countyscore
66.9
County Score
Safety 88.2Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 85.3

County Report Card

About Pipestone County, Minnesota

A National Leader in Livability

Pipestone County shines with a composite score of 67.0, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in the top 20% of all jurisdictions nationwide.

Outpacing the Minnesota Average

Pipestone exceeds the Minnesota average of 55.8 by over 11 points, establishing itself as a premier state destination. It thrives by combining rural affordability with high-end safety metrics.

Exceptional Safety and Resource Stability

Safety is the county's crown jewel, earning a remarkable score of 88.2. Residents also enjoy excellent resource security, evidenced by a water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 85.3.

Tax Burdens and Schooling Gaps

Despite its strengths, the tax score of 44.5 indicates a moderate financial burden for homeowners. The school score of 50.4 is also the lowest dimension, suggesting average performance for local educational institutions.

Perfect for Safety-Conscious Retirees

With low home values of $126,700 and elite safety ratings, this county is a haven for retirees or those on fixed incomes. It offers peace of mind and resource reliability that few other counties can match.

Score breakdown

Tax44.5Cost68Safety88.2Health75Schools50.4Income57.1Risk85.3Water86Weather45.9
🏛44.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.2
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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Deep Dives

Pipestone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pipestone County

via TaxByCounty

Pipestone offers modest tax burden

Pipestone County's 0.911% effective tax rate sits slightly below the national median of 0.968%, offering relative affordability. The median home value of $126,700 is 55% below the US median of $281,900, making this one of Minnesota's most affordable counties for both purchase price and property taxes.

Below-average rate in Minnesota

At 0.911%, Pipestone County's effective tax rate falls below the state average of 0.968%, placing it comfortably in the lower-tax category among Minnesota's 87 counties. This positions the county as a relatively tax-friendly option statewide.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Pipestone's 0.911% rate compares favorably to Pope County at 0.789% and Redwood County at 0.960%, all tracking near the state average. The county's lower home values mean residents pay less in absolute dollars despite similar percentage rates.

Just $1,154 annually on median home

The median home in Pipestone County valued at $126,700 generates approximately $1,154 in annual property taxes at the 0.911% effective rate. This is notably lower than the state median of $2,168, reflecting both the modest home prices and reasonable tax rate in the county.

Appeal opportunities exist here too

Even in lower-cost counties, assessment errors occur and properties may be valued higher than fair market value. Pipestone County homeowners should confirm their assessments are accurate and file an appeal if necessary to protect their investment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pipestone County

via CostByCounty

Pipestone punches well above affordability average

Pipestone County boasts Minnesota's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 13.3%, comfortably below both the national average of 14.5% and state average of 14.5%. Despite a median income of $66,073—the lowest among these eight counties—Pipestone delivers exceptional housing affordability.

Most affordable rental market in comparison group

Pipestone County leads this cohort with a 13.3% rent-to-income ratio, well below Minnesota's 14.5% average. The median rent of just $731 is nearly $200 cheaper than the state median of $915.

Unbeatable rents across the region

Pipestone's $731 monthly rent substantially undercuts all regional peers—Pennington ($900), Pine ($873), Polk ($843), and others. Homeownership costs ($787/month) are equally competitive, making Pipestone the region's affordability champion.

Housing costs consume smallest income slice

Pipestone's $66,073 median income paired with $731 rent means renters spend just 13.3% on housing—well below the comfort threshold. Homeowners pay $787 monthly, or roughly 14.2%, making both renting and owning highly affordable.

Pipestone: where affordability really shines

Relocating to Pipestone means stretching your paycheck further than almost anywhere in Minnesota. With rent near $731 and home values around $126,700, Pipestone is ideal for those prioritizing housing affordability over metro-area amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pipestone County

via IncomeByCounty

Pipestone Trails National Income Standard

Pipestone County's median household income of $66,073 runs 12% below the national median of $74,755. The county sits in the lower third of American income rankings, reflecting its rural agricultural economy.

Among Minnesota's Lower-Earning Counties

Pipestone ranks toward the bottom of Minnesota's county income distribution with a median of $66,073, trailing the state average of $75,757 by nearly $10,000. Rural southwestern Minnesota communities face structural income limitations.

Lowest Income in Immediate Region

Pipestone's $66,073 is the lowest among its regional peers, underperforming Pennington County ($72,561), Polk County ($69,136), and Pope County ($72,205). Only Redwood County at $67,024 comes close to Pipestone's income levels.

Strong Housing Affordability Advantage

Pipestone's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in the region, and its median home value of $126,700 is the most affordable. Lower housing costs provide meaningful relief despite modest household incomes.

