CountyScore

Mille Lacs County

Minnesota · MN

#63 in Minnesota
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Mille Lacs County, Minnesota

Mille Lacs ranks above national median

Mille Lacs County's composite score of 68.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. This reflects competitive performance in cost and risk management despite some health challenges.

Slightly below Minnesota's state average

At 68.9, Mille Lacs County falls marginally below Minnesota's state average of 70.9, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Minnesota counties. It remains a viable livability option despite trailing the state benchmark.

Balanced risk and cost profile

Mille Lacs County maintains solid risk (71.5) and cost (73.0) scores, offering reasonable stability and affordability. The median home value of $237,500 reflects higher housing costs but a functioning market.

Health outcomes lag regional peers

The health score of 71.4 is the lowest in this group, suggesting potential gaps in healthcare access or community wellness initiatives. This may require attention from those with significant health needs before relocating.

Fits budget-conscious, relatively healthy households

Mille Lacs County suits families seeking rural Minnesota with moderate affordability and risk resilience but who don't prioritize extensive health services. It's less ideal for those with complex healthcare needs or seeking top-tier medical access.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73Cost73SafetyComing SoonHealth71.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome30Risk71.5WaterComing Soon
🏛73
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡71.5
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 Mille Lacs County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Mille Lacs County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.