countyscore
50.4
County Score
Soil Quality 72.6Lawn Care 70.1Safety 62

County Report Card

About Nobles County, Minnesota

Nobles County Meets the National Median

With a score of 50.4, Nobles County sits precisely at the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard American livability experience with balanced pros and cons.

Falling Short of State Benchmarks

The county trails the Minnesota state average of 55.8 by over five points. While it is competitive nationally, it ranks in the lower half of counties within its own state.

Solid Safety and Moderate Costs

A safety score of 62.0 provides a secure foundation for residents. Affordability is also a strength, with a cost score of 50.5 and median home values at a reasonable $179,200.

Struggles in Schools and Water Quality

The county faces hurdles in education and infrastructure, with a school score of 37.4 and a water score of 35.6. These areas suggest a need for more investment in public services.

Best for Practical Budgeting Households

Nobles County suits individuals looking for a safe, low-cost environment with a steady median income of $65,509. It is a practical choice for those who do not require top-rated school districts.

2040608010042.750.56257.237.455.949.935.646.6Tax42.7Cost50.5Safety62Health57.2Schools37.4Income55.9Risk49.9Water35.6Weather46.650.4/100
This county
National avg
2 below average

Nobles County DNA

Foverall

How Nobles County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nobles County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (35.6/100), though Health (57.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.7-9.299999999999997
Cost
50.5
Safety
62
Health
57.2
Schools
37.4-16.6
Income
55.9
Risk
49.9
Water
35.6-22.4
Weather
46.6-9.399999999999999
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Many homeowners in Nobles County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$179,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$863/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$179,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,509/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.5

per 100K

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
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Nearby counties

Osceola County
Iowa
65.3
Rock County
Minnesota
70.7
Murray County
Minnesota
72.7
Jackson County
Minnesota
72.5
Dickinson County
Iowa
59.1
O'Brien County
Iowa
61.5
Lyon County
Iowa
65.1
Cottonwood County
Minnesota
63.2

Deep Dives

Nobles County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nobles County

via TaxByCounty

Nobles County sits at national midpoint

Nobles County's effective tax rate of 0.934% hovers just below the national average, making it a moderate property tax burden compared to the rest of the country. The median tax bill of $1,674 is $1,016 below the national median, driven by homes valued below the national average.

Slightly below Minnesota's average rate

Nobles County's 0.934% effective rate edges below Minnesota's 0.968% statewide average, placing it in the moderate range for the state. The median tax of $1,674 falls well below the state median of $2,168, reflecting lower home values in the county.

Comparable to regional counterparts

Nobles County's 0.934% rate sits between Murray County's low of 0.765% and Mower County's high of 1.058%, making it a middle ground in southwest Minnesota. The county tracks closely with Norman County (0.988%), both offering reasonable tax exposure.

What Nobles homeowners actually pay

A median Nobles County home valued at $179,200 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $1,674. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,855, while those owning outright pay $1,473—a $382 difference, the largest spread in this regional group.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Nobles County homeowners should check whether their properties are accurately assessed, as overvaluation is common statewide. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could save you money annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nobles County

via CostByCounty

Nobles County's affordability pinch nationwide

At 15.8%, Nobles County's rent-to-income ratio ranks highest in this eight-county dataset and well above the national average, signaling housing stress for renters here. With a median household income of $65,509—the lowest in the group and below the national $74,755 median—residents face the sharpest squeeze between earnings and housing costs.

Minnesota's affordability challenge county

Nobles County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% average, the worst performance among the eight profiled counties. At $863 monthly rent against the state average of $915, renters struggle less with absolute cost than with how much of their below-average paychecks it consumes.

Most stretched county in the region

Nobles County's 15.8% rent burden and $65,509 median income stand apart from neighbors like Murray County ($12.4% burden, $74,475 income) and Mower County ($14.2% burden, $71,495 income). This county faces real affordability pressure compared to its peers, despite moderate absolute rent costs.

Renters hit hardest by income-housing gap

Nobles County renters spend 15.8% of income on $863 monthly rent, the highest burden ratio in this dataset, while owners allocate roughly 15.0% to mortgages on homes worth $179,200. The data suggests homeownership offers slightly better proportional affordability, though both housing types strain budgets below state norms.

