countyscore
50.8
County Score
Health 86.9Income & Jobs 63.4Soil Quality 60.5

County Report Card

About Morrison County, Minnesota

Morrison County Outperforms the National Median

With a composite score of 50.8, Morrison County slightly exceeds the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the top half of livability rankings across the United States.

Trailing the Minnesota Average

The county sits 5 points below the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It occupies a middle-tier position among the state's 87 counties, offering a balanced but lower-than-average score for the region.

Exceptional Health and Solid Incomes

A standout health score of 86.9 indicates excellent local outcomes and medical access. Residents also benefit from a healthy income score of 63.4, supported by a median household income of $68,640.

Addressing Environmental and Safety Risks

The county faces challenges in its risk score of 33.2 and safety score of 38.5. These numbers suggest a need for improved disaster resilience and community safety initiatives compared to state peers.

Best for Health-Conscious Budgeters

Morrison County suits families who prioritize health and affordable living, with rent averaging just $782. It offers a stable environment for those looking to maximize their income in a rural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax44.5Cost46.9Safety38.5Health86.9Schools46.4Income63.4Risk33.2Water42.6Weather44
🏛44.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.4
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

Crow Wing County
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49.3
Benton County
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Todd County
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Mille Lacs County
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Wadena County
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Deep Dives

Morrison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Morrison County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Safety Standing

Morrison County maintains a safety score of 97.8, significantly outperforming the national landscape. Its total crime rate of 1404.9 per 100K sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Minnesota Safety Averages

Within Minnesota, Morrison's safety score of 97.8 is just slightly below the state average of 98.2. While the county is safer than many national peers, it tracks slightly above the state's average crime rate.

A Secure Regional Alternative

Compared to nearby Mower County's rate of 1806.3 per 100K, Morrison offers a significantly lower total crime rate. It serves as a more secure alternative to many southern Minnesota regions.

Property Crimes Drive Statistics

Property crimes account for the vast majority of local incidents, totaling 1319.7 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate remains low at 85.2, which is nearly half the state average of 153.0.

Simple Steps to Deter Crime

Even in safe areas like Morrison, basic security measures make a difference. Residents should consider installing outdoor lighting and smart doorbells to deter property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Morrison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Rural Foundation for 5,400 Students

Morrison County supports 5,410 students across 25 public schools, including 11 high schools and 9 elementary schools. Six distinct districts manage this infrastructure, providing a diverse mix of educational pathways for the local community.

Beating State and National Graduation Averages

The county boasts an impressive 88.9% graduation rate, outperforming both the Minnesota average of 86.6% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $7,391 remains below the state average of $8,463, the schools maintain a competitive composite score of 53.8.

Little Falls Community Schools Leads the Way

Little Falls Community Schools is the primary educational hub, serving 2,466 students across six different schools. In contrast, the Royalton Public School District serves 954 students, and there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

With 20 of its 25 schools classified as rural, the county offers an intimate learning environment with an average school size of 258 students. Little Falls Senior High is the largest facility with 781 students, while many other specialized schools offer even smaller, personalized settings.

Find Your Home Near High-Achieving Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and small class sizes should explore the residential options in Little Falls and Royalton. These districts offer a consistent educational quality that remains a major draw for home buyers in central Minnesota.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Morrison County

via WeatherByCounty

Strong Seasons in Central Minnesota

Morrison County's 44.9°F average temperature is nearly 10 degrees lower than the national median. It experiences a classic continental climate with distinct, high-contrast seasons.

Warmer Than the State Median

Despite its northern position, the county's 44.9°F average is higher than the state mean of 42.8°F. However, it is slightly drier than the average Minnesota county, with 27.8 inches of precipitation.

Regional Heat Spike Leader

Morrison experiences 14 days of 90°F heat, significantly more than neighbors like Mille Lacs or Mower. It is also one of the snowiest in the region, out-pacing McLeod's 50-inch average.

Extreme Heat and Heavy Snow

July averages a warm 72.5°F, but winter brings a massive 51.8 inches of annual snowfall. January is cold with a 13.7°F average, creating a 58-degree swing between peak seasons.

Dual-Season Home Preparation

With 14 extreme heat days and over 51 inches of snow, homes need both reliable AC and industrial-strength snow removal. Ensure roofs are rated for heavy snow loads to handle peak winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morrison County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols in Morrison County

Morrison’s soil is dominated by Entisols, which are relatively young and undeveloped soils. With an average pH of 4.92, these grounds are significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21.

High Sand for Easy Workability

The soil profile consists of 54.7% sand, 24.9% silt, and only 8.6% clay. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to work but requires careful management to prevent rapid nutrient leaching.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 14.88%, well above the state average of 9.90%. This boost in carbon helps maintain an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, keeping the soil productive despite its sandy texture.

Excessive Drainage Requires Water Management

The land is classified as excessively drained, meaning water moves through the profile very quickly. While this prevents pooling after heavy rains, it also makes the soil prone to drying out during peak Minnesota summers.

Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 4a

In Hardiness Zone 4a, cold-tolerant crops like raspberries and potatoes thrive in this high-organic, sandy environment. Residents should take advantage of this unique fertility and start a garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morrison County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Acidic Soils in Morrison County

Morrison County earns a 56.4 lawn difficulty score, which is lower than the Minnesota average of 63.9 but remains above the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a lawn in Hardiness Zone 4a requires extra effort due to colder winters and specific soil challenges.

Heat and Hydration in Mid-Minnesota

With 27.8 inches of annual precipitation, the county falls short of the state average of 30.0 inches. The 14 extreme heat days per year—nearly double the state average—place significant stress on grass during the peak growing season.

Managing High Acidity and Sandy Soil

The soil foundation is highly acidic with a pH of 4.92, requiring significant lime amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Because the ground is 54.7% sand and excessively drained, water and nutrients leach away much faster than in neighboring counties.

Watering Wisely During Abnormally Dry Spells

Though only one week of drought occurred last year, 88.5% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to encourage roots to penetrate deeper into the sandy soil.

Planting Success in Zone 4a

Hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are best suited for this climate. Aim to seed between the last spring frost on May 4 and the first fall frost on October 5 for optimal establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morrison County's county score?
Morrison County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 50.8 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 Morrison County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Morrison County ranks #56 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 Morrison County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Morrison County is $2,154, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Morrison County a tax score of 44.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morrison County?
The median household income in Morrison County, Minnesota is $68,640 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morrison County earns an income score of 63.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morrison County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Morrison County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Morrison 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 Morrison 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.