Low Housing Costs Create Saving Space

Pipestone households benefit from below-average housing burdens, freeing up income for savings and investment. Directing even 10% of earnings to savings vehicles can build meaningful wealth over a career.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pipestone County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Pipestone County

Pipestone County boasts an elite safety score of 99.6, making it one of the safest jurisdictions in the country. The total crime rate of 255.8 per 100K is nearly ten times lower than the national average.

A Top-Tier Performer in Minnesota

Pipestone's safety score of 99.6 easily beats the state average of 98.2. The county ranks as a leader in public safety within Minnesota, though data comes from a single reporting agency.

Pipestone Leads Its Regional Peers

At just 255.8 crimes per 100K, Pipestone is significantly safer than neighboring Redwood County at 946.3. It maintains a level of security that few other counties in the region can match.

Minimal Violent Crime Levels

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here, with a rate of only 42.6 per 100K residents. Property crime is also remarkably low at 213.2, which is roughly one-tenth of the national property crime rate.

Preserving Your Peace of Mind

Even in low-crime areas, simple precautions like motion-sensor lights provide added security. Community vigilance ensures Pipestone remains a model of rural safety and stability.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pipestone County

via HealthByCounty

Health outcomes slightly below U.S. norms

Pipestone County residents live to 77.3 years on average, just 0.9 years below the U.S. median of 76.4 years but 1.4 years behind Minnesota's 78.7-year state average. At 15.2% reporting poor or fair health, Pipestone faces health challenges comparable to the national average of 16.1%.

Lower life expectancy within Minnesota

Pipestone County ranks in Minnesota's lower half for life expectancy, falling 1.4 years behind the state average. The 15.2% poor/fair health rate places it near the state median, reflecting moderate health equity concerns.

Moderate provider access, uneven distribution

Pipestone County has 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below the state average but higher than neighbors like Pine County (17 per 100K). Mental health access is limited at 130 providers per 100K, roughly half the state average.

Higher uninsured rate impacts daily care

At 7.3% uninsured, Pipestone County exceeds the state average of 6.0%, with limited provider networks making coverage gaps more consequential. Residents without insurance face both cost barriers and geographic challenges in accessing preventive and specialty care.

Strengthen your health security today

In Pipestone County, having insurance protects you against unexpected costs and ensures access to scarce providers. Check your eligibility for coverage at MNsure.org or through your employer—every covered resident strengthens community health resilience.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pipestone County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Success in Pipestone Schools

Pipestone County operates 10 public schools serving 1,599 students across two school districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary, two middle, and four high schools, along with three alternative learning sites.

Academic Excellence Outpaces State Averages

With an 87.6% graduation rate, Pipestone County outperforms both the Minnesota state average of 86.6% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. This success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,000, which is slightly below the state average of $8,463.

Pipestone Area Schools Anchor the County

The Pipestone Area School District is the dominant provider, enrolling 1,105 students across four campuses. The Edgerton Public School District serves the remaining 434 students, and no charter schools are currently active in the county.

Balanced Town and Rural Schooling

Schools are evenly split between town and rural locales, maintaining an intimate average school size of 200 students. Pipestone Elementary is the largest site with 519 students, while Edgerton Secondary operates with just 209 students.

Home Ownership Near Top-Performing Schools

The county's high graduation rates make it an attractive destination for families focused on academic results. Exploring homes near the Pipestone or Edgerton districts offers the benefit of a high-performing, small-town education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pipestone County

via RiskByCounty

Pipestone County ranks among America's safest

Pipestone County scores just 14.73 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This exceptionally low exposure reflects the county's prairie landscape, distance from major fault lines, and limited exposure to water hazards. Pipestone is one of Minnesota's genuinely low-risk counties.

Pipestone among Minnesota's safest counties

Pipestone County's composite score of 14.73 ranks far below Minnesota's average of 42.38, placing it in the state's safest tier. All individual hazards remain below state medians, with flood risk at 18.54 and wildfire at 19.08 reflecting the county's open prairie geography. This protective position means Pipestone residents face genuinely minimal disaster exposure statewide.

Pipestone enjoys exceptional advantage among peers

Pipestone County's score of 14.73 ranks substantially lower than surrounding counties including Pope (20.55) to the north and Redwood (35.05) to the east. This protective position reflects Pipestone's flat, open terrain and agricultural use that create fewer fire and flood vulnerabilities than neighboring forested or river-prone areas. The comparison underscores Pipestone's genuinely favorable position within the region.

