countyscore
42.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 71.5Income & Jobs 70

County Report Card

About Mille Lacs County, Minnesota

A Unique Profile Below Median

Mille Lacs County earns a composite score of 42.6, which trails the national median of 50.0. While the overall score is lower, it hides some specific environmental and economic strengths. The county offers a distinct lifestyle that differs from the national average.

Trailing the Minnesota Average

The county's 42.6 score is significantly lower than the Minnesota state average of 55.8. This suggests that residents face more challenges in cost and safety than many others in the state. However, it maintains high marks in water quality and natural disaster resilience.

Clean Water and High Incomes

Mille Lacs County excels with a water score of 86.0 and an income score of 70.0. A median household income of $71,455 is quite high for the region, providing financial stability. The risk score of 71.5 also indicates a low threat from natural disasters.

Safety and Cost Obstacles

The safety score of 21.2 and cost score of 28.2 are the county's most significant challenges. Median home values of $237,500 and rents at $909 can be high given the safety metrics. Improving these areas remains a priority for local community development.

Best for High-Earning Nature Lovers

This county suits residents who earn a strong income and value access to clean water and natural beauty. It is ideal for those who are less concerned with urban safety metrics and more focused on economic and environmental stability. It offers a rugged, high-income lifestyle for the right family.

Score breakdown

Tax34.9Cost28.2Safety21.2Health59.1Schools54.6Income70Risk71.5Water86Weather48.3
🏛34.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.7
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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Deep Dives

Mille Lacs County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mille Lacs County

via TaxByCounty

Mille Lacs County taxes above national norm

Mille Lacs County's effective tax rate of 1.042% exceeds the national average of 1.1%, placing it in the higher-tax half of U.S. counties. At $2,475 annually, the median property tax is 8% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting moderate regional property values.

Above Minnesota average, upper-middle rank

Mille Lacs County's 1.042% effective rate exceeds Minnesota's 0.968% state average by 7.6%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 87 counties. Its $2,475 median tax is 14% above the state median of $2,168.

Second-highest taxes in the eight-county group

Mille Lacs County's 1.042% rate ranks second-highest among the eight counties, exceeded only by McLeod County's 1.160%. Compared to Marshall County's 0.829%, Mille Lacs homeowners face a 26% higher effective tax rate.

Median home $237.5k, tax bill $2,475

Mille Lacs County homeowners with median-valued properties of $237,500 pay approximately $2,475 in annual property taxes—about $206 per month. With mortgage escrow, that obligation rises to $2,539; without a mortgage, the annual bill falls to $2,345.

Appeal your assessment if it seems high

As a higher-tax county, Mille Lacs homeowners benefit especially from challenging inflated assessments. A free appeal that successfully reduces your valuation can save hundreds of dollars annually, particularly valuable given the county's elevated tax rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mille Lacs County

via CostByCounty

Mille Lacs County surpasses national average

Mille Lacs County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, exceeding the national average of 14.5% despite solid median income of $71,455. The higher rent relative to income suggests housing pressures that warrant careful budgeting for prospective residents.

Above state average, challenging county

Mille Lacs County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the upper tier—above Minnesota's state average of 14.5%—placing it among less affordable state counties. At $909 monthly rent, renters pay just below the state median of $915, but the affordability ratio remains tight.

Mille Lacs County faces regional headwinds

At $909 monthly rent, Mille Lacs County is the second-priciest in the region after McLeod County ($906), while the $71,455 median income is lower than McLeod's $78,468. The median home value of $237,500 is the highest in the group, reflecting stronger property demand but reduced affordability.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Renters allocate $909 monthly and homeowners pay $1,247 on a median household income of $71,455, consuming 15.3% and 21.0% of income respectively. Owner costs are notably strained, with homeowners spending more than one-fifth of income on housing—well above comfort levels.

Mille Lacs County demands careful assessment

Prospective residents should closely evaluate their income stability before relocating to Mille Lacs County, as housing costs consume substantial portions of household budgets. Compare this county's tight affordability metrics against neighbors to understand if it matches your financial capacity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mille Lacs County

via IncomeByCounty

Mille Lacs County near national average

At $71,455, Mille Lacs County's median household income runs $3,300 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 4% shortfall. This modest gap positions Mille Lacs households just below the national income norm.

Lower-middle tier in Minnesota

Mille Lacs County's $71,455 median trails Minnesota's county average of $75,757 by $4,302, placing it in the lower-middle range statewide. The county earns modestly compared to Minnesota's stronger-performing regions.

