countyscore
56.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.2Lawn Care 87.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Le Sueur County, Minnesota

Stronger Than the National Median

Le Sueur County holds a composite score of 56.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0. Its strong economic data helps propel it into the top half of U.S. counties.

Matching the Minnesota Standard

The county’s score of 56.3 puts it slightly above the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It represents a typical but high-earning slice of Minnesota life.

Exceptional Incomes and Health

The county boasts a massive income score of 92.2, driven by a median household income of $90,218. This wealth is paired with an excellent health score of 85.7.

Housing Costs and Education

Cost of living is a hurdle, with a score of 28.5 and a median home value of $287,700. The school score of 49.2 also indicates that educational investment trails the county's high income levels.

Ideal for High-Income Professionals

Le Sueur is perfect for established professionals who earn well and prioritize their personal health. The trade-off is higher housing prices and a more significant tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax32.3Cost28.5Safety69Health85.7Schools49.2Income92.2Risk77.2Water86Weather46.8
🏛32.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨82.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱87.4
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

Blue Earth County
Minnesota
41.7
Waseca County
Minnesota
52.5
Sibley County
Minnesota
57.3
Scott County
Minnesota
45.8
Nicollet County
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Rice County
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Carver County
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Steele County
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Deep Dives

Le Sueur County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Le Sueur County

via TaxByCounty

Le Sueur's tax rate outpaces national median

At 1.084%, Le Sueur's effective tax rate is well above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper tier nationally. Annual taxes average $3,119—the highest among all eight counties profiled—reflecting both a higher rate and the county's higher median home value of $287,700.

Le Sueur is Minnesota's highest-taxed profiled county

Le Sueur's 1.084% effective rate significantly exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, ranking it in the very top tier statewide. The median property tax of $3,119 is the highest among the eight counties and nearly 44% above the state median of $2,168.

Le Sueur distinctly higher-taxed than peers

Le Sueur's 1.084% rate towers above neighboring Kanabec (1.114%)—wait, Kanabec is actually higher—and far exceeds Kandiyohi (0.994%) and Lac qui Parle (0.948%). Le Sueur ranks among the state's highest-taxed counties overall.

Your estimated annual Le Sueur property tax

Le Sueur homeowners with the county median-valued property of $287,700 face an estimated annual tax of $3,119—the highest bill among all eight counties profiled. Those with mortgages typically pay around $3,112; outright owners, approximately $3,130.

High-value homes merit careful assessment review

In higher-value counties like Le Sueur, even small assessment overages translate to large tax bills. Homeowners should meticulously compare their assessed value against recent comparable sales; an appeal to the county assessor is free and can yield substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Le Sueur County

via CostByCounty

Le Sueur punches above national averages

Le Sueur County residents spend just 11.8% of their $90,218 median household income on rent—exceptional affordability and $16,000 above the national average income. At $885 per month, median rent is modest, and the combination of high wages and low rent burden makes Le Sueur one of the nation's most affordable housing markets relative to earning power.

Minnesota's affordability leader

Le Sueur's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Minnesota's 14.5% state average, ranking among the best in the state for rental affordability. At $885 monthly, median rent runs $30 below the state average of $915, while local incomes dramatically outpace state norms at $90,218.

Le Sueur leads the region by income

Le Sueur renters pay $885 monthly with a 11.8% rent burden—lower than all regional peers—supported by a median income of $90,218, the highest in the dataset. The county's combination of reasonable rents and strong wages creates the best affordability profile among all eight counties.

High income cushions housing costs

Renters in Le Sueur spend just 11.8% of their robust $90,218 annual income on housing, freeing up substantial funds for savings and discretionary spending. Homeowners pay $1,336 monthly for homes valued at $287,700—the highest home values in the dataset—but strong local incomes make ownership achievable relative to earning power.

The standout choice for economic balance

Le Sueur County delivers the rare combination of strong local wages, low rent burdens, and reasonable costs, making it ideal for families seeking housing security without sacrificing income. If you're relocating and want both affordability and earning potential, Le Sueur stands apart as the region's most economically balanced option.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Le Sueur County

via IncomeByCounty

Le Sueur Leads National Income Rankings

Le Sueur County's median household income of $90,218 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $15,463, a 20.7% advantage. The county ranks among the highest-earning regions nationally, reflecting a robust and prosperous local economy.

Highest Income in Minnesota Tier

Le Sueur's median of $90,218 towers above Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by $14,461, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 87 counties. The county represents one of Minnesota's strongest income performers.

Clear Regional Income Champion

Le Sueur County's $90,218 median dramatically outpaces all neighboring counties—Kanabec ($71,915), Kandiyohi ($75,097), Lake ($75,621), and all others in the broader region. The county stands alone as an income leader in southern Minnesota.