Tornado is Pipestone's primary natural hazard concern

Tornado risk reaches 38.55 in Pipestone County, the only hazard exceeding state average—reflecting the county's exposure to severe spring and early summer storms common to prairie regions. Flood risk (18.54) and wildfire risk (19.08) remain very low thanks to the county's agricultural landscape with limited forest and moderate water drainage. Earthquake risk is negligible at 11.32.

Prepare for Pipestone's primary tornado threat

While Pipestone County's overall risk remains very low, tornado preparedness is essential given the 38.55 tornado risk score—identify a safe room or basement in your home and practice a family plan. Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, but ensure your coverage limits reflect your home's replacement cost in today's market. Review your policy every three years and after any significant home improvements or updates.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pipestone County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Cold Continental Climate

Pipestone County averages 44.4°F annually, which is nearly 10 degrees cooler than the national median of approximately 54°F. This humid continental climate experiences sharp seasonal swings and moderate annual precipitation of 28.6 inches.

Warmer Than the Minnesota Average

The county's 44.4°F average temperature sits higher than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. This makes Pipestone one of the relatively warmer regions in the state, despite its cold winters.

Drier and Cooler Than Neighbors

Pipestone is slightly cooler and drier than neighboring Redwood County, which averages 44.9°F and 29.3 inches of rain. Its 39.6 inches of annual snowfall is also lower than many counties to the east.

Cold Winters and Brief Heat

January averages a cold 13.6°F, while July heats up to an average of 71.8°F. The county sees about 11 days of extreme heat over 90°F and receives nearly 40 inches of snow each year.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Spans

High-efficiency furnaces are essential to handle the 17.0°F winter average. Residents should also maintain cooling systems to manage the 11 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pipestone County

via SoilByCounty

Pipestone's Neutral Entisol Soils

Pipestone County soil is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.02, which is higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21. The dominant taxonomic order is Entisols, representing relatively young soils with undeveloped horizons. It maintains a respectable soil score of 69.0.

Balanced Mix for Nutrient Retention

The soil is a silty blend consisting of 48.0% silt, 26.6% sand, and 25.4% clay. This balanced texture provides the structural strength of clay with the drainage benefits of sand. It offers good workability and is effective at holding onto essential nutrients.

Leaner Soil with Stable Water Storage

Organic matter levels stand at 4.24%, which is lower than the state average of 9.90% but remains double the national average. Available water capacity is measured at 0.194 in/in, aligning closely with the state benchmark of 0.199 in/in. These figures indicate a stable, if not overly rich, growing environment.

Naturally Well-Drained Landscapes

Pipestone's soil is officially classified as well-drained, making it excellent for agriculture and construction. This drainage class prevents the ponding of water and ensures roots stay aerated even after heavy rains. It is a reliable choice for building foundations and diverse farming operations.

Flourishing in Zone 4b

In Zone 4b, Pipestone supports a variety of prairie grasses, corn, and soybeans. The well-drained silty soil is also excellent for home vegetable gardens featuring root crops and hardy perennials. Gardeners are encouraged to add compost to boost the organic matter above its natural 4.24% level.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pipestone County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing in Pipestone County

Pipestone County holds a lawn difficulty score of 62.2, nearly matching the state average of 63.9. This Zone 4b region provides a standard prairie environment that is more manageable than the national average score of 50.0.

Warmer Summers in the Southwest

With 11 extreme heat days per year, this county is hotter than the Minnesota average of 8 days. Annual precipitation sits at 28.6 inches, slightly below the state average, requiring supplemental watering during the 2,611 growing degree days.

Ideal pH and Well-Drained Soil

The soil pH is an impressive 7.02, which is perfect for most turfgrass varieties. The landscape features well-drained soil with a 25.4% clay content, providing a stable foundation that holds nutrients better than sandy northern soils.

Dry Conditions Across the County

The county has endured 18 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Residents should implement mulch-mowing to retain soil moisture during the heat of the summer.

Take Advantage of Early Spring

Zone 4b allows for a slightly earlier start, with the last frost typically occurring by May 4. Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for these well-drained soils before the first frost arrives on October 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pipestone County's county score?
Pipestone County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 66.9 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 Pipestone County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Pipestone County ranks #13 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 Pipestone County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Pipestone County is $1,154, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Pipestone County a tax score of 44.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pipestone County?
The median household income in Pipestone County, Minnesota is $66,073 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pipestone County earns an income score of 57.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pipestone County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Pipestone County scores 66.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Pipestone 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 Pipestone County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.