countyscore
71.3
County Score
Safety 87.2Water Quality 86Health 81.7

County Report Card

About Murray County, Minnesota

Murray County Reaches Elite National Standing

Boasting a composite score of 72.7, Murray County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the top tier of all counties in the United States for overall livability.

Outperforming the High Minnesota Standard

Murray County shines in the state, beating the Minnesota average of 55.8 by nearly 17 points. It stands out as one of the premier living destinations in the entire Midwest.

Superior Safety and Low Risk

The county excels with a safety score of 87.2 and a water quality score of 86.0. It also shows incredible resilience with a risk score of 80.2, indicating very low vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Relative Weakness in Tax Burden

While Murray scores high overall, its tax score of 56.1 is its lowest dimension. However, an effective tax rate of 0.765% remains very competitive compared to national figures.

The Ultimate Safe Haven for Families

Murray County is perfect for families seeking safety, high-quality schools, and environmental peace. Its combination of high incomes and affordable $768 median rent makes it a rare find.

2040608010051.258.887.281.776.571.280.28645.9Tax51.2Cost58.8Safety87.2Health81.7Schools76.5Income71.2Risk80.2Water86Weather45.971.3/100
This county
National avg
7 above average1 below average

Murray County DNA

Coverall

How Murray County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Murray County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (80.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.2
Cost
58.8+10.799999999999997
Safety
87.2+32.2
Health
81.7+31.700000000000003
Schools
76.5+22.5
Income
71.2+20.200000000000003
Risk
80.2+33.2
Water
86+28
Weather
45.9-10.100000000000001
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Murray County?

Many homeowners in Murray County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$810/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,033/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Murray County with Kidder County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Kidder County
North Dakota
Median income: $65,610
71.3
Lincoln County
Nevada
Median income: $72,307
71.2
Carter County
Montana
Median income: $54,167
71.4
Nemaha County
Kansas
Median income: $77,348
71.1
Wolfe County
Kentucky
Median income: $30,417
71.5
Rock County
Nebraska
Median income: $58,125
71.1
Golden Valley County
North Dakota
Median income: $68,021
71.6
Jackson County
Minnesota
Median income: $75,743
70.9

Nearby counties

Pipestone County
Minnesota
66.9
Nobles County
Minnesota
48.7
Lyon County
Minnesota
63.6
Cottonwood County
Minnesota
63.1
Rock County
Minnesota
70.5
Lincoln County
Minnesota
68.1
Redwood County
Minnesota
62.2
Moody County
South Dakota
49.3

Deep Dives

Murray County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Murray County

via TaxByCounty

Murray County offers lowest tax rates

Murray County's effective tax rate of 0.765% is among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median and protecting homeowners from heavy property tax burdens. With a median tax bill of just $1,373, Murray residents pay less than half what typical U.S. homeowners fork over annually.

Minnesota's most tax-friendly county

Murray County's 0.765% rate ranks it in the bottom tier statewide—the most favorable in Minnesota relative to the state average of 0.968%. The county's median tax of $1,373 is the lowest among the eight-county comparison group.

Clear winner in the neighborhood

Murray County's 0.765% rate beats all neighbors: Nobles County (0.934%), Norman County (0.988%), and Mower County (1.058%). No adjacent county comes close to matching Murray's tax efficiency for homeowners.

What Murray homeowners actually pay

A median Murray County home valued at $179,400 incurs an annual tax of approximately $1,373. Interestingly, renters who own outright pay slightly less ($1,243) than those with mortgages ($1,485), a reversal reflecting property classification nuances.

Already low, but verify your assessment

Even in tax-friendly Murray County, overassessments happen and cost homeowners money. Filing an appeal is free and takes minimal effort—potentially saving you hundreds even at the county's already-low rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Murray County

via IncomeByCounty

Murray County matches U.S. median exactly

Murray County's median household income of $74,475 essentially matches the national median of $74,755, placing it right at the U.S. baseline. This achievement is notable for a rural Minnesota county and reflects a resilient local economy.

Slightly below state average income

At $74,475, Murray County trails Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by just $1,282, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 87 counties. The per capita income of $40,277 also exceeds the state average of $39,335, indicating strong individual earnings.

Strong performer among southwest peers

Murray County's $74,475 income leads Nobles County ($65,509) and rivals or exceeds most neighboring rural counties in southwest Minnesota. Its above-average per capita income of $40,277 suggests households have multiple earners or higher individual wages.

