CountyScore

Koochiching County

Minnesota · MN

#18 in Minnesota
74.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Koochiching County, Minnesota

Koochiching delivers top-quartile national livability

With a composite score of 74.7, Koochiching County beats the national median of 50 by nearly 25 points, ranking in the top 25% of U.S. counties. This strong national position reflects particularly competitive scores in tax burden, affordability, and health outcomes.

Outperforms the Minnesota county average

Koochiching's 74.7 score ranks above Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it solidly in the upper portion of the state's 87 counties. The county is a top-tier performer in Minnesota's competitive livability landscape.

Lowest tax burden and exceptional housing affordability

Koochiching boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.799%) among these eight counties and a cost score of 83.1, with median homes at $143,700 and rent at just $774/month. These advantages make the county exceptionally attractive for budget-conscious households.

Income growth remains a significant constraint

With a median household income of $69,115 and an income score of 28.5, Koochiching mirrors other rural Minnesota counties in limited wage opportunities. This income ceiling is the primary factor preventing the county from achieving even higher livability rankings.

Ideal for those prioritizing tax efficiency and affordability

Koochiching County suits people seeking the lowest possible tax burden and housing costs in Minnesota, particularly remote workers and retirees with stable external income. The county's exceptional affordability and tax advantages make it compelling for anyone building wealth through savings rather than local employment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.8Cost83.1SafetyComing SoonHealth75.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.5Risk68.5WaterComing Soon
🏛79.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡68.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Koochiching County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Norman County
Minnesota
74.7
Median income: $69,833
Sioux County
Nebraska
74.7
Median income: $54,076
Ransom County
North Dakota
74.7
Median income: $74,521
Lunenburg County
Virginia
74.7
Median income: $54,460
Mineral County
West Virginia
74.7
Median income: $68,049

Deep Dives

Koochiching County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Koochiching County

via TaxByCounty

Koochiching ranks among nation's lowest-tax areas

At 0.799%, Koochiching's effective tax rate is notably below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the lowest quartile nationally. Annual taxes average just $1,148—about 57% lower than the national median of $2,690—making Koochiching one of the country's most tax-friendly counties.

Koochiching is Minnesota's second-lowest-taxed

Koochiching's 0.799% rate ranks among the very lowest in Minnesota, falling well below the state average of 0.968%. The median property tax of $1,148 is the second-lowest among the eight counties examined here.

Koochiching undercut by Lake of the Woods only

Lake of the Woods edges even lower at 0.707%, but Koochiching beats all other neighbors: Kittson (0.916%), Kanabec (1.114%), and Kandiyohi (0.994%). The county's tax rate represents genuine relief compared to its regional peers.

Your estimated annual Koochiching property tax

A home at the county median value of $143,700 carries an estimated annual tax of roughly $1,148. Mortgaged homes average about $1,242 in taxes; those owned outright, around $1,057.

Appeal if you think you're paying too much

Even in low-tax counties, individual assessments can be incorrect. Koochiching homeowners who believe their assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in their neighborhood have the right to appeal directly to the county assessor at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Koochiching County

via CostByCounty

Koochiching combines low costs with lower wages

Koochiching County residents spend 13.4% of their $69,115 median household income on rent, a respectable figure that sits just below the national comfort zone. At $774 per month, median rent is affordable, though local incomes trail the national average by about $5,600, reflecting the county's rural character.

Below state average on housing burden

Koochiching's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Minnesota's 14.5% state average, and at $774, median rent undercuts the state average of $915 by $141. The county offers solid rental affordability relative to the broader Minnesota market.

Competitive rents in a rural cluster

Koochiching renters pay $774 monthly, slightly above Kittson County's $728 but well below Kanabec's $1,003 and comparable to Lake of the Woods ($867). The county sits in the middle tier of affordability among its rural neighbors, balancing modestly low costs with limited economic opportunity.

