countyscore
65.4
County Score
Soil Quality 88.7Health 86.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Pope County, Minnesota

Exceeding National Livability Benchmarks

Pope County earns a high composite score of 65.4, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the upper echelon of American counties for overall lifestyle quality.

A Top Performer in Minnesota

The county’s 65.4 score easily clears the Minnesota average of 55.8. It stands out as one of the more desirable rural counties in the state, offering a high ceiling for quality of life.

Superior Schools and Health Access

The county excels with a health score of 86.9 and a strong school score of 73.8. Resource security is also a highlight, with a water score of 86.0 ensuring long-term stability.

Housing Costs and Tax Pressures

Affordability is the main constraint here, as the cost score of 37.9 reflects higher median home values of $242,800. The tax score of 54.2 is decent but suggests some upward pressure on household budgets.

The Ideal Choice for Families

With strong schools, high safety, and great health scores, Pope County is a premier destination for families with children. It offers a secure and high-achieving environment for those who can afford the local housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax54.2Cost37.9Safety74.3Health86.9Schools73.8Income71.7Risk79.5Water86Weather46
🏛54.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨88.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.9
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

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56.4
Swift County
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Stevens County
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Kandiyohi County
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Grant County
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Chippewa County
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Stearns County
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Lac qui Parle County
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Deep Dives

Pope County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pope County