Housing costs are very manageable

Murray County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is among the lowest in the region, signaling comfortable housing affordability for renters and buyers alike. The median home value of $179,400 represents excellent value relative to household income.

Strong income foundation for planning

At the national median income level, Murray County households have a solid foundation for financial planning, retirement contributions, and real estate investment. The below-average housing cost ratio creates breathing room in household budgets for savings and wealth-building vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Murray County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite National Safety Ranking

Murray County is exceptionally safe, boasting a safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 281.5 per 100K is a small fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in State Safety

This county is a leader in Minnesota safety, exceeding the state's average safety score of 98.2. It ranks among the most secure areas in the entire region according to 2022 data.

Quiet Streets in Murray

Murray’s crime rate is significantly lower than its neighbor Nobles County, which reports 878.6 incidents per 100K. This makes it one of the quietest jurisdictions in southwest Minnesota.

Minimal Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of just 73.4 per 100K residents. Property crime is also minimal at 208.1, keeping the overall community environment very stable.

Maintaining a Safe Community

Even with such low crime rates, staying vigilant helps maintain the status quo. Joining a local neighborhood watch or securing sheds can prevent the few property crimes that occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Murray County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Upper Midwest Climate

Murray's 43.1°F average temperature sits nearly 9 degrees below the national median. This continental climate delivers the distinct, four-season experience common to the northern plains.

Warmer Than the Minnesota Average

At 43.1°F, the county is slightly warmer than the state average of 42.8°F. It ranks among the more temperate southern tier counties in Minnesota.

Standard Precipitation for the Region

With 30.1 inches of annual precipitation, Murray stays right on par with the state average. It is slightly cooler than neighboring Nobles County but shares similar prairie weather patterns.

Cold Winters and Brief Heatwaves

Residents face 46.3 inches of snow and a chilly 12.6°F January average. Summer brings 9 days of 90°F heat, which is slightly more intense than northern neighbors.

Preparing for Significant Snowfall

Winter preparation is essential as the winter average dips to 16.0°F. Ensure heavy insulation and reliable snow removal equipment to handle the significant annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Murray County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Foundations in Murray County

Murray County's soil leans slightly alkaline with an average pH of 7.02, which is higher than the national 6.5 median. This taxonomic profile provides a unique chemical base for local agriculture and landscaping.

Tillage-Friendly Silt and Clay

The soil composition is 40.8% silt and 33.9% sand, creating a silty mix that is relatively easy to till. With 25.3% clay, the soil has enough body to prevent nutrients from washing away during heavy rains.

Productive Carbon and Water Levels

Organic matter stands at 4.53%, which is about half of the state average but remains high compared to national standards. An available water capacity of 0.188 in/in indicates the soil stores slightly less water than the state average of 0.199.

Moderate Water Retention Needs Monitoring

Although formal drainage data is unavailable, the high clay content often leads to slower percolation. Farmers and builders should account for this moderate water retention when planning land use and irrigation.

Summer Success in Zone 5a

Positioned in Hardiness Zone 5a, Murray is warm enough for heat-loving crops like sweet corn and peppers. Grab some seeds and get started, as this soil is primed for a successful growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Murray County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Growing Conditions in Murray County

Murray County holds a 62.1 lawn difficulty score, aligning closely with the Minnesota state average of 63.9. Located in Hardiness Zone 5a, it offers a slightly milder winter climate than the northern parts of the state.

Meeting the Rainfall Threshold

The county averages 30.1 inches of rain annually, hitting the state average almost exactly. However, with 9 extreme heat days and 2361 growing degree days, lawns require consistent monitoring during the mid-summer peak.

Neutral Soils Support Diverse Grasses

The soil pH sits at a neutral 7.02, which is excellent for nutrient availability. With 25.3% clay and 33.9% sand, the soil has a balanced texture that supports moisture retention without becoming waterlogged.

Battling Prolonged Dry Conditions

The county faced 18 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. To conserve water, prioritize irrigation for the most visible areas and allow secondary turf to go dormant during heat waves.

Starting Strong in Zone 5a

Zone 5a allows for a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and heat-tolerant Tall Fescue. Wait until after the May 7 spring frost to seed, and ensure your lawn is established before the early fall frost on September 29.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Murray County's county score?
Murray County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 71.3 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 Murray County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Murray County ranks #4 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 Murray County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Murray County is $1,471, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Murray County a tax score of 51.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Murray County?
The median household income in Murray County, Minnesota is $74,033 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Murray County earns an income score of 71.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Murray County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Murray County scores 71.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Murray 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 Murray County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.