countyscore
47
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.9Water Quality 86Soil Quality 84.2

County Report Card

About Mahnomen County, Minnesota

Approaching the National Median

Mahnomen County earns a composite score of 47.0, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it trails the national midpoint, it remains competitive in specific environmental categories. The score reflects a unique mix of high natural security and economic hurdles.

A More Challenging State Profile

The county's composite score of 47.0 sits below the Minnesota state average of 55.8. This indicates that Mahnomen faces more systemic challenges than many of its state neighbors. However, its low cost of living remains a distinguishing factor within the region.

Safe from Natural Disasters

Mahnomen County shines in natural security with a risk score of 92.9 and a water score of 86.0. It also offers significant affordability, evidenced by a cost score of 74.6. Median rents are among the lowest in the state at $685 per month.

Economic and Health Headwinds

The county struggles with an income score of 22.8 and a health score of 25.7. A median household income of $53,925 is significantly lower than state peers, affecting overall wellness metrics. Improving safety, currently scored at 34.4, is also a key area for future development.

Best for Budget-Conscious Nature Lovers

This county is best suited for individuals who prioritize low housing costs and environmental resilience above all else. With a median home value of only $146,500, it provides a very accessible entry point for homeownership. It appeals to those who value a quiet, low-risk natural setting.

2040608010040.274.634.425.743.322.892.98646.6Tax40.2Cost74.6Safety34.4Health25.7Schools43.3Income22.8Risk92.9Water86Weather46.647/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Mahnomen County DNA

Foverall

How Mahnomen County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mahnomen County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (92.9/100) but notably weak in Income (22.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.2-11.799999999999997
Cost
74.6+26.599999999999994
Safety
34.4-20.6
Health
25.7-24.3
Schools
43.3-10.700000000000003
Income
22.8-28.2
Risk
92.9+45.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
46.6-9.399999999999999
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Many homeowners in Mahnomen 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

$146,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$685/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,925/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

111.7

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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Nearby counties

Clearwater County
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65.2
Becker County
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52.7
Red Lake County
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73.1
Norman County
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Hubbard County
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Polk County
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Pennington County
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Clay County
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Deep Dives

Mahnomen County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mahnomen County

via TaxByCounty

Mahnomen taxes rank in nation's lower third

Mahnomen County's effective tax rate of 0.974% sits comfortably below the national average of 1.1%, placing it among the 30% of U.S. counties with the lowest tax burdens. The median property tax of $1,427 is just 53% of the national median of $2,690.

Essentially at Minnesota's statewide average

Mahnomen County's 0.974% effective rate virtually mirrors Minnesota's 0.968% state average, placing it near the median among all 87 Minnesota counties. However, its $1,427 median tax falls 34% below the state median of $2,168, reflecting lower property valuations.

Mid-range taxes within the eight-county group

Mahnomen County's tax rate sits between Marshall County's lower 0.829% and Lyon County's higher 1.047%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county in the region. Its $1,427 bill is among the lowest in the eight-county peer set.

Median home $146.5k, tax bill $1,427

Mahnomen County homeowners with median-valued properties at $146,500 pay approximately $1,427 in annual property taxes, or roughly $119 per month. The wide gap between mortgaged ($1,410) and non-mortgaged ($1,452) taxes reflects escrow calculation variations.

Know your assessment—it may be inflated

Property assessments in rural Minnesota counties like Mahnomen sometimes lag behind true market conditions. Homeowners should review their assessment notices and consider filing an appeal if their property's tax value exceeds recent comparable sales in the area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mahnomen County

via CostByCounty

Mahnomen stretched compared to nation

Mahnomen County renters spend 15.2% of income on housing, exceeding both the national average of 14.5% and the state average of 14.5%. The median household income of $53,925 is substantially below the national median of $74,755, making affordability genuinely tight.

Among Minnesota's least affordable

Mahnomen County ranks below average for housing affordability in Minnesota, with its 15.2% rent-to-income ratio placing it in the lower half of state counties. The combination of lower incomes and moderate rents creates a harder squeeze than neighboring rural counties.

Mahnomen faces regional affordability pressure

While Mahnomen's rent of $685 is competitive with Lincoln County ($688) and Lyon County ($742), the county's much lower median income of $53,925 means housing takes a bigger bite of household budgets. Compared to Marshall County ($71,701 income) and Lyon County ($72,761), Mahnomen residents face tighter housing cost burdens.

Income gap drives affordability struggles

Renters pay $685 monthly and homeowners pay $757, but on a median household income of just $53,925, these costs consume 15.2% and 16.9% of income respectively. Both figures exceed healthy affordability thresholds, limiting financial flexibility for residents.

