CountyScore

Morrison County

Minnesota · MN

#52 in Minnesota
70.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Morrison County, Minnesota

Morrison County outpaces national average

Morrison County's composite score of 70.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it well above the midpoint nationally. This 40-point advantage suggests Morrison offers substantially better livability across measured dimensions than the typical American county.

Just slightly below state average

Morrison County ranks near the middle of Minnesota counties with a score of 70.1, just 0.8 points below the state average of 70.9. While not among the state's top performers, Morrison remains competitive within Minnesota's strong county landscape.

Tax-friendly and health-conscious

Morrison shines in affordability and wellness, with an excellent health score of 78.8 and low-tax environment reflected in its 76.7 tax score and 0.909% effective tax rate. Housing remains genuinely affordable here, with a median home value of $237,000 and median rent at $782 per month.

Income and risk gaps emerge

Morrison's weakest dimension is income, with a score of just 28.2 and a median household income of $68,640—noticeably below many peer counties. The risk score of 33.2 also warrants attention, suggesting economic or environmental vulnerabilities deserve monitoring.

Ideal for cost-conscious health seekers

Morrison County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and strong health outcomes over high wages or urban amenities. This is where middle-income households can stretch their dollars while enjoying genuine livability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.7Cost78.2SafetyComing SoonHealth78.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.2Risk33.2WaterComing Soon
🏛76.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡33.2
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 Morrison County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Arkansas
70.1
Median income: $55,979
Montgomery County
Georgia
70.1
Median income: $51,188
Madison County
Idaho
70.1
Median income: $58,259
Chase County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $54,518
Norton County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $50,305

Deep Dives

Morrison County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morrison County

via TaxByCounty

Morrison's tax rate beats national average

Morrison County's effective tax rate of 0.909% falls below the national median, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,154 annually—about $536 less than the national median of $2,690—despite homes valued near the national average.

Below-average taxes among Minnesota counties

Morrison County ranks well below Minnesota's average effective rate of 0.968%, making it one of the state's more tax-friendly counties. The county's median tax bill of $2,154 is slightly below the state median of $2,168, offering modest relief compared to neighbors statewide.

Morrison compares favorably to rural peers

Morrison County's 0.909% rate outperforms nearby Mower County (1.058%) and matches Nobles County (0.934%), though it trails the more affluent Olmsted County (1.088%). Among central Minnesota counties, Morrison offers middle-of-the-road property tax exposure for homeowners.

What Morrison homeowners actually pay

A typical Morrison County home valued at $237,000 carries an annual property tax bill of about $2,154. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less ($2,132), while those owning outright pay $2,183—a difference attributable to exemptions and credits tied to mortgage-backed status.

Check your assessment before paying

Many Minnesota property owners discover their homes are overassessed, leaving them paying more than necessary. If your Morrison County assessment seems high, filing an appeal costs nothing and could lower your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morrison County

via CostByCounty

Morrison's rent burden beats the nation

At 13.7%, Morrison County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical American households. With a median household income of $68,640—roughly $6,000 below the national median—residents still manage better affordability, a rare combination that reflects this county's lean cost of living.

Among Minnesota's most affordable counties

Morrison County ranks as one of Minnesota's most housing-friendly markets, with its 13.7% rent-to-income ratio outperforming the state average of 14.5%. At $782 monthly rent versus the state's $915 average, renters here save roughly $160 per month compared to typical Minnesota households.

Competitive with similar rural counties

Morrison County's $782 rent mirrors nearby Mower County ($848) and Norman County ($752), placing it squarely in the region's affordable tier. However, neighboring Nicollet County's rents climb to $931—nearly $150 higher—reflecting its larger town centers and higher median incomes across the area.

Rent costs less than ownership here

Morrison renters spend 13.7% of income on housing, while owners allocate roughly 18.6% toward monthly mortgage payments on homes valued at $237,000. The gap suggests this county offers more breathing room for renters than for homebuyers, though both remain below statewide averages.

Affordable renting, moderate home prices

If you're priced out of pricier Minnesota metros, Morrison County delivers below-average rents ($782) without requiring a six-figure income. Consider it against neighboring Norman County for even cheaper ownership ($826 monthly), or Nicollet County if you prioritize higher incomes and don't mind premium housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morrison County

via IncomeByCounty

Morrison County trails national income

Morrison County's median household income of $68,640 sits about 8% below the national median of $74,755. While the county underperforms nationally, it reflects the income realities of rural Minnesota communities across the Upper Midwest.

Below average in Minnesota

At $68,640, Morrison County ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it in the lower half of the state's 87 counties. The gap of $7,117 suggests fewer high-wage opportunities compared to urban and suburban Minnesota.

Similar to neighboring rural counties

Morrison County's income of $68,640 closely mirrors Otter Tail County ($70,912) and Norman County ($69,833), its geographic neighbors in central Minnesota. These three counties share similar economic profiles rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

Housing remains manageable here

At a rent-to-income ratio of 13.7%, Morrison County households spend a healthy amount of income on housing—well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability stress. The median home value of $237,000 is accessible at the current income level, though buyer qualification remains important.

Build savings and invest early

Morrison County's moderate income levels make saving and investing habits critical to long-term wealth building. Even small regular contributions to retirement accounts or home equity can compound significantly over time, helping households outpace inflation and local income trends.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Morrison County

via HealthByCounty

Morrison County lives slightly below national average

At 78.3 years, Morrison County residents live nearly two years less than the U.S. average of 80.2 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 14.4% tracks closely with national benchmarks, suggesting most residents report good overall health.

Morrison ranks mid-tier in Minnesota health

Morrison County's 78.3-year life expectancy falls slightly below Minnesota's 78.7-year state average, placing it in the middle of the state's 87 counties. Despite this, the county performs better than its neighbors on uninsured rates, with just 5.4% compared to the state average of 6.0%.

Competitive life expectancy with regional peers

Morrison County's 78.3-year life expectancy sits between neighboring Otter Tail County (78.9 years) and the lower outliers, tracking closely with the regional average. The county's 5.4% uninsured rate outperforms most surrounding counties, suggesting stronger insurance access.

Adequate primary care, strong mental health support

With 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Morrison County offers solid access to general practitioners, above many rural Minnesota counties. The county boasts 134 mental health providers per 100K, reflecting investment in behavioral health services for the community.

Already doing well—keep coverage current

Morrison County's 5.4% uninsured rate is among Minnesota's best, but every resident deserves coverage. Visit MNsure.org to review your health plan options and ensure your family stays protected year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morrison County

via RiskByCounty

Morrison's risk sits above national average

With a composite risk score of 66.86, Morrison County faces significantly higher natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and wildfire, which drive the county's overall risk profile above the national baseline.

A moderate concern within Minnesota

Morrison County's risk score of 66.86 places it in the higher-risk tier statewide, well above Minnesota's average of 42.38. Among the state's 87 counties, Morrison ranks among those facing the most consistent exposure to natural hazards.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Morrison faces notably higher risk than neighboring Wadena and Cass counties. Its flood risk score of 80.15 and wildfire risk of 77.99 are the primary drivers distinguishing it from lower-risk neighbors to the east and west.

Flooding and wildfire dominate here

Morrison County residents face the greatest threat from flooding (80.15) and wildfire (77.99), both substantially elevated compared to the state average. Tornadoes present moderate risk at 49.20, making summer severe weather preparation essential for all residents.

Flood and fire insurance matter most

Given Morrison's high flood and wildfire exposure, comprehensive homeowners insurance paired with a separate flood policy is critical. Review your coverage annually and ensure it reflects current property values, especially in flood-prone areas near rivers and streams.

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.