countyscore
59.2
County Score
Health 86.6Soil Quality 81.2Lawn Care 76.8

County Report Card

About Martin County, Minnesota

Martin County Beats National Averages

Martin County earns a composite score of 59.2, which is nearly ten points higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a dependable quality of life that exceeds the typical American experience. It is a solid performer in several key livability metrics.

Competitive Within Minnesota

At 59.2, Martin County sits above the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It offers a higher standard of living than many surrounding counties, particularly in terms of affordability. This makes it an attractive alternative to more expensive regions of the state.

Strong Wellness and Affordable Housing

A health score of 86.6 and a cost score of 64.1 lead the county's strengths. With a median gross rent of $735 and home values around $158,800, housing is very accessible. Residents enjoy a healthy lifestyle without the high price tag of urban centers.

Economic Growth and Taxes

The income score of 48.1 and tax score of 40.2 represent areas for potential growth. A median household income of $62,969 is respectable but trails the leaders in the state. Environmental risk is also a factor, with a score of 54.5.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Savers

Martin County is perfect for budget-conscious individuals who still want access to great health outcomes. The low entry cost for housing makes it a strong candidate for first-time homebuyers. It suits those looking for a stable, healthy, and affordable community.

Score breakdown

Tax40.2Cost64.1Safety60.5Health86.6Schools50.8Income48.1Risk54.5Water52.3Weather48.6
🏛40.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.8
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

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61.6
Watonwan County
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53.6
Faribault County
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61.9
Jackson County
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Kossuth County
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Blue Earth County
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Dickinson County
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Palo Alto County
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Deep Dives

Martin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Martin County

via CrimeByCounty

Martin County's National Safety Standings

Martin County holds a safety score of 98.6, indicating a very safe environment by national standards. Its total crime rate of 911.9 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Martin to State Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.6 is slightly higher than the Minnesota average of 98.2. Its crime rate of 911.9 remains well below the state average of 1123.5, showing strong performance across its four reporting agencies.

Regional Neighbors and Safety Trends

Martin County's crime rate of 911.9 is nearly identical to Meeker County's rate of 916.4. Both counties demonstrate a consistent safety profile compared to higher-crime areas elsewhere in the state.

Analyzing Local Crime Statistics

Property crime is the most frequent issue here at 776.6 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 135.3. This violent crime rate is notably safer than both the state average of 153.0 and the national average of 369.8.

Effective Home Protection Strategies

Because property crime represents the vast majority of local incidents, securing valuables and locking doors is essential. Simple steps like timed indoor lighting can deter burglars when residents are away from home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Martin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in Martin County

Martin County supports 3,151 students through 15 public schools, including six elementary and five high schools. These are managed by five districts and include three special education schools and one alternative campus.

Academic Outcomes Meet State Averages

The county's graduation rate of 86.7% and school score of 54.9 are almost exactly in line with Minnesota's statewide averages. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,426, closely matching the state's investment of $8,463 per student.

Fairmont Area Schools Dominates Enrollment

The Fairmont Area School District is the primary educator in the county, hosting the two largest schools that together serve over 1,800 students. Martin County West is the second-largest district, managing four schools and 650 total students.

Balanced Rural and Town Campus Life

The county features 10 rural schools and five town-based schools, with an average school size of 210 students. Fairmont Elementary is a significant hub with 956 students, providing a large-school experience that contrasts with the smaller 158-student Truman Elementary.

Find Diverse Schooling Options in Martin

Whether you prefer a large town school or a smaller rural campus, Martin County offers reliable academic performance. Explore homes in Fairmont or Trimont to find the right fit for your family's educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Martin County

via WeatherByCounty

Milder Minnesota Winters

Martin County averages 46.1°F annually, which is warmer than most of the state but still roughly 8 degrees below the national median. The climate is humid continental with 33.5 inches of annual precipitation.

A Southern Warmth Leader

The county is significantly warmer than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It also exceeds the state's average precipitation level by 3.5 inches, indicating a wetter and warmer environment than the northern plains.

Warmer Than the State Center

Martin is notably warmer than McLeod County to the north, which averages 44.5°F. It also experiences more extreme heat days than many of its neighbors, totaling 11 per year.

Hot Summers and Managed Cold

July averages a warm 73.4°F, contributing to 11 days of heat exceeding 90°F. January is cold at 15.2°F, but remains much milder than the single-digit averages found in northern Minnesota.

Air Conditioning and Drainage

Invest in efficient cooling systems to handle the frequent 90°F summer days. With 33.5 inches of rain, ensure proper basement drainage and gutter maintenance to prevent flooding during wet seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Martin County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Balanced Profiles

Martin County's soil pH of 6.75 sits just above the national median of 6.5 and higher than the Minnesota average of 6.21. This near-neutrality is highly favorable for most row crops and garden vegetables. It supports a diverse range of plant life without requiring heavy lime applications.

A Classic Loam Mix

With 33.2% sand, 40.6% silt, and 23.8% clay, the soil offers a well-rounded texture. The high silt and clay components provide excellent nutrient-holding capacity and structural stability. This mix is a primary reason for the county's strong agricultural reputation.

Above-Average Growing Potential

Organic matter levels reach 7.21%, which is lower than the state's 9.90% but over triple the national average. The available water capacity is 0.202 in/in, beating the state average of 0.199. This allows the soil to act as a reliable reservoir for plants during the heat of summer.

High-Quality Land Score

A soil score of 81.2 reflects the county's superior land quality for farming and construction. While specific drainage classes aren't detailed, the texture suggests moderate permeability and good retention. These soils are foundational to the county's high-yield corn and soybean production.

Warmth and Wealth in Zone 5a

In Hardiness Zone 5a, Martin County enjoys one of the more favorable climates in the state for heat-loving crops. The balanced soil is perfect for large-scale agriculture and thriving home orchards. It is an ideal environment for starting a productive backyard garden or commercial farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Martin County

via LawnByCounty

Martin County: A Minnesota Lawn Leader

Martin County boasts an impressive lawn score of 76.8, far outpacing both the state average of 63.9 and the national average of 50.0. Hardiness zone 5a provides a hospitable environment for a variety of popular grass species. It is among the easiest places in the state to maintain a lush yard.

Generous Rains Fuel Fast Growth

High annual precipitation of 33.5 inches provides excellent natural irrigation compared to the state average of 30.0. Despite 11 extreme heat days, the 2,891 growing degree days support robust growth throughout the season. Expect to mow frequently to keep up with the fast-growing turf.

Ideal Soil Conditions for Southern Turf

Soil conditions are nearly ideal with a pH of 6.75 and a healthy 23.8% clay composition. This balance retains moisture well without becoming waterlogged, making it a dream for local homeowners. Most grass types will flourish here with minimal soil adjustment.

Managing Abnormally Dry Current Conditions

Only 7 weeks of drought were recorded in the past year, though 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Thanks to the 33.5 inches of annual rain, temporary dry spells are easy to manage with light supplemental watering. Your lawn is well-positioned to bounce back quickly.

Harnessing the Long Growing Season

The zone 5a climate is perfect for diverse turf mixes including Tall Fescue for better heat resistance. With a long season from April 25 to October 14, you have ample time to establish a thick, healthy lawn. Fall is the ideal time to aerate and overseed for next year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Martin County's county score?
Martin County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 59.2 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 Martin County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Martin County ranks #34 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 Martin County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Martin County is $1,547, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Martin County a tax score of 40.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Martin County?
The median household income in Martin County, Minnesota is $62,969 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Martin County earns an income score of 48.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Martin County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Martin County scores 59.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Martin 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 Martin 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.