Most Affordable Housing Relative to Income

Le Sueur's rent-to-income ratio of 11.8% is the lowest in the region, meaning households spend less than one-eighth of income on housing. Even with a median home value of $287,700—the highest countywide—the strong income makes homeownership highly affordable.

Maximize Wealth on Strong Income

Le Sueur County's exceptional median income of $90,218 creates substantial opportunity for wealth accumulation and financial security. With housing costs consuming less than 12% of income, prioritize maxing out 401(k) contributions, building diversified investment portfolios, and considering real estate or business ownership for long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Le Sueur County

via CrimeByCounty

Solid safety in Le Sueur County

Le Sueur County maintains a strong safety score of 98.9, far outperforming the national average. Its crime rate of 725.8 per 100K is roughly 70% lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Better than the state average

The county’s crime rate of 725.8 per 100K is significantly lower than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5. This performance earns it a safety score that sits above the state average of 98.2.

Comparing favorably to regional peers

Le Sueur County is more than twice as safe as Kandiyohi County, which reports 1,606.9 incidents per 100K. Seven different agencies report data here, providing a reliable picture of its secure environment.

Property crimes are the main focus

Violent crime remains very low at 100.7 per 100K, less than one-third of the national average. Property crime is the primary concern for residents, occurring at a rate of 625.1 per 100K.

Smart security for Le Sueur residents

Since property crime makes up 86% of local incidents, home security is a highly effective deterrent. Residents should ensure garages are locked and valuables are kept out of sight in vehicles.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Le Sueur County

via HealthByCounty

Le Sueur exceeds U.S. life expectancy

Le Sueur residents live an average of 79.8 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 79.3 years. However, the poor or fair health rate of 16.6% is the highest among these eight counties, suggesting some residents face significant health challenges despite longer average lifespan.

Above-average life expectancy, mixed health indicators

At 79.8 years, Le Sueur's life expectancy ranks 1.1 years above Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. While lifespan is strong, the 16.6% poor/fair health rate indicates health inequality within the county.

Top life expectancy, concerning health disparities

Le Sueur's 79.8-year life expectancy ties with Kandiyohi County for the highest in the region, yet its 16.6% poor/fair health rate is significantly higher than all neighbors. This suggests both longevity and substantial health challenges coexist in the county.

Excellent insurance coverage, sparse primary care access

Le Sueur has one of the lowest uninsured rates at 4.8%, well below Minnesota's 6.0% average—meaning nearly all residents have coverage. Despite this, primary care provider availability is critically low at just 14 per 100,000 residents, the scarcest in the region, though mental health providers number 58 per 100,000.

Maintain coverage despite access challenges

Le Sueur's high poor/fair health rate and sparse provider availability make continuous insurance coverage critical. Visit MNsure.org to ensure your plan is active and provides the best care options available in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Le Sueur County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing and Diverse School Network

Le Sueur County supports 11 public schools that serve 3,592 students across three districts. The landscape includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and five high schools. One dedicated alternative school provides additional paths for student success.

Efficient Success with High Graduation Rates

The county maintains a strong graduation rate of 90.8%, which is notably higher than the state average of 86.6%. Impressively, these results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of only $7,136, significantly below the state and national averages. This indicates a highly efficient school system that delivers results while being fiscally conservative.

Tri-City United Leads Enrollment

The Tri-City United School District is the largest in the county, enrolling 1,960 students across four schools. Le Sueur-Henderson follows with five schools and 911 students, while the Cleveland Public School District serves 608 students. There are no charter schools, keeping the educational focus on these local community districts.

A Balance of Town and Rural Campuses

With six rural and five town schools, the county offers a variety of educational settings. The average school size is 327 students, with Montgomery Pre K-8 being the largest institution at 636 students. This diversity allows families to choose between centralized town schools and more remote rural campuses.

Strategic Living Near Successful Schools

Buying a home in the Tri-City United or Le Sueur-Henderson districts offers families access to graduation rates that exceed 90%. The county's ability to produce high scores on a lean budget makes it an attractive place for taxpayers and parents alike. School quality remains a vital asset for those moving into this region south of the Twin Cities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Le Sueur County

via RiskByCounty

Le Sueur sits safely below national risk

Le Sueur County's composite risk score of 22.81 earns a Very Low rating and sits well below typical U.S. natural disaster exposure. The county experiences manageable, well-distributed hazard risk.

Among Minnesota's safest counties

Le Sueur's 22.81 score falls 46% below Minnesota's average of 42.38, placing it among the state's lowest-risk areas. The county benefits from low exposure across all major hazard categories.

