Pope County's composite score of 74.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 24.5 points, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This represents substantially above-average livability for American standards.
2 / 5
Outranks Minnesota's state average
At 74.5, Pope County surpasses Minnesota's average of 70.9, ranking it in the upper tier among all 87 state counties. It is a standout performer relative to its state peers.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and health outcomes stand out
Pope County boasts the second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.789% paired with a tax score of 80.1, plus strong health (79.1) and risk resilience (79.5). Median income of $72,205 and median home value of $242,800 show solid economic footing.
4 / 5
Income potential could be higher
With an income score of 30.5 and median household income of $72,205, Pope County shows modest earning potential compared to wealthier Minnesota regions. This is the primary area for improvement in the county's livability profile.
5 / 5
Excellent for tax-savvy, stable families
Pope County suits households prioritizing tax efficiency, strong healthcare, and economic stability over high incomes. It's an ideal match for families seeking a well-balanced lifestyle with excellent government services and manageable costs.
Pope County's composite score of 74.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 24.5 points, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. This represents substantially above-average livability for American standards.
Outranks Minnesota's state average
At 74.5, Pope County surpasses Minnesota's average of 70.9, ranking it in the upper tier among all 87 state counties. It is a standout performer relative to its state peers.
Tax efficiency and health outcomes stand out
Pope County boasts the second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.789% paired with a tax score of 80.1, plus strong health (79.1) and risk resilience (79.5). Median income of $72,205 and median home value of $242,800 show solid economic footing.
Income potential could be higher
With an income score of 30.5 and median household income of $72,205, Pope County shows modest earning potential compared to wealthier Minnesota regions. This is the primary area for improvement in the county's livability profile.
Excellent for tax-savvy, stable families
Pope County suits households prioritizing tax efficiency, strong healthcare, and economic stability over high incomes. It's an ideal match for families seeking a well-balanced lifestyle with excellent government services and manageable costs.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛80.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Pope County's 0.789% effective tax rate is 18% below the national median of 0.968%, placing it firmly in the tax-friendly category. The median home value of $242,800 approaches the national median, but residents benefit from one of Minnesota's lowest percentage tax rates.
Among Minnesota's lowest tax rates
At 0.789%, Pope County ranks among the lowest effective tax rates statewide, well below Minnesota's 0.968% average. This makes it one of the most tax-favorable counties in the state for property owners.
Significantly lower than area peers
Pope County's 0.789% rate substantially undercuts nearby Pipestone County at 0.911% and Redwood County at 0.960%. Despite having higher median home values than these neighbors, Pope residents pay less in property taxes due to the county's notably lower effective rate.
Minimal $1,915 annual tax burden
The median home in Pope County valued at $242,800 generates approximately $1,915 in annual property taxes at the 0.789% effective rate. This is 12% below the state median of $2,168, delivering significant tax savings despite the county's higher median home values.
Still worth auditing your assessment
Even in low-tax counties, property values can be overestimated by assessors, especially when the local real estate market shifts. Pope County homeowners should verify their assessments and appeal if the value exceeds fair market worth.
Pope County exceeds national affordability standards
Pope County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% sits comfortably below the national average of 14.5%, delivering above-average housing affordability. With a median household income of $72,205 and median rent of $851, renters keep housing costs lean relative to income.
Better than Minnesota's average on rentals
Pope County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Minnesota's 14.5% state average, ranking among the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $851 runs $64 below the state median of $915.
Reasonable rents; steepest home values
Pope's $851 rent aligns with regional peers like Polk ($843), but its median home value of $242,800 is the highest in this comparison group. Homeowners pay $1,085 monthly, comparable to Polk but steeper than rural alternatives.
Renters enjoy lean housing ratios
On Pope's median income of $72,205, renters spend just 14.1% ($851 monthly) on housing, below both national and state averages. Homeowners allocate 18.1% ($1,085) to owner costs, making the rental market notably more accessible.
