CountyScore

Le Sueur County

Minnesota · MN

#40 in Minnesota
71.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Le Sueur County, Minnesota

Le Sueur ranks solidly above national livability norms

Le Sueur County's composite score of 71.6 exceeds the national median of 50 by over 21 points, placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates competent, balanced livability across key dimensions.

Slightly above Minnesota's county average

At 71.6, Le Sueur ranks above Minnesota's state average of 70.9, making it a solid performer within the state's 87 counties. The county represents reliable, mid-to-upper tier livability in Minnesota.

Highest incomes and solid health outcomes

Le Sueur leads these eight counties with a median household income of $90,218 and an income score of 42.3, reflecting genuine wage growth opportunity. Health (78.7) and risk (77.2) scores are also strong, supporting family stability and long-term planning.

Housing costs run higher than rural peers

Le Sueur's median home value of $287,700 and cost score of 72.1 are the highest among these eight counties, reflecting a more developed local economy. Housing affordability here is less attractive than in more remote rural areas.

Best for career-focused families seeking growth

Le Sueur County suits working families and professionals seeking higher wages and employment diversity, willing to accept higher housing costs in exchange. The county's exceptional income potential and solid health infrastructure make it ideal for people building careers in Minnesota's small-city ecosystem.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.8Cost72.1SafetyComing SoonHealth78.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome42.3Risk77.2WaterComing Soon
🏛71.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡77.2
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 Le Sueur County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
Alabama
71.6
Median income: $40,225
Bradford County
Florida
71.6
Median income: $59,740
Banks County
Georgia
71.6
Median income: $68,830
Warrick County
Indiana
71.6
Median income: $95,027
Mason County
Kentucky
71.6
Median income: $51,473

Deep Dives

Le Sueur County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.