

With 16 schools located in town settings, the county offers a more centralized educational feel than its rural neighbors. Willmar Senior High is the largest institution with 1,224 students, creating a bustling campus environment. The average school size across the county is 332 students, balancing large-scale facilities with smaller specialized centers.

Finding Your Place in Willmar or New London

Families moving to Kandiyohi County often gravitate toward the well-resourced Willmar and New London-Spicer districts. The variety of school types, including seven alternative programs, ensures that students of all backgrounds find support. Proximity to these regional educational hubs is a key factor for local homebuyers.

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.

Weather & Climate in Kandiyohi County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder with Seasonal Variety

Kandiyohi's 43.4°F annual average is over 10 degrees lower than the national median. The climate is characterized by significant seasonal variance and moderate moisture levels.

Representative of Minnesota

The county is slightly warmer than the 42.8°F state average. Its annual precipitation perfectly matches the Minnesota state average of 30.0 inches.

Warmer with More Summer Heat

It is warmer than Kanabec to the northeast and experiences 9 extreme heat days compared to Kanabec's 5. Its 48.2 inches of snow is typical for central Minnesota.

Warm Summers and Chilly Januarys

Summers are warm with July averaging 71.6°F, while January brings a chilly 11.3°F. The county sees 9 days of 90-degree heat, which is higher than its northern neighbors.

Prepare for Seasonal Shifts

Residents need a balanced approach including efficient heating and moderate cooling. With 48.2 inches of snow, winter tires and reliable shovels are essential tools.

Soil Quality in Kandiyohi County

via SoilByCounty

High-quality loam leads the state

Kandiyohi County earns a high soil score of 86.8, supported by its dominant Loam texture and Entisols taxonomic order. The average pH of 6.15 sits just below the national median of 6.5, providing a nearly ideal chemical balance for most plants. This slightly acidic profile matches the Minnesota state average of 6.21 almost perfectly.

The golden ratio of sand, silt, and clay

The soil contains a balanced blend of 37.2% sand, 37.6% silt, and 21.3% clay. This loamy mix offers the best of all worlds: easy workability from sand, nutrient retention from silt, and structural strength from clay. It represents one of the most productive agricultural textures in the upper Midwest.

Superior moisture storage and organic matter

With 13.32% organic matter, Kandiyohi significantly outperforms the national average of 2.0%. The soil holds 0.216 inches of water per inch of soil, exceeding the state average of 0.199. This high available water capacity protects crops during the heat of July and August.

Excellent drainage and rapid water movement

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, these soils allow water to infiltrate rapidly. This minimize surface runoff and erosion during heavy Minnesota thunderstorms. Farmers and builders benefit from these stable, dry conditions that simplify land management.

Abundant harvests in zone 4b

The loamy soil and 4b hardiness zone are perfect for growing sweet corn, peppers, and hardy perennials. Because the soil is so well-balanced, it requires fewer amendments than neighboring counties. Your garden will thrive in this fertile ground, making it a great time to plant a diverse backyard orchard.

Lawn Care in Kandiyohi County

via LawnByCounty

A Top-Tier Environment for Lawns

Kandiyohi County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 70.4, making it much easier to maintain turf here than the national 50.0 average. The conditions are even better than the Minnesota state average of 63.9. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, the climate supports a robust growing season for cool-season grasses.

Ideal Precipitation and Warmth

Annual precipitation averages exactly 30.0 inches, hitting the low end of the ideal range for grass growth. With 9 extreme heat days and 2,524 growing degree days, the climate offers more warmth than many neighboring counties. This combination creates a consistent mowing schedule from May through early October.

Rich Loam and Balanced pH

The local soil pH of 6.15 sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient absorption. A loamy texture with 21.3% clay and 37.2% sand provides a well-drained foundation that retains moisture better than sandier counties. This natural balance reduces the need for heavy soil amendments or frequent corrective fertilizing.

Superior Resilience to Dry Weather

Drought resilience is high here, with only 5 weeks spent in drought conditions over the past year. Current data shows 0.0% of the county is under any dry or drought classifications. This stability allows homeowners to focus on standard maintenance rather than emergency water conservation.

Time to Seed in Zone 4b

Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue perform well in this climate and soil profile. The best planting windows open after the May 4 spring frost or during the late summer before the October 7 frost. With such high natural scores, your lawn is well-positioned for success this season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kandiyohi County's county score?
Kandiyohi County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Kandiyohi County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Kandiyohi County ranks #72 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 Kandiyohi County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Kandiyohi County is $2,291, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Kandiyohi County a tax score of 38.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kandiyohi County?
The median household income in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota is $75,097 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kandiyohi County earns an income score of 77.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kandiyohi County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Kandiyohi County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Kandiyohi 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 Kandiyohi County with other counties side by side.