countyscore
46.9
County Score
Health 75.8Soil Quality 65.6Income & Jobs 65.5

County Report Card

About Pine County, Minnesota

Hovering Near the National Median

Pine County posts a composite score of 46.9, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the middle tier of American counties, offering a balanced but modest livability profile.

Below the State Performance Curve

The county's 46.9 score is nearly nine points lower than the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It remains a work in progress compared to the top-tier counties in the North Star State.

Robust Health and Moderate Incomes

A health score of 75.8 stands out as the county's primary asset for residents. This is complemented by a respectable income score of 65.5, with median household earnings reaching nearly $70,000.

Safety and Environmental Risks

The county struggles with a safety score of 35.5 and a risk score of 37.9, indicating room for improvement in community security. Environmental factors also weigh down the profile, with a water score of only 38.3.

A Practical Choice for Commuters

Pine County suits middle-income families looking for a standard Minnesota lifestyle with decent health access. It offers a fair compromise for those who can navigate the local safety and environmental trade-offs.

Score breakdown

Tax47.3Cost36.9Safety35.5Health75.8Schools43.5Income65.5Risk37.9Water38.3Weather48.9
🏛47.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Burnett County
Wisconsin
47.6
Kanabec County
Minnesota
52.6
Chisago County
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46.2
Polk County
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Washburn County
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Isanti County
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Carlton County
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Mille Lacs County
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Deep Dives

Pine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pine County

via TaxByCounty

Pine County taxes run below US average

Pine County's 0.875% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.968%, placing it in the more tax-friendly range. With a median home value of $225,600—20% below the US median—residents here enjoy both lower-priced homes and a gentler tax burden.

Among Minnesota's lowest tax rates

Pine County ranks in the lower half statewide for effective tax rate at 0.875%, notably below Minnesota's 0.968% average. This makes it one of the more affordable counties for property taxation in the state.

Better rates than most regional peers

Pine County's 0.875% effective rate beats nearby Duluth-area counties and northern Minnesota neighbors. Compared to Pennington County at 1.218% and Polk County at 0.999%, Pine residents pay meaningfully less in property taxes relative to home value.

Roughly $1,973 on a median home

A median home valued at $225,600 in Pine County generates approximately $1,973 in annual property taxes at the 0.875% effective rate. This is nearly $200 below the state median of $2,168, reflecting the county's more modest tax burden.

Verify your home's assessment value

Even in lower-tax counties, overassessment happens when property values decline or improvements aren't properly credited. Pine County homeowners should review their assessments regularly and appeal if they believe the value is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pine County

via CostByCounty

Pine County renters just above national baseline

Pine County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% edges slightly above the national average of 14.5%, though the county's median household income of $69,666 falls $5,089 short of the U.S. median. At $873 monthly, rent remains affordable despite modest incomes.

Just above Minnesota's rental affordability average

Pine County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% state average by a hair. The median rent of $873 undercuts the statewide median of $915, making it slightly more affordable than the typical Minnesota county.

Affordable rents; higher homeownership costs

Pine County's $873 rent is the lowest among regional peers like Pennington ($900) and Polk ($843), though just shy of Pipestone's bargain $731. Homebuyers face $1,051 monthly costs—higher than Pipestone or Redwood but lower than Pennington.

Renters get the better deal than owners

At $69,666 median income, Pine County renters dedicate 15% to the $873 monthly rent, while homeowners stretch to 18% paying $1,051. The median home value of $225,600 makes ownership a heavier lift than renting for most households.

Pine's rental market rewards budget-conscious families

If affordable rents matter most, Pine County's $873 median is among Minnesota's lowest. But compare ownership costs carefully—Pine homeowners pay more than renters relative to income, unlike cheaper counties like Pipestone or Redwood.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pine County

via IncomeByCounty

Pine County Below National Income Median

Pine County's median household income of $69,666 falls about 7% short of the national median of $74,755. This positions the county in the lower-middle range of American income distribution.

Lower-Income County in Minnesota

Pine County's $69,666 median income ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it among the lower-earning counties in the state. The gap of approximately $6,000 reflects the economic challenges of rural northeastern Minnesota.

Struggles Against Wealthier Neighbors

Pine County trails nearby Ramsey County ($81,004) by over $11,000 and underperforms regional peers like Pennington County ($72,561). Within its region, Pine faces income headwinds comparable to Redwood County ($67,024).

