CountyScore

Olmsted County

Minnesota · MN

#80 in Minnesota
65.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Olmsted County, Minnesota

Olmsted County surpasses national baseline

Olmsted County scores 65.5, a solid 15.5 points above the national median of 50.0. While it lags some peers, Olmsted remains in the upper third of American counties for livability.

Below Minnesota average despite strengths

Olmsted County's 65.5 score falls 5.4 points below Minnesota's 70.9 state average, placing it in the lower portion of this peer group. The gap reflects premium costs offsetting other advantages.

Highest income and exceptional health

Olmsted County leads all eight counties in median household income at $93,494 and income score of 44.4. Health outcomes are exceptional at 84.3 (second-best in group), and risk score of 17.7 indicates strong economic stability.

Cost and affordability concerns

Housing affordability is the clear weakness, with cost score of 64.0—the lowest here—and median home value of $304,500 (highest in group). Median rent of $1,283 compounds the challenge, making this the priciest county to inhabit.

For affluent professionals seeking excellence

Olmsted County suits high-income professionals and families who value top-tier health services and don't mind premium housing costs. This is where earning power matters most—lower incomes will struggle with the price tag.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.7Cost64SafetyComing SoonHealth84.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome44.4Risk17.7WaterComing Soon
🏛71.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡17.7
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 Olmsted County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
65.5
Median income: $77,722
La Paz County
Arizona
65.5
Median income: $49,506
Mississippi County
Arkansas
65.5
Median income: $53,428
Bulloch County
Georgia
65.5
Median income: $56,832
Marshall County
Illinois
65.5
Median income: $69,818

Deep Dives

Olmsted County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Olmsted County

via TaxByCounty

Olmsted County taxes rank above national average

Olmsted County's effective tax rate of 1.088% surpasses the national median, placing it in the upper 20% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median tax bill of $3,314 far exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher rates and higher home values.

Second-highest taxes in Minnesota

Olmsted County's 1.088% rate ranks among the state's priciest, second only to Nicollet County's 1.117% in this regional group and well above Minnesota's 0.968% average. The median tax of $3,314 is the second-highest statewide and 53% above the state median.

Only Nicollet County taxes higher

Olmsted County's 1.088% rate nearly matches Nicollet County (1.117%) but far exceeds Nobles County (0.934%) and Morrison County (0.909%). Southeast Minnesota's tax burden concentrates in these two counties.

What Olmsted homeowners actually pay

A median Olmsted County home valued at $304,500 incurs an annual tax bill of approximately $3,314—the highest in this eight-county comparison. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,430, while outright owners pay $3,156, a $274 differential.

Assessment appeals are worthwhile here

With tax bills topping $3,300, Olmsted County homeowners should absolutely challenge any overvaluation in their assessments. Even a modest reduction through appeal could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Olmsted County

via CostByCounty

Premium location, premium housing costs

Olmsted County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this eight-county dataset, reflecting a metro-area housing market where rents have climbed sharply above national norms. The county's robust median household income of $93,494—25% above the national $74,755 median—enables residents to absorb these costs, though the burden remains notably heavy.

Minnesota's most expensive housing market

Olmsted County's $1,283 monthly rent and 16.5% rent-to-income ratio top all eight counties profiled and exceed Minnesota's 14.5% state average by a significant margin. This is Minnesota's premier housing market, driven by Rochester's regional economic strength and medical hub status.

Clear regional affordability outlier

Olmsted's $1,283 rent and $304,500 median home value stand dramatically above all peer counties—Nicollet's $931 rent and $258,500 homes are the closest comparables, yet still $350 monthly cheaper and $46,000 less in home value. This county occupies its own tier, reflecting Rochester's status as Minnesota's most robust regional economy.

Highest burden among all eight counties

Olmsted renters dedicate 16.5% of income to $1,283 monthly rent—the steepest ratio in this dataset—while owners allocate roughly 17.7% to mortgages on homes averaging $304,500. Both housing types here demand significantly larger income shares than neighbors, reflecting this county's prosperity-driven price inflation.

