CountyScore

Lake County

Minnesota · MN

#21 in Minnesota
73.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Lake County, Minnesota

Lake County outperforms national livability medians

Lake County's composite score of 73.6 surpasses the national median of 50 by nearly 24 points, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects balanced strength across tax efficiency, health, and affordability.

Solid performer above Minnesota's state average

At 73.6, Lake County ranks above Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it in the upper half of the state's 87 counties. The county is a consistent and reliable livability choice within Minnesota.

Highest tax efficiency and strong health care

Lake County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.751%) among these eight counties, with a tax score of 81.1, and delivers excellent health outcomes (79.8). The combination of tax efficiency and health care quality creates significant household budget advantages.

Income potential and risk exposure need attention

Lake County's income score of 32.7 and risk score of 66.1 represent its weaker dimensions, with median household income at $75,621. These areas suggest the county faces moderate economic or environmental vulnerabilities.

Suited for tax-conscious professionals valuing health

Lake County appeals to professionals and families who prize tax efficiency and health care quality while accepting moderate income growth constraints. The county's superior tax burden and health infrastructure make it attractive to anyone strategic about long-term financial planning.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.1Cost75.4SafetyComing SoonHealth79.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.7Risk66.1WaterComing Soon
🏛81.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.1
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 Lake County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Scott County
Arkansas
73.6
Median income: $45,955
Ontonagon County
Michigan
73.6
Median income: $51,844
Redwood County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $67,024
Putnam County
Missouri
73.6
Median income: $56,875
Powell County
Montana
73.6
Median income: $63,432

Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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