CountyScore

Marshall County

Minnesota · MN

#12 in Minnesota
76.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Minnesota

Marshall County leads this Minnesota group

Marshall County's composite score of 76.2 ranks well above the national median of 50.0 and tops all eight counties in this profile. This reflects strong fundamentals in tax efficiency, health, and cost.

Best performer among Minnesota peers

At 76.2, Marshall County significantly outpaces Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it among the state's best-performing counties for livability. It represents a gold standard for the region.

Tax efficiency and health lead the way

Marshall County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.829%) of all eight counties and a tax score of 79.0, combined with strong health outcomes (79.5). Housing affordability remains solid with a cost score of 83.2 and median home value of $153,300.

Income growth remains modest

The income score of 30.2 trails state peers, with a median household income of $71,701 suggesting limited wage opportunities. While not dire, income growth may lag expectations for those seeking significant economic advancement.

Best choice for tax-conscious, health-minded families

Marshall County is the top pick for families prioritizing low taxes, strong health services, and affordability in a stable rural setting. It suits those with stable outside income who value fiscal prudence and community wellness.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79Cost83.2SafetyComing SoonHealth79.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.2Risk76.5WaterComing Soon
🏛79
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡76.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Marshall County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Dolores County
Colorado
76.2
Median income: $70,490
Catahoula Parish
Louisiana
76.2
Median income: $47,753
Cook County
Minnesota
76.2
Median income: $71,643
Schuyler County
Missouri
76.2
Median income: $56,023
Adams County
North Dakota
76.2
Median income: $55,417

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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