Housing Affordable Despite Lower Income

Pine County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing costs relative to local earnings. Though median home values of $225,600 are substantial, the ratio shows most households can afford stable housing.

Strategic Saving Builds Resilience

At $69,666 median income, Pine County households should prioritize building emergency savings first, then explore employer retirement plans and tax-advantaged accounts. Even modest regular contributions compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pine County

via CrimeByCounty

Pine County Outperforms National Safety Marks

Pine County earns a safety score of 97.6 out of 100, reflecting a strong culture of public security. Its total crime rate of 1,498.8 per 100K is much lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Ranking Pine County Within Minnesota

With a safety score of 97.6, the county sits slightly behind the state average of 98.2. Although a single reporting agency provides this data, the figures suggest a stable environment for its citizens.

Pine County vs. Regional Neighbors

Pine County's crime rate of 1,498.8 per 100K is higher than Pope County's rate of 610.0. However, Pine remains far safer than the more urban Ramsey County, where crime rates exceed 4,185 per 100K.

Property and Violent Crime Proportions

Violent crime in Pine County stands at 268.1 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,230.7 incidents per 100K, making it the primary concern for local law enforcement.

Strategies for a Secure Home

Effective lighting and locked entry points deter most property-related offenses. Staying informed about local trends helps Pine County residents maintain their high standard of living and safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pine County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below national average

Pine County residents live to 76.9 years on average, 1.5 years shorter than the U.S. median of 76.4 years and 1.8 years below Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. With 15.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces steeper health challenges than most Americans.

Struggling with Minnesota's worst metrics

Pine County ranks among Minnesota's lowest counties for life expectancy, trailing the state average by nearly two years. The 15.0% poor/fair health rate places it in the bottom quartile statewide, signaling persistent health inequities in the population.

Severe shortage of medical providers

Pine County has just 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest rate among its neighbors and roughly one-third the state average. With 225 mental health providers per 100K, behavioral health access is strained compared to counties like Pennington (335 per 100K).

High uninsured rate and limited options

At 6.8% uninsured, Pine County exceeds the state average of 6.0%, meaning nearly 700 residents per 100,000 lack coverage. The acute shortage of primary care providers compounds this gap, forcing many residents to travel long distances for routine medical care.

Coverage is critical for Pine County

Without insurance, Pine County residents face both cost and access barriers in a county with limited providers. Visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to explore Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, or marketplace plans—investing in coverage can be lifesaving here.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pine County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Reach Across Seventeen Pine County Schools

Pine County supports 3,817 students across 17 public schools, including nine high schools and six elementary schools. This network is organized into four distinct districts that serve a predominantly rural population.

Strong Investment Despite Graduation Challenges

The county invests $8,847 per pupil, which exceeds the Minnesota state average of $8,463. However, the graduation rate of 80.0% trails the state average of 86.6%, suggesting a need for continued focus on student retention and completion.

Pine City Public Schools Drive Enrollment

The Pine City Public School District is the largest in the area, serving 1,586 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Hinckley-Finlayson and East Central, which together manage nine of the county's seventeen campuses.

Rural Identity with Specialized Facilities

With 13 of 17 schools located in rural settings, the average school size stays relatively small at 254 students. While Pine City Elementary hosts 840 students, the county also maintains three alternative schools and three special education facilities to meet diverse needs.

Find Your Home in a Rural District

Homebuyers seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle will find varied educational options within Pine County's expansive districts. Proximity to the county's well-funded elementary and secondary schools remains a top priority for local families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pine County

via RiskByCounty

Pine County's risk moderately exceeds U.S. baseline

Pine County scores 62.15 on the composite risk scale, placing it comfortably above the national average. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects a diverse hazard profile anchored by elevated flood and wildfire exposure. The score signals meaningful but manageable risk that calls for targeted preparation rather than extreme alarm.

Pine County ranks among Minnesota's higher-risk counties

Pine County's composite score of 62.15 substantially exceeds Minnesota's state average of 42.38, positioning it in the upper third of the state's 87 counties. This elevation is driven primarily by flood risk (69.27) and wildfire exposure (65.78) that reflect the county's forest and river geography. The ranking underscores Pine's distinct vulnerability profile compared to most Minnesota counties.

Pine County faces higher exposure than northeast peers

Pine County's score of 62.15 notably exceeds Red Lake County to the west (2.16) and Polk County to the northwest (67.05), putting it in a distinctive middle-upper position. Pine's tornado risk (52.04) exceeds most regional neighbors, while its wildfire exposure (65.78) reflects substantial forest coverage that dominates northeastern Minnesota. This positioning makes Pine more vulnerable than some neighbors but less exposed than Minnesota's highest-risk counties.

