countyscore
57.7
County Score
Health 89.3Soil Quality 88.7Income & Jobs 77.4

County Report Card

About Meeker County, Minnesota

Comfortably Above National Medians

Meeker County's composite score of 57.7 outperforms the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher-than-average quality of life for its residents across multiple categories. It serves as a reliable and high-performing mid-sized county.

Strong Standing in Minnesota

With a 57.7 score, Meeker County surpasses the state average of 55.8. It is a competitive choice for Minnesotans, offering balanced scores in education and safety. It remains a popular middle-ground option for those staying within the state.

Excellent Health and Robust Incomes

The county excels in health with a score of 89.3 and income with a score of 77.4. A median household income of $75,037 provides residents with strong purchasing power. It also features a solid school score of 67.2, supporting local families.

Affordability and Infrastructure Hurdles

A cost score of 32.4 and a water score of 39.2 are the county's primary challenges. While incomes are high, housing costs like the $228,900 median home value can squeeze budgets. Residents must also navigate a moderate tax burden, represented by a 42.2 tax score.

Perfect for Middle-Class Families

Meeker County is an excellent fit for families who prioritize health and education and have the income to support it. The high health and school scores create a nurturing environment for children. It suits those looking for a balanced life in a prosperous, healthy community.

Score breakdown

Tax42.2Cost32.4Safety60.2Health89.3Schools67.2Income77.4Risk73.1Water39.2Weather46.5
🏛42.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨88.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.4
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

McLeod County
Minnesota
50.1
Stearns County
Minnesota
50.3
Kandiyohi County
Minnesota
46.2
Wright County
Minnesota
56.5
Sherburne County
Minnesota
55.6
Sibley County
Minnesota
57.3
Renville County
Minnesota
57.4
Benton County
Minnesota
41

Deep Dives

Meeker County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Meeker County

via TaxByCounty

Meeker County taxes below national average

Meeker County's effective tax rate of 0.943% sits comfortably below the national average of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-tax half of U.S. counties. At $2,159 annually, the median property tax is 20% below the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Minnesota's statewide average

Meeker County's 0.943% effective rate falls 3% below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, ranking it in the lower-tax quartile among the state's 87 counties. Its $2,159 median tax is nearly in line with the state median of $2,168.

Moderate-to-low taxes in the eight-county region

Meeker County's tax rate sits in the lower half of the eight-county group, well below McLeod's 1.160% and slightly below Mille Lacs's 1.042%. Its $2,159 tax bill represents a moderate burden compared to high-tax peers.

Median home $228.9k, annual tax $2,159

Meeker County homeowners with median-valued properties of $228,900 pay approximately $2,159 in annual property taxes, or roughly $180 per month. The near-identical mortgaged ($2,162) and non-mortgaged ($2,153) bills suggest consistent escrow practices.

Check your assessment for potential savings

Meeker County homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. Free assessment appeals can identify overvaluation and reduce tax burden, especially if property values have declined since the last appraisal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Meeker County

via CostByCounty

Meeker County slightly above national average

Meeker County renters spend 14.3% of income on housing, slightly exceeding the national average of 14.5%—a near-perfect match. The median household income of $75,037 tracks closely with the national median of $74,755, creating a balanced affordability profile.

Meeker County tracks state average

Meeker County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, placing it near the middle of the state's affordability rankings. At $894 monthly rent, renters pay slightly below the state median of $915, finding modest savings.

Meeker County sits in regional middle

At $894 monthly rent, Meeker County is pricier than smaller neighbors like Lincoln County ($688) and Lyon County ($742), but comparable to Mille Lacs County ($909). The median home value of $228,900 reflects stronger property conditions than the most rural counties in the group.

Moderate costs with solid incomes

Renters allocate $894 monthly and homeowners pay $1,128 on a median household income of $75,037, consuming 14.3% and 18.1% of income respectively. Owner costs approach stress levels, but the solid median income provides more cushion than lower-income rural neighbors.

Meeker County for balanced seekers

With near-national-average affordability and solid income levels, Meeker County appeals to renters and cautious homebuyers seeking stability. Compare this county's conditions to similar-sized Minnesota communities to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Meeker County

via IncomeByCounty

Meeker County matches national income

At $75,037, Meeker County's median household income essentially matches the U.S. median of $74,755, running just $282 above the national mark. This alignment places Meeker households squarely in the American income mainstream.

