69.3
County Score
Safety 93Health 86.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Minnesota

Lincoln County Outshines National Standards

Lincoln County earns a robust composite score of 69.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life relative to thousands of counties across the country. It demonstrates particular strength in environmental and personal security.

A Top Performer in Minnesota

Lincoln County exceeds the Minnesota state average composite score of 55.8 by over 13 points. This performance highlights the county as a standout destination within the state for overall livability. Its balanced profile offers a more favorable experience than many neighboring jurisdictions.

Unmatched Safety and Health Standards

The county boasts an exceptional safety score of 93.0 and a health score of 86.5. Natural resource quality is also high, with a water score of 86.0. Residents benefit from a secure environment and excellent access to wellness indicators.

Room to Grow in Education

Lincoln County faces some hurdles in the education sector with a school score of 46.0. While the tax score of 40.4 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.971%, it remains a secondary area for potential improvement. These metrics suggest the county's primary appeal lies outside of academic rankings.

The Perfect Choice for Secure, Rural Living

This county is ideal for retirees or remote workers who prioritize personal safety and affordability. With median rents at just $688 and a high safety rating, it offers an incredible value proposition. It suits anyone looking to escape urban density without sacrificing health or environmental quality.

Score breakdown

Tax40.4Cost72.8Safety93Health86.5Schools46Income60.9Risk81.8Water86Weather42.6
🏛40.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠72.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼60.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡93
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
86.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓46
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
81.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤42.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨64.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱55.4
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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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Sets High Safety Standards

Lincoln County earns an exceptional safety score of 99.9, placing it far above the national average. Its total crime rate of 88.8 per 100,000 residents is remarkably lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Ranking Among Minnesota's Safest Counties

Lincoln County outperforms the Minnesota state average safety score of 98.2. With a total crime rate significantly lower than the state average of 1123.5, it remains a premier example of rural public safety.

Comparing Lincoln to Local Neighbors

Lincoln's crime rate of 88.8 is a fraction of neighboring Lyon County's rate of 556.2. This disparity highlights Lincoln as a regional leader in maintaining low crime incidents across its two reporting agencies.

Violent vs Property Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is extremely rare here, with only 17.8 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crimes occur at a rate of 71.0, making typical theft or burglary concerns statistically unlikely for most residents.

Staying Safe in a Secure County

While Lincoln County is incredibly safe, basic security habits prevent crimes of opportunity. Residents should ensure outbuildings are locked and maintain visible house numbers to assist emergency services if needed.

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.

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Rural Lincoln County

Lincoln County maintains a focused education infrastructure with 12 public schools serving 1,021 total students. The system is distributed across four school districts and includes seven high schools and four elementary schools.

Evaluating Performance and Spending Trends

The county reports a graduation rate of 86.1%, which is just below the state average of 86.6% and the national mark of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $7,986, trailing both the Minnesota average of $8,463 and the national average of $13,000.

RTR Public Schools Leads the Region

RTR Public Schools is the largest district in the county, educating 620 students across three separate facilities. Other key providers include the Hendricks and Lake Benton public school districts, and the county currently operates without any charter school options.

A Purely Rural Learning Environment

Every school in Lincoln County is classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of just 128 students. RTR Secondary is the largest campus with 359 students, while Lincoln Elementary in Ivanhoe serves a small cohort of just 73 children.

Join a Tight-Knit Rural School Community

Families seeking small class sizes and personal attention will find Lincoln County's rural schools appealing. Consider exploring local real estate to find a home within these close-knit, community-focused school districts.

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.

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Midwestern prairie weather

Lincoln County experiences 29.9 inches of annual precipitation, aligning closely with national averages for the central plains. While specific annual temperature data is not available, its location suggests a high-variability continental climate.

Matching the state average

The county's 29.9 inches of precipitation is nearly identical to the Minnesota state average of 30.0 inches. It serves as a representative baseline for the moisture levels found across the state.

Similar to its western peers

Lincoln's 42.0 inches of annual snowfall is slightly lower than the 45.8 inches seen in neighboring Lyon County. Its precipitation levels are also very similar to its neighbors along the South Dakota border.

Standard snowfall for the plains

The county receives 42.0 inches of snow per year, typically spread across a long winter season. Although specific summer and winter temperature averages are limited, the region is known for wide seasonal swings.

Equip for consistent winter snow

Residents should prepare for 42 inches of annual snow with reliable shovels or snowblowers. Since total precipitation is nearly 30 inches, maintaining proper roof drainage and storm preparedness is essential.

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Edge in Lincoln County

Lincoln County soils carry a pH of 7.16, making them notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Minnesota average of 6.21. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, this alkaline profile defines the local chemistry. Growers here must manage nutrient availability differently than their neighbors in more acidic regions.

Balanced Texture for Steady Workability

The soil features a mix of 32.4% sand, 42.6% silt, and 25.1% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a stable structure that resists compaction better than pure clay. It offers a reliable medium for roots, though the silt content requires careful management to prevent surface crusting.

Modest Organic Matter for the Prairie

With 4.20% organic matter, Lincoln County exceeds the national average of 2.0% but falls well below the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.190 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark of 0.199. This indicates a soil that holds moisture adequately for standard crop cycles.

Standard Hydrologic Capacity

While specific drainage classes aren't recorded in current datasets, the balanced sand and silt percentages suggest moderate natural drainage. The soil score of 64.8 reflects a capable but not elite agricultural foundation. Local farmers typically rely on this stability for consistent, if not record-breaking, yields.

Hardy Options for Zone 4b

Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, Lincoln County supports cold-hardy staples like corn, soybeans, and resilient root vegetables. The slightly alkaline pH is particularly favorable for alfalfa and asparagus. Home gardeners should focus on varieties that thrive in neutral to sweet soil conditions.

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Success in Lincoln County

Lincoln County’s lawn difficulty score of 55.4 is slightly above the national average of 50.0 but trails the Minnesota state average of 63.9. Local gardeners manage in hardiness zone 4b, where winter survival is a primary concern. The area remains a middle-of-the-road environment for maintaining healthy turf.

Managing Moisture in a Variable Climate

Annual precipitation of 29.9 inches sits right on the edge of the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. While specific local heat data is unavailable, these moisture levels suggest a consistent watering schedule is necessary during the peak of summer. Grass here relies heavily on these rains to sustain growth.

Alkaline Soil Challenges for Lincoln Turf

Soil pH is slightly alkaline at 7.16, just above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient availability. A mix of 25.1% clay and 32.4% sand requires routine aeration to prevent compaction and ensure deep root growth. Proper amendments can help balance the pH to unlock better turf health.

Combatting Dry Spells in Southwest Minnesota

The county has spent 20 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as Abnormally Dry. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilient root systems during these dry stretches. Monitoring soil moisture is critical when conditions stay this dry.

Planting for Success in Zone 4b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best bets for this zone 4b climate. While specific local frost dates are not recorded, you should aim to seed in late summer once the intense heat breaks to ensure establishment before winter. Starting early gives your lawn the best chance to survive the harsh Minnesota cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 69.3 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Lincoln County ranks #8 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 Lincoln County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,478, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 40.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Minnesota is $67,715 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 60.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 69.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.