countyscore
44.7
County Score
Lawn Care 80.4Soil Quality 79Health 74

County Report Card

About Mower County, Minnesota

Mower County Trails the National Median

Mower County earns a composite score of 44.7, falling below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates it faces more livability hurdles than the average American county.

A Lower Ranking in Minnesota

The county ranks significantly below the Minnesota average of 55.8. It struggles to keep pace with the high livability standards found in many of its neighboring northern counties.

Strong Income and Community Health

The local economy produces a high income score of 70.3, with a median household income of $71,495. A health score of 74.0 also reflects a community with relatively good wellness outcomes.

Safety and Tax Burdens

A low safety score of 26.1 and a tax score of 34.0 represent the county's primary areas for improvement. With an effective tax rate of 1.058%, residents face a higher burden than many in the state.

Best for Value-Seeking Professionals

This county is ideal for workers who value high earning potential and low home values, which sit at $172,000. It appeals to those willing to trade high tax rates for a solid income base.

Score breakdown

Tax34Cost41.6Safety26.1Health74Schools47.1Income70.3Risk32.7Water53Weather50.6
🏛34
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.4
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

Mitchell County
Iowa
66.2
Olmsted County
Minnesota
43.7
Dodge County
Minnesota
58.4
Howard County
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Worth County
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Freeborn County
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Fillmore County
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Steele County
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Deep Dives

Mower County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mower County

via TaxByCounty

Mower County's taxes rank higher nationally

Mower County's effective tax rate of 1.058% sits above the national median, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Despite homes valued well below the national median of $281,900, Mower residents pay $1,819 annually—significantly less in raw dollars but at a heavier rate.

Above-state-average property taxes

Mower County's 1.058% effective rate exceeds Minnesota's average of 0.968%, ranking it among the higher-tax counties statewide. The median tax bill of $1,819 falls below the state median of $2,168, reflecting lower home values rather than favorable rates.

Highest tax rate in the region

Mower County's 1.058% rate is the highest among its neighbors: Morrison County (0.909%), Nobles County (0.934%), and Norman County (0.988%) all tax at significantly lower rates. This makes Mower an outlier in southeast Minnesota for property tax burden.

What Mower homeowners actually pay

A median Mower County home valued at $172,000 generates an annual tax bill of roughly $1,819. Mortgage holders pay $1,724, while outright owners pay $2,005—a $281 gap reflecting Minnesota's mortgage credit program.

Assessment appeals could lower your bill

Mower County homeowners should scrutinize their property assessments, as overvaluation is common statewide. Appealing an inflated assessment is free and could reduce your effective tax rate, especially important given Mower's above-average rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mower County

via CostByCounty

Mower's housing fits middle-class budgets

Mower County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national standard, meaning renters here spend a typical share of income on housing despite earning $71,495—roughly $3,000 below the national median. This balance reflects a county where moderate incomes stretch further than in many corners of America.

Slightly above Minnesota's affordability line

Mower County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio nudges above Minnesota's 14.5% average, placing it comfortably but not spectacularly in the state's affordability rankings. At $848 monthly rent compared to the state average of $915, renters still pocket about $67 in savings each month.

Mid-range costs in a varied landscape

Mower's $848 rent sits between the bargain-basement Norman County ($752) and pricier Nicollet County ($931), reflecting its position as a moderate regional market. The county's $172,000 median home value is the lowest among its peer counties, making it especially attractive for first-time buyers.

Renters pay more than homeowners proportionally

Renters in Mower County dedicate 14.2% of income to housing, while owners spend roughly 16.7% on monthly mortgage payments for homes averaging $172,000. The $172,000 home value—lowest in the region—gives homeowners a real advantage, though both housing types remain affordable by state standards.

Smart choice for budget-conscious buyers

Mower County's $172,000 median home value and $994 monthly ownership costs represent some of Minnesota's best entry points to homeownership. Compare it with neighboring Morrison's $237,000 homes or Olmsted County's $304,500 average to see how much your down payment stretches in this rural market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mower County

via IncomeByCounty

Mower County near national average

Mower County's median household income of $71,495 is just 4.4% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it closer to national norms than many rural counties. This performance reflects a diversified local economy anchored by manufacturing and agriculture.

