countyscore
69.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.2Water Quality 86Safety 84.6

County Report Card

About Kittson County, Minnesota

A National Leader in Livability

Kittson County achieves an impressive composite score of 69.5, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score puts it in the elite tier of rural American counties.

Surpassing the State Standard

Exceeding the Minnesota average of 55.8, Kittson represents some of the best living standards in the state. Its balanced profile provides a high quality of life across nearly all metrics.

Superior Safety and Low Risk

The county is remarkably secure, featuring a risk score of 95.2 and a safety score of 84.6. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 69.3 and median rent at just $728.

Modest Tax and Income Scores

While still strong, the tax score of 44.1 is the county's lowest individual metric. The median household income of $69,615 leads to a moderate income score of 65.4.

Perfect for Quiet Rural Stability

Kittson is an ideal choice for retirees or remote workers seeking peace, safety, and low housing costs. It offers an exceptionally stable environment with minimal natural disaster risk.

2040608010044.169.384.678.362.665.495.28645.2Tax44.1Cost69.3Safety84.6Health78.3Schools62.6Income65.4Risk95.2Water86Weather45.269.5/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Kittson County DNA

C-overall

How Kittson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Kittson County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (95.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.1
Cost
69.3+21.299999999999997
Safety
84.6+29.599999999999994
Health
78.3+28.299999999999997
Schools
62.6+8.600000000000001
Income
65.4+14.400000000000006
Risk
95.2+48.2
Water
86+28
Weather
45.2-10.799999999999997
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Think property taxes are too high in Kittson County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$134,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$728/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$134,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,615/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

Brown County
Illinois
Median income: $72,288
69.5
Treasure County
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Median income: $73,036
69.5
Assumption Parish
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Median income: $52,546
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Fillmore County
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Median income: $76,354
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Grant County
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Median income: $69,063
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McLean County
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Median income: $70,549
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Lincoln County
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Median income: $67,715
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Garfield County
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Median income: $68,611
69.3

Nearby counties

Pembina County
North Dakota
69
Marshall County
Minnesota
69.1
Walsh County
North Dakota
54.6
Grand Forks County
North Dakota
40.5
Roseau County
Minnesota
56.2
Pennington County
Minnesota
43.9
Polk County
Minnesota
50.9
Cavalier County
North Dakota
66

Deep Dives

Kittson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kittson County

via TaxByCounty

Kittson's low tax rate beats national average

At 0.916%, Kittson's effective tax rate runs below the national median of 0.84% and sits comfortably in the lower half nationally. Typical annual taxes of $1,231 are nearly 54% lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a low rate and modest property values.

Kittson ranks among Minnesota's lowest-tax counties

Kittson's 0.916% effective rate runs slightly below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, positioning it in the lower third statewide. The median tax of $1,231 is the lowest among all eight counties profiled here.

Kittson's advantage extends to all neighbors

Koochiching County (0.799%) is the only neighbor with a lower rate, while Lake of the Woods (0.707%) is lower still; but Kanabec (1.114%) and Kandiyohi (0.994%) both tax notably higher. Kittson occupies a favorable position in the regional tax landscape.

Your estimated annual Kittson property tax

Homeowners with the county median-valued home of $134,400 pay approximately $1,231 annually. With a mortgage, expect around $1,483; without, closer to $1,003.

Even low assessments can be challenged

Kittson's favorable tax rate doesn't mean all homeowners are assessed correctly. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its actual market worth, Minnesota law allows a free appeal to your county assessor—a valuable safeguard regardless of the county's overall tax climate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kittson County

via CostByCounty

Kittson offers exceptional rental affordability

Kittson County residents spend just 12.6% of their $69,615 median household income on rent, beating the national comfort threshold and approaching the most affordable U.S. markets. At $728 per month, Kittson's median rent is among Minnesota's lowest, making it a rental bargain even as local wages lag slightly below the national average.

Minnesota's most affordable renters live here

Kittson's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing the county among the state's most renter-friendly markets. The $728 median rent is $187 below the state average of $915—a 20% savings that few Minnesota counties can match.

Kittson leads the region on affordability

Kittson renters pay $728 monthly, the lowest among surrounding counties like Lake of the Woods ($867), Kandiyohi ($843), and Kanabec ($1,003). Despite slightly lower median incomes, Kittson's housing costs create the lowest burden in the region, making it uniquely accessible for renters.

Ultra-low rent, modest home values

Renters in Kittson spend just 12.6% of their income on housing, freeing up cash for other needs compared to statewide norms. Homeowners pay $772 monthly for properties valued at just $134,400, the lowest median home value in this dataset and offering genuine affordable ownership pathways.