Slightly below Minnesota average

Meeker County's $75,037 median trails Minnesota's county average of $75,757 by $720, placing it right near the state midpoint. The county performs competitively within Minnesota's income distribution.

Upper-middle earner regionally

At $75,037, Meeker County outearns Marshall ($71,701), Lyon ($72,761), Lincoln ($67,715), Martin ($62,969), and Mahnomen ($53,925), but trails McLeod ($78,468) and Mille Lacs ($71,455). It ranks among the stronger regional earners.

Housing costs moderately elevated

Meeker County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 15% affordability threshold, though the median home value of $228,900 is among the highest in the regional cluster. Households can sustain homeownership responsibly here.

Build long-term financial security

With incomes at the national average and manageable housing costs, Meeker County households are well-positioned to maximize retirement contributions, establish investment accounts, and pursue wealth-building strategies. Consistent, disciplined saving compounds into substantial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Meeker County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety First in Meeker County

Meeker County is a safe place to live, boasting a safety score of 98.6. Its total crime rate of 916.4 per 100,000 is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Meeker's Standing in Minnesota

Meeker's safety score of 98.6 is higher than the Minnesota average of 98.2. The total crime rate of 916.4 also sits comfortably below the statewide average of 1123.5 per 100,000 residents.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Meeker's crime rate of 911.9 is nearly identical to Martin County's 916.4. Both counties represent a consistent tier of safety compared to the significantly higher rates found in Mille Lacs County.

Crime Breakdown by Category

Violent crime is impressively low at 102.8 per 100,000, much lower than the state average of 153.0. Property crime is more prevalent at 813.6, making it the primary focus for the county's three reporting agencies.

Ensuring a Secure Household

Low violent crime rates provide peace of mind, but property security remains important. Residents are encouraged to lock their vehicles and use motion lighting to prevent opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Meeker County

via HealthByCounty

Meeker County leads on longevity and health

Meeker County's 79.8-year life expectancy ranks second-highest in this group and runs 2.4 years ahead of the U.S. average of 77.4 years. At 13.7% poor or fair health, the county records the lowest rate among all eight counties, far below the national 17.1%.

Top-tier Minnesota health outcomes

Meeker County's 79.8-year life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's 78.7-year average by 1.1 years and its 13.7% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in the state comparison group. The county consistently ranks among Minnesota's healthiest regions across all measured indicators.

Balanced access to primary and mental health care

Meeker County provides 51 primary care providers and 85 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid availability that supports comprehensive care. These rates position the county above or in line with most regional peers.

Adequate coverage with good care availability

Meeker County's uninsured rate of 6.1% runs just slightly above Minnesota's 6.0% average, meaning most residents have insurance access. With moderate-to-good provider availability in both primary and mental health, residents can access organized care when needed.

Maintain Meeker County's health leadership

Meeker County residents should keep current on health insurance enrollment to sustain this region's excellent health outcomes. Review your plan annually at MNsure.org to ensure ongoing coverage and access to local care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Meeker County

via SchoolsByCounty

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Meeker

Meeker County educates 2,948 students across 13 public schools, primarily through the Litchfield Public School District. The system includes six high schools, three elementary schools, and two special education facilities.

High Efficiency and Top-Tier Results

Meeker County achieves an impressive 93.2% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 86.6%. This success is achieved with an efficient per-pupil spend of $7,704, which is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000.

Litchfield District Anchor of the County

The Litchfield Public School District is the county's central education provider, managing five schools and 1,543 students. Other regional needs are served by the Eden Valley-Watkins and A.C.G.C. districts, which host some of the area's largest high schools.

A Mix of Rural and Town Locales

School life is split between seven rural and six town settings, with an average school enrollment of 246 students. Lake Ripley Elementary is the largest school with 577 students, offering a vibrant primary education environment.

Secure a Future in High-Performing Meeker

With one of the highest graduation rates in the region, Meeker County is a standout for academic excellence. Explore housing in Litchfield to benefit from this district's proven track record of student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Meeker County

via RiskByCounty

Meeker County ranks below national average

Meeker County's composite risk score of 26.97 sits well below the national average, earning a very low risk rating. This favorable standing reflects moderate exposure across most hazard types.

Below Minnesota's average, moderate tornado risk

Meeker County's score of 26.97 is roughly 36% lower than the state average of 42.38, though tornado risk (48.44) is somewhat elevated. Overall, the county benefits from a balanced, relatively safe hazard profile.

