countyscore
72.5
County Score
Safety 89.3Health 89Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota

Exceptional National Ranking

Lac qui Parle County boasts a high composite score of 72.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It is among the top-performing rural counties in the United States.

Top-Tier Minnesota Living

With a score of 72.5, this county far outpaces the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It excels across multiple dimensions, from education to public safety.

Top Marks in Every Category

The county delivers incredible safety (89.3), health (89.0), and school (82.0) scores. These metrics are bolstered by a high water score of 86.0 and consistent environmental stability.

Moderate Tax and Income

The tax score of 41.9 is the only metric below 60, reflecting an effective tax rate of 0.948%. While incomes are healthy at $71,639, the income score of 70.4 is the county's relative low point.

A Gold Standard for Families

This county is a premier choice for families who prioritize safety and elite school systems. It offers a rare combination of high-quality services and affordable housing values.

2040608010041.960.689.3898270.481.28641.9Tax41.9Cost60.6Safety89.3Health89Schools82Income70.4Risk81.2Water86Weather41.972.5/100
This county
National avg
7 above average2 below average

Lac qui Parle County DNA

Coverall

How Lac qui Parle County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lac qui Parle County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (89/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.9-10.100000000000001
Cost
60.6+12.600000000000001
Safety
89.3+34.3
Health
89+39
Schools
82+28
Income
70.4+19.400000000000006
Risk
81.2+34.2
Water
86+28
Weather
41.9-14.100000000000001
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Think property taxes are too high in Lac qui Parle County?

Many homeowners in Lac qui Parle 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

$143,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$809/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,639/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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Nearby counties

Chippewa County
Minnesota
59.5
Swift County
Minnesota
65.2
Yellow Medicine County
Minnesota
66.5
Big Stone County
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68.8
Deuel County
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Stevens County
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Grant County
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Lincoln County
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Deep Dives

Lac qui Parle County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lac qui Parle County

via TaxByCounty

Lac qui Parle's tax rate remains quite competitive

At 0.948%, Lac qui Parle's effective tax rate sits slightly above the national median of 0.84%, positioning it in the moderate range nationally. Annual taxes of $1,360 run roughly half the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower property valuations in the county.

Lac qui Parle slightly below Minnesota average

Lac qui Parle's 0.948% effective rate runs just under Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, placing it squarely in the middle-to-lower tier statewide. The median tax of $1,360 is below the state median of $2,168.

Lac qui Parle ranks favorably in its region

Kandiyohi County to the east taxes at 0.994%, while Kanabec further northeast is 1.114%—both higher than Lac qui Parle's 0.948%. Within its regional context, Lac qui Parle offers a competitive tax environment.

Your estimated annual Lac qui Parle property tax

Homeowners with a property valued at the county median of $143,400 face an estimated annual tax of $1,360. Those with mortgages typically pay around $1,444; outright owners, approximately $1,285.

Assessment appeals are your right—use them

Minnesota law guarantees homeowners the right to appeal their property assessment if they believe it's unfair. Lac qui Parle residents who notice their home valued significantly above recent comparable sales should contact the county assessor about a no-cost appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lac qui Parle County

via CostByCounty

Lac qui Parle delivers solid rental value

Lac qui Parle County residents spend 13.6% of their $71,639 median household income on rent, a rate that hovers near national comfort thresholds and below problematic levels. At $809 per month, median rent is lean and accessible, making the county competitive for price-conscious renters nationally.

Slightly above state rent-to-income average

Lac qui Parle's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio edges just above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it in the better half of the state's housing markets. Median rent of $809 runs $106 below the state average of $915, contributing to solid regional affordability despite slightly tighter income ratios.

Mid-range costs among rural peers

Lac qui Parle renters pay $809 monthly, positioning the county between Kittson's bargain $728 and Kanabec's steep $1,003, with a favorable rent burden of 13.6%. The county's rental market mirrors Kandiyohi and Koochiching, offering consistent rural Minnesota affordability.

Even split between rent and ownership costs

Renters in Lac qui Parle spend 13.6% of their $71,639 annual income on housing, while homeowners pay $754 monthly for properties valued at $143,400. Both pathways are accessible relative to state norms, with ownership costs particularly low and reflecting the county's modest property values.

Stable affordability, modest growth prospects

Lac qui Parle combines reasonable rents and low home values in a stable rural setting, making it ideal for those prioritizing housing affordability. The county's smaller size and agricultural economy suggest it suits retirees, remote workers, or those seeking simplicity over urban amenities and rapid job growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lac qui Parle County

via IncomeByCounty

Lac qui Parle Slightly Below National Average

Lac qui Parle County's median household income of $71,639 falls about $3,116 short of the national median of $74,755, a 4.2% gap. The county earns slightly less than typical American households, though remains in the middle range nationally.

