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Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota — County Report Card

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
74.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 96.5Health 86.8

County Report Card

About Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota

Elite National Performance

Lake of the Woods County earns a stellar composite score of 74.3, crushing the national median of 50.0. It is one of the highest-rated counties in our entire index.

Leading the State of Minnesota

Ranking nearly 20 points above the Minnesota average of 55.8, this county is a regional powerhouse. It offers a level of safety and stability that few other counties can match.

Unrivaled Safety and Stability

The county achieves a near-perfect safety score of 97.5 and a risk score of 96.5. Taxes are also a major advantage, with a tax score of 62.4 and a low effective rate of 0.707%.

Limited Housing Affordability

Despite low taxes, the cost score is 48.3, suggesting a moderate housing market. While homes are valued at $215,000, inventory may be more constrained than in neighboring regions.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

This county is the perfect fit for anyone seeking the highest possible levels of safety and environmental security. It is a top-tier destination for retirees and security-conscious families.

Score breakdown

Tax62.4Cost48.3Safety97.5Health86.8Schools77.3Income66.5Risk96.5Water86Weather47.8
🏛62.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.1
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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Nearby counties

Roseau County
Minnesota
56.2
Koochiching County
Minnesota
59.9
Beltrami County
Minnesota
36
Pennington County
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43.9
Clearwater County
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Red Lake County
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Kittson County
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Marshall County
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Deep Dives

Lake of the Woods County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake of the Woods County

via TaxByCounty

Lake of the Woods: Minnesota's lowest-tax county

At 0.707%, Lake of the Woods has the lowest effective tax rate among all eight counties profiled and well below the national median of 0.84%. Annual taxes of $1,520 are 43% lower than the national median of $2,690, marking the county as extraordinarily tax-friendly.

Lake of the Woods leads Minnesota counties

Lake of the Woods' 0.707% effective rate is the lowest statewide, falling 27% below Minnesota's average of 0.968%. The median property tax of $1,520 ranks among the state's most favorable.

Lake of the Woods sets the regional standard

No neighboring county comes close to Lake of the Woods' 0.707% rate; the next-lowest is Lake County at 0.751%, followed by Koochiching (0.799%) and Kittson (0.916%). Lake of the Woods is unquestionably the region's tax leader.

Your estimated annual Lake of the Woods tax

Homeowners with a property valued at the county median of $215,000 pay an estimated $1,520 annually. With a mortgage, expect around $1,372; without, approximately $1,808.

Protect your advantage with assessment review

Lake of the Woods residents enjoy one of Minnesota's lowest tax rates, but staying vigilant about individual assessments keeps savings intact. Review your latest assessment notice and compare your home's value against recent comparable sales—any overvaluation is worth appealing to the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake of the Woods County

via CostByCounty

Lake of the Woods: slightly above national norms

Lake of the Woods County residents spend 14.8% of their $70,091 median household income on rent, just above the national comfort zone but approaching problematic territory. At $867 per month, median rent is accessible, though local incomes trail the national average by about $4,600, typical for remote northern Minnesota.

Marginally above state rent-to-income average

Lake of the Woods's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it in the middle tier of the state's housing markets. Median rent of $867 runs $48 below the state average of $915, offering modest rental savings relative to the broader state.

Moderate costs among northern peers

Lake of the Woods renters pay $867 monthly, positioning the county between Kittson's $728 and Kanabec's $1,003, with a rent burden of 14.8% that matches most state norms. The county occupies the middle ground of affordability among its northern Minnesota neighbors.

Balanced housing costs on modest incomes

Renters in Lake of the Woods spend 14.8% of their $70,091 annual income on housing, very close to the state average, while homeowners pay $839 monthly for properties valued at $215,000. Both pathways require moderate household discipline but remain within reach for middle-income families.

Reasonable middle ground in the north

Lake of the Woods offers modest rent and home values without the extreme affordability of Kittson or the premium pricing of Lake County. The county suits those seeking a balance between housing costs and northern Minnesota living, though economic diversity may be limited for relocating job seekers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake of the Woods County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake of the Woods Below National Standard

Lake of the Woods County's median household income of $70,091 falls about $4,664 short of the national median of $74,755, a 6.2% gap. The county earns less than typical American households, though remains in the moderate range nationally.

Lower Income Among Minnesota Counties

Lake of the Woods ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $5,666, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 87 counties. The per capita income of $39,814 suggests limited wealth concentration locally.

Mid-Range Among Regional Peers

Lake of the Woods' $70,091 median falls between Kittson ($69,615) on the lower end and Kanabec ($71,915) and Kandiyohi ($75,097) above. The county reflects typical income levels for Minnesota's far northern rural regions.

