Pennington County's composite score of 69.6 sits 39 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This means residents enjoy conditions significantly better than the typical American county across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly below Minnesota's average
At 69.6, Pennington County ranks just below Minnesota's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the middle-to-upper range among all 87 Minnesota counties. It performs solidly against its state peers despite trailing the average by 1.3 points.
3 / 5
Health and affordability lead the way
Pennington County excels in health (81.6) and cost (75.8), reflecting strong healthcare outcomes and affordable housing with a median home value of $188,900 and rent at $900/month. Residents also benefit from reasonable taxes, with an effective tax rate of 1.218%.
4 / 5
Income levels lag behind state peers
The county's income score of 30.8 is notably weak, with a median household income of $72,561 trailing many Minnesota counties. Risk management (53.0) also shows room for improvement, suggesting moderate vulnerability to external economic or environmental pressures.
5 / 5
Ideal for health-conscious budget seekers
Pennington County suits families and retirees who prioritize accessible healthcare and affordable housing over high earning potential. This is a stable, livable community for those seeking modest costs and strong health outcomes without requiring top-tier incomes.
Pennington County's composite score of 69.6 sits 39 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This means residents enjoy conditions significantly better than the typical American county across measured dimensions.
Slightly below Minnesota's average
At 69.6, Pennington County ranks just below Minnesota's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the middle-to-upper range among all 87 Minnesota counties. It performs solidly against its state peers despite trailing the average by 1.3 points.
Health and affordability lead the way
Pennington County excels in health (81.6) and cost (75.8), reflecting strong healthcare outcomes and affordable housing with a median home value of $188,900 and rent at $900/month. Residents also benefit from reasonable taxes, with an effective tax rate of 1.218%.
Income levels lag behind state peers
The county's income score of 30.8 is notably weak, with a median household income of $72,561 trailing many Minnesota counties. Risk management (53.0) also shows room for improvement, suggesting moderate vulnerability to external economic or environmental pressures.
Ideal for health-conscious budget seekers
Pennington County suits families and retirees who prioritize accessible healthcare and affordable housing over high earning potential. This is a stable, livable community for those seeking modest costs and strong health outcomes without requiring top-tier incomes.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Pennington County's 1.218% effective tax rate runs 25% higher than the national median of 0.968%, placing it in the upper tier nationally. While the median home here costs $188,900—33% below the US median of $281,900—the higher rate means residents pay a steeper percentage of home value in taxes each year.
Third-highest rate in Minnesota
Among Minnesota's 87 counties, Pennington ranks third-highest for effective tax rate at 1.218%, well above the state average of 0.968%. Only Ramsey County and one other county tax property at higher rates statewide.
Notably pricier than nearby counties
Pennington's 1.218% rate significantly exceeds its neighbors: Polk County at 0.999%, Red Lake County at 0.959%, and Beltrami County. Despite having a lower median home value than Polk, Pennington residents pay more in annual property taxes due to the higher effective rate.
About $2,300 annually on median home
The median home in Pennington County valued at $188,900 generates approximately $2,300 in annual property taxes at the county's 1.218% effective rate. This aligns with the county's reported median property tax and exceeds the state median of $2,168 by $132 per year.
Homeowners should verify assessments
Property values can shift, but assessments don't always keep pace with market changes. Many Pennington County homeowners may be overassessed and eligible for an appeal—a process worth exploring to potentially reduce annual tax bills.
Pennington's rent burden slightly above national norm
Renters in Pennington County spend 14.9% of their income on housing, slightly above the national average of 14.5%. While the county's median household income of $72,561 trails the U.S. median by $2,194, housing costs remain manageable by national standards.
Middle of the pack in Minnesota affordability
Pennington County ranks near the state average for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that nearly matches Minnesota's 14.5% statewide average. The median rent of $900 is slightly below the state median of $915.
Cheaper than Pine, similar to Polk
Pennington's $900 monthly rent undercuts neighboring Pine County ($873) and compares favorably to Polk County ($843). However, homeownership costs in Pennington ($1,076/month) are notably higher than in rural Pipestone ($787) or Redwood ($784) counties.
Housing takes a modest slice of income
On a median income of $72,561, renters spend $900 monthly while homeowners pay $1,076—totaling about 15% and 18% of household income respectively. The affordability gap between renting and owning widens in Pennington, where median home values reach $188,900.
