Pipestone County's composite score of 75.2 sits 25 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This represents notably superior livability conditions compared to the typical American county.
2 / 5
Outperforms the Minnesota average
At 75.2, Pipestone County ranks above Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it in the upper tier among all 87 state counties. It is among the stronger-performing counties in Minnesota.
3 / 5
Affordability and risk resilience excel
Pipestone County leads in cost (83.4) and risk (85.3), offering exceptional housing affordability with a median home value of just $126,700 and rent of $731/month. These lowest-cost metrics in this cohort reflect strong economic stability and resilience.
4 / 5
Income potential remains limited
With an income score of 26.5 and median household income of $66,073, Pipestone County has the lowest earning potential in this group. While affordability compensates, residents face real constraints on wealth accumulation.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and minimalists
Pipestone County is ideal for retirees, fixed-income households, and anyone prioritizing extreme affordability and community stability over earning potential. The combination of low costs and strong risk resilience makes it a haven for those seeking financial peace of mind.
Pipestone County's composite score of 75.2 sits 25 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This represents notably superior livability conditions compared to the typical American county.
Outperforms the Minnesota average
At 75.2, Pipestone County ranks above Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it in the upper tier among all 87 state counties. It is among the stronger-performing counties in Minnesota.
Affordability and risk resilience excel
Pipestone County leads in cost (83.4) and risk (85.3), offering exceptional housing affordability with a median home value of just $126,700 and rent of $731/month. These lowest-cost metrics in this cohort reflect strong economic stability and resilience.
Income potential remains limited
With an income score of 26.5 and median household income of $66,073, Pipestone County has the lowest earning potential in this group. While affordability compensates, residents face real constraints on wealth accumulation.
Perfect for retirees and minimalists
Pipestone County is ideal for retirees, fixed-income households, and anyone prioritizing extreme affordability and community stability over earning potential. The combination of low costs and strong risk resilience makes it a haven for those seeking financial peace of mind.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛76.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.