countyscore
64.5
County Score
Health 88.8Water Quality 86Safety 76.8

County Report Card

About Lyon County, Minnesota

Lyon County Surpasses National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 64.5, Lyon County performs significantly better than the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high standard of living across most measured dimensions. The county ranks comfortably in the upper tier of American communities.

Leading the Minnesota Average

Lyon County sits nearly nine points above the Minnesota state average composite score of 55.8. It offers a competitive profile within the state, particularly for those focused on economic stability. Its high standing reflects a well-rounded approach to community services.

High Earnings and Vibrant Health

The county excels in health with a score of 88.8 and income with a score of 73.3. A median household income of $72,761 supports a high standard of wellness and economic mobility. Water quality is also a major asset, scoring a strong 86.0.

Navigating Higher Tax Burdens

The tax score of 34.7 is the county's lowest mark, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.047%. Additionally, the climate and natural disaster risk score of 56.5 suggests some vulnerability compared to national averages. These factors represent the primary trade-offs for living in this high-income area.

A Haven for Active Professionals

Lyon County is a great fit for mid-career professionals and families seeking a blend of high income and healthy lifestyles. The median home value of $193,100 remains attainable despite the strong economic indicators. It serves those who want a thriving local economy and reliable infrastructure.

2040608010034.757.276.888.862.873.356.58642.6Tax34.7Cost57.2Safety76.8Health88.8Schools62.8Income73.3Risk56.5Water86Weather42.664.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Lyon County DNA

D+overall

How Lyon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lyon County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (88.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.7-17.299999999999997
Cost
57.2+9.200000000000003
Safety
76.8+21.799999999999997
Health
88.8+38.8
Schools
62.8+8.799999999999997
Income
73.3+22.299999999999997
Risk
56.5+9.5
Water
86+28
Weather
42.6-13.399999999999999
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Many homeowners in Lyon County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$193,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$742/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$193,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,761/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

74.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $88,289
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Marshall County
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Claiborne County
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Mason County
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Median income: $68,750
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San Miguel County
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Median income: $80,117
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Fulton County
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Median income: $62,878
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Smith County
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Median income: $57,024
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Nearby counties

Lincoln County
Minnesota
69.3
Yellow Medicine County
Minnesota
66.5
Murray County
Minnesota
72.7
Pipestone County
Minnesota
66.9
Redwood County
Minnesota
62.9
Chippewa County
Minnesota
59.5
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
72.5
Brookings County
South Dakota
48.5

Deep Dives

Lyon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lyon County

via TaxByCounty

Lyon County taxes near national median

Lyon County's effective tax rate of 1.047% matches the national average, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties by tax burden. At $2,021 annually, the median property tax is 25% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in the region.

Above Minnesota average, middle-of-pack ranked

Lyon County's 1.047% rate exceeds Minnesota's 0.968% state average, ranking it in the higher-tax quartile among the state's 87 counties. Its $2,021 median tax approaches Minnesota's $2,168 state median, indicating closer alignment with statewide patterns.

Highest taxes in the eight-county region

Lyon County carries the heaviest tax load in this region, with only McLeod County (1.160%) and Mille Lacs County (1.042%) approaching its rate. Compared to Marshall County's 0.829%, Lyon homeowners pay roughly 26% more in effective property taxes.

Median home $193k, annual tax $2,021

A typical Lyon County homeowner with a $193,100 property pays $2,021 in annual property taxes—about $169 monthly. With mortgage escrow, that obligation rises to $2,160; without a mortgage, the annual bill falls to $1,850.

Appeals are free and often successful

Properties in Lyon County are sometimes overvalued on county rolls, especially after market shifts. Homeowners can request a reassessment or file an appeal at no cost; many county assessors' offices report that 15–25% of challenged assessments are reduced.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lyon County

via CostByCounty

Lyon County outpaces national affordability

At 12.2% of income spent on rent, Lyon County residents enjoy better housing affordability than the national average of 14.5%. The median household income of $72,761 sits close to the national median of $74,755, making this a solidly accessible market.

Top-tier affordability in Minnesota

Lyon County's 12.2% rent-to-income ratio places it among Minnesota's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 14.5%. At $742 per month, median rent is $173 below the state median, offering genuine savings for renters.

Lyon County leads the southwest region

Lyon County's $742 monthly rent undercuts Lincoln County ($688—a rural outlier) but beats Marshall County ($737) and Martin County ($735) by modest margins. For homebuyers, the median home price of $193,100 is reasonable for the region, balancing affordability with proximity to services.

Balanced costs for renters and owners

Renters allocate $742 monthly while homeowners pay $934, consuming 12.2% and 15.4% of the $72,761 median household income respectively. Both figures sit near or below state averages, leaving healthy income for savings and discretionary spending.

