countyscore
65.4
County Score
Health 88.5Water Quality 86Safety 79.6

County Report Card

About Lake County, Minnesota

Lake County Outperforms the Nation

Lake County secures a composite score of 65.5, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. Its strong profile makes it a competitive location for national movers.

Surpassing Minnesota's Average

The county exceeds the Minnesota state average of 55.8 by nearly 10 points. It stands out for its combination of high health scores and relatively favorable tax policies.

High Health and Superior Incomes

Lake County shines with a health score of 88.5 and an income score of 78.1. A median household income of $75,621 provides residents with a strong economic foundation.

Housing Affordability Concerns

The cost score of 30.9 reflects a tighter housing market, with median home values reaching $222,900. Renters also face higher costs, with median gross rent at $1,026 per month.

Best for Healthy, High-Earners

Lake County is suited for professionals who value health and safety and have the budget for higher housing costs. It offers an active, secure lifestyle with excellent economic prospects.

Score breakdown

Tax57.5Cost30.9Safety79.6Health88.5Schools72.4Income78.1Risk66.1Water86Weather48.6
🏛57.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.6
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

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County boasts unusually low tax rate

At 0.751%, Lake County's effective tax rate is the lowest among all eight counties profiled and well below the national median of 0.84%. Annual taxes of $1,674 are 38% lower than the national median of $2,690, making Lake County exceptionally tax-friendly.

Lake County ranks among Minnesota's tax leaders

Lake County's 0.751% rate is substantially below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, placing it in the very bottom tier statewide. The median property tax of $1,674 is the third-lowest among the eight counties examined.

Lake County surpassed only by Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods edges Lake slightly lower at 0.707%, but Lake County beats all other neighbors including Koochiching (0.799%) and Kittson (0.916%). Lake County represents one of the region's most affordable tax environments.

Your estimated annual Lake County property tax

A home worth Lake County's median of $222,900 generates an estimated annual tax of roughly $1,674. Homeowners with mortgages and those without mortgages both typically pay in the same ballpark, around $1,670.

Verify your assessment reflects true market value

Even in low-tax counties, erroneous assessments happen. Lake County homeowners should compare their assessed value against recent arm's-length sales of similar properties; if yours appears inflated, filing a free appeal with the county assessor could reduce your tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County: high rent, strong local wages

Lake County residents spend 16.3% of their $75,621 median household income on rent, above the national comfort zone but supported by wages that exceed the national average of $74,755. At $1,026 per month, median rent reflects the county's higher cost structure relative to rural Minnesota peers.

Among state's pricier rental markets

Lake County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, indicating tighter housing affordability than most of the state. At $1,026 monthly, median rent sits $111 above the state average of $915, placing Lake County among the costlier Minnesota counties despite its remote location.

Lake County's rents stand above peers

Lake County renters pay $1,026 monthly—nearly $300 more than Kittson County ($728) and $252 more than Koochiching ($774)—despite modest median incomes of $75,621. Among regional neighbors, only Kanabec at $1,003 approaches Lake County's rental price point, marking both as the region's costliest markets for renters.

Higher rent burden on solid incomes

Renters in Lake County dedicate 16.3% of their income to rent, above state averages, while homeowners pay $947 monthly for homes valued at $222,900. The county's higher housing costs across both renting and ownership pathways require stronger household budgets to avoid financial strain.

Premium pricing in a scenic location

Lake County offers strong wages and desirable amenities—likely driving higher rents—but budget-conscious relocators may find better value in nearby Kittson or Koochiching. If you prioritize lake culture and scenic beauty over housing affordability, Lake County's premium may be worth the investment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County Edges Out National Median

Lake County's median household income of $75,621 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $866, placing it solidly in the upper-middle range nationally. The county outperforms typical American households and ranks among stronger income earners.

Right at Minnesota's State Average

Lake County's median of $75,621 closely matches Minnesota's state average of $75,757, trailing by just $136. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier among Minnesota's 87 counties, reflecting a strong local economy.

Regional Income Leader

Lake County's $75,621 median tops most neighboring counties, surpassing Kanabec ($71,915), Kandiyohi ($75,097), and Kittson ($69,615). Only Le Sueur County ($90,218) significantly outearns Lake County in the broader region.

Solid Housing Affordability

Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% keeps housing costs well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $222,900 is reasonable for households earning the county median, though requires solid savings.

