CountyScore

Martin County

Minnesota · MN

#30 in Minnesota
72.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Martin County, Minnesota

Martin County well above national standard

Martin County's composite score of 72.5 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This reflects balanced performance across multiple livability dimensions.

Slightly exceeds Minnesota average

With a score of 72.5, Martin County tops Minnesota's state average of 70.9, ranking it as a solid performer within the state. It occupies a comfortable middle-to-upper position in Minnesota's livability hierarchy.

Housing costs and health are solid

Martin County delivers strong health outcomes with a score of 78.7 and maintains affordable housing with a cost score of 82.5. The median home value of $158,800 and monthly rent of $735 offer good value.

Risk and income warrant attention

The risk score of 54.5 is among the lowest in this group, suggesting economic vulnerability or environmental concerns. Income also lags, with a median household income of $62,969 indicating limited wage opportunities.

Suits established professionals seeking stability

Martin County appeals to those with stable employment who value healthcare access and moderate housing costs in a rural setting. It's less ideal for those seeking income growth or vulnerable to economic disruption.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.9Cost82.5SafetyComing SoonHealth78.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.5Risk54.5WaterComing Soon
🏛74.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.5
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 Martin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Wrangell City and Borough
Alaska
72.5
Median income: $64,545
Prowers County
Colorado
72.5
Median income: $57,601
Benewah County
Idaho
72.5
Median income: $56,553
White County
Indiana
72.5
Median income: $66,143
Kossuth County
Iowa
72.5
Median income: $65,656

Deep Dives

Martin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Martin County

via TaxByCounty

Martin County taxes below national average

Martin County's effective tax rate of 0.974% sits below the national average of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-tax half of U.S. counties. Its median property tax of $1,547 is 42% below the national median of $2,690.

Virtually at Minnesota's statewide average

Martin County's 0.974% effective rate is nearly identical to Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, ranking it near the middle of the state's 87 counties. Its $1,547 median tax falls 29% below the state median of $2,168, reflecting lower property values.

Moderate taxes in the eight-county region

Martin County's tax rate sits comfortably between Marshall County's low 0.829% and Lyon County's high 1.047%, positioning it as a middle-ground county. Its $1,547 tax bill is among the moderate-to-lower range in the peer group.

Median home $158.8k, annual tax $1,547

Martin County homeowners with median-valued properties of $158,800 pay about $1,547 in annual property taxes, or roughly $129 per month. With mortgage escrow, that rises to $1,639; without a mortgage, the annual bill is $1,453.

An appeal could reduce your tax burden

Properties in Martin County may be assessed above fair market value, especially in townships with outdated valuations. Filing an appeal with your assessor is free and can result in meaningful reductions if your property is genuinely overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Martin County

via CostByCounty

Martin County nearly matches national norms

Martin County renters spend 14.0% of income on housing, nearly aligned with the national average of 14.5%. However, the median household income of $62,969 trails the national median of $74,755, creating a tighter affordability picture despite modest rent levels.

Martin County sits at state average

Martin County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio tracks almost exactly with Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability ranking. At $735 monthly rent—$180 below the state median—renters find moderate savings.

Martin County blends regional options

Martin County's $735 rent is competitive with nearby Lyon County ($742) and Marshall County ($737), while its median home price of $158,800 sits mid-range for the region. The lower median income of $62,969 means housing costs weigh slightly more than in neighboring counties.

Housing costs reach state threshold

Renters pay $735 monthly and homeowners pay $838 on a median household income of $62,969, consuming 14.0% and 16.0% of income respectively. The owner cost ratio edges above comfort levels, suggesting homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Martin County for careful planners

Martin County offers reasonable rent but requires attention to homeownership costs, particularly for middle-income households considering purchase. Review your job prospects and income stability before committing, as housing costs leave limited financial margins.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Martin County

via IncomeByCounty

Martin County earns below U.S. average

At $62,969, Martin County's median household income lags the national median of $74,755 by $11,786, representing a 16% gap. This below-average income reflects economic conditions tighter than the nation overall.

Lower-tier income rank statewide

Martin County's $62,969 median falls $12,788 below Minnesota's county average of $75,757, placing it in the lower portion of statewide rankings. The gap underscores limited wage growth and economic opportunity in the county.

Underearns most surrounding counties

At $62,969, Martin County earns less than Lyon ($72,761), Marshall ($71,701), Meeker ($75,037), McLeod ($78,468), and Lincoln ($67,715), while exceeding only Mahnomen ($53,925). It ranks among the weaker earners regionally.

Housing costs press household finances

Martin County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio approaches the 15% affordability ceiling, indicating that housing consumes a meaningful share of limited household income. The median home value of $158,800 may challenge affordability for many households.

Seek targeted savings opportunities

With incomes constrained and housing costs elevated, Martin County households benefit from exploring community development financial institutions, matched savings programs, and employer benefits. Small initial steps toward wealth-building compound meaningfully over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Martin County

via HealthByCounty

Martin County outpaces U.S. health averages

Martin County's 79.2-year life expectancy runs 1.8 years ahead of the U.S. average of 77.4 years. At 14.8% poor or fair health, the county sits below the national rate of 17.1%, suggesting good overall population health.

Consistently healthy within Minnesota

Martin County's 79.2-year life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's 78.7-year average and its 14.8% poor/fair health rate runs better than the state's 16.2%. The county ranks solidly among Minnesota's healthier regions.

Strong provider access, balanced care network

Martin County provides 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above the regional median and comparable to Lyon County's 83 per 100K. With 102 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers meaningful behavioral health support alongside primary care.

Low uninsured rate, robust healthcare infrastructure

Just 5.9% of Martin County residents lack health insurance, barely above Minnesota's 6.0% average. Combined with solid primary care and mental health provider availability, the county delivers both coverage and access for most healthcare needs.

Sustain Martin County's coverage gains

Martin County residents benefit from strong insurance and provider access—maintain this advantage by reviewing your coverage annually. Check MNsure.org during open enrollment to ensure your plan continues to fit your family's health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Martin County

via RiskByCounty

Martin County faces above-average risk

Martin County's composite risk score of 45.48 exceeds the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category. Tornado exposure is a key driver of this elevated ranking.

Above Minnesota average, tornado-heavy

Martin County's score of 45.48 tops the state average of 42.38, mainly due to its exceptionally high tornado risk (68.51). This makes it one of the more tornado-prone counties in Minnesota.

Tornado risk highest in region

Martin County's tornado risk (68.51) substantially exceeds that of McLeod County (67.88), Meeker County (48.44), and other nearby counties. It represents a notable concentration of tornado exposure in south-central Minnesota.

Tornadoes pose primary threat

Tornado risk (68.51) dominates Martin County's natural disaster profile, ranking in the upper tier statewide. Flood risk (39.31) and earthquake risk (14.79) are secondary concerns.

Storm shelter and coverage critical

Martin County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with comprehensive wind and hail coverage to protect against tornado damage. A reinforced shelter or safe room offers additional critical protection during severe storm events.

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.