Lincoln County

Minnesota · MN

#14 in Minnesota
75.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Minnesota

Lincoln County outpaces national median

With a composite score of 75.7, Lincoln County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a county where cost of living, tax burden, and overall livability metrics align favorably for residents.

Above Minnesota's county average

Lincoln County's 75.7 score exceeds Minnesota's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the state's better-performing counties. This positions it as a solid livability choice within a state known for good quality of life.

Affordability and low risk stand out

The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 84.4 and boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.971%. Health outcomes are also strong with a score of 78.8, and risk factors score well at 81.8, suggesting a stable, accessible community.

Income growth potential is limited

The income score of 27.6 is notably low, with a median household income of $67,715 that trails several neighboring counties. This suggests limited wage-earning opportunities or economic growth compared to other Minnesota regions.

Ideal for budget-conscious, stability-seeking families

Lincoln County suits families prioritizing affordable housing, low taxes, and a safe community over high earning potential. It's a practical choice for retirees, remote workers, or those seeking rural Minnesota life without financial strain.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75Cost84.4SafetyComing SoonHealth78.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.6Risk81.8WaterComing Soon
🏛75
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠84.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
78.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
81.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County taxes rank low nationally

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.971% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is just $1,478 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—less than 55% of what typical American homeowners pay.

Slightly above Minnesota's average rate

Lincoln County's 0.971% effective rate barely exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, ranking it right at the middle of the state's 87 counties. Its $1,478 median tax bill falls well short of Minnesota's $2,168 state median, reflecting lower property values across the county.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Lincoln County's tax burden trails neighboring Marshall County (0.829%) and sits above Lyon County (1.047%) and McLeod County (1.160%). Among the eight-county region examined, Lincoln falls into the lower-tax cohort, with only Marshall offering greater relief to property owners.

Median home worth $152k, taxes $1,478

A typical Lincoln County homeowner with a $152,200 house pays about $1,478 annually in property taxes, or roughly $123 per month. With a mortgage, that bill climbs to $1,731 due to escrow arrangements; without one, annual taxes drop to $1,281.

Check if your assessment is too high

Many Minnesota homeowners—including those in Lincoln County—are overassessed relative to market value. If your tax bill seems out of line with neighbors' homes of similar value, filing an appeal with your local assessor's office costs nothing and could lower your burden.

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County beats the national average

Renters in Lincoln County spend just 12.2% of their income on housing, significantly better than the 14.5% national benchmark for affordability. With a median household income of $67,715—slightly below the national median of $74,755—residents still manage to keep housing costs lean.

Among Minnesota's most affordable

Lincoln County ranks as one of the most housing-affordable counties in Minnesota, with its 12.2% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 14.5%. The median gross rent of $688 is notably lower than Minnesota's state average of $915, offering genuine relief for renters.

Lincoln County's rural advantage

Compared to nearby Lyon County ($742/month rent) and Marshall County ($737/month rent), Lincoln County offers the cheapest rental market in the region at $688. Homebuyers will find similar value, with a median home price of $152,200—among the lowest in southwestern Minnesota.

Housing takes a modest bite

Renters spend $688 monthly while homeowners pay $777, with both well below state norms. On a median household income of $67,715, these costs consume just 12.2% and 13.8% of income respectively, leaving room for other expenses.

Considering Lincoln County? Compare wisely.

If affordable rural housing is your priority, Lincoln County delivers competitive rents and home prices that don't drain your wallet. Compare this profile to neighboring counties and state averages to see how Lincoln stacks up for your specific needs.

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County earns below the national average

At $67,715, Lincoln County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $7,000 annually. This 9% gap suggests households here earn modestly compared to American peers nationwide.

Below average for Minnesota

Lincoln County ranks in the lower tier statewide, with a median income $8,042 below Minnesota's county average of $75,757. The state's stronger overall income reflects pockets of higher-earning metro areas pulling the average up.

Similar to regional peers

Lincoln County's $67,715 income is comparable to Martin County ($62,969) and sits between Mahnomen County's lower $53,925 and Lyon County's stronger $72,761. Rural southwestern Minnesota counties cluster in a similar income band.

Housing costs are manageable here

At 12.2%, Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio is below the national concern threshold of 15%, meaning housing is affordable on local median earnings. The median home value of $152,200 is also reachable for household incomes in this range.

Build savings with smart planning

With housing costs under control, Lincoln County households can redirect income toward emergency funds, retirement accounts, and wealth-building investments. Starting early with even small monthly contributions compounds significantly over time.

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County lives longer than most Americans

At 79.9 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy runs 2.5 years ahead of the U.S. average of 77.4 years. Just 15.7% of residents report poor or fair health, below the national average of 17.1%, suggesting a population with strong baseline health outcomes.

A healthy county within Minnesota

Lincoln County ranks above Minnesota's state average life expectancy of 78.7 years and maintains a lower poor/fair health rate than the state's average of 16.2%. This positions the county in the upper tier of Minnesota counties for overall health outcomes.

Strong performance among regional peers

Lincoln County's 79.9-year life expectancy matches or exceeds most adjacent and similar-sized Minnesota counties in the analysis. With 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county provides moderate access to frontline medical care.

Low uninsured rates, moderate provider access

Just 5.6% of Lincoln County residents lack health insurance, better than Minnesota's 6.0% average. However, the county has only 18 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, indicating potential gaps in behavioral health services that many communities face.

Keep coverage strong in Lincoln County

With an uninsured rate already below state average, Lincoln County residents should review their coverage annually during open enrollment. Check MNsure.org or speak with a local navigator to ensure your plan still meets your family's needs.

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County faces very low national risk

With a composite risk score of 18.19, Lincoln County sits well below the national average and ranks in the very low category for natural disaster exposure. This means residents face fewer threats from major hazards compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Minnesota's safest counties

Lincoln County's score of 18.19 is less than half the state average of 42.38, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in Minnesota. This favorable standing reflects relatively mild exposure across most natural hazard types.

Safer than surrounding counties

Lincoln County's risk profile stands out favorably compared to nearby Marshall County (23.57) and Meeker County (26.97). The difference of roughly 5 to 8 points reflects lower tornado and flood risks in this area.

Wildfire and flood remain top threats

While overall risk is very low, wildfire risk (32.19) and flood risk (28.88) represent the county's most significant hazard exposures. Tornado risk (28.44) rounds out the top three, though all three remain below state averages.

Even low-risk counties need coverage

Lincoln County residents should maintain homeowners insurance that covers wind and flood damage, particularly those in low-lying areas near water. Reviewing coverage annually ensures protection against the hazards most likely to affect the county.

ByCounty Network

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