Build Lasting Wealth in Lake County

Lake County's median income of $75,621 provides a strong platform for savings and investment with reasonable housing costs. Consider maximizing tax-advantaged retirement accounts, diversifying with index funds or ETFs, and building an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

High safety on the North Shore

Lake County earns an impressive safety score of 99.2, far exceeding national safety trends. The total crime rate of 485.6 per 100K is approximately 80% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Minnesota average

Lake County’s crime rate is less than half of the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100K. Its safety score of 99.2 is significantly better than the state's average score of 98.2.

Safer than its northern neighbors

Lake County is notably safer than Koochiching County, which reports a crime rate of 1,267.4 per 100K. The county maintains high safety standards even with heavy seasonal tourism activity.

Violent crime is extremely low

The violent crime rate of 100.8 per 100K is much lower than the national rate of 369.8. Most law enforcement activity involves property crime, which occurs at a rate of 384.8 per 100K.

Secure your North Shore home

Property crime accounts for nearly 80% of local reports, so securing vacation rentals and homes is essential. Simple measures like alarm systems can help maintain this county's quiet reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Lake County exceeds U.S. life expectancy

Lake County residents live an average of 79.6 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 79.3 years. With a poor or fair health rate of 13.5%—the lowest among these eight counties—Lake residents report strong overall health.

Top-tier health outcomes in Minnesota

At 79.6 years, Lake County's life expectancy ranks 0.9 years above Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. The county consistently performs among the best statewide for health metrics, reflecting exceptional population wellness.

Among the region's healthiest counties

Lake County's 79.6-year life expectancy ranks second-highest in the region, behind only Kandiyohi and Le Sueur (both 79.8 years). The 13.5% poor/fair health rate is the best among all eight counties, indicating residents enjoy superior health outcomes.

Strong insurance coverage, solid provider access

Lake County's uninsured rate of 6.3% is just slightly above Minnesota's 6.0% average, meaning the vast majority of residents have coverage. The county provides 91 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 147 mental health providers per 100,000, ensuring good access to both preventive and behavioral health services.

Maintain health coverage for continued wellness

Lake County's excellent health outcomes depend on keeping insurance current for all residents. Visit MNsure.org to verify your coverage and ensure you have the plan that best supports your health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Quality on the North Shore

Lake County operates a highly efficient school system with four public schools serving 1,325 students. The landscape is split evenly between two elementary schools and two high schools. All schools are managed under a single, unified district structure.

Strong Graduation Success and State-Beating Scores

The county's graduation rate of 92.0% comfortably exceeds the Minnesota state average of 86.6%. With a school score of 58.9 and per-pupil spending of $8,984, Lake County is effectively translating its above-average investment into student success. This performance level is a point of pride for the North Shore community.

One District, One Mission

The Lake Superior Public School District manages all four schools and every student within the county. This unified approach allows for streamlined resources and a consistent curriculum from Two Harbors to Silver Bay. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring all local educational energy is focused on the district's success.

A Blend of Small Town and Rugged Rural

The county features three rural schools and one town-based school, with an average size of 331 students. Two Harbors Secondary is the largest at 597 students, providing a comprehensive high school experience. In contrast, the William Kelley campuses in Silver Bay offer a more intimate setting with 173 students each.

Education Excellence Along Lake Superior

For those looking to buy a home, the Lake Superior School District offers a high-performing environment with graduation rates that significantly outpace the national average. Living in Two Harbors or Silver Bay means your children will benefit from a unified, well-funded school system. The combination of natural beauty and academic success makes this a premier destination for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County's risk is moderate and manageable

Lake County's composite risk score of 33.94 earns a Very Low rating and falls below the national average. The county faces concentrated wildfire risk offset by low exposure to tornadoes and earthquakes.

Below-average for Minnesota

Lake County's 33.94 score runs 20% below Minnesota's average of 42.38, placing it in the safer portion of the state. Wildfire risk (62.34) exceeds state norms and dominates the county's hazard profile.

Higher wildfire risk than most neighbors

Lake County (33.94) sits between Koochiching County (31.49) and Kanabec County (21.31) in overall risk. However, its wildfire score of 62.34 substantially exceeds both neighbors' wildfire exposure.