Weigh job prospects carefully here

Nobles County's $65,509 median income and 15.8% rent burden signal economic headwinds; relocating here requires confident job prospects or supplemental income. Compare with higher-earning neighbors like Nicollet ($80,362 income) or more balanced options like Murray County ($74,475 income, 12.4% burden) to ensure your salary aligns with local housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nobles County

via IncomeByCounty

Nobles County lags national median

Nobles County's median household income of $65,509 falls 12.4% below the national median of $74,755, marking it as one of Minnesota's lower-income rural counties. The gap reflects limited high-wage employment and a declining population base.

Lowest income in comparison group

At $65,509, Nobles County ranks among the lowest in Minnesota, trailing the state average of $75,757 by more than $10,000. The per capita income of $30,310 also significantly underperforms the state average of $39,335.

Struggling against regional peers

Nobles County's income of $65,509 substantially trails neighboring Murray County ($74,475) and other regional competitors, suggesting fewer well-paying local employers. The low per capita income indicates limited individual wage growth opportunities.

Housing costs strain budgets

Nobles County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% is the highest in this county group, indicating housing costs consume a notably larger share of household income. While the median home value of $179,200 is affordable in absolute terms, it represents significant financial burden relative to local earnings.

Intentional saving strategies matter most

In Nobles County, deliberate financial planning is essential to building wealth against tighter income margins. Households should prioritize emergency funds, investigate first-time homebuyer programs, and explore employer retirement matches to offset the challenge of lower local wages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nobles County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Profile Against National Average

Nobles County maintains a robust safety score of 98.6, outstripping the national average for security. The total crime rate of 878.6 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national figure.

Solid Ranking Within Minnesota

With a safety score higher than the state average of 98.2, Nobles ranks well within the Minnesota landscape. It offers a quieter alternative to the state's busier urban hubs.

Activity Relative to Neighbors

Nobles is significantly more active than neighboring Murray County, which has a much lower crime rate. However, it remains safer than more populous counties like Mower.

Violent vs Property Crime

The violent crime rate of 243.3 is higher than the Minnesota average of 153.0, warranting community attention. Property crimes remain relatively low at 635.3 per 100K residents.

Community-Based Prevention Efforts

Residents can enhance their safety by focusing on community-based prevention and home security systems. Keeping property well-lit and valuables out of sight helps deter local crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nobles County

via SchoolsByCounty

Serving 4,500 Students Across the Prairie

Nobles County houses 15 public schools, including six high schools and five elementary schools, for a total of 4,537 students. Four districts manage the county's educational needs, focusing on a mix of town-centered and rural facilities.

Investing in the Next Generation

The county invests $8,204 per pupil, which is competitive with state levels but faces challenges with a 77.4% graduation rate. The overall school score sits at 49.5, just below the national median of 50.0.

Worthington Public Schools is the Hub

The Worthington Public School District is the county's primary educator, serving 3,343 students in seven schools. No charter schools operate in the county, meaning education is centralized within the four traditional public districts.

Vibrant Town Centers and Rural Roots

Most students attend schools in town settings, led by Worthington Senior High with its 1,134 students. Despite the larger town schools, the average school size remains manageable at 324 students across the county's 11 rural locations.

Explore Home Buying Near Worthington

Families moving to the area will find the most robust educational resources within the Worthington district. Consider homes in this growing community to stay close to the county's largest and most diverse school facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nobles County

via RiskByCounty

Nobles County above national average risk

With a composite risk score of 50.16, Nobles County earns a "Relatively Low" rating but still exceeds the national average. Tornado risk at 73.51 is the primary driver, positioning the county in the elevated hazard exposure category.

Mid-range risk for Minnesota

Nobles County's score of 50.16 exceeds Minnesota's statewide average of 42.38, placing it in the higher-risk half statewide. Tornado exposure is the distinguishing factor elevating its ranking among the state's 87 counties.

Higher tornado risk than western neighbors

Nobles County faces notably elevated tornado risk (73.51) compared to nearby Murray and Lyon counties to the west. Its flood risk of 48.51 also exceeds regional averages, though wildfire remains minimal.

Tornadoes dominate, flooding secondary

Tornado risk is substantial in Nobles County at 73.51, significantly above state average and representing the primary natural hazard threat. Flooding at 48.51 presents secondary risk, while earthquake at 20.36 remains moderate.