Solid middle-tier standing in Minnesota

At $71,495, Mower County ranks above the national median but still trails Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by about $4,300. The county sits in the middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties, reflecting a stable but not high-income workforce.

Outpaces some neighbors, trails others

Mower County's $71,495 income exceeds Morrison ($68,640) and Norman ($69,833) counties but falls short of Murray County ($74,475) to the west. The variation suggests Mower's manufacturing base provides stronger earnings than purely agricultural neighbors.

Rental costs rise slightly here

Mower County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% indicates households dedicate a modest share of earnings to housing, remaining well below stress thresholds. The median home value of $172,000 is one of the region's most affordable, making homeownership accessible.

Leverage affordable housing for equity

Mower County's affordable median home value of $172,000 creates an opportunity for households to build home equity faster than in pricier markets. Aggressive mortgage paydown or strategic refinancing during favorable rate cycles can accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mower County

via CrimeByCounty

Mower Stays Below National Average

Mower County reports a safety score of 97.1, placing it ahead of many counties across the United States. The total crime rate of 1806.3 per 100K remains comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Contextualizing the Safety Score

Mower’s safety score of 97.1 sits just below the Minnesota state average of 98.2. This ranking reflects a slightly higher crime volume compared to the state's typical rural county.

Regional Comparison with Neighbors

With a total crime rate of 1806.3 per 100K, Mower sees more activity than neighboring Morrison County. It also trends slightly higher than Olmsted County’s rate of 1755.3 per 100K.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Property crimes drive local statistics at 1596.7 per 100K, while violent crimes stand at 209.6. This violent crime rate is notably higher than the Minnesota average of 153.0.

Securing Your Property Entry Points

Since property crime represents the primary concern, homeowners should focus on securing entry points. Simple steps like locking windows and using motion-sensor lights significantly reduce local risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mower County

via HealthByCounty

Mower County slightly exceeds national life expectancy

Mower County residents average 78.8 years of life, just below the U.S. average of 80.2 years but trending favorably compared to many rural counterparts. However, 17.1% of residents report poor or fair health, notably higher than the national average of around 13%, signaling underlying health challenges.

Mower outpaces Minnesota on life expectancy

At 78.8 years, Mower County edges above Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years, ranking it in the upper half of Minnesota counties. Yet the county's 7.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 6.0%, leaving more residents without health coverage.

Stronger life expectancy than southern neighbors

Mower County's 78.8-year life expectancy outpaces Nobles County (79.8 years) and Norman County (77.5 years), positioning it as a regional leader in longevity. The 7.2% uninsured rate, however, reflects broader access challenges in southern Minnesota.

Limited primary care, solid mental health access

Mower County has just 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among the lowest in the state and potentially creating wait times for general medical care. Mental health support is stronger, with 167 providers per 100K, offering residents reasonable access to behavioral health services.

Mower County: close the coverage gap

With 7.2% of Mower County residents uninsured, more people need to access affordable coverage today. Visit MNsure.org to explore plans that fit your budget and connect with healthcare providers in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mower County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Infrastructure in Southern Minnesota

Mower County operates 33 public schools serving 6,714 students across seven different districts. The landscape includes nine elementary schools and nine high schools, supported by a significant number of specialized and alternative programs.

High Investment with Room to Grow

Per-pupil expenditure in Mower County reaches $9,025, significantly exceeding the Minnesota state average of $8,463. Although the 82.6% graduation rate trails the national average, the county maintains a solid school score of 54.0, nearly matching the state benchmark.

Austin Public Schools Drives Enrollment

The Austin Public School District is the largest provider by far, managing 14 schools and 5,120 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the landscape here, as there are no charter schools currently serving the county's student population.

A Balance of Town and Rural Learning

Education is split between 18 rural and 15 town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 232 students per building. Austin Senior High stands out as the largest campus with 1,345 students, providing a more urban high school experience compared to the smaller outlying districts.

Secure Your Future in the Austin School District

Home buyers often prioritize the Austin area for its robust school infrastructure and higher-than-average per-pupil spending. Exploring neighborhoods near I.J. Holton or Southgate Elementary provides families with convenient access to some of the county's most established campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mower County

via RiskByCounty

Mower's risk exceeds national average

Mower County's composite risk score of 67.27 places it in the "Relatively Low" rating category but well above the national average. The county's tornado risk of 81.17 is its defining hazard, making severe spring and summer storms a primary concern.