Affordable rent and modest home values

Renters in Koochiching spend 13.4% of their $69,115 income on housing, leaving decent room in household budgets compared to state averages. Homeowners pay $753 monthly for properties valued at $143,700, the second-lowest median home value in the region and a genuine entry point for aspiring owners.

Budget-friendly but economically modest

Koochiching offers respectable rental and ownership affordability, particularly for those seeking escape from costlier metros or suburban sprawl. However, the lower median income reflects limited job diversity; prospective movers should verify remote work viability or local employment fit before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Koochiching County

via IncomeByCounty

Koochiching Lags Behind National Median

Koochiching County's median household income of $69,115 trails the national median of $74,755 by $5,640, a 7.5% shortfall. The county falls below the typical American household income, though per capita income of $40,221 exceeds the national average.

Lower-Tier County in Minnesota

Koochiching's $69,115 median ranks in the lower portion of Minnesota's 87 counties, trailing the state average of $75,757 by $6,642. This gap suggests economic opportunities may be more limited locally compared to other Minnesota regions.

Struggling Against Regional Peers

Koochiching's median of $69,115 is among the lowest in the region, outpaced by Kanabec ($71,915), Kandiyohi ($75,097), Lake of the Woods ($70,091), and most others. The notable per capita income of $40,221 suggests wealth concentration among some residents.

Strong Housing Affordability

Koochiching residents benefit from a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of just $143,700. These low costs provide breathing room for households earning the county median, even as overall income levels lag the state.

Build Savings Despite Income Constraints

With median income at $69,115, Koochiching households must be intentional about wealth building, but affordable housing helps. Start with automatic savings transfers even in small amounts, seek employer benefits like matching 401(k) contributions, and consider financial counseling to maximize limited resources.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Koochiching County

via HealthByCounty

Koochiching life expectancy trails national average

Koochiching residents live an average of 76.9 years, about 2.4 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years. The poor or fair health rate of 15.9% slightly exceeds national figures, indicating residents face persistent health challenges.

Below-average health outcomes in Minnesota

At 76.9 years, Koochiching's life expectancy sits 1.8 years below Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. The county ranks in the lower third statewide for health metrics, reflecting significant health disparities among its residents.

Among the least healthy regional counties

Koochiching's 76.9-year life expectancy lags behind most neighbors, with only Kittson County (75.8 years) performing worse. The 15.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the region's highest, suggesting more residents are managing chronic illness or health limitations.

Slightly above-average uninsured rate, minimal mental health access

Koochiching's uninsured rate of 6.1% is marginally above Minnesota's 6.0% average, meaning roughly 1 in 16 residents lack coverage. Primary care availability is concerning at just 34 providers per 100,000 residents, and mental health providers number only 187 per 100,000, both well below regional averages.

Coverage matters for health improvement

Given Koochiching's health challenges and limited provider access, ensuring you have insurance is vital. Check your coverage status and explore plans at MNsure.org to secure the care you and your family need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Koochiching County

via RiskByCounty

Koochiching's risk is well below average

With a composite risk score of 31.49, Koochiching County earns a Very Low rating and sits safely below the national baseline. The county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure concentrated in specific hazard types.

Below-average risk within Minnesota

Koochiching's 31.49 score falls 26% below Minnesota's average of 42.38, placing it in the safer half of the state. Flood risk (52.26) is the notable exception, exceeding state and national norms.

Moderately riskier than nearby Kanabec

Koochiching (31.49) faces higher overall risk than Kanabec County (21.31) but lower risk than Kandiyohi County (51.37). Its flood risk significantly exceeds that of both neighbors.

Flooding is the primary concern

Flood risk scores 52.26 in Koochiching—well above the state average and the county's dominant hazard. Wildfire risk (33.94) presents a secondary concern, while tornadoes remain minimal (5.34).

Flood insurance is essential

Flood damage is rarely covered by standard homeowners policies; obtain separate flood insurance if you're in or near a mapped flood zone. Wildfire coverage should also be confirmed with your agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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