Lower risk than Martin and McLeod

Meeker County's tornado risk (48.44) is noticeably lower than the high-risk corridor to the south, where Martin County (68.51) and McLeod County (67.88) sit. This positions it as a safer alternative in the region.

Tornado risk tops other hazards

Tornado risk (48.44) is Meeker County's most significant natural disaster concern, followed by flood risk (36.29). Wildfire (25.95) and earthquake (5.98) risks remain minimal.

Wind coverage and flood awareness key

Meeker County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail protection for tornado damage. Those in low-lying areas should evaluate separate flood insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Meeker County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Cold Continental Patterns

Meeker County averages 43.1°F annually, trailing the national median by about 11 degrees. The 29.2 inches of annual precipitation is typical for the Upper Midwest.

Reflecting the Minnesota Average

The county's average temperature of 43.1°F is nearly identical to the state average of 42.8°F. Precipitation levels are also consistent with the statewide mean of 30.0 inches.

Consistent Regional Trends

Meeker shares a similar heat profile with McLeod, both recording eight days over 90°F annually. It is slightly warmer than Mille Lacs to the northeast.

Vibrant Summers and Snow-Packed Winters

January lows average 10.8°F, accompanied by 41.1 inches of annual snowfall. July warms up to a 71.4°F average, providing a reliable growing season.

Winter and Storm Readiness

Prepare for over 40 inches of snow by maintaining reliable clearing tools. The 14.5°F winter average requires robust home heating and cold-weather apparel for outdoor activities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Meeker County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Minnesota Soil Profiles

Meeker County's soil pH of 6.38 is an excellent middle ground between the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21. This slightly acidic profile is the 'sweet spot' for most agricultural and garden plants. It reflects a very healthy, natural chemical balance.

Sandy Loam for Easy Tilling

The soil contains 38.1% sand, 36.9% silt, and 22.2% clay. This texture is slightly lighter than some neighbors, making the ground easy to work and quick to warm in the spring. It provides enough clay to keep nutrients from washing away during heavy rains.

High Organic Productivity

The county boasts an organic matter content of 10.85%, surpassing the state average of 9.90%. This richness fuels an available water capacity of 0.205 in/in, which is better than the state benchmark. This combination earns Meeker a high soil score of 88.7.

Stable and Productive Land

The high soil score indicates that these lands are some of the most productive in the region. The texture and organic content suggest efficient natural drainage and high water retention. This provides a stable foundation for the county's diverse agricultural economy.

A Gardener's Haven in Zone 4b

Meeker County's Zone 4b climate and rich soil are ideal for everything from apples to zucchini. The high organic matter means less need for supplemental fertilizers in home gardens. It is a fantastic place to cultivate a self-sustaining food plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Meeker County

via LawnByCounty

Meeker County's Reliable Lawn Score

Meeker County scores a strong 73.4, indicating relatively low difficulty compared to the national average of 50.0. Homeowners here benefit from stable zone 4b conditions that favor cool-season grasses. It ranks well above the Minnesota state average of 63.9.

Stable Growth Cycles in Meeker

At 29.2 inches of annual rain, moisture is generally sufficient, though slightly below the state average of 30.0. Lawns benefit from 2,489 growing degree days and 8 days of extreme heat, requiring standard mowing and watering cycles. The climate supports a healthy, predictable growing season.

Well-Drained Soils Support Grass Health

A pH of 6.38 is excellent for most turfgrass varieties found in Minnesota. The soil contains 38.1% sand, which assists with drainage and prevents the 22.2% clay from becoming too dense or waterlogged. This balance allows for deep root penetration and healthy turf.

Ideal Conditions for Resilience

With only 4 weeks of drought in the last year and no current dry areas, Meeker is currently very resilient. Maintaining high mowing heights will help shade the soil and keep moisture locked in during the few summer heat waves. Your lawn is currently in prime condition.

Get Your Seeds Grounded by May

Kentucky Bluegrass is the standard here, thriving in the zone 4b winters. Start seeding after May 6 to avoid late spring freezes, ensuring your lawn is established well before the October 10 frost. The moderate climate makes establishment relatively straightforward for new homeowners.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meeker County's county score?
Meeker County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 57.7 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 Meeker County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Meeker County ranks #36 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 Meeker County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Meeker County is $2,159, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Meeker County a tax score of 42.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Meeker County?
The median household income in Meeker County, Minnesota is $75,037 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meeker County earns an income score of 77.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Meeker County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Meeker County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Meeker 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 Meeker 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.