CountyScore

Nicollet County

Minnesota · MN

#54 in Minnesota
69.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Nicollet County, Minnesota

Nicollet County well above national average

Nicollet County's score of 69.8 exceeds the national median by 19.8 points, placing it solidly in the national top half. This county offers livability benchmarks significantly better than average American communities.

Slightly below Minnesota's strong baseline

Nicollet scores 69.8, just 1.1 points below Minnesota's 70.9 state average. Within the state, Nicollet holds a competitive but middle-range position.

Highest-earning county with strong health

Nicollet boasts the highest median household income in this group at $80,362, backed by an income score of 35.8. Health outcomes are exceptional at 82.3, the best among these eight counties, supporting a wellness-focused lifestyle.

Cost and tax burden rise noticeably

Housing affordability dips here with a cost score of 72.1, median home value of $258,500, and median rent at $931—significantly higher than peer counties. The tax score of 70.8 and 1.117% effective rate also reflect the highest tax burden in this group.

For higher earners seeking health focus

Nicollet suits professionals and established families with solid incomes who prioritize health services and don't mind paying more for housing. The trade-off: premium prices for premium health and earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.8Cost72.1SafetyComing SoonHealth82.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.8Risk54.6WaterComing Soon
🏛70.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.6
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 Nicollet County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clay County
Arkansas
69.8
Median income: $48,500
Liberty County
Florida
69.8
Median income: $53,824
McDuffie County
Georgia
69.8
Median income: $54,058
Webster County
Kentucky
69.8
Median income: $58,786
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
69.8
Median income: $42,273

Deep Dives

Nicollet County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nicollet County

via TaxByCounty

Nicollet's taxes rank in nation's top tier

Nicollet County's effective tax rate of 1.117% places it in the upper 15% of U.S. counties for property tax burden—a notably high rate even by national standards. The median tax bill of $2,888 exceeds the national median by $198, making Nicollet among the pricier counties nationwide.

Highest-taxing county in Minnesota

Nicollet County's 1.117% effective rate significantly exceeds Minnesota's 0.968% average, ranking it among the state's most tax-intensive counties. The median tax of $2,888 is the highest in the eight-county group and 33% above the state median of $2,168.

Regional tax rates pale by comparison

Nicollet County's 1.117% rate dwarfs nearby Olmsted County (1.088%), Nobles County (0.934%), and Murray County (0.765%). The county's tax burden is uniquely steep for south-central Minnesota.

What Nicollet homeowners actually pay

A typical Nicollet County home valued at $258,500 carries an annual tax burden of roughly $2,888—the highest median in this regional comparison. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,008, while outright owners pay $2,731, a $277 difference reflecting tax credits.

Assessment review is essential here

With property taxes this high, Nicollet homeowners should absolutely verify their assessments—even small overvaluation adds up fast. A successful appeal could save you hundreds annually, making the effort worthwhile.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nicollet County

via CostByCounty

Higher incomes offset Nicollet's housing costs

Nicollet County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average, a strong showing given that renters here face $931 monthly rent—among the highest in this eight-county group. The county's median household income of $80,362, well above the national $74,755, allows residents to absorb these premium costs more comfortably than lower-earning peers.

Higher-cost Minnesota outpost

Nicollet County's $931 monthly rent tops the state average of $915 and pushes its rent-to-income ratio to 13.9%, modestly better than Minnesota's 14.5% baseline. This county ranks among Minnesota's pricier markets, driven by its larger population centers and higher median incomes.

Premium housing for a prosperous county

Nicollet's $931 rent and $258,500 median home value rank highest in this eight-county sample, rivaled only by Olmsted County's even steeper prices. This reflects Nicollet's status as a mid-sized regional hub with stronger job markets and higher wage earners than surrounding rural counties.

Owners bear heavier housing burden

Nicollet renters dedicate 13.9% of income to housing, while owners allocate roughly 19.1% to monthly mortgage payments on homes averaging $258,500. The gap suggests homeownership here requires substantial income or savings; renters enjoy better proportional affordability in this higher-cost market.