The affordability champion for renters

If rent affordability is your defining concern, Kittson County is hard to beat—both regionally and statewide. Remote workers or retirees on modest incomes will find exceptional value here, though job availability in the remote far-north location may warrant research before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kittson County

via IncomeByCounty

Kittson Below U.S. Income Baseline

Kittson County's median household income of $69,615 falls about $5,140 short of the national median of $74,755, a 6.9% gap. This positions the county in the lower-middle range compared to typical American households.

Lower Income Among Minnesota Counties

Kittson ranks notably below Minnesota's state average median income of $75,757, trailing by $6,142. The county places in the lower quartile among Minnesota's 87 counties, indicating economic challenges relative to state peers.

One of the Region's Lower Earners

Kittson County's $69,615 median is the lowest among its neighbors, falling behind Kanabec ($71,915), Kandiyohi ($75,097), and Lake of the Woods ($70,091). The per capita income of $37,697 suggests more unequal earnings distribution locally.

Most Affordable Housing in Region

Kittson excels in housing affordability with a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio—among the lowest in the region. The median home value of just $134,400 is highly accessible, offering excellent value for homebuyers.

Leverage Low Housing Costs Wisely

While incomes are modest, Kittson's low housing costs create opportunity to save and invest despite median earnings of $69,615. Prioritize building emergency savings first, then explore employer 401(k) matches and tax-advantaged accounts to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kittson County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Kittson County

Kittson County boasts a safety score of 99.4, placing it among the most secure areas in the country. Its total crime rate of 357.9 per 100K is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Minnesota safety average

The county’s crime rate is less than one-third of the Minnesota state average of 1,123.5 per 100K. Kittson’s safety score of 99.4 easily clears the state average of 98.2.

Setting the regional safety standard

Kittson is significantly safer than Koochiching County, which has a crime rate of 1,267.4 per 100K. Its small-town environment results in some of the lowest crime figures in Northwest Minnesota.

Minimal violent crime reported

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at 47.7 per 100K, compared to the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also exceptionally low, totaling only 310.2 per 100K residents.

Preserve Kittson's peaceful atmosphere

With such low crime rates, basic community vigilance is the best defense. Keeping outbuildings locked and maintaining exterior lighting helps ensure the county remains one of the safest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Kittson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, High Personal Attention

Kittson County operates a lean educational system of six public schools serving a total of 612 students. These schools are split evenly between elementary and high school levels across three local districts. This structure ensures that students benefit from a very high ratio of staff to pupils.

Top-Tier Graduation and High Expenditure

The county boasts an impressive 87.4% graduation rate, surpassing both the Minnesota and national averages. Education is a clear priority here, with per-pupil spending at $10,301, significantly higher than the state average of $8,463. This investment is reflected in a high composite school score of 59.3.

Localized Control Across Three Districts

Kittson Central is the largest district in the county with 242 students, followed by Tri-County and Lancaster Public Schools. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning the community's focus is entirely on its traditional public school system. Each district serves a vital role in maintaining the social fabric of their respective towns.

An Entirely Rural Learning Experience

Every single school in Kittson County is classified as rural, offering a quiet and safe environment for learning. The average school size is just 102 students, with Kittson Central Elementary being the largest at 133 pupils. Lancaster Secondary is the smallest, providing an intimate high school experience for only 76 students.

Invest in High-Performing Rural Schools

Kittson County is an ideal destination for buyers seeking high graduation rates and personalized attention for their children. The high per-pupil investment makes homes in the Kittson Central or Lancaster districts particularly attractive to families. Here, your child isn't just a number, but part of a well-funded community tradition.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kittson County

via RiskByCounty

Kittson is Minnesota's safest county

Kittson County's composite risk score of 4.80 ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, earning a Very Low rating. The county faces dramatically lower natural disaster exposure than typical U.S. communities.

Safest county in all of Minnesota

Kittson's score of 4.80 is just 11% of the state average (42.38), making it by far Minnesota's lowest-risk county. Only earthquake and wildfire risks register above minimal levels.

Far safer than surrounding areas

Kittson's 4.80 score dwarfs Lake of the Woods County (3.53, which is the only Minnesota county with even lower risk). Both represent exceptional safety compared to virtually any surrounding region.

Wildfire is the only notable threat

Wildfire risk scores 74.46 in Kittson—the county's lone significant hazard—while tornado and flood risks remain minimal at 13.55 and 13.55 respectively. Earthquake risk is negligible at 0.54.

Focus on wildfire preparedness

Despite low overall risk, ensure your homeowners policy includes wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around your property. Standard coverage is likely sufficient for other hazards, but verify with your insurance agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Kittson County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Drinking Water Safety Records

Kittson County maintains an A grade with zero health-based violations over the past five years. This 0.0 violation rate outperforms the state average of 32.5 and national benchmarks.

Watershed Impairments Not Yet Evaluated

Federal reporting currently lists no assessed water bodies for Kittson County under the Clean Water Act. The county remains outside the latest §303(d) reporting cycle for watershed health.

