countyscore
69.1
County Score
Soil Quality 94.6Health 85.6Safety 85.2

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Minnesota

Exceptional Quality on the National Stage

Marshall County achieves an impressive composite score of 69.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places the county in the top tier of US locations for overall livability. It successfully balances economic strength with personal security.

Outperforming the State Average

Marshall County's 69.1 score is over 13 points higher than the Minnesota average of 55.8. It is one of the more desirable counties in the state, offering a better quality of life than many of its neighbors. This consistent performance across categories makes it a regional standout.

Leader in Health and Safety

The county excels with a health score of 85.6 and a safety score of 85.2. Strong economic fundamentals are also present, with an income score of 70.6 and a median household income of $71,701. These numbers reflect a stable and thriving community.

Water Quality Needs Attention

The water score of 37.3 is the primary outlier in an otherwise stellar profile. While other scores are high, the tax score of 50.5 indicates a moderate tax burden for residents. Addressing water infrastructure could elevate the county even further in future rankings.

A Top Choice for Families

Marshall County is a premier destination for families who want safety, good incomes, and affordable homes. The median home value of $153,300 is incredibly low for such a high-performing area. It offers a rare combination of economic opportunity and peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax50.5Cost67.1Safety85.2Health85.6Schools60.5Income70.6Risk76.5Water37.3Weather47
🏛50.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨94.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.1
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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Nearby counties

Kittson County
Minnesota
69.5
Grand Forks County
North Dakota
40.5
Walsh County
North Dakota
54.6
Pembina County
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Polk County
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Pennington County
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43.9
Red Lake County
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Roseau County
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Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall County offers lowest taxes nationwide

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 0.829% ranks among the lowest in the United States, falling far below the national average of 1.1%. At just $1,271 annually, the median property tax is less than half the national median of $2,690.

Lowest rate in Minnesota by a wide margin

Marshall County's 0.829% effective rate is 14% below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. Its $1,271 median tax is 41% below the state median of $2,168, offering substantial relief to property owners.

Lowest taxes across entire region

Marshall County's 0.829% rate is the lowest among all eight counties examined, beating the next-most-favorable county by nearly two percentage points. Compared to Lyon County at 1.047%, Marshall offers 21% lower effective tax rates.

Median home $153k, tax just $1,271

A Marshall County homeowner with a median-valued property of $153,300 pays only $1,271 in annual property taxes—about $106 per month. With mortgage escrow, the bill rises slightly to $1,341; without a mortgage, it dips to $1,191.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in low-tax counties like Marshall, overassessment occurs and appeals are free. Every homeowner should verify their property's assessed value against recent sales of comparable homes in their township.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall County offers solid national value

Marshall County renters spend just 12.3% of income on housing, beating the national average of 14.5% by a meaningful margin. With a median household income of $71,701—close to the national median of $74,755—this county delivers genuine affordability.

Well above Minnesota's affordability curve

Marshall County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $737 is $178 below the state median of $915, offering clear savings for renters.

Marshall County competes regionally

At $737 monthly rent, Marshall County sits squarely between Lincoln County ($688) and Lyon County ($742), offering competitive pricing for the region. The median home value of $153,300 aligns with regional peers, making it accessible for homebuyers seeking rural Minnesota.

Lean housing costs leave breathing room

Renters allocate $737 monthly and homeowners pay $791 against a median household income of $71,701, consuming 12.3% and 13.2% of income respectively. Both figures sit well below stress thresholds, freeing up household resources for other priorities.

Marshall County rewards practical relocators

If you're seeking a balanced combination of low housing costs and decent income potential, Marshall County delivers on both fronts. Compare this county's affordability profile to neighboring communities to confirm it fits your relocation goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall County slightly below national income

At $71,701, Marshall County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $3,000, or 4%. This modest gap places Marshall County within the national income mainstream.

Below Minnesota county average

Marshall County's $71,701 median falls $4,056 short of Minnesota's county average of $75,757, positioning it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The county earns modestly compared to stronger-performing Minnesota regions.

Mid-range earner regionally

Marshall County's $71,701 income exceeds Mahnomen ($53,925), Lincoln ($67,715), and Martin ($62,969), but trails Lyon ($72,761), Meeker ($75,037), and McLeod ($78,468). It occupies the regional middle ground.