Where higher incomes meet higher costs

Nicollet County suits those relocating for better jobs and willing to pay for regional amenities—$80,362 median incomes support $931 rents and $258,500 home prices. But compare it with neighboring Murray County ($768 rents, $74,475 incomes) to decide if premium housing matches your earnings and lifestyle priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nicollet County

via IncomeByCounty

Nicollet County outperforms nation

Nicollet County's median household income of $80,362 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 7.5%, placing it firmly in the upper-income tier of U.S. counties. The county's strong performance reflects its college-town economics centered on Minnesota State University–Mankato.

Top-tier income in Minnesota

At $80,362, Nicollet County ranks above Minnesota's state average of $75,757 and places in the top half of the state's 87 counties. The per capita income of $43,268 also significantly exceeds the state average of $39,335.

Clear income leader in region

Nicollet County's $80,362 income substantially outpaces every neighboring county, including Murray ($74,475), Nobles ($65,509), and Otter Tail ($70,912). Its university anchor and downstream professional services create a wage premium throughout the county.

Strong income meets higher housing costs

Although Nicollet County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% remains healthy, the median home value of $258,500 reflects premium pricing for the region. The strong median income comfortably supports these higher housing costs, with most buyers maintaining solid affordability.

Maximize earnings in college town

Nicollet County's above-average income creates powerful opportunities for retirement savings, investment diversification, and real estate wealth building. Professionals in this college economy should consider maximizing employer benefits and exploring higher-yield investment strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Nicollet County

via HealthByCounty

Nicollet County significantly exceeds national health

At 80.9 years, Nicollet County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 80.2 years, and only 13.6% report poor or fair health—well below the national average. This strong performance places Nicollet among the healthiest counties nationally.

Nicollet ranks among Minnesota's healthiest counties

With a life expectancy of 80.9 years, Nicollet County ranks in Minnesota's top tier, exceeding the state average of 78.7 years by more than two years. The county also boasts Minnesota's lowest uninsured rate at 4.7%, compared to the state average of 6.0%, demonstrating exceptional coverage access.

Nicollet leads regional health outcomes

Nicollet County's 80.9-year life expectancy and 4.7% uninsured rate outpace all neighboring counties, including higher-performing Olmsted County (81.0 years). The county's strong performance reflects both excellent healthcare access and high insurance participation.

Robust primary and mental health provider network

Nicollet County offers 85 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well above most Minnesota counties and ensuring strong general medical access. The county leads on mental health with 315 providers per 100K, among the highest in the state and reflecting significant behavioral health investment.

Nicollet County: sustain your health coverage

Nicollet County's health advantage depends on keeping people insured; even at 4.7%, 95 residents per 100K lack coverage. Visit MNsure.org to confirm your plan is current and taking full advantage of available benefits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nicollet County

via RiskByCounty

Nicollet slightly outpaces national average

Nicollet County's composite risk score of 45.39 sits in the "Relatively Low" category and marginally above the national average. The county's tornado risk of 57.00 drives most of its exposure, while flood and earthquake risks remain moderate.

Right around Minnesota's average

At 45.39, Nicollet County's risk score nearly matches Minnesota's statewide average of 42.38, placing it squarely in the middle tier. This positions Nicollet as a moderate-concern county without extreme exposure to any single hazard.

Moderate risk in balanced region

Nicollet County faces comparable risk to nearby Blue Earth and Brown counties, though it exceeds the lower-risk profile of Murray County to the west. Its tornado exposure at 57.00 slightly outpaces the regional average.

Tornadoes and flooding are primary threats

Nicollet County residents face moderate tornado risk at 57.00 and flood risk at 50.32, both meaningfully above state average. Wildfire and earthquake pose minimal concern, allowing residents to focus preparedness on spring and summer severe weather.

Flood insurance and storm safety key

Nicollet County residents should maintain flood insurance and a designated storm shelter or safe room for tornado season. Review your homeowners policy annually to ensure adequate coverage for wind and water damage from severe storms.

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.