Storm prep and flood coverage essential

Nobles County residents should establish a storm shelter plan and maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood coverage. Stay informed about severe weather warnings during spring and summer, and review evacuation routes from flood-prone areas near waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Nobles County

via WaterByCounty

Nobles County Water Compliance Receives F Grade

With 8 health violations in five years, the county earns an F grade. Its violation rate of 44.2 per 100,000 exceeds the Minnesota state average of 32.5.

Local Watersheds Await Federal Assessment

Water bodies in Nobles County are not yet covered under the federal §303(d) assessment program. No official data exists regarding the impairment status of local streams or lakes.

Inorganic Metal Monitoring at 50 Sites

Monitoring efforts at 50 sites produced 2,832 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, inorganics, and various metal groups.

No USGS Streamgage Data for Nobles County

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing real-time data in the county. Compliance signals and local monitoring remain the primary tools for assessing water health.

Address Metals and Violations with Advanced Filtration

An F grade and high violation rate indicate a need for robust home water treatment. Residents should specifically test for the inorganic metals that are the focus of local monitoring programs.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nobles County

via WeatherByCounty

A High Plains Climate Profile

At 44.4°F, Nobles is cooler than the national median but represents one of the warmer points in its region. It reflects a classic northern plains climate with high seasonal variability.

Leading the State in Temperature

This is one of the warmest counties in the state, sitting 1.6 degrees above the Minnesota average. It ranks high for temperature among its 87 statewide peers.

Consistent Rain and Southern Heat

Nobles receives 30.5 inches of precipitation, very close to the state average of 30.0. It experiences 10 extreme heat days, a pattern similar to neighboring Nicollet.

Milder Winters for the North

Winter is slightly milder here than in the north, with a 17.4°F average and 45.2 inches of snow. July remains comfortable for the region with a 71.4°F average.

Prioritizing Efficient Heating and Cooling

Efficient HVAC systems are a priority for the 10 days of 90°F heat each year. Keep snow removal equipment ready for the 45 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nobles County

via SoilByCounty

Stable Entisols in Nobles County

Nobles County is home to Entisols, characterized by an average pH of 6.80 which is very close to the 6.5 national median. These soils provide a stable, near-neutral foundation for diverse plant life.

Fine-Grained Texture and Structure

The soil contains 43.6% silt and 30.1% sand, offering a fine-grained texture that is excellent for moisture control. A clay content of 26.4% adds significant structural strength and nutrient-holding capacity.

Reliable Reservoirs for Vegetation

Organic matter levels are 5.16%, which is strong by national standards even if lower than the Minnesota average. The soil's available water capacity of 0.189 in/in provides a reliable reservoir for local vegetation throughout the summer.

Well Drained for Ideal Growth

The land is classified as well drained, meaning water moves through the profile at an ideal rate for most agricultural needs. This prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged while ensuring plants have access to consistent hydration.

Robust Planting in Zone 5a

Residents in Hardiness Zone 5a can enjoy success with everything from sunflowers to robust vegetable patches. Your soil is ready for the season, so it is the perfect time to start planting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nobles County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Nobles County

Nobles County earns a 70.1 lawn difficulty score, indicating a favorable environment for homeowners compared to the state average of 63.9. The Zone 5a climate supports a wide range of resilient grass species.

Navigating the Summer Heat

The county receives 30.5 inches of rain annually, which matches the state average. You can expect 10 extreme heat days per year, which is slightly higher than the state average and requires attentive summer watering.

Well-Drained Soil and Healthy pH

The soil is classified as well-drained with a healthy pH of 6.80, perfect for most lawns. With 26.4% clay and 30.1% sand, the ground holds onto nutrients well while allowing excess water to move through the root zone.

Coping with Current Dry Conditions

Despite only 8 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Water early in the morning to maximize absorption and prevent the well-drained soil from drying out too quickly.

Planting for a Zone 5a Climate

Tall Fescue is a great choice here for its drought resistance, alongside traditional Kentucky Bluegrass. The prime growing window opens after the May 3 spring frost and closes with the October 4 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nobles County's county score?
Nobles County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 50.4 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 Nobles County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Nobles County ranks #57 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 Nobles County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Nobles County is $1,674, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Nobles County a tax score of 42.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nobles County?
The median household income in Nobles County, Minnesota is $65,509 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nobles County earns an income score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nobles County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Nobles County scores 50.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Nobles 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 Nobles County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.