countyscore
68.8
County Score
Safety 87.8Disaster Risk 85.7Schools 82.3

County Report Card

About Norman County, Minnesota

Norman County Among the National Best

With an impressive 68.8 composite score, Norman County ranks far above the national median of 50.0. It provides an exceptional quality of life that stands out across the country.

A Top Performer in Minnesota

Norman County easily clears the Minnesota average score of 55.8. It serves as a model for rural livability, outclassing many urban and suburban counterparts in the state.

Elite Safety and Education Scores

The county boasts a safety score of 87.8 and a school score of 82.3. Additionally, a risk score of 85.7 indicates that residents enjoy a very secure and stable environmental setting.

Infrastructure and Water Quality Needs

The water score of 20.5 is the county's primary challenge, indicating a need for water quality improvements. The tax score of 38.9 also shows some room for improvement regarding the local burden.

Ideal for Safety-First Rural Families

Norman County is a dream for families who value security and excellent public schools. With home values at just $135,700, it offers an incredible quality of life for a very low entry price.

2040608010040.56287.87882.367.385.720.543.6Tax40.5Cost62Safety87.8Health78Schools82.3Income67.3Risk85.7Water20.5Weather43.668.8/100
This county
National avg
6 above average3 below average

Norman County DNA

C-overall

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

Norman County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (85.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.5-11.5
Cost
62+14
Safety
87.8+32.8
Health
78+28
Schools
82.3+28.299999999999997
Income
67.3+16.299999999999997
Risk
85.7+38.7
Water
20.5-37.5
Weather
43.6-12.399999999999999
Sponsored

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Many homeowners in Norman 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

$147,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$774/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$147,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,260/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

62.4

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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Counties with similar scores

Madison County
Montana
Median income: $75,250
68.8
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Median income: $74,301
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Chickasaw County
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Median income: $75,675
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Hooker County
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Median income: $49,464
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Los Alamos County
New Mexico
Median income: $147,139
68.6
Borden County
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Median income: $65,625
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Doddridge County
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Median income: $57,401
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Greenlee County
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Median income: $71,164
69.1

Nearby counties

Traill County
North Dakota
64.8
Clay County
Minnesota
41.6
Cass County
North Dakota
38.5
Polk County
Minnesota
50.9
Mahnomen County
Minnesota
47.5
Red Lake County
Minnesota
73.3
Becker County
Minnesota
52.9
Steele County
North Dakota
72.8

Deep Dives

Norman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Norman County

via TaxByCounty

Norman County taxes rate below national median

Norman County's effective tax rate of 0.988% sits just slightly above the national median, placing it in the moderate-to-favorable range nationally. Despite home values well below the national average, the median tax bill of $1,341 is a bargain compared to the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Minnesota's average

Norman County's 0.988% rate marginally exceeds Minnesota's 0.968% average, ranking it near the middle of the state's tax spectrum. The median tax of $1,341 is far below the state median of $2,168, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Mid-range taxes for northwest Minnesota

Norman County's 0.988% rate falls between Murray County's low (0.765%) and Mower County's high (1.058%), positioning it as a moderate-tax county. Compared to regional peer Nobles County (0.934%), Norman carries a slightly heavier rate.

What Norman homeowners actually pay

A median Norman County home valued at $135,700 generates an annual tax bill of roughly $1,341—the second-lowest in the comparison group. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,481, while outright owners pay $1,199, reflecting a $282 mortgage credit gap.

Verify your assessment for savings

Even in a relatively low-tax county, overassessment is possible and worth checking. A free assessment appeal could save Norman County homeowners money annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Norman County

via IncomeByCounty

Norman County below U.S. median

Norman County's median household income of $69,833 trails the national median of $74,755 by 6.6%, reflecting typical rural Minnesota income challenges. The county's agricultural base and small town economy limit higher-wage opportunities.

Lower-middle tier in Minnesota

At $69,833, Norman County ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757 and places in the lower half of the state's 87 counties. However, the per capita income of $37,681 nearly matches the state average of $39,335, suggesting reasonable individual earnings.

Similar to Morrison County's profile

Norman County's $69,833 income closely parallels Morrison County ($68,640) and sits slightly below Otter Tail County ($70,912), revealing a consistent income band across north-central Minnesota. These three counties share similar economic reliance on agriculture and light manufacturing.

Excellent housing affordability

Norman County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of 12.9%, well below stress thresholds, and the lowest median home value in this county group at $135,700. Households enjoy exceptional housing affordability, making homeownership particularly accessible.