Mid-range regional earnings

At $71,455, Mille Lacs County earns less than McLeod ($78,468), Meeker ($75,037), Lyon ($72,761), and Marshall ($71,701), while exceeding Martin ($62,969), Lincoln ($67,715), and Mahnomen ($53,925). It clusters in the regional middle.

Housing costs notably elevated

Mille Lacs County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, indicating that housing consumes a relatively large share of household income. The median home value of $237,500 is the highest in the regional comparison, creating affordability pressure.

Balance housing with wealth-building

Despite elevated housing costs, Mille Lacs County households can still prioritize savings by establishing emergency funds and exploring first-time homebuyer programs or refinancing opportunities. Controlling housing expenses creates room for retirement and investment contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mille Lacs County

via CrimeByCounty

Public Safety in Mille Lacs County

Mille Lacs County holds a safety score of 96.8, which is slightly lower than the state average but remains safer than many national hubs. Its total crime rate of 2039.0 per 100,000 is lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Statewide Safety Comparisons

Mille Lacs' safety score of 96.8 is below the Minnesota average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 2039.0 is significantly higher than the state average of 1123.5, indicating more frequent reports across its five agencies.

Mille Lacs vs Neighboring Areas

Mille Lacs faces higher crime challenges than nearby Meeker or McLeod counties, where rates are below 1,000 per 100,000. This regional disparity highlights a more active property crime environment in Mille Lacs.

Understanding Local Crime Numbers

Property crime is the major driver here at 1829.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime, at 209.9 per 100,000, is above the state average but remains well below the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Strengthening Your Home Security

Given the higher property crime rate, residents should consider comprehensive security systems and smart locks. Community watch programs and improved outdoor lighting are effective ways to reduce theft risks locally.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mille Lacs County

via HealthByCounty

Mille Lacs County faces significant health disparities

At 73.9 years, Mille Lacs County's life expectancy runs 3.5 years below the U.S. average of 77.4 years. With 17.4% reporting poor or fair health—above the national 17.1%—the county shows signs of population health stress.

Below-average health outcomes within Minnesota

Mille Lacs County's 73.9-year life expectancy lags Minnesota's 78.7-year average by 4.8 years, the second-worst gap in this eight-county group. The 17.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds Minnesota's 16.2% state average, indicating the county faces concentrated health challenges.

Moderate providers offset by access barriers

Mille Lacs County has 63 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a moderate level—and notably strong mental health provider density at 274 per 100,000, the highest in the group. Yet these numbers mask underlying barriers that prevent optimal health outcomes.

Higher uninsured rates limit care access

At 6.6%, Mille Lacs County's uninsured rate is the highest alongside Marshall County and 10% above Minnesota's 6.0% average. When combined with broader health disparities, uninsurance becomes a critical barrier preventing residents from accessing the available primary care and mental health providers.

Health insurance access is urgent in Mille Lacs

Mille Lacs County residents need to prioritize health insurance enrollment—6.6% uninsured is significantly above state average and limits access to care. Visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 today to explore coverage options and connect to the local mental health and primary care providers available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mille Lacs County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education System in Mille Lacs

Mille Lacs County operates 23 public schools, the largest count among its peers, serving 6,104 total students. The diverse network includes 12 high schools, seven elementary schools, six alternative schools, and three special education programs.

Steady Growth and Solid Grad Rates

The county's graduation rate is a strong 88.6%, comfortably beating the Minnesota average of 86.6%. This is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,173, while the overall school score of 55.3 sits slightly above the state norm.

Princeton and Milaca Anchor the Region

Princeton Public School District is the largest, managing nine schools and 3,342 students. Milaca Public School District also plays a major role, serving 1,684 students with some of the county's most populated individual campuses.

Lively Town Schools and Quiet Rural Campuses

The county is evenly split between 12 town-based schools and 11 rural schools, averaging 277 students per site. Princeton High School is the largest campus with 979 students, offering a wide range of programs and extracurriculars.

Find Your Home in a Diverse School District

From large town high schools to small rural elementaries, Mille Lacs County offers plenty of variety for growing families. Research homes in the Princeton or Milaca areas to take advantage of these well-performing school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mille Lacs County

via RiskByCounty

Mille Lacs County below national risk

Mille Lacs County's composite risk score of 28.50 falls below the national average, earning a very low risk rating. This reflects manageable exposure to natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Safer than Minnesota's average

Mille Lacs County's score of 28.50 is roughly one-third lower than the state average of 42.38, placing it among the safer Minnesota counties. However, specific hazards require targeted attention.