Housing remains affordable

At 12.3%, Marshall County's rent-to-income ratio stays below the 15% affordability threshold, indicating manageable housing costs relative to local incomes. The median home value of $153,300 aligns reasonably with household earning capacity.

Establish consistent savings habits

Marshall County households can build wealth by automating monthly savings and taking full advantage of employer 401(k) matches and IRAs. Even modest, consistent contributions create significant long-term wealth through compounding.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Marshall County

Marshall County earns a high safety score of 99.5, reflecting its status as a very safe community. The total crime rate of 343.8 per 100,000 is nearly seven times lower than the national average.

Outperforming the Minnesota Average

Marshall's safety score of 99.5 significantly beats the state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 343.8 is also far more favorable than the state average of 1123.5 per 100,000.

Comparing Marshall to Nearby Areas

Marshall County is much safer than neighboring Mahnomen County, where the rate is over four times higher. Note that Marshall's data comes from a single reporting agency, which may limit the total scope of the statistics.

Crime Types and Local Impact

The violent crime rate stands at 199.6, while property crime is even lower at 144.2 per 100,000. In practical terms, this means residents face very low risks of theft or burglary compared to typical American counties.

Maintaining a Secure Household

High safety scores are best maintained through consistent community vigilance. Residents should lock their vehicles and ensure home perimeters are well-lit to discourage the few property crimes that occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marshall County

via HealthByCounty

Marshall County ranks among America's healthiest

Marshall County leads these eight counties with a life expectancy of 81.4 years—4 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.4 years. Only 15.3% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national 17.1%, reflecting exceptional population health outcomes.

Top performer within Minnesota

Marshall County's 81.4-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Minnesota's 78.7-year average by 2.7 years and is the highest among all eight analyzed counties. The 15.3% poor/fair health rate also beats Minnesota's 16.2% state average, confirming Marshall's status as one of the state's healthiest counties.

Superior longevity, constrained provider network

While Marshall County's residents enjoy the longest lifespans in this group, the county has only 11 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among all eight counties. Mental health provider data is unavailable, suggesting Marshall's strong health outcomes emerge despite significant primary care scarcity.

Adequate coverage masks access challenges

Marshall County's uninsured rate of 6.6% is slightly above Minnesota's 6.0% average, but the real challenge is the severe shortage of primary care providers at 11 per 100,000. Residents have insurance but may face long wait times or travel distances to access care from the sparse provider network.

Keep coverage secure in Marshall County

Marshall County residents should ensure continuous health insurance coverage through annual enrollment. Visit MNsure.org to review options—having active coverage ensures you can access the county's limited primary care providers when health needs arise.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Schooling Across Marshall County

Marshall County provides education to 1,464 students through 10 public schools managed by five different districts. The infrastructure consists of five elementary schools, four high schools, and one special education center.

Strong Results and High Investment

The county boasts an 88.2% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 86.6% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local investment is robust, with per-pupil spending at $9,257, which is roughly $800 more than the state average.

Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Leads the District Pack

The Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District is the largest in the county, enrolling 585 students across its two campuses. Marshall County Central Schools and Stephen-Argyle Central Schools also provide essential coverage for this entirely rural county.

A Traditional Rural Education Experience

Every school in Marshall County is classified as rural, with an average school size of 163 students. Warren Elementary is the most populated school with 312 students, while most other campuses maintain even smaller, highly personal student bodies.

Settle Near High-Performing Rural Schools

Marshall County offers a rare combination of high graduation rates and above-average per-pupil spending. Look for homes in the Warren or Newfolden areas to secure a spot in these successful rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County ranks below national average

Marshall County's composite risk score of 23.57 puts it well below the national average, earning a very low risk rating. This favorable standing reflects lower exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Well below Minnesota's middle

At 23.57, Marshall County scores roughly 45% lower than the state average of 42.38, positioning it among the safer Minnesota counties. However, one specific hazard significantly elevates its profile.

Higher wildfire risk than area peers

Marshall County's wildfire risk (85.08) dramatically exceeds that of Mahnomen County (58.30) and other adjacent counties, making it unique in this respect. Overall composite risk remains competitive due to lower tornado and flood exposure.