Lyon County beckons rural-minded relocators

With strong affordability metrics and a balanced cost structure, Lyon County offers stability for renters and first-time homebuyers alike. Stack this profile against comparable Minnesota counties to confirm it matches your budget and lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lyon County

via IncomeByCounty

Lyon County nearly matches national income

At $72,761, Lyon County's median household income sits just $2,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755, putting it within 3% of the national benchmark. This strong position reflects a resilient local economy.

Middle ground in Minnesota rankings

Lyon County's $72,761 median income ranks it slightly below Minnesota's county average of $75,757, placing it in the solid middle tier statewide. The $3,000 gap suggests Lyon households earn competitively within the state.

Leads regional income comparisons

Lyon County outearns surrounding counties: it tops Mahnomen ($53,925), Martin ($62,969), and Lincoln ($67,715), and edges past Marshall ($71,701). As the strongest earner in this southwest Minnesota cluster, Lyon County demonstrates relative economic strength.

Solid housing affordability

Lyon County's 12.2% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs well within the 15% affordability threshold, despite the median home value of $193,100. Local incomes comfortably support homeownership here.

Strong foundation for wealth building

With near-national incomes and affordable housing, Lyon County households have breathing room to save and invest beyond basic shelter costs. Establishing tax-advantaged retirement accounts and diversified portfolios can accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lyon County

via CrimeByCounty

Lyon County Outshines National Safety Trends

Lyon County maintains a strong safety score of 99.1, indicating a very secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 556.2 per 100,000 is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

Solid Standing in the North Star State

Lyon's safety score of 99.1 beats the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate is also roughly half the state's average rate of 1123.5 per 100,000 residents.

Regional Comparisons with Neighbors

Lyon County's crime rate of 556.2 is significantly lower than Martin County's 911.9, though it is higher than Lincoln County's exceptionally low rate. Five reporting agencies work together to manage this stable safety profile.

A Close Look at Crime Types

Violent crime sits at 157.8 per 100,000, which is very close to the state average of 153.0. Property crime accounts for 398.4 incidents per 100,000, representing the majority of reported local offenses.

Prioritizing Local Home Security

Low property crime rates are no reason to ignore home security. Installing motion-sensor lighting and locking entry points remain the most effective ways to deter occasional theft in Lyon County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lyon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Educational Framework in Lyon County

Lyon County supports 4,789 students across 17 public schools, including eight high schools and six elementary campuses. Five distinct school districts manage this network, which includes two special education facilities and two alternative schools.

Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

Lyon County excels with a 90.4% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the Minnesota average of 86.6%. The county spends $8,451 per pupil, which aligns almost perfectly with the state average of $8,463.

Marshall Public Schools Drives Enrollment

The Marshall Public School District is the county's largest, serving 2,723 students across seven different schools. Other significant districts include Lakeview and Tracy Area, both of which serve over 650 students each.

A Mix of Town and Country Life

The county features a balanced mix of nine rural schools and eight town-based schools, with an average school size of 319 students. Marshall High School is the largest institution with 876 students, providing a more traditional suburban feel compared to smaller local options.

Invest in a Top-Performing School District

With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Lyon County is a premier destination for families prioritizing academic success. Explore homes in Marshall or the surrounding towns to take advantage of these high-performing public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lyon County

via RiskByCounty

Lyon County faces moderate national risk

With a composite risk score of 43.48, Lyon County ranks slightly above the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category. Flood risk is the most significant contributor to this ranking.

Slightly above Minnesota's average

Lyon County's score of 43.48 exceeds the state average of 42.38 by just over 1 point, positioning it in the middle range among Minnesota counties. This modest elevation is driven primarily by flood exposure.

Higher flood risk than neighbors

Lyon County's flood risk (57.22) significantly exceeds that of Lincoln County (28.88) and Mahnomen County (11.55) to the north and east. Tornado risk (41.28) also runs higher here than in most adjacent counties.

Flooding poses primary challenge

Flood risk (57.22) towers over other hazards and represents Lyon County's most pressing natural disaster concern. Tornado risk (41.28) and earthquake risk (15.68) are secondary but noteworthy threats.

Prioritize flood insurance now

Lyon County residents in flood-prone areas should obtain separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude this peril. Those in mapped floodplains or near water should make this a top priority.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lyon County

via WaterByCounty

Top Marks for Lyon Drinking Water

Lyon County earns an 'A' grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations in the latest five-year lookback. This performance beats the state average violation rate of 32.5 per 100,000 people.

Watershed Assessments Pending Federal Review

No water bodies in Lyon County have been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards yet. This lack of federal data means the total health of the local watershed remains an unknown variable in the national database.