Affordable Housing Market

Lake of the Woods excels with a 14.8% rent-to-income ratio, keeping housing costs well under the 30% benchmark. The median home value of $215,000 is accessible for households earning the county median, though requires disciplined saving.

Strategic Saving on Moderate Income

At $70,091, Lake of the Woods households must budget carefully but benefit from affordable housing that frees up resources for savings. Focus on employer retirement benefits first, then build a dedicated emergency fund before pursuing additional investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lake of the Woods County

via CrimeByCounty

Perfect safety score reported

Lake of the Woods County currently holds a safety score of 100.0, the highest possible rating. With a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100K, it presents as one of the quietest areas in the nation.

Extraordinary results in Minnesota

While the state average crime rate is 1,123.5 per 100K, Lake of the Woods reports zero incidents. This data comes from a single reporting agency and should be viewed as a sign of an extremely low-crime year.

Unmatched regional safety figures

Even very safe neighbors like Kittson County, with a rate of 357.9 per 100K, cannot match this county's reported zero-crime status. It remains a uniquely peaceful corner of Northern Minnesota.

Understanding the zero-crime data

The county reports 0.0 for both violent and property crime, which is exceptionally rare compared to national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively. This suggests either a perfect year or limited incident reporting.

Preserving a crime-free environment

Even with no reported crime, basic safety habits like locking doors and lighting property remain important. Community vigilance is the key to keeping these unique statistics in place for the future.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lake of the Woods County

via HealthByCounty

Lake of the Woods meets national life expectancy

Lake of the Woods residents live an average of 78.9 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 79.3 years. The poor or fair health rate of 15.2% is in line with national figures, reflecting fairly typical population health.

Slightly above-average health outcomes statewide

At 78.9 years, Lake of the Woods' life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 0.2 years. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper tier statewide for health outcomes.

Mid-range health metrics regionally

Lake of the Woods' 78.9-year life expectancy sits between higher-performing counties like Lake (79.6 years) and lower-performing ones like Koochiching (76.9 years). The 15.2% poor/fair health rate is mid-range for the region.

Good insurance coverage, very limited provider access

Lake of the Woods boasts a low uninsured rate of 5.2%, well below Minnesota's 6.0% average, indicating strong coverage. However, primary care provider access is severely limited at just 26 per 100,000 residents, and mental health providers number only 27 per 100,000—both among the region's lowest.

Insurance is crucial with limited provider access

Given limited healthcare providers in Lake of the Woods, having health insurance is essential. Check your coverage at MNsure.org to ensure you're protected and can access available services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lake of the Woods County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in the Far North

Lake of the Woods County features just three public schools serving a small, tightly-knit student body of 451. The infrastructure consists of two elementary schools and one high school. This small scale ensures that every student is well-known by their teachers and peers.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county boasts a 95.0% graduation rate, placing it among the highest achievers in Minnesota. Despite spending slightly less than the state average at $8,210 per pupil, the county earns an impressive school score of 58.8. This suggests that the small-school environment is highly effective at driving student outcomes.

Lake of the Woods District Dominance

The Lake of the Woods School District is the primary provider, educating 446 of the county's 451 students. A tiny fraction of the county is also served by the Warroad Public School District via the Angle Inlet Elementary school. There are no charter schools, emphasizing the community's reliance on their local public facilities.

The Ultimate Rural School Experience

Education here is entirely rural, with an average school size of 150 students. Lake of the Woods Elementary is the largest campus with 255 students, while Angle Inlet Elementary is incredibly unique, serving just five students. This range offers some of the most personalized public education available in the United States.

Find Home Where Every Student Counts

Homebuyers seeking an environment where their children will receive maximum attention should consider Lake of the Woods County. The 95% graduation rate proves that this small, rural district is a powerhouse for student success. It's a rare opportunity to find elite academic results in a peaceful, northern wilderness setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake of the Woods County

via RiskByCounty

Lake of the Woods is among safest nationally

With a composite risk score of just 3.53, Lake of the Woods County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in the United States. The county experiences minimal exposure to most natural hazards.

The safest county in Minnesota

Lake of the Woods' 3.53 score is only 8% of Minnesota's average (42.38), making it the state's lowest-risk county. Virtually all hazard categories score near zero.

Virtually unmatched in safety

Lake of the Woods (3.53) and Kittson County (4.80) represent Minnesota's two safest areas, separated by less than a point. Both dramatically outpace any other regional counties in natural disaster safety.