Mahnomen requires careful financial planning

Prospective residents should thoroughly compare Mahnomen's income opportunities against its housing costs, as tight affordability margins leave less room for error. Consider whether job prospects and wage levels will support your household budget in this community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mahnomen County

via IncomeByCounty

Mahnomen County income significantly lags nationally

At $53,925, Mahnomen County's median household income falls $20,830 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 28% gap. This is among the largest disparities in the state and signals economic challenges.

Lowest income in Minnesota comparison

Mahnomen County's $53,925 median ranks substantially below Minnesota's county average of $75,757, placing it in the bottom tier statewide. The $21,832 shortfall reflects limited economic opportunity relative to other Minnesota regions.

Lowest earner in the region

At $53,925, Mahnomen County significantly underearns all nearby counties: it lags Marshall ($71,701), Lyon ($72,761), Lincoln ($67,715), and Martin ($62,969) by $8,000 to $18,800 annually. This income gap highlights localized economic stress.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Mahnomen County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, signaling that housing consumes a larger share of income here than is sustainable. The median home value of $146,500 may still stretch household budgets.

Prioritize financial stability first

With housing costs elevated and income below state averages, Mahnomen County households should focus on building emergency savings before aggressive investing. Low-cost community resources, financial counseling, and employer retirement plans offer accessible starting points.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mahnomen County

via CrimeByCounty

Mahnomen County Public Safety Landscape

Mahnomen County holds a safety score of 97.6, which remains higher than many urban centers despite local challenges. Its total crime rate of 1521.7 per 100,000 is still significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Mahnomen vs State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 97.6 is slightly below the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1521.7 exceeds the state average of 1123.5, indicating more frequent incidents relative to its size.

Safety Comparisons with Neighboring Counties

Mahnomen's crime rate is higher than neighboring Marshall County, which sits at just 343.8 per 100,000. Because a single agency provides this data, residents should interpret these figures as a snapshot of specific local reporting.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime in Mahnomen reaches 482.5 per 100,000, while property crime is more common at 1039.2. These figures suggest that while property crime is the primary concern, violent crime rates exceed both state and national averages.

Taking Proactive Security Steps

With property crime as a primary factor, residents should consider investing in smart doorbells or home camera systems. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity help local law enforcement manage these trends effectively.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mahnomen County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure in Mahnomen County

Mahnomen County operates eight public schools serving a total of 1,250 students through two main school districts. The landscape includes five high schools and two elementary schools, with three of these campuses functioning as alternative schools.

Navigating Challenges in Student Outcomes

The county faces significant academic hurdles with a graduation rate of 53.1%, which is well below the state average of 86.6%. Despite these outcomes, the per-pupil expenditure of $9,978 is higher than the state average, reflecting a deep investment in trying to close performance gaps.

Mahnomen Public Schools and Charter Options

The Mahnomen Public School District is the largest provider, managing three schools and 665 students. Additionally, Naytahwaush Community School serves 136 students and represents the county's only charter school, making up 12.5% of total local schools.

Intimate Rural Schooling Communities

All eight schools in Mahnomen County are located in rural settings, with an average enrollment of 179 students per school. Mahnomen Elementary is the largest campus with 339 students, while the Naytahwaush charter school provides a smaller primary school environment.

Find Your Place in Mahnomen Schools

Families in Mahnomen County benefit from high per-pupil spending and small, rural school settings. Research local housing options to find a community where your children can benefit from these individualized learning environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mahnomen County

via RiskByCounty

Mahnomen County ranks among safest nationally

At 7.12, Mahnomen County's composite risk score is exceptionally low—roughly one-sixth the national average. This very low rating reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Minnesota's lowest composite risk

Mahnomen County's score of 7.12 is dramatically lower than the state average of 42.38, making it one of the safest counties in Minnesota. Virtually all hazard categories here fall well below state norms.

Safest in the northwestern region

Mahnomen County's risk profile is substantially lower than Marshall County (23.57) to the north and Lyon County (43.48) to the west. It offers notably greater natural disaster safety than surrounding areas.

Wildfire risk overshadows other threats

Wildfire risk (58.30) is notably elevated compared to other hazards in Mahnomen County, though still well below the state average. Tornado risk (22.93) and flood risk (11.55) are minimal by comparison.

Basic coverage meets needs here

Standard homeowners insurance with wind and hail protection is typically sufficient for Mahnomen County residents. Those in wooded areas should ensure wildfire coverage is included in their policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mahnomen County

via WaterByCounty

Mahnomen Achieves Perfect Safety Grade

Mahnomen County achieves a top 'A' grade with no health violations recorded in the federal SDWIS database over five years. The county avoids the state average violation rate of 32.5, ensuring high-quality drinking water for its residents.

Watershed Health Data Currently Unavailable

Federal records currently show no local water bodies have been evaluated through the Clean Water Act §303(d) assessment process. Until these assessments are conducted, there is no official impairment percentage to compare against the state average.