Wildfire dominates Lake County's threats

Wildfire risk reaches 62.34—by far Lake County's most pressing hazard—while flood risk (29.80) remains moderate. Tornado risk is minimal at 10.72.

Wildfire coverage is critical

Confirm your homeowners policy includes wildfire protection and create defensible space around your property by clearing brush and overhanging branches. Flood insurance is optional but worth considering if you're near a water body or low-lying area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooled by the Great Lakes

Lake County features an annual average temperature of 39.1°F, significantly lower than the national median of 54°F. Its proximity to Lake Superior creates a unique microclimate that moderates extreme spikes but keeps averages low.

A cold and wet outlier

The county is colder than the state average of 42.8°F and wetter than most of Minnesota with 31.5 inches of annual precipitation. It ranks as one of the snowiest and dampest regions in the state.

The snow king of the region

With a massive 81.4 inches of annual snowfall, Lake County far outpaces its neighbors like Lake of the Woods. This high accumulation is driven by lake-effect moisture and the region's rugged topography.

Rare heat and heavy snow

Summer heat is almost non-existent, with only 2 days per year reaching 90°F. Conversely, winter is long and snowy, though the January average of 10.1°F is slightly warmer than the interior counties due to lake moderation.

Invest in heavy snow equipment

The 81.4 inches of snow makes a high-stage snowblower and four-wheel drive essential for daily life. Since extreme heat is so rare, residents typically prioritize insulation and moisture-resistant building materials over central air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic soils of the North Shore

Lake County features an average soil pH of 4.87, making it much more acidic than the state average of 6.21. This puts the county well below the national median pH of 6.5. This low pH is typical of forest soils in northern Minnesota and dictates what types of vegetation will flourish naturally.

Silty textures with low clay presence

The soil composition is characterized by a high silt content of 47.4% and a sand content of 38.1%. With only 12.2% clay, the soil lacks the heavy, sticky feel of southern Minnesota farmland. This silty mix offers a soft texture that is relatively easy for roots to penetrate, though it can be susceptible to erosion.

Above-average organic richness and water storage

Lake County boasts 12.38% organic matter, which is higher than the state average of 9.90%. This translates to an available water capacity of 0.208 in/in, slightly beating the state benchmark of 0.199. These numbers indicate a soil that is excellent at holding onto nutrients and moisture in a rugged climate.

Variable drainage in a rocky terrain

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed, but the high silt content often leads to moderate drainage speeds. In this region, thin soils over bedrock can create localized drainage challenges or quick runoff. Managing water flow is essential for both forest health and residential development near Lake Superior.

Acid-loving plants thrive in zone 3b

The 3b hardiness zone and acidic soil are perfect for native berries, conifers, and rhododendrons. While the season is short, the high organic matter provides a great head start for cold-tolerant vegetables. Consider using raised beds to help the silty soil warm up faster during the cool spring months.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

The Hardest Lawn Care in the State

Lake County has one of the toughest environments for lawns, with a difficulty score of 42.6. This is significantly lower than the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 63.9. The harsh USDA Hardiness Zone 3b climate means every aspect of lawn care requires extra attention.

Cool, Damp, and Short Summers

The county receives a healthy 31.5 inches of rain annually, putting it within the ideal 30-50 inch range. However, with only 2 extreme heat days and 1,548 growing degree days, grass grows very slowly. This cool climate reduces mowing frequency but also slows the recovery of damaged turf.

Managing High Soil Acidity

The soil pH is quite low at 4.87, well below the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for most lawn grasses. The soil is composed of 38.1% sand and 12.2% clay, which generally allows for decent drainage but poor nutrient retention. Lime applications are almost certainly necessary to balance the soil for a healthy lawn.

Surprising Drought in a Cool Climate

Despite the cool weather, the county has seen 29 weeks of drought over the past year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. These dry spells are particularly hard on lawns with shallow roots in acidic, sandy soil. Focus on adding organic matter to improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

A Narrow Window for Zone 3b

Fine Fescues are well-suited for the cool, potentially shady, and acidic environments of Lake County. You must work quickly between the May 21 last frost and the October 1 first frost. Starting your lawn in late spring gives the grass the best chance to survive the long winter ahead.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 65.4 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 Lake County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Lake County ranks #17 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 Lake County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $1,674, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 57.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, Minnesota is $75,621 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 78.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Lake County scores 65.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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