Middle Position in Minnesota

At $71,639, Lac qui Parle ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $4,118, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 87 counties. The per capita income of $40,282 indicates a relatively balanced income distribution locally.

Comparable to Regional Average

Lac qui Parle's $71,639 median falls between lower-earning neighbors like Kittson ($69,615) and higher earners like Kandiyohi ($75,097). The county's position reflects typical economic conditions for west-central Minnesota rural areas.

Excellent Rental Affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.6%, Lac qui Parle renters spend well under the 30% affordability benchmark. The median home value of $143,400 is highly accessible, making homeownership achievable for typical county households.

Capitalize on Agricultural Opportunities

Lac qui Parle's farming heritage offers unique wealth-building paths through land ownership, commodity investing, and agricultural cooperatives alongside traditional savings. Households earning the $71,639 median should explore both rural-specific investment strategies and conventional retirement planning tools.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lac qui Parle County

via CrimeByCounty

Incredible safety in Lac qui Parle

Lac qui Parle County is one of the safest places in America with a safety score of 99.6. Its crime rate of 222.6 per 100K is roughly 10 times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A top performer in Minnesota

The county’s crime rate of 222.6 per 100K is a small fraction of the state average of 1,123.5. This makes it a standout for safety even within a high-performing state like Minnesota.

Leading the region in security

Compared to nearby Kandiyohi County's rate of 1,606.9, Lac qui Parle is remarkably quiet. Residents here enjoy some of the lowest incident rates in the entire Upper Midwest.

Negligible violent crime levels

Violent crime is extremely rare at 44.5 per 100K, significantly lower than the national 369.8 average. Property crime is also minimal, with only 178.1 incidents per 100K residents.

Maintaining a peaceful community

While risks are low, maintaining the county's safety requires continued community awareness. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to preserve this exceptionally high safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lac qui Parle County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education in Western Minnesota

Lac qui Parle County hosts five public schools that serve a total student body of 1,148. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This streamlined system is designed to provide comprehensive PK-12 coverage for the county's residents.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

The county achieves an exceptional 95.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the Minnesota average of 86.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Backed by a $8,886 per-pupil expenditure, the schools earn a high composite score of 60.2. This performance places the county among the state's educational leaders.

A Focus on Localized District Success

The Dawson-Boyd Public School District serves 549 students across its facilities, acting as a primary pillar of the community. Lac qui Parle Valley Schools also play a vital role, managing the county's largest campus and additional elementary programs. There are no charter schools, reflecting a strong community commitment to the local public districts.

A Purely Rural Educational Environment

All five schools in the county are situated in rural locales, providing a consistent and focused learning atmosphere. The average school size is 230 students, with Lac qui Parle Valley Secondary being the largest at 334. Even the smallest site, Lac qui Parle Valley Middle School, maintains a robust community of 125 students.

Join a Community of High Achievers

Families seeking the very best in graduation outcomes should look closely at homes within the Dawson-Boyd and Lac qui Parle Valley areas. The 95% graduation rate is a powerful indicator of the quality of life and support students receive here. It is a compelling reason to plant roots in this high-performing corner of Minnesota.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lac qui Parle County

via RiskByCounty

Lac qui Parle is exceptionally safe

At 18.80, Lac qui Parle County's composite risk score earns a Very Low rating and sits far below typical national disaster exposure. The county enjoys notably low natural hazard risk across the board.

Among Minnesota's safest counties

Lac qui Parle's 18.80 score ranks it in the bottom 10% of Minnesota counties by risk, less than half the state average of 42.38. Only Kanabec and Kittson counties present comparable safety.

Comparable to area peers

Lac qui Parle (18.80) rivals nearby Kanabec County (21.31) and Le Sueur County (22.81) as one of the region's lowest-risk areas. All three offer excellent natural hazard safety compared to state norms.

Risk is broadly distributed

Tornado risk (29.96), wildfire risk (29.68), and flood risk (25.57) are nearly equal in Lac qui Parle, each representing modest concerns. No single hazard dominates the county's profile.

Standard coverage likely sufficient

With exceptionally low overall risk, standard homeowners insurance should provide adequate protection for most residents. Verify that your policy includes sump pump coverage and consider flood insurance if you're in a mapped zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lac qui Parle County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Health Violations for Local Residents

Lac qui Parle County holds an A grade for drinking water compliance with zero violations in the 5-year lookback period. This perfect record easily surpasses the state average violation rate of 32.5.

Clean Bill of Health for Assessed Waters

In the 2022 reporting cycle, the one assessed water body in the county showed 0% impairment. This outperforms the state average where 1.5% of assessed water bodies fail to meet standards.