Wildfire the only registered concern

Wildfire risk scores 55.44—Lake of the Woods' sole notable hazard—while flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all register below 18. The county's overall risk profile is remarkably balanced and low.

Minimal coverage concerns

Standard homeowners insurance should provide ample protection for your property. Verify wildfire coverage is included and maintain property defensibility, but flood insurance is unlikely necessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake of the Woods County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme northern frontier climate

Averaging 38.5°F annually, Lake of the Woods County is roughly 15 degrees colder than the national median. It is defined by its position on the Canadian border and the massive lake that shares its name.

Far below state temperature norms

The county's 38.5°F average is significantly lower than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It experiences much lower precipitation than the state average, recording only 24.4 inches annually.

Drier and colder than Lake County

While Lake County to the east is buried in over 80 inches of snow, Lake of the Woods sees a more manageable 45.9 inches. It also receives about 7 inches less total precipitation annually than its coastal neighbor.

Bitter winters and mild Julys

January is exceptionally cold with an average of 5.0°F, while July remains cool at 67.1°F. The county only sees about 3 days a year where temperatures hit the 90°F mark.

Focus on thermal efficiency

Heating systems must be rated for sub-zero performance to handle the 9.0°F winter average. While snowfall is moderate at 45.9 inches, the persistent cold means snow rarely melts between December and March, requiring consistent management.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake of the Woods County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and rich northern peatlands

Lake of the Woods County has an average pH of 5.10, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH is a hallmark of the region's vast wetlands and forest soils. The acidic nature of the soil determines the unique plant communities that dominate this border region.

Sandy soil with minimal clay

The soil contains 41.4% sand and 32.1% silt, creating a relatively light and porous texture. Clay makes up only 11.7% of the profile, which prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted. This sandy-silt mix allows for rapid drainage in areas not affected by the high water table.

Massive organic matter and top-tier water capacity

This county features a staggering 22.88% organic matter, more than double the state average of 9.90%. This richness drives an available water capacity of 0.239 in/in, the highest in this group and well above the state benchmark of 0.199. The soil acts as a powerful sponge, retaining incredible amounts of moisture.

High water capacity meets northern hydrology

While official drainage classes are not provided, the extremely high organic matter suggests areas that may stay saturated for long periods. This sponge-like quality is typical of the peat-rich soils found near the Canadian border. Managing site drainage is the primary challenge for any agricultural or construction effort here.

Cold-hardy gardening in zone 3b

With a 3b hardiness zone, growers must choose the hardiest varieties of potatoes, kale, and berries. The high organic content is a massive asset for nutrient delivery, provided the soil is well-managed for its acidity. Embrace the richness of this northern ground by focusing on native, moisture-loving plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake of the Woods County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Growth on the Northern Edge

Maintaining a lawn in Lake of the Woods County is a test of patience, with a difficulty score of 44.1. This falls well below both the national average of 50.0 and the Minnesota state average of 63.9. In USDA Hardiness Zone 3b, the extreme cold dictates a very short and specific growing season.

Lower Rainfall and Limited Heat

Annual precipitation is 24.4 inches, which is below the 30-inch ideal for optimal lawn health. The region sees only 3 extreme heat days and 1,822 growing degree days, resulting in a low-energy environment for grass. Expect a slow-growing lawn that requires careful monitoring of moisture levels.

Sandy Soil and Acidic Conditions

The soil pH of 5.10 is quite acidic, which can limit the availability of essential nutrients to your grass. With 41.4% sand and 11.7% clay, the soil texture is light and likely drains quickly, though official drainage data is unavailable. Regular soil testing and amendments are needed to counteract the natural acidity.

Fighting Persistent Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry after enduring 22 weeks of drought in the past year. Because the soil is sandy and rainfall is low, lawns can brown out quickly without intervention. Using rain barrels to supplement watering can help bridge the gap during these dry periods.

Succeeding in a Harsh Climate

Select the most cold-hardy varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue for this Zone 3b environment. The growing window spans from the May 15 last frost to the September 26 first frost. Early fall seeding is often successful as it allows roots to establish in cooler, moister air before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake of the Woods County's county score?
Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 74.3 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 of the Woods County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Lake of the Woods County ranks #1 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 of the Woods County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Lake of the Woods County is $1,520, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Lake of the Woods County a tax score of 62.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake of the Woods County?
The median household income in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota is $70,091 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake of the Woods County earns an income score of 66.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Lake of the Woods County scores 74.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Lake of the Woods 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 of the Woods County with other counties side by side.

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