CountyScore

Meeker County

Minnesota · MN

#27 in Minnesota
72.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Meeker County, Minnesota

Meeker scores solidly above national norm

Meeker County's composite score of 72.7 ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This reflects balanced strengths across multiple livability dimensions.

Above Minnesota's average performance

With a score of 72.7, Meeker County exceeds Minnesota's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the state's better-performing counties. It represents a solid choice within Minnesota's competitive livability landscape.

Strong health and reasonable tax burden

Meeker County boasts the highest health score (80.0) in this group and a solid tax score of 75.7 with an effective rate of 0.943%. Median household income of $75,037 offers above-average earning potential for the region.

Housing affordability trails peers

With a cost score of 75.1 and median home value of $228,900, Meeker County has the least affordable housing profile among these counties, though still reasonable by national standards. Rents at $894/month reflect this higher cost structure.

Best for health-focused, moderate-income households

Meeker County suits families valuing excellent health services with moderate-to-good incomes who can afford slightly higher housing costs. It's ideal for those seeking rural Minnesota amenities without extreme affordability constraints.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.7Cost75.1SafetyComing SoonHealth80SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.4Risk73.1WaterComing Soon
🏛75.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73.1
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 Meeker County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Alabama
72.7
Median income: $50,714
Polk County
Arkansas
72.7
Median income: $49,252
Yuma County
Colorado
72.7
Median income: $60,051
Schley County
Georgia
72.7
Median income: $59,647
Wheeler County
Georgia
72.7
Median income: $45,262

Deep Dives

Meeker County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.