Flooding and wildfire shape Pine County safety

Flood risk scores 69.27, reflecting the St. Louis and Kettle Rivers that drain through the county and pose seasonal inundation threats, especially during spring snowmelt. Wildfire risk reaches 65.78, driven by dense boreal forest that covers roughly 60% of the county and creates fuel for potential large-scale fires. Tornado risk is moderate at 52.04, more significant than lower-risk Minnesota counties but below the state's most tornado-prone areas.

Safeguard against water and fire in Pine County

Obtain a separate flood insurance policy immediately if your home is in a mapped flood zone—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Invest in a wildfire insurance rider and create defensible space by removing dead trees, clearing brush within 100 feet of structures, and keeping gutters clean. Meet with your insurance agent annually to verify coverage limits match your home's current replacement value and location-specific risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pine County

via WeatherByCounty

Boreal-Influenced Northern Climate

Pine's 40.7°F average temperature is significantly lower than the national median. It experiences a climate with long, snowy winters and very mild summers.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county stays about 2 degrees cooler than the Minnesota state average. It is consistently cooler than its southern neighbors closer to the Twin Cities.

Leading the Region in Snowfall

Pine is a snow leader, receiving 54.5 inches annually—the highest among these counties. It is also wetter than the state average with 33.3 inches of precipitation.

The Most Snow in the Group

Summers are very mild with only 3 days of extreme heat. January averages 10.0°F, and the overall winter average stays low at 13.9°F.

Focus on Heavy Snow Management

Snow removal strategy is the top priority for the 54.5-inch annual total. Energy-efficient windows help mitigate the impact of the cold 13.9°F winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pine County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Ground of Pine County

Pine County features extremely acidic soil with a pH of 3.89, far lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH contributes to a soil score of 65.6, which trails the state average. These conditions are unique for the region and require specific management for traditional agriculture.

Silty and Sand-Based Texture

The soil is comprised of 33.0% sand, 30.6% silt, and a very low 7.4% clay. This light texture means the soil lacks the heavy structure found in other parts of the state. It offers decent workability but has limited natural cohesion due to the minimal clay content.

A Reservoir of Organic Material

Despite the high acidity, the soil contains 29.21% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.266 in/in, well above the state benchmark. This creates a sponge-like soil that holds moisture exceptionally well.

Moisture Retention in Light Soils

Though specific drainage classifications are unavailable, the high organic matter and low clay content suggest a soil that holds water but may lack structural stability. For builders, this means managing high moisture levels in a light, sandy matrix. Farmers must account for the high water capacity when planning irrigation.

The Perfect Home for Acid-Lovers

Located in Zone 4a, Pine County is ideal for acid-loving plants like blueberries and cranberries. The high moisture capacity and low pH create a niche environment that differs from neighboring agricultural counties. Local gardeners should prioritize crops that tolerate acidic conditions and cold winters.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pine County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions for Pine County Lawns

Pine County presents a tough challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 47.2, falling well below the Minnesota average of 63.9. Maintaining a lush lawn in this Zone 4a region requires significantly more effort than the national average.

Cool Temps and Ample Rain

The county receives 33.3 inches of annual precipitation, slightly exceeding the state average of 30.0 inches. Despite having only 3 extreme heat days, the 1,857 growing degree days indicate a relatively cool and short season for grass development.

High Acidity Requires Soil Amendments

Soil chemistry is a major hurdle here, as the extremely acidic pH of 3.89 sits far below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. With a sandy composition of 33.0% and only 7.4% clay, significant lime amendments are necessary to neutralize the soil and retain nutrients.

Severe Drought Risks for Pine

Resilience is low after 25 weeks of drought this past year, with 73.7% of the county currently suffering from severe conditions. Constant monitoring and water conservation are essential since 100% of the area remains abnormally dry.

Planting Around the Pine Frost

Hardy cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue are best suited for these Zone 4a conditions and acidic soil challenges. Time your planting between the last frost on May 16 and the first frost on September 26 to maximize the limited growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pine County's county score?
Pine County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Pine County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Pine County ranks #70 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 Pine County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Pine County is $1,973, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Pine County a tax score of 47.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pine County?
The median household income in Pine County, Minnesota is $69,666 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pine County earns an income score of 65.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pine County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Pine County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Pine 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 Pine County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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