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.

2040608010038.963.387.87882.36685.720.543.6Tax38.9Cost63.3Safety87.8Health78Schools82.3Income66Risk85.7Water20.5Weather43.668.8/100
This county
National avg
6 above average3 below average

Norman County DNA

C-overall

How Norman County compares to the national average across 9 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
38.9-13.100000000000001
Cost
63.3+15.299999999999997
Safety
87.8+32.8
Health
78+28
Schools
82.3+28.299999999999997
Income
66+15
Risk
85.7+38.7
Water
20.5-37.5
Weather
43.6-12.399999999999999
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Many homeowners in Norman 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

$135,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,833/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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Nearby counties

Traill County
North Dakota
64.5
Clay County
Minnesota
41.8
Cass County
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38.9
Polk County
Minnesota
50.9
Mahnomen County
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47
Red Lake County
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Becker County
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Steele County
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75.8

Deep Dives

Norman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Norman County

via CostByCounty

Norman's rents are genuinely affordable

Norman County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average, and its $752 monthly rent is among the lowest in this dataset, reflecting a truly affordable rural housing market. Though median household income at $69,833 sits modestly below the national $74,755 average, renters here stretch their dollars further than most Americans.

Second-best bargain in Minnesota

Norman County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks second only to Murray County in this eight-county comparison, well below Minnesota's 14.5% state average. At $752 monthly rent—$163 below the state average—Norman renters enjoy some of the state's most affordable housing markets.

Renter's paradise in a rural tier

Norman's $752 rent stands as the lowest among all eight counties profiled, beating even Murray County's $768, while its 12.9% burden ratio ranks exceptionally low. However, Norman's $135,700 median home value—lowest in the group—suggests buyers here face different tradeoffs than renters.

Renters win, homebuyers face modest costs

Norman County renters enjoy a remarkable 12.9% housing burden at just $752 monthly, while owners spend roughly 14.2% on mortgages for the region's cheapest homes at $135,700. This county offers exceptional value for renters; homebuyers benefit from low absolute costs but limited property appreciation potential.

Perfect for renters seeking affordability

Norman County delivers the lowest rents in this eight-county group at $752 monthly and a stellar 12.9% rent-to-income ratio, ideal for budget-conscious renters. If you're considering homeownership, its $826 monthly payments and $135,700 home values offer cheap entry, though appreciate that property values here are Minnesota's lowest among peer counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Norman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate and Focused Learning Environments

Norman County operates a highly focused system of 4 public schools serving 890 total students. Two districts, Ada-Borup-West and Norman County East, manage these primary and secondary education centers.

Stellar 95% Graduation Rates

Norman County is an academic leader with a 95.0% graduation rate and a high composite score of 60.4. The county also invests heavily in its students, with per-pupil spending of $8,952 outstripping the Minnesota state average.

Ada-Borup-West Leads Local Education

Ada-Borup-West Public Schools is the largest district, serving 685 students between its elementary and secondary buildings. There are zero charter schools in the county, maintaining a strong focus on community-based public education.

The Quintessential Rural School Experience

All schools in the county are classified as rural, providing a peaceful and focused setting with an average size of 223 students. Ada-Borup-West Secondary is the largest school with 343 students, while Norman County East offers even smaller class sizes.

Elite Education in a Small-Town Setting

For those prioritizing academic outcomes, Norman County’s graduation rates are among the best in the region. Look for homes in the Ada area to secure a spot in these high-performing, high-investment rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Norman County

via RiskByCounty

Norman among nation's lowest-risk counties

Norman County's composite risk score of just 14.38 places it in the "Very Low" category and far below the national average. This northwestern Minnesota county experiences minimal exposure to most major natural hazards, making it exceptionally safe by national standards.

Minnesota's safest county tier

At 14.38, Norman County's risk score is less than one-third of Minnesota's statewide average of 42.38—ranking among the state's three safest counties. The county's stable climate and minimal hazard exposure are exceptional within Minnesota.

Safest in its northwest Minnesota region

Norman County is significantly safer than neighboring Wilkin, Polk, and Otter Tail counties. Its low profile across tornado, flood, and wildfire risks makes it an outlier in the region.

Wildfire only moderate concern

Even Norman County's highest-risk hazard—wildfire at 47.04—remains below statewide average, while tornado (23.09) and flood (17.59) are both quite low. The county faces unusually minimal natural disaster exposure.

Standard homeowners coverage adequate

Norman County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized flood or wildfire policies. Maintaining basic emergency preparedness and staying informed during severe weather remains sensible, though the county's low risk profile requires less urgent action.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Norman County

via WaterByCounty

Norman County Reports Extremely High Violation Rate

The county earns an F grade with a violation rate of 128.0 per 100,000 people, nearly quadruple the state average. This reflects 5 significant health violations recorded over five years.

Watershed Health Data Currently Unavailable

Norman County's water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal §303(d) reporting cycle. The lack of ATTAINS data means impairment causes are currently unlisted for the region.

Inorganics and Nutrients Monitored at 19 Sites

Monitoring agencies recorded 4,142 measurements from 19 sites over the last five years. Key characteristics measured include physical attributes, nutrients, and inorganic non-metals.

Wild Rice River Flow at 78% of Typical

The Wild Rice River at Hendrum is flowing at 286 cfs, representing 78% of its long-term mean. This discharge comes from a drainage area of 1,560 square miles.

Urgent Need for Water Testing and Filtration

The F grade and high violation rate make home water testing essential for Norman County residents. Pay special attention to nutrient levels, which are a primary focus of local monitoring records.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 #11 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 $1,341, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Norman County a tax score of 38.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Norman County?
The median household income in Norman County, Minnesota is $69,833 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Norman County earns an income score of 66/100 on CountyScore.
Is Norman County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Norman County scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 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 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.