Focused Monitoring on PFAS and Nutrients

With 23 monitoring sites, the county has logged 6,618 measurements in the last five years. Testing efforts are notably focused on nutrients and PFAS (Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances) to ensure long-term safety.

High Flows on the Roseau River

The Roseau River gauge near Caribou reports a current discharge of 673 cfs, which is 168% of its long-term mean. These elevated flows reflect significant drainage across the 1,420 square mile basin.

Watch for Trends in Emerging Contaminants

While drinking water remains safe, the presence of PFAS monitoring indicates local awareness of emerging risks. Residents should support continued testing of the Roseau River, especially during periods of high streamflow.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kittson County

via WeatherByCounty

A truly northern continental climate

Kittson County maintains an annual average temperature of 39.1°F, which sits nearly 15 degrees below the national median. This northern outpost experiences a classic continental climate with significant temperature swings throughout the year.

Cold even by Minnesota standards

The county's 39.1°F average is nearly four degrees colder than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It ranks as one of the chillier regions in a state already known for its rigorous winters.

Drier than its eastern neighbors

With only 22.3 inches of annual precipitation, Kittson is notably drier than the state average of 30 inches. It receives less moisture than neighboring Koochiching County, which sees over 26 inches annually.

Extreme winters and mild summers

January temperatures average a freezing 4.5°F, while July provides relief at 68.4°F. The county typically sees only 7 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F.

Prepare for the deep freeze

While local snowfall data is limited, the sub-10°F winter average demands high-performance home insulation and heavy-duty heating systems. Residents should prioritize cold-weather vehicle kits given the low annual precipitation and bitter temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kittson County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline sands in the far north

Kittson County features a pH of 7.17, making its soils more alkaline than both the Minnesota average of 6.21 and the national median of 6.5. While the specific taxonomic order data is limited, the high pH suggests a unique mineral composition. This alkalinity influences which nutrients are most available to plants in this northern landscape.

A sand-heavy mix for easy tilling

The soil composition is dominated by 45.7% sand, providing excellent aeration for root systems. Silt makes up 26.5% and clay accounts for 19.3%, creating a texture that is less likely to become waterlogged than heavier soils. This sandy characteristic allows the ground to warm up faster in the short northern spring.

Strong organic content despite lower water capacity

Kittson contains 11.14% organic matter, which is well above the national average of 2.0% and exceeds the state average of 9.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.183 in/in is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.199. This means that while the soil is nutrient-rich, it may require more frequent irrigation during dry spells.

Managing water in a northern climate

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for Kittson, but the high sand content typically suggests fast drainage. In this cold climate, managing surface moisture is key to preventing frost heave and ensuring stable foundations. Local land use depends heavily on the interaction between these sandy soils and the seasonal water table.

Short season success in zone 3b

Hardiness zone 3b requires plants that can handle extreme cold and a limited growing window. Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots thrive in these sandy, alkaline soils where they can expand easily. Focus on short-season varieties and cold-hardy greens to make the most of your Kittson County garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kittson County

via LawnByCounty

Northwest Border Lawn Challenges

Kittson County holds a lawn difficulty score of 55.1, placing it slightly above the national average but below the Minnesota state score of 63.9. As one of the northernmost points in the state, it sits in the cold USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. Homeowners must manage a shorter window for growth and survival compared to southern neighbors.

Dry Air and Brief Summers

Annual precipitation is relatively low at 22.3 inches, falling short of the 30-50 inches ideal for lawns. The area sees 2,061 growing degree days and only 7 extreme heat days, indicating a cool climate where evaporation is lower. You will likely need supplemental irrigation to maintain green turf through the summer months.

Alkaline and Sandy Soil Profile

The soil pH of 7.17 is slightly alkaline, which is just above the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for most turfgrasses. With 45.7% sand and 19.3% clay, the soil is light and porous, though drainage class data is currently unavailable. Adding organic matter can help this sandy base retain the limited rainfall the region receives.

Monitoring Moisture in the North

The county experienced 16 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show no active drought areas. Despite the present relief, the low annual rainfall makes the region susceptible to quick drying. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a great way to retain surface moisture and nutrients.

Preparing for a Zone 3b Winter

Hardy grasses like Creeping Red Fescue are ideal for surviving the harsh Zone 3b winters. Plan your seeding between the May 8 last frost and the September 30 first frost to ensure roots establish. With proper watering, these cold-tolerant varieties can handle the unique Kittson County climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kittson County's county score?
Kittson County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 69.5 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 Kittson County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Kittson County ranks #7 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 Kittson County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Kittson County is $1,231, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Kittson County a tax score of 44.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kittson County?
The median household income in Kittson County, Minnesota is $69,615 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kittson County earns an income score of 65.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kittson County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Kittson County scores 69.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Kittson 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 Kittson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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