Wildfire risk stands out here

Mille Lacs County's wildfire risk (65.81) is notably higher than most neighbors, though tornado risk (30.82) and flood risk (46.22) remain moderate. The wildfire exposure reflects the county's woodland geography.

Wildfire and flood are primary concerns

Wildfire risk (65.81) is Mille Lacs County's most significant hazard, reflecting substantial forested acreage, while flood risk (46.22) also merits attention. Tornado risk (30.82) is secondary.

Wildfire and flood coverage essential

Mille Lacs County residents, especially those in wooded areas, should verify wildfire coverage in their homeowners policy. Properties near water or in flood-prone zones should secure separate flood insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mille Lacs County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder Winters Near the Lake

Mille Lacs County has an annual average temperature of 41.8°F, falling more than 12 degrees below the national median. This region is known for its humid continental climate and 29.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Below the Statewide Mean

At 41.8°F, the county is cooler than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. Rainfall and snowfall levels stay close to the state averages, providing a standard northern experience.

Cooler Than Its Neighbors

The county is cooler than Morrison to the west, which averages 44.9°F. It also sees far fewer extreme heat days than southern neighbors like Martin.

Milder Summers, Freezing Januarys

The county only experiences five days of 90°F heat per year, with July averaging 69.4°F. Winter is much more intense, featuring 40.3 inches of snow and a January average of 10.5°F.

Insulate for the Long Winter

Heavy winter gear is a necessity as December through February averages only 14.3°F. Since summer heat is rare, focus home investments on insulation rather than high-capacity cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mille Lacs County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols of the North

Mille Lacs County is dominated by Entisols with a very acidic pH of 4.75. This is significantly lower than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21. This acidic profile is characteristic of younger, less developed soils in forested regions.

Light and Silty Composition

The soil consists of 44.1% sand and 39.8% silt, with a very low 9.3% clay content. This makes the soil exceptionally light and easy to dig, but it lacks the natural nutrient-holding capacity of clay. Management here requires focusing on building and maintaining the soil's organic structure.

Surprising Organic Wealth

Despite its acidity, the soil contains 15.68% organic matter, far exceeding the state average of 9.90%. This drives a high available water capacity of 0.220 in/in, the best in this group. This moisture retention helps compensate for the lack of clay.

Naturally Well-Drained Land

The soil is classified as well-drained, which is expected given the high sand and silt content. This prevents waterlogging and makes it suitable for various building and farming projects. However, the 64.6 soil score reflects the challenges posed by the extreme acidity.

Acid-Loving Plants Thrive in 4a

In Hardiness Zone 4a, this soil is a paradise for acid-loving plants like blueberries, hydrangeas, and conifers. Conventional gardeners will need to use lime to raise the pH for standard vegetables. It is a unique landscape that rewards those who plant for the local conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mille Lacs County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Challenges in Mille Lacs

Scoring just 46.7, Mille Lacs falls below the national average and significantly behind the state average of 63.9. This zone 4a environment presents unique challenges for establishing a lush, green lawn. Success here requires more attention to soil and moisture management.

Moderate Rain but Slow Recovery

Precipitation of 29.8 inches almost matches the state average, providing a solid baseline for growth. Only 5 days of extreme heat per year protect grass from wilting, though 2,122 growing degree days limit the speed of turf recovery. Be patient with your lawn during the cooler spring months.

Countering High Acidity in Local Soil

Soil pH is very acidic at 4.75, which is well below the 6.0-7.0 ideal range and likely stunts grass growth. Significant lime applications are needed to counteract this acidity and improve the low 9.3% clay content. Without soil amendments, traditional lawn grasses will struggle to survive.

Managing Recent Drought History

Despite moderate rainfall, the county has endured 23 weeks of drought in the past year. Since 95.6% of the area is currently dry, choosing grasses that can go dormant without dying is a critical strategy. Prioritize soil health to help your lawn weather these frequent dry periods.

Seeding for a Short Growing Season

Focus on acid-tolerant grasses like Fine Fescue to handle the low pH and zone 4a cold. The window between the May 8 frost and the October 1 frost is short, so prioritize early fall seeding. Amending your soil now is the single best way to ensure success for next year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mille Lacs County's county score?
Mille Lacs County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Mille Lacs County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Mille Lacs County ranks #80 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 Mille Lacs County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Mille Lacs County is $2,475, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Mille Lacs County a tax score of 34.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mille Lacs County?
The median household income in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota is $71,455 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mille Lacs County earns an income score of 70/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mille Lacs County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Mille Lacs County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Mille Lacs 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 Mille Lacs County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.