Consider Pennington for balanced housing costs
If you're weighing relocation, Pennington offers housing costs near national averages with a decent income base. Compare it to Red Lake County's exceptional 9.7% rent burden or Ramsey County's tight 19.2% ratio to find your affordability sweet spot.
Pennington County's median household income of $72,561 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 3%. This places the county near the middle of the national income distribution, where most American households earn between $50,000 and $85,000 annually.
Mid-Tier Earner in Minnesota
Pennington ranks in the middle of Minnesota's 87 counties with a median household income below the state average of $75,757. The county's $72,561 reflects typical earnings for rural northern Minnesota communities.
Strong Among Regional Peers
Pennington's $72,561 median income outperforms nearby Pipestone County ($66,073) and Redwood County ($67,024), but trails the more prosperous Ramsey County ($81,004). Within its rural region, Pennington ranks as a solid middle-income community.
Housing Costs Remain Reasonable
The county's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio shows housing costs are affordable—well below the 30% threshold that signals housing stress. With a median home value of $188,900 and stable household income, homeownership is within reach for most working families.
Build Financial Security Here
Pennington households earning $72,561 have meaningful opportunity to save and invest after covering basic expenses. Starting an emergency fund, exploring retirement accounts, and consulting a financial advisor can help unlock long-term wealth building.
Pennington County residents live to 78.3 years on average, slightly below Minnesota's 78.7-year state average but ahead of the U.S. median of 76.4 years. Just 13.4% of residents report poor or fair health—a sign of strong overall wellness compared to the national rate of 16.1%.
Middle of the pack statewide
Pennington ranks in the middle tier for life expectancy within Minnesota, trailing the state average by 0.4 years. The county's 13.4% poor/fair health rate is notably better than many Minnesota counties, reflecting decent population health outcomes.
Better access than adjacent counties
Pennington County has 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly double the supply in neighboring Pine County (17 per 100K). With 335 mental health providers per 100K, Pennington offers robust behavioral health access compared to most regional peers.
Healthcare access without coverage gaps
Only 3.4% of Pennington County residents lack health insurance, well below the state average of 6.0% and among the best rates in Minnesota. Combined with strong provider availability, most residents can access preventive and urgent care without major barriers.
Keep coverage strong in your community
With one of Minnesota's lowest uninsured rates, Pennington residents are doing well—but those without coverage should explore options at healthcare.gov or MNsure.org. Check your eligibility for Medicaid or subsidized plans to maintain this county's healthcare advantage.
Pennington's risk sits slightly above U.S. average
Pennington County scores 46.98 on the composite risk scale, placing it modestly above the national average. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects a mixed hazard profile—some risks exceed national norms while others remain manageable. Understanding which threats matter most locally helps you prepare more effectively.
Mid-range risk ranking within Minnesota
Pennington County's composite score of 46.98 slightly exceeds Minnesota's average of 42.38, ranking it toward the middle of the state's 87 counties. While not among Minnesota's safest or most at-risk counties, the profile warrants focused preparation for specific hazards. Regional neighbors show notably different risk patterns worth comparing.
Northwestern peers face varied hazard exposure
Pennington County's risk level (46.98) falls between Polk County to the west at 67.05 and Pope County to the south at 20.55, reflecting Pennington's middle position in the northwest region. Pennington faces higher wildfire exposure (82.25) than Pope County (36.51), while tornado risk (26.40) remains well below Minnesota's most vulnerable counties. This clustering shows how geography shapes distinct disaster patterns across neighboring areas.
Wildfire and flood dominate Pennington's hazard mix
Wildfire risk reaches 82.25 in Pennington County—among the state's highest—driven by forest coverage and seasonal dryness that make spring and fall particularly dangerous. Flood risk scores 67.81, reflecting seasonal river dynamics and spring snowmelt that periodically threaten communities and infrastructure across the county. Tornado risk is comparatively low at 26.40, well below the state median.
Prepare for fire and water in Pennington County
Standard homeowners insurance rarely covers wildfire or flood damage, making separate coverage essential—obtain a wildfire rider and file a National Flood Insurance Program policy if you're in a mapped flood zone. Create defensible space around structures by clearing vegetation and gutters, and maintain a property evacuation plan given the county's elevated wildfire threat. Review your coverage annually and after any hazard event to ensure protection keeps pace with property value.