countyscore
59.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 76.4Disaster Risk 68.5

County Report Card

About Koochiching County, Minnesota

Outperforming the National Median

Koochiching County earns a solid composite score of 59.9, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher than average standard of living relative to the U.S. at large.

Beating the Minnesota Average

The county sits above the Minnesota state average of 55.8, making it a standout in the region. Low taxes and affordable housing are the primary drivers of this high ranking.

Excellent Water and Housing Value

Water quality is a major strength with a score of 86.0. Residents also benefit from an affordable cost score of 65.3, with median home values staying low at $143,700.

Safety and Community Infrastructure

The safety score of 43.8 is the county's most significant area for growth. While not alarmist, this figure trails the county's otherwise strong performance in health and economics.

Ideal for Practical Budgeting

Koochiching is a great match for families looking for low taxes and affordable homeownership. It offers a high-value lifestyle for those who appreciate natural beauty and clean water.

2040608010053.465.343.876.457.564.668.58648.2Tax53.4Cost65.3Safety43.8Health76.4Schools57.5Income64.6Risk68.5Water86Weather48.259.9/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Koochiching County DNA

Foverall

How Koochiching County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Koochiching County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Water Quality (86/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Safety (43.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.4
Cost
65.3+17.299999999999997
Safety
43.8-11.200000000000003
Health
76.4+26.400000000000006
Schools
57.5
Income
64.6+13.599999999999994
Risk
68.5+21.5
Water
86+28
Weather
48.2
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Think property taxes are too high in Koochiching County?

Many homeowners in Koochiching 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

$143,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$774/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,115/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Lake of the Woods County
Minnesota
74.3
Beltrami County
Minnesota
36
Itasca County
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56.4
St. Louis County
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Roseau County
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Clearwater County
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Pennington County
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Deep Dives

Koochiching County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Koochiching County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong safety scores on the border

Koochiching County holds a safety score of 98.0, remaining significantly safer than the national average. The total crime rate of 1,267.4 per 100K is nearly 47% lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Tracking slightly above state averages

The county's crime rate of 1,267.4 per 100K is slightly higher than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5. Despite this, its safety score of 98.0 remains very competitive with the state average of 98.2.

Comparing Northwoods crime rates

Koochiching sees more activity than neighboring Lake County, which reports a crime rate of 485.6 per 100K. Its position as a border crossing hub likely contributes to its slightly higher incident volume.

Analyzing violent and property trends

Violent crime in the county is 298.2 per 100K, which is higher than the state average but below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the most common issue, recorded at 969.2 incidents per 100K.

Vigilance for Northwoods homeowners

With property crime making up the majority of reports, residents should prioritize home security. Installing cameras and joining neighborhood watch groups can help push local crime rates even lower.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Koochiching County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Coverage Across the Northland

Koochiching County maintains nine public schools organized into three districts to serve its 1,511 students. The landscape consists of four elementary schools and five high schools, including one dedicated alternative learning site. This network ensures educational access across one of Minnesota's largest geographic counties.

Outperforming State Averages in Score and Spending

With a composite school score of 57.5, Koochiching County exceeds the state average of 54.9. The county invests $9,608 per student, which is over $1,000 more than the Minnesota average. This funding supports a solid 86.8% graduation rate, aligning perfectly with state benchmarks.

International Falls as the Regional Hub

The International Falls School District is the largest in the county, educating 894 students. The South Koochiching and Littlefork-Big Falls districts serve the more remote southern regions with 265 and 328 students, respectively. No charter schools are currently operating, keeping the focus on these established public districts.

Small-Town Feel with Rural Breadth

Schools here are divided between town and rural locales, with an average enrollment of 168 students. Falls Secondary is the largest campus with 501 students, while Northome Secondary serves a much smaller cohort of 84. This mix allows families to choose between a larger town experience or an intimate rural setting.

Educational Stability in the North Woods

Prospective homeowners will find that Koochiching County offers strong educational value, particularly in the International Falls area. The county's high per-pupil spending and competitive school scores make it a smart choice for families. Exploring property near Littlefork or Northome offers a unique rural lifestyle backed by solid school performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Koochiching County

via WaterByCounty

Excellent Compliance in Koochiching County

Koochiching County earns an A grade for drinking water, reporting no health violations in five years. Its violation rate is significantly better than the Minnesota state average of 32.5 per 100,000 residents.

Awaiting Federal Watershed Assessments

Local waterways have not yet been evaluated under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No impaired water bodies are currently reported for the county in the federal database.