Wildfire dominates Marshall County's hazard profile

Wildfire risk (85.08) is exceptionally high and represents Marshall County's defining natural disaster concern—nearly 50% higher than the state average. Flood risk (29.20) and tornado risk (19.05) are comparatively modest.

Wildfire insurance essential here

Marshall County residents, especially those near forests or grasslands, should verify that their homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage. Consider a separate policy or rider if standard coverage is limited in this high-exposure area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest Regions

With an average annual temperature of 39.3°F, Marshall County is nearly 15 degrees colder than the national median. It experiences a harsh continental climate with limited annual precipitation of 23.9 inches.

Far Below the State Average

The county stays well below the Minnesota annual average of 42.8°F. It is one of the driest counties in the state, receiving six inches less precipitation than the state average.

Cold Even by Regional Standards

Marshall is colder than its southern neighbor Mahnomen by over half a degree. It experiences significantly more winter severity than central Minnesota counties like McLeod.

Extreme Cold and Consistent Snow

January is brutal with a 5.5°F average, while 43.6 inches of snow falls annually. Summers are brief and mild, with July temperatures peaking at a modest 67.8°F.

Prepare for the Long Freeze

Residents require robust snow removal equipment and winter-grade vehicle kits for the 43.6-inch snow season. HVAC systems must be rated for extreme northern winters to manage the 9.3°F average winter lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

The Gold Standard of Soil

Marshall County features a pH of 6.52, aligning almost perfectly with the national median of 6.5. This neutral acidity is a hallmark of elite agricultural land. It provides the optimal chemical environment for nutrient solubility and microbial activity.

Light Texture with High Performance

The soil is sand-dominant at 48.8%, with 30.5% silt and a low 13.6% clay. This light texture allows for incredible workability and prevents the drainage issues common in heavier soils. Despite the high sand, the soil remains extremely productive due to its other components.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

Marshall County's organic matter is a staggering 18.42%, nearly double the already-high Minnesota average of 9.90%. This massive organic load creates an available water capacity of 0.209 in/in. It is no surprise the county earns a near-perfect soil score of 94.6.

Superior Hydrologic Balance

The high sand content suggests very efficient drainage, yet the massive organic matter levels keep the soil from drying out too fast. This rare combination provides a 'best of both worlds' scenario for land management. It handles heavy rains and dry spells with equal grace.

Productive Giants in Zone 3b

Despite the cold 3b hardiness zone, the soil supports world-class yields of wheat, sugar beets, and potatoes. The high organic content acts as a natural buffer against the short growing season. Gardeners can grow almost anything here as long as it fits the frost-free window.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Marshall County Meets State Standards

Marshall County earns a 62.1 score, nearly matching the Minnesota state average of 63.9. Located in hardiness zone 3b, this is one of the coldest climates in the country for growing turf. Despite the cold, the county offers a better experience than the national average.

Maximizing Growth in a Limited Window

Rainfall is scarce at 23.9 inches per year, well below the ideal minimum of 30 inches. With 1,989 growing degree days and only 5 days of extreme heat, the focus here is on maximizing a very short growing window. Supplemental irrigation is essential to keep lawns green through the summer.

Excellent Drainage in Sandy Marshall Soil

Soil here is well-balanced with a pH of 6.52 and a high sand content of 48.8%. This texture promotes excellent drainage, which is great for root health but requires careful nutrient management. The 13.6% clay content provides some structure, but fertilization should be frequent and light.

Building Resilience for Dry Winters

While only 4.7% of the area is currently dry, the county faced 20 weeks of drought in the last year. Establishing drought-tolerant species like Sheep Fescue is a smart move given the low 23.9 inches of annual rain. Deep roots are the best defense against unpredictable precipitation.

Short-Season Seeding in Zone 3b

In hardiness zone 3b, you need the toughest cold-season grasses like Creeping Red Fescue. With the first frost arriving as early as September 26, August is the prime time to get new seeds established. Start your spring cleanup as soon as the May 15 frost passes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 69.1 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Marshall County ranks #9 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 Marshall County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $1,271, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 50.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Minnesota is $71,701 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 70.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 69.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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