CountyScore

McLeod County

Minnesota · MN

#62 in Minnesota
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About McLeod County, Minnesota

McLeod exceeds national livability baseline

McLeod County's composite score of 69.3 ranks above the national median of 50.0, positioning it solidly in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. This reflects particular strength in income and health metrics.

Slightly below Minnesota's state average

At 69.3, McLeod County falls just below Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Minnesota counties. It remains a viable option despite trailing slightly against the state benchmark.

Highest incomes in this county group

McLeod County leads these eight counties with an income score of 34.6 and median household income of $78,468, offering the best wage opportunities. Health outcomes are strong at 79.5, reflecting good community wellness.

Housing costs and taxes are higher

McLeod County has the highest effective tax rate (1.160%) and the least affordable housing (median home value $233,400) among this group, with rents at $906/month. These factors offset income advantages and reduce overall affordability.

Ideal for high-earning families seeking amenities

McLeod County suits professionals and families with robust household incomes who prioritize health services and don't mind higher housing costs. It offers more economic opportunity than rural peers but demands greater financial capacity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.6Cost74SafetyComing SoonHealth79.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.6Risk53.4WaterComing Soon
🏛69.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.6
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
⚡53.4
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 McLeod County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Colbert County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $56,736
Jackson County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $49,454
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
69.3
Median income: $88,565
Sharp County
Arkansas
69.3
Median income: $42,950
Rabun County
Georgia
69.3
Median income: $61,466

Deep Dives

McLeod County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McLeod County

via TaxByCounty

McLeod County taxes above national norm

McLeod County's effective tax rate of 1.160% exceeds the national average of 1.1%, placing it in the higher-tax half of U.S. counties. At $2,708 annually, the median property tax nearly matches the national median of $2,690.

Highest rate in Minnesota by a large margin

McLeod County's 1.160% effective rate is 20% higher than Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it one of the state's highest-tax counties. Its $2,708 median tax exceeds the state median of $2,168 by 25%, signaling notably heavier property tax burdens.

Most expensive county in the eight-county group

McLeod County's 1.160% rate is the highest among all eight counties examined, significantly exceeding the second-highest (Mille Lacs at 1.042%). Compared to Marshall County's 0.829%, McLeod homeowners pay 40% more in effective property taxes.

Median home $233k, tax bill $2,708

McLeod County homeowners with median-valued properties of $233,400 pay approximately $2,708 in annual property taxes—about $226 per month. With mortgage escrow, that obligation rises to $2,765; without a mortgage, the annual bill falls to $2,613.

Assessment appeals are especially worthwhile here

Given McLeod County's elevated tax rates, homeowners should closely review their assessments for overvaluation. A successful appeal in a high-tax county can yield substantial annual savings—often hundreds of dollars per year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McLeod County

via CostByCounty

McLeod County punches above its weight

McLeod County renters spend 13.9% of income on housing, beating the national average of 14.5% despite higher median rents. At $78,468, the median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755, creating favorable conditions for both renters and homebuyers.

McLeod County leads in income and value

McLeod County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, with the highest median household income ($78,468) among the eight counties profiled. The median home value of $233,400 reflects stronger property market conditions than regional peers.

McLeod County offers premium positioning

At $906 monthly rent, McLeod County is pricier than most rural neighbors, but the significantly higher median income of $78,468 makes housing costs proportionally manageable. The median home value of $233,400 is the second-highest in the group, reflecting stronger market conditions.

Strong income supports housing investments

Renters allocate $906 monthly and homeowners pay $1,187 on a median household income of $78,468, consuming 13.9% and 18.1% of income respectively. Owner costs are elevated, but the robust income base allows homeowners to manage this burden more comfortably than lower-income neighbors.

McLeod County for ambitious homebuyers

With strong incomes and vibrant housing market conditions, McLeod County suits professionals and established families ready to invest in homeownership. Compare this profile's higher prices and incomes to other Minnesota counties to ensure it aligns with your financial capacity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McLeod County

via IncomeByCounty

McLeod County exceeds national income

At $78,468, McLeod County's median household income tops the U.S. median of $74,755 by $3,713, putting it about 5% above the national average. This strong performance reflects robust local economic activity.

Above-average earner statewide

McLeod County's $78,468 median surpasses Minnesota's county average of $75,757 by $2,711, ranking it in the upper tier of Minnesota counties. This advantage signals economic strength relative to the broader state.

Highest earner in the region

At $78,468, McLeod County outearns all nearby counties—it exceeds Meeker ($75,037), Lyon ($72,761), Marshall ($71,701), Lincoln ($67,715), Martin ($62,969), and Mahnomen ($53,925). It stands as the regional income leader.

Higher costs offset by strong earnings

McLeod County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably below the 15% affordability threshold, even as the median home value of $233,400 reflects a more expensive market. Strong incomes support homeownership and housing stability here.

Accelerate wealth through diversification

With household incomes exceeding national and state averages and housing costs under control, McLeod County households can aggressively pursue wealth-building through diversified investments, additional savings, and longer-term financial planning. This income level enables meaningful progress toward major financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in McLeod County

via HealthByCounty

McLeod County residents live above U.S. average

McLeod County's life expectancy of 79.0 years exceeds the U.S. average of 77.4 years by 1.6 years. Only 14.3% report poor or fair health—tied with Lyon County for the lowest rate in this group and well below the national 17.1%.

Solid health performer for Minnesota

McLeod County's 79.0-year life expectancy edges past Minnesota's 78.7-year average, and its 14.3% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best at well below the 16.2% state average. The county maintains consistent above-average health indicators.

Exceptional mental health resources stand out

McLeod County's 266 mental health providers per 100,000 residents is the second-highest in this eight-county group, significantly above regional peers. Primary care access is also strong at 74 per 100,000, creating a well-balanced healthcare infrastructure.

Best uninsured rate plus strong provider capacity

At 5.3%, McLeod County boasts the lowest uninsured rate among all eight counties—well below Minnesota's 6.0% average. This combination of minimal uninsured population and abundant mental health providers positions residents for both coverage and access to care.

Keep McLeod County's coverage advantage

McLeod County leads the region in health insurance coverage—a success worth protecting through annual enrollment. Visit MNsure.org to confirm your coverage remains active and well-matched to your health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in McLeod County

via RiskByCounty

McLeod County faces moderate national risk

McLeod County's composite risk score of 46.60 sits slightly above the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. Tornado exposure is the primary factor elevating this score.

Slightly above state average, tornado-prone

McLeod County's score of 46.60 exceeds the state average of 42.38, primarily driven by tornado risk (67.88), among the highest in Minnesota. Flood risk (46.50) adds a secondary layer of concern.

Comparable tornado risk to Martin County

McLeod County's tornado risk (67.88) mirrors that of nearby Martin County (68.51) and both exceed Meeker County (48.44). These three counties represent a corridor of elevated tornado exposure in south-central Minnesota.

Tornadoes and floods are dual threats

Tornado risk (67.88) and flood risk (46.50) are McLeod County's top two hazards, both approaching or exceeding state averages. Wildfire risk (22.20) is comparatively minor.

Dual coverage addresses both hazards

McLeod County residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wind/hail damage and consider separate flood insurance for properties in vulnerable areas. A basement shelter provides critical tornado protection.

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.