Extensive Testing in the Rainy River Basin

A network of 57 sites has collected 14,626 measurements over the past five years. Monitoring focuses on physical characteristics and nutrient levels to track the health of the county’s vast aquatic resources.

Rainy River Running Above Typical Levels

The Rainy River at Manitou Rapids is flowing at 25,000 cfs, which is 193% of its historical typical flow. This massive drainage area of 19,400 square miles is currently experiencing much higher than average discharge.

Manage Runoff During High Flow Events

High river flows can increase turbidity and affect source water quality. Because monitoring focuses on nutrients and pesticides, residents should limit chemical use during wet seasons to protect the healthy Rainy River watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Koochiching County

via WeatherByCounty

Among the nation's coldest counties

Koochiching County averages just 37.6°F annually, placing it among the coldest inhabited regions in the contiguous United States. This temperature is roughly 16 degrees lower than the national median.

Trailing the state temperature average

At 37.6°F, the county sits more than five degrees below the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It frequently records some of the lowest daily temperatures in the entire state.

Snowier than the western plains

Koochiching receives 63.8 inches of snow annually, far exceeding the totals found in western neighbors like Kittson. Its annual precipitation of 26.7 inches is slightly below the state average but remains consistent for the region.

Long winters and brief summers

Winter temperatures average a frigid 8.6°F from December through February. Summers are mild and comfortable, with only 3 days per year reaching 90°F and a July average of 65.2°F.

Engine heaters and snow blowers

The 63.8 inches of annual snow requires reliable clearing equipment and winter tires for all residents. Given the extreme cold, high-efficiency HVAC systems and backup generators are essential for safety during the long winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Koochiching County

via SoilByCounty

A landscape defined by mystery

Koochiching County lacks specific soil classification data for its dominant taxonomic order and pH levels. While the state average pH is 6.21, the unique boreal environment here likely creates a vastly different chemical profile. This data gap highlights the wild and untamed nature of this border county's terrain.

Unique textures in the northern woods

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently documented for this region. Local observations suggest a mix of peat bogs and glacial deposits that vary wildly across the county. Understanding your specific plot will require a hands-on soil test to determine its unique workable properties.

Untapped potential in the north

While available water capacity and organic matter percentages are N/A, the surrounding region is known for high-organic peatlands. These areas typically hold significant amounts of water and carbon, though they may lack the state's average fertility benchmarks. Local gardening requires adapting to these specific, albeit unquantified, local conditions.

Water management in the borderlands

Drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. Given the region's geography, many areas likely deal with slow drainage and high water tables during the spring thaw. Careful site selection is essential for any building or agricultural project in this part of the state.

Gardening in the zone 3b frontier

With a 3b hardiness zone, Koochiching offers one of the shortest growing seasons in the continental United States. Successful growers rely on raised beds and greenhouses to overcome the lack of specific soil data and the extreme cold. Focus on ultra-hardy perennials and fast-growing annuals to find success in the north.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Koochiching County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in the North

Koochiching County faces significant hurdles with a lawn difficulty score of 43.1, well below the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more challenging places in Minnesota to maintain a lawn compared to the state average of 63.9. Its position in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b means only the heartiest grasses survive the winter.

Cool Temps and Short Seasons

The climate is defined by just 3 extreme heat days and a low 1,594 growing degree days, which limits grass growth rates. Annual precipitation of 26.7 inches is slightly below the ideal 30-inch threshold. Mowing schedules start late and end early due to the long, cold transitions.

Managing Soil with Limited Data

Specific soil metrics like pH and texture are currently unavailable for this region, making local soil testing a critical first step for any homeowner. Without this data, it is best to assume a need for organic amendments to build a healthy foundation. Understanding your specific site's drainage is vital before investing in expensive sod.

Enduring Lengthy Dry Spells

The county has struggled through 36 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. This chronic lack of moisture can severely stress lawns that aren't properly irrigated. Prioritize watering deeply once a week to encourage deep root growth that can withstand these dry cycles.

A Short Window for Growth

Kentucky Bluegrass is a standard choice for Zone 3b, but it requires careful timing to establish. You have a narrow window between the May 24 last frost and the September 20 first frost to get your lawn growing. Start early and use cold-hardy seed mixes to ensure your lawn survives the sub-zero winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Koochiching County's county score?
Koochiching County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 59.9 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 Koochiching County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Koochiching County ranks #31 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 Koochiching County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Koochiching County is $1,148, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Koochiching County a tax score of 53.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Koochiching County?
The median household income in Koochiching County, Minnesota is $69,115 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Koochiching County earns an income score of 64.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Koochiching County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Koochiching County scores 59.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Koochiching 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 Koochiching County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.