Build equity in affordable market

Norman County's $135,700 median home value is one of Minnesota's most affordable, enabling even modest-income households to build substantial home equity quickly. Aggressive early mortgage payments or refinancing can accelerate wealth accumulation in this lower-cost market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Norman County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier National Safety Score

Norman County stands out with a safety score of 99.6, indicating elite-level security. Its total crime rate of 263.3 per 100K is remarkably low compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Minnesota Safety Standards

This county far exceeds the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2, placing it at the top of state rankings. Law enforcement activity remains very low across the board here.

The Quietest in the Region

Norman is safer than neighboring Otter Tail County, which has a crime rate nearly four times higher. It represents one of the most peaceful pockets in northwestern Minnesota.

Low Risk for Violent Incidents

Violent crime occurs at a negligible rate of 46.5 per 100K, while property crime is also low at 216.8. These numbers reflect a very low-risk environment for all residents.

Maintaining Peace of Mind

While risks are minimal, basic precautions like locking vehicles and homes are always wise. Maintaining good relationships with neighbors is the best defense in such a tight-knit community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Norman County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold Even by Northern Standards

Norman's 40.0°F annual average is 12 degrees colder than the national median. This indicates a harsh northern climate with significant winter intensity and short summers.

Below the Minnesota Average

Norman sits nearly 3 degrees below the state average of 42.8°F. It is one of the colder counties in the western Red River Valley region.

Drier Conditions Than the State Average

The county is notably dry, receiving only 25.0 inches of annual precipitation. It experiences 8 extreme heat days, which is surprisingly comparable to southern neighbors.

Brutal Winters in the Valley

January is brutal with an average of 6.1°F, nearly 4 degrees colder than eastern Pine County. While specific annual snowfall data is limited, the 9.8°F winter average demands serious preparation.

Plan for Extreme Winter Freezes

High-performance heating and heavy winter clothing are mandatory for sub-zero streaks. Check local records for snow trends as regional totals often exceed 40 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Norman County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soil Profile in Norman

Norman County features soil with an average pH of 6.96, placing it slightly above the state average of 6.21. This neutral to slightly alkaline profile is well-suited for many regional crops and native plants.

Loamy Mix Resists Erosion

The physical makeup is 41.2% sand and 35.7% silt, providing a loamy texture that balances drainage and moisture. With 20.3% clay, the soil offers decent resistance to erosion and nutrient loss.

Rich Organic Matter Boosts Fertility

High fertility is a highlight here, with organic matter reaching 8.70%, nearing the state average of 9.90%. This richness supports an available water capacity of 0.190 in/in, keeping the soil hydrated for longer periods.

Moderately Permeable Ground

While specific drainage groups are not listed, the significant sand and silt fractions suggest a moderately permeable soil. This balance helps maintain aeration in the root zone while preventing immediate runoff after rain.

Cool-Season Crops in Zone 4a

Situated in Hardiness Zone 4a, Norman is ideal for growing cold-tolerant crops like kale and root vegetables. The soil’s high organic content makes it a prime candidate for a flourishing home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Norman County

via LawnByCounty

Facing the Chill in Norman County

Norman County holds a 61.8 lawn difficulty score, slightly below the state average. In Hardiness Zone 4a, lawns must survive long, cold winters and a significantly shorter growing season than southern Minnesota.

Managing a Drier Northern Climate

With only 25.0 inches of annual precipitation, Norman County is drier than the 30.0-inch state average. Growing degree days are lower at 2111, meaning grass grows slower and requires less frequent mowing than in the south.

High Sand Content and Near-Neutral pH

The soil pH is a very healthy 6.96, nearly ideal for turf growth. However, the 41.2% sand content means moisture can drain away quickly, making supplemental watering essential during dry periods.

Persistent Dryness in the North

The entire county is currently 100% abnormally dry after facing 7 weeks of drought over the past year. Use rain barrels to capture what little rain falls and prioritize watering during the critical late-summer months.

Timing Your Northern Lawn Start

Hardy grasses like Canada Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best fit for this 4a zone. The short growing window typically runs from the May 11 spring frost until the early fall frost on September 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norman County's county score?
Norman County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 68.8 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 Norman County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Norman County ranks #9 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 Norman County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Norman County is $1,378, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Norman County a tax score of 40.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Norman County?
The median household income in Norman County, Minnesota is $72,260 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Norman County earns an income score of 67.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Norman County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Norman County scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Norman 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 Norman 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.