Pope County appeals to renters and prudent buyers
Pope's 14.1% rent ratio beats national averages, making it attractive for renters seeking affordability. Prospective homebuyers should factor in the county's elevated home values ($242,800) against cheaper alternatives like Pipestone ($126,700).
Pope County's median household income of $72,205 falls about 3.4% short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks near the U.S. middle, where most families earn between $70,000 and $80,000.
Mid-Range Earner in Minnesota
Pope County's $72,205 income sits below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, though it's closer to the middle of the statewide distribution. The county represents typical rural Minnesota income levels.
Outperforms Western Rural Counties
Pope County's $72,205 exceeds Pipestone County ($66,073) and Redwood County ($67,024), matching Pennington County ($72,561) closely. The county significantly underperforms Ramsey County's $81,004 median.
Solid Housing Cost Balance
Pope County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing burdens despite a median home value of $242,800. The higher property values reflect the county's relative prosperity, yet remain affordable on local incomes.
Invest in Your Future Now
Pope County households earning $72,205 can comfortably save 15–20% of gross income while maintaining standard living. Exploring 401(k)s, IRAs, and diversified investments positions families for long-term financial security.
Pope County residents live to 78.1 years on average, 1.7 years above the U.S. median of 76.4 years but 0.6 years below Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. At 14.9% reporting poor or fair health, the county is healthier than the U.S. average of 16.1%.
Solid health outcomes within Minnesota
Pope County ranks in Minnesota's upper-middle tier for life expectancy, trailing the state average by only 0.6 years. The 14.9% poor/fair health rate is better than most Minnesota counties, reflecting relatively strong population wellness.
Strong primary care, modest mental health
Pope County has 114 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in its region and well above state medians. However, mental health providers are limited at 149 per 100K, suggesting potential gaps in behavioral health care.
Low uninsured rate, good preventive access
At 4.5% uninsured, Pope County is well below the state average of 6.0%, with most residents covered. Strong primary care capacity means residents can access preventive services and routine medical care without major barriers.
Maintain Pope County's coverage advantage
Pope County's low uninsured rate is a community asset worth protecting—check that your family stays covered through work or MNsure.org. Those without insurance should apply immediately to maintain access to the county's strong primary care network.
Pope County scores just 20.55 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and earning a "Very Low" risk designation. This low exposure reflects the county's prairie and agricultural landscape that limits fire and flood vulnerabilities. Pope County represents a genuinely safe option within the broader U.S. natural hazard context.
Pope among Minnesota's safest counties
Pope County's composite score of 20.55 ranks substantially below Minnesota's average of 42.38, placing it firmly in the state's safest tier. All hazard categories remain well below state medians, with flood risk at 36.70 and wildfire at 36.51 reflecting the county's open agricultural landscape. This protective position means Pope residents enjoy far lower disaster exposure than most Minnesotans.
Pope County benefits from prairie protection
Pope County's score of 20.55 ranks lower than Pennington County to the northeast (46.98) and Pipestone County to the south (14.73), placing it in a favorable middle-safe zone. Pope's agricultural terrain creates fewer fire and flood vulnerabilities than neighboring counties with greater forest coverage or river exposure. This geographic advantage results in genuinely minimal disaster risk across the county.
Tornado poses Pope County's primary hazard
Tornado risk reaches 30.18 in Pope County, the only hazard of substantial note—reflecting the county's prairie location where spring storms can develop quickly and intensely. Flood risk (36.70) and wildfire risk (36.51) both remain below state averages thanks to open agricultural landscape and limited forest coverage. Earthquake risk is negligible at 3.91.
Maintain tornado readiness in Pope County
While Pope County's overall risk remains very low, tornado preparedness is essential—identify a safe room or basement in your home and establish a family safety plan. Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, but verify your coverage limits reflect today's replacement costs. Review your policy every three years and after any significant home improvements to ensure adequate protection.