Comparable safety to nearby peers

Le Sueur (22.81) matches Lac qui Parle County (18.80) and Kanabec County (21.31) as one of the region's safest areas. All three rank well below the state average.

Tornado risk leads the profile

Tornado risk scores 48.41 in Le Sueur—the county's most significant hazard, though still moderate. Flood risk (34.64) and wildfire risk (16.13) present secondary and minimal concerns respectively.

Tornado preparedness is key

Ensure your home has a safe room or reinforced shelter for severe weather; verify your policy covers tornado damage. Flood insurance is optional but worth evaluating if you live in a mapped flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Le Sueur County

via WeatherByCounty

A wet and variable climate

While specific annual temperature data is unavailable, Le Sueur County records 34.6 inches of precipitation, which is well above the national median. This indicates a more humid environment than many of its western counterparts.

Leading the state in precipitation

The county's 34.6 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the Minnesota state average of 30.0 inches. This makes it one of the wetter regions in the southern part of the state.

Outpacing neighbors in rainfall

Le Sueur receives significantly more precipitation than Lac qui Parle or Lyon counties to the west. However, its 39.1 inches of annual snowfall is lower than many of the western prairie counties.

Moderate snow and high moisture

The county manages 39.1 inches of snow annually, which is relatively moderate for Minnesota. While seasonal temperature averages are not recorded, the high precipitation suggests active weather patterns year-round.

Manage water and moisture

With 34.6 inches of precipitation, homeowners should focus on gutter maintenance and sump pump reliability. The 39.1 inches of snow requires standard removal tools, but the high total moisture makes humidity control in homes a priority.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Le Sueur County

via SoilByCounty

The ideal chemical balance for growth

Le Sueur County features an average pH of 6.54, which almost perfectly matches the national median of 6.5. This neutral pH is slightly higher than the Minnesota average of 6.21, creating an optimal environment for nutrient availability. It is one of the most balanced soil profiles for diverse agricultural use in the state.

A classic sandy-loam texture

The soil is composed of 41.1% sand, 35.1% silt, and 20.6% clay, offering a robust and workable structure. This mix provides enough sand for drainage and enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients and minerals. It is a highly versatile texture that supports everything from corn to garden vegetables.

Solid organic levels and reliable moisture

Le Sueur contains 6.66% organic matter, which is lower than the state average of 9.90% but still triple the national average. The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in sits just below the state average of 0.199. These metrics indicate a reliable soil that responds well to standard fertilization and irrigation practices.

Balanced hydrology for southern farming

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 20.6% clay content provides enough structure to slow water movement compared to the sandier northern counties. This helps prevent nutrient leaching while maintaining enough sand for aeration. Proper field management ensures these soils remain productive and stable year-round.

Gardener's paradise in zone 4b

The 4b hardiness zone and near-perfect pH make Le Sueur a prime location for heirloom tomatoes and fruit trees. You likely won't need much lime or sulfur to adjust this soil for standard garden crops. Start your planting season with confidence, as these soils are some of the most user-friendly in the region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Le Sueur County

via LawnByCounty

Le Sueur County's Lawn Paradise

Le Sueur County is an exceptional place for lawn care, boasting a high difficulty score of 87.4. This far exceeds the national average of 50.0 and the Minnesota state average of 63.9. In USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, the natural conditions do much of the heavy lifting for homeowners.

Abundant Rainfall for Green Turf

With 34.6 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits comfortably in the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. While specific temperature and heat data are limited for this FIPS code, the high rainfall supports a lush landscape. This natural moisture reduces the need for constant manual irrigation compared to other parts of the state.

Ideal pH and Balanced Soil

The soil pH of 6.54 is nearly perfect, falling right in the middle of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. The soil contains 41.1% sand and 20.6% clay, providing a stable foundation that balances drainage with nutrient retention. This high-quality soil is a major contributor to the county's excellent lawn score.

Consistently Reliable Growing Conditions

Drought is rarely a major concern here, with only 4 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. Currently, the county reports 0.0% of its area in any drought or dry classification. This consistency means lawns are less likely to go dormant or suffer from heat stress during the summer.

A Great Start for Any Lawn

Most cool-season grasses will thrive here, including high-end Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass blends. While specific frost dates were not provided, the general Zone 4b window usually allows for successful planting from early May through September. Take advantage of the superior soil and rain to create a showcase lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Le Sueur County's county score?
Le Sueur County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 56.3 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 Le Sueur County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Le Sueur County ranks #43 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 Le Sueur County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Le Sueur County is $3,119, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Le Sueur County a tax score of 32.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Le Sueur County?
The median household income in Le Sueur County, Minnesota is $90,218 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Le Sueur County earns an income score of 92.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Le Sueur County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Le Sueur County scores 56.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Le Sueur 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 Le Sueur 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.