Active Biological and Algae Monitoring

Researchers utilize 35 monitoring sites across the county, contributing 3,811 measurements to the Water Quality Portal recently. The primary data points gathered relate to physical properties, nutrients, and biological indicators like algae and phytoplankton.

Primary Streamgage Data Not Available

There is no representative USGS streamgage currently providing live flow data for Mahnomen County. Residents can take confidence in the county’s perfect drinking water compliance record as the most reliable available health signal.

Protecting Mahnomen from Nutrient Runoff

With no recorded health violations, residents should continue standard testing if they use private wells. The high frequency of algae and nutrient monitoring suggests that being mindful of runoff into local lakes remains a priority for watershed health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mahnomen County

via WeatherByCounty

A True Northern Continental Climate

Mahnomen County sits at an average annual temperature of 39.9°F, significantly cooler than the national median of approximately 54°F. This reflects a humid continental climate characterized by profound seasonal shifts.

Cooler Than the Minnesota Average

The county's 39.9°F annual average trails the statewide mean of 42.8°F. It ranks among the chillier northern counties, receiving about 26.4 inches of precipitation annually compared to the state average of 30.0 inches.

Comparing North Country Climates

Mahnomen is slightly warmer than neighboring Marshall County to the north, which averages 39.3°F. However, it remains much colder than southern counties like Martin, which stays over six degrees warmer on average.

Deep Freezes and Mild Summers

January temperatures plummet to a 6.3°F average, while July remains comfortable at 68.1°F. Residents only face five days of extreme heat above 90°F each year.

Winter Resilience is Key

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency heating systems capable of handling extreme sub-zero January lows. While snowfall data is limited, the 10.4°F winter average demands heavy-duty insulation and thermal gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mahnomen County

via SoilByCounty

Ideally Balanced Native Soils

Mahnomen County boasts a near-perfect pH of 6.24, almost exactly matching the Minnesota state average of 6.21. This level is just slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, providing an ideal environment for most plants. It represents a highly versatile chemical baseline for diverse land use.

Sandy Loam Characteristics

The soil is relatively light, composed of 43.0% sand, 33.6% silt, and only 15.4% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent aeration and makes the ground very easy to till. However, the lower clay percentage means the soil relies heavily on its organic matter to hold onto nutrients.

High-Performing Organic Richness

Mahnomen surpasses state benchmarks with 11.38% organic matter, well above the state average of 9.90% and nearly six times the national average. This richness drives an available water capacity of 0.202 in/in, exceeding the state average of 0.199. These numbers explain the county's impressive soil score of 84.2.

Efficient Water Management

Though specific drainage classes aren't in the dataset, the 43.0% sand content typically indicates rapid water movement. This minimizes the risk of root rot and allows for earlier spring planting as the soil warms up quickly. The high water capacity ensures that even with fast drainage, moisture remains available to crops.

Lush Growth in Zone 4a

With a 4a hardiness rating, Mahnomen is perfect for sunflowers, small grains, and forest products. The high organic matter and ideal pH make it a dream for organic vegetable gardening. It is a highly productive environment for those willing to work with the cooler northern climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mahnomen County

via LawnByCounty

Cold-Hardy Lawns in Mahnomen County

With a score of 54.2, lawn maintenance here is tougher than the state average but still beats the national median. Zone 4a conditions require cold-hardy turf to survive the harsh northern winters. It is a challenging but rewarding climate for dedicated gardeners.

Short Seasons and Light Rainfall

Low annual precipitation of 26.4 inches and only 2,046 growing degree days suggest a shorter, slower growing season. With just 5 days of extreme heat, cool-season grasses are less likely to scorch but will need supplemental water to thrive. Mowing schedules should adjust to the slower pace of growth.

Sandy Soil and Ideal pH Levels

A soil pH of 6.24 is nearly perfect for lawn health, falling right within the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The soil is relatively sandy at 43.0%, which helps with drainage but means you must water more frequently to keep grass hydrated. Nutrient retention is lower in this sandy texture.

Protecting Lawns Against Extended Drought

A high 30-week drought history over the last year makes this county particularly vulnerable to water stress. Focus on morning irrigation while 100% of the county remains in abnormally dry conditions. Drought-tolerant seed mixes are highly recommended to survive these extended dry periods.

Seeding for Success in the North

Stick with cold-hardy Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass to survive the zone 4a winters. The growing window is tight between May 7 and September 28, so late August seeding is your best path to success. Preparing your soil now will pay off when the first green shoots appear.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mahnomen County's county score?
Mahnomen County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 47 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 Mahnomen County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Mahnomen County ranks #69 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 Mahnomen County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Mahnomen County is $1,427, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Mahnomen County a tax score of 40.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mahnomen County?
The median household income in Mahnomen County, Minnesota is $53,925 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mahnomen County earns an income score of 22.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mahnomen County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Mahnomen County scores 47/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Mahnomen 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 Mahnomen 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.