Above-average risk for Minnesota

At 67.27, Mower County's composite risk significantly exceeds Minnesota's statewide average of 42.38. The county ranks among the higher-risk tier statewide, driven primarily by tornado exposure.

Higher tornado exposure than neighbors

Mower County faces notably elevated tornado risk (81.17) compared to neighboring Dodge and Freeborn counties. Its flood risk of 74.97 also exceeds the regional average, though wildfire risk remains minimal at 18.83.

Tornadoes are the paramount threat

Tornado risk dominates Mower County at 81.17, substantially higher than the state average and among the top hazards statewide. Flooding presents secondary risk at 74.97, while earthquake and wildfire risks remain low.

Storm shelter and flood insurance essential

Mower County residents should prioritize a designated safe room or storm shelter for tornado season and maintain comprehensive flood insurance. Review your homeowners policy to ensure coverage includes wind damage from severe thunderstorms and hail.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mower County

via WeatherByCounty

Wet and Cold Continental Climate

Mower County averages 43.8°F annually, staying about 10 degrees cooler than the national median. It is notably wetter than average, receiving 36.8 inches of precipitation each year.

Exceeding State Precipitation Norms

The county's 43.8°F average is slightly warmer than the state's 42.8°F. Most notably, its 36.8 inches of precipitation is nearly 23% higher than the Minnesota average.

A Rainy Regional Standout

Mower is significantly wetter than Marshall County, which only sees 23.9 inches of moisture. It also stays cooler in the summer than Morrison County, despite being further south.

Consistent Rain and Heavy Snow

Mower receives 47.0 inches of snow and sees only five days of extreme heat over 90°F. January is cold at 13.2°F, while July stays a comfortable 70.0°F.

Moisture Management is Essential

Given the high 36.8 inches of precipitation, residents should prioritize sump pumps and waterproofing. Reliable snow removal is also a must for the 47-inch winter season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mower County

via SoilByCounty

Chemically Balanced Grounds in Mower

Mower County features balanced soil with an average pH of 6.38, mirroring the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity level provides an ideal chemical environment for most regional plant species.

Silty Mix with Strong Retention

A mix of 46.8% silt and 31.6% sand creates a medium-textured soil that offers a strong balance of drainage and structure. The 21.6% clay content provides enough density to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Reliable Moisture for Growing

Organic matter levels sit at 4.76%, which is lower than the state average but more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in ensures reliable moisture for crops, matching state benchmarks.

Steady Growth without Drought Risk

While specific drainage data is limited, the high silt and clay percentages suggest moderate water retention. These traits typically support steady plant growth and protect roots during dry spells.

Prime Zone 4b Garden Potential

Hardiness Zone 4b allows for a wide variety of vegetables and hardy fruit trees like apples. The county's soil score of 79.0 reflects its high potential, making it a great place to plant a diverse garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mower County

via LawnByCounty

Mower County: A Lawn Lover's Paradise

Mower County boasts a high 80.4 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the easiest places in the state to grow grass. This score far exceeds the Minnesota average of 63.9 and the national median of 50.0.

Perfect Precipitation for Easy Mowing

The county receives a generous 36.8 inches of annual rain, well above the 30.0-inch state average. With only 5 extreme heat days per year, your lawn stays cooler and greener with less supplemental irrigation than most of the state.

Ideal pH Levels for Lush Growth

The soil pH of 6.38 is nearly perfect for turfgrass, falling right in the middle of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. A clay content of 21.6% helps retain the ample rainfall, providing a stable foundation for root systems.

Reliable Resilience Against Dry Spells

While the county saw 6 weeks of drought last year, 0% of the area is currently experiencing dry conditions. Maintain this resilience by leaving grass clippings on the lawn to return moisture and nitrogen to the soil.

Kickstarting Your Zone 4b Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in Zone 4b. Plan your seeding projects after the May 6 spring frost and before the October 5 fall freeze to take advantage of the long growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mower County's county score?
Mower County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 44.7 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 Mower County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Mower County ranks #74 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 Mower County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Mower County is $1,819, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Mower County a tax score of 34/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mower County?
The median household income in Mower County, Minnesota is $71,495 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mower County earns an income score of 70.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mower County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Mower County scores 44.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Mower 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 Mower 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.