Robust Tracking of Pesticides and Organics

A network of 32 sites provides robust data, recording 6,314 measurements over the last five years. Monitoring efforts prioritize organics, pesticides, and physical water characteristics to track changing conditions.

Low Flows on the Redwood River

The Redwood River near Marshall is currently flowing at 24 cubic feet per second, which is only 28% of its long-term mean. This significantly low flow indicates drier than normal conditions for the 259 square mile drainage area.

Monitoring Quantity During Dry Spells

While tap water is safe, the very low flow in the Redwood River suggests a need for heightened awareness of local water quantity. Residents should monitor for any drought-related advisories and continue to support the monitoring of pesticides in local sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lyon County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and drier than average

Lyon County averages 44.9°F annually, roughly 9 degrees below the national median but on the warmer side for the region. It sees 28.1 inches of precipitation, making it slightly drier than the national average.

One of Minnesota's warmer spots

The county's 44.9°F average temperature is over two degrees higher than the state average of 42.8°F. It sits in a pocket of southern Minnesota that experiences slightly more heat than the rest of the state.

Snowier than its southern neighbors

Lyon County records 45.8 inches of snow, which is more than the 39.1 inches seen in Le Sueur. Its total precipitation of 28.1 inches is very similar to Lac qui Parle to the north.

Hot summers and cold winters

Summer heat is notable here, with 15 days reaching 90°F or more and a July average of 72.4°F. Winters are still sharp, with a January average of 14.1°F and a winter-wide average of 17.4°F.

Prepare for significant summer heat

With 15 extreme heat days, efficient air conditioning is a high priority for local residents. The 45.8 inches of snow also requires a reliable snowblower, as winter averages remain well below freezing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lyon County

via SoilByCounty

Sweet Soils of the Southwestern Plains

Lyon County possesses a pH of 7.23, which is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This 'sweet' soil profile stands in contrast to the more acidic state average of 6.21. It creates a unique chemical environment for plant nutrient uptake across the county.

A Silty-Clay Foundation

The soil composition consists of 35.4% sand, 39.4% silt, and 25.2% clay. This blend provides sufficient clay for nutrient retention while the sand ensures the soil remains workable. It is a versatile mix that supports both heavy agriculture and diverse garden plots.

Reliable Water Holding Potential

Organic matter levels sit at 4.75%, more than doubling the national average of 2.0%. While this is below the high Minnesota state average of 9.90%, the available water capacity of 0.187 in/in remains close to the state's 0.199 benchmark. These figures suggest a soil that handles dry spells with reasonable resilience.

Consistent Agricultural Performance

Lyon County's soil score of 63.2 indicates steady agricultural potential despite lacking specific drainage classification data. The physical texture suggests that water moves through the profile at a moderate rate. This makes it a dependable landscape for the region's dominant farming practices.

Flourishing in Zone 5a

The county falls into Hardiness Zone 5a, offering a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. Alfalfa thrives here due to the higher pH levels, alongside standard row crops and hardy perennials. Gardeners find success with brassicas and legumes that appreciate the mineral-rich, alkaline soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lyon County

via LawnByCounty

Lyon County’s Above-Average Growing Conditions

Lyon County earns a 58.9 lawn difficulty score, which is respectable but lower than the state's 63.9 average. As a zone 5a region, it offers a slightly longer window for growth than many northern neighbors. The environment is more hospitable than the national median of 50.0.

High Heat Demands Vigilant Lawn Care

The county sees 28.1 inches of rain annually and experiences 15 extreme heat days, which is nearly double the state average of 8. With 2,703 growing degree days, lawns grow quickly but face significant heat stress during summer peaks. Owners must balance fast growth with increased irrigation needs.

Balancing Clay and Sand in Lyon Soil

The local soil pH of 7.23 is slightly higher than preferred, potentially requiring sulfur treatments to improve nutrient uptake. With 25.2% clay and 35.4% sand, the soil provides a stable foundation if properly managed to avoid compaction. Regular testing ensures your fertilizers are actually reaching the roots.

Conserving Water During Dry Windows

With 18 weeks of drought in the past year and the entire county currently dry, water conservation is vital. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can help retain moisture during the 15 annual high-heat days. Focus on morning irrigation to minimize water loss to evaporation.

Maximize Your Season in Zone 5a

Zone 5a allows for resilient blends of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass. Time your seeding after the last spring frost on May 5 or before the first fall frost on October 5 for the best results. Getting seeds in early ensures roots are deep enough to handle the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyon County's county score?
Lyon County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 64.5 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 Lyon County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Lyon County ranks #23 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 Lyon County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Lyon County is $2,021, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Lyon County a tax score of 34.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lyon County?
The median household income in Lyon County, Minnesota is $72,761 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lyon County earns an income score of 73.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lyon County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Lyon County scores 64.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Lyon 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 Lyon County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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