Robust Monitoring with 14,834 Results

The county utilizes 110 monitoring sites to track water quality, recording over 14,800 measurements recently. Organics, pesticides, and nutrients are the primary focus of these intensive testing efforts.

Lac qui Parle River Flows at Normal Levels

The Lac qui Parle River is currently flowing at 223 cfs, representing 111% of its long-term mean. This indicates stable hydrological conditions across the 960 square mile drainage area.

Maintain Vigilance Over Agricultural Runoff

While current watershed health is excellent, the heavy monitoring of pesticides and organics suggests these are the main local risks. Continued community focus on sustainable land use will protect these high-performing water sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lac qui Parle County

via WeatherByCounty

A tempered continental environment

Lac qui Parle County averages 43.6°F annually, which is roughly 10 degrees cooler than the national median. It experiences the wide thermal range typical of the American Upper Midwest.

Warmer than the Minnesota average

The county's average temperature of 43.6°F actually sits slightly above the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It benefits from a more southern position compared to the state's frigid northern border.

Consistent prairie moisture levels

The county records 26.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly less than the 28.1 inches found in neighboring Lyon County. Snowfall reaches 47.9 inches per year, fitting the regional pattern for western Minnesota.

A balance of heat and cold

Summers are warmer than northern Minnesota, with 14 days hitting 90°F or higher. However, winters remain sharp with a January average of 12.1°F and a winter-long average of 15.5°F.

Ready for two distinct extremes

Residents need robust air conditioning to handle the 14 days of extreme heat and heavy-duty heating for the 47.9 inches of annual snow. High-capacity drainage is also important to manage the 26.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lac qui Parle County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline silt dominates the western border

Lac qui Parle County has an average soil pH of 7.21, which is notably more alkaline than the state average of 6.21. This level sits above the national median of 6.5, suggesting a high mineral content in the soil. These conditions can influence the availability of micronutrients like iron and phosphorus for local crops.

High silt content for smooth texture

The soil is comprised of 41.6% silt and 23.6% clay, providing a dense and nutrient-retaining structure. Sand makes up 34.4% of the profile, helping to maintain some degree of aeration. This high silt-to-clay ratio creates a soil that is fertile but can be prone to crusting if not managed carefully.

Reliable organic matter for prairie farming

The county contains 4.45% organic matter, which is more than double the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state average of 9.90%. Its available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is slightly below the Minnesota benchmark of 0.199. Despite this, the soil remains highly productive for traditional row crops.

Managing the western water table

While official drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that retains moisture longer than sandy counterparts. This can be an advantage during dry years on the prairie, though it requires careful timing for spring tilling. Understanding local hydrology is crucial for preventing salt buildup in these alkaline soils.

Strong potential in hardiness zone 4b

The 4b hardiness zone and silty soil are ideal for growing grains, sunflowers, and hardy legumes. Gardeners should watch for signs of iron chlorosis in plants sensitive to alkaline conditions. With the right mulch and water management, this prairie soil can produce a bountiful harvest of late-summer vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lac qui Parle County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Central-West Lawn Care

With a lawn difficulty score of 58.5, Lac qui Parle County sits slightly above the national average but trails the Minnesota state average of 63.9. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, it offers a more flexible growing season than northern counties. However, local climate extremes require specific management strategies.

Heat Stress and Moderate Rain

This county experiences 14 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 8. Combined with 26.6 inches of precipitation—below the ideal 30-inch mark—grass can quickly become heat-stressed. The 2,522 growing degree days suggest a productive but thirsty lawn throughout the summer.

Working with Alkaline Soils

The soil pH of 7.21 is slightly higher than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which may require sulfur treatments to lower alkalinity. The soil contains 23.6% clay and 34.4% sand, creating a foundation that can hold moisture better than sandier regions. While drainage class data is N/A, the clay content suggests a need to watch for compaction.

Water Conservation During Dry Peaks

About 67.8% of the county is currently abnormally dry, following 14 weeks of drought over the last year. Because heat days are high, evaporation happens quickly, making water conservation a top priority. Using drought-resistant grass varieties can help maintain a green appearance without excessive water bills.

Establishing Your Zone 4b Turf

Tall Fescue is a great candidate here because it handles heat and drought better than other cool-season grasses. Seed your lawn after the May 4 frost or before the first fall frost on October 2. Given the high heat days, establishing a deep root system in early spring is the key to summer survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lac qui Parle County's county score?
Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 72.5 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 Lac qui Parle County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Lac qui Parle County ranks #5 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 Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Lac qui Parle County is $1,360, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Lac qui Parle County a tax score of 41.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lac qui Parle County?
The median household income in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota is $71,639 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lac qui Parle County earns an income score of 70.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Lac qui Parle County scores 72.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Lac qui Parle 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 Lac qui Parle 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.