Premium living for premium earners

Olmsted County suits those relocating for high-wage Rochester jobs willing to accept premium housing costs; its $93,494 median income supports $1,283 rents and $304,500 home prices. Compare with affordable rural neighbors like Norman County ($752 rent, $69,833 income) to evaluate whether Rochester's economic opportunity justifies this eight-county region's highest housing burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Olmsted County

via IncomeByCounty

Olmsted County significantly outearns nation

Olmsted County's median household income of $93,494 substantially exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 25.1%, ranking it among the highest-income counties nationally. The county's economy, anchored by the Mayo Clinic and allied medical services, drives this premium.

Highest income in Minnesota group

At $93,494, Olmsted County towers above Minnesota's state average of $75,757 and ranks in the top tier statewide, commanding a $17,737 income advantage. The per capita income of $52,059 is the highest among all comparison counties.

Clear income leader regionally

Olmsted County's $93,494 income substantially surpasses every neighboring county, including Nicollet ($80,362), its nearest regional competitor. The Mayo Clinic economic engine creates wage premiums unavailable in purely agricultural or manufacturing-dependent counties.

Strong income supports premium housing

Despite the highest median home value in this group at $304,500, Olmsted County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% remains acceptable at just over 13% of income for traditional housing costs. The strong income base comfortably accommodates the region's premium real estate prices.

Leverage superior earnings potential

Olmsted County's above-average income creates unmatched opportunities for retirement investing, college savings, and diversified wealth building strategies. High-income households should maximize 401(k) contributions, explore HSAs, and consider professional investment guidance to optimize tax-advantaged wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Olmsted County

via HealthByCounty

Olmsted County leads national health rankings

At 81.0 years, Olmsted County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 80.2 years, and just 12.0% report poor or fair health—better than most U.S. counties. This exceptional performance reflects Olmsted's world-class medical infrastructure and health-conscious population.

Olmsted County is Minnesota's health champion

With 81.0 years life expectancy and 12.0% poor/fair health rate, Olmsted County ranks among Minnesota's healthiest, exceeding the state average of 78.7 years by 2.3 years. The 4.2% uninsured rate is the lowest in the state, significantly below Minnesota's 6.0% average.

Olmsted ties Nicollet as regional health leader

Olmsted County's 81.0-year life expectancy matches Nicollet County's, and its 4.2% uninsured rate only trails Nicollet's 4.7%, making both counties regional anchors for health excellence. Together, they define high-performing healthcare access in southern Minnesota.

Unmatched provider density in the region

Olmsted County boasts 231 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest of any county examined—supported by the Mayo Clinic system and regional medical hub status. Mental health provision is exceptional at 552 providers per 100K, among the nation's highest and ensuring behavioral health access for all.

Olmsted County: maintain your coverage advantage

Olmsted County's 4.2% uninsured rate represents a national success story, but every resident deserves protection. Visit MNsure.org to review your current plan and ensure continuous coverage for you and your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Olmsted County

via RiskByCounty

Olmsted faces high national risk

Olmsted County's composite risk score of 82.35 earns a "Relatively Moderate" rating and significantly exceeds the national average. Tornado risk of 89.28 and flood risk of 86.86 make this southeastern Minnesota county one of the state's most hazard-exposed regions.

Highest-risk county in Minnesota

At 82.35, Olmsted County ranks as the highest or near-highest risk county statewide, nearly doubling Minnesota's average of 42.38. The county faces exceptional exposure across multiple major hazard categories.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Olmsted County's risk profile far exceeds neighboring Dodge, Wabasha, and Winona counties. Its tornado score of 89.28 and flood score of 86.86 are among the highest in the state, distinguishing it as a regional hazard hotspot.

Tornadoes and flooding are critical threats

Olmsted County residents face exceptional tornado risk at 89.28 and flood risk at 86.86—both among the highest in Minnesota. Combined, these hazards pose the county's primary natural disaster challenge, requiring comprehensive preparedness and protection measures.

Robust flood and storm coverage vital

Olmsted County residents must prioritize flood insurance separate from homeowners policies, given the 86.86 flood risk score. Invest in a home storm shelter or safe room, maintain a comprehensive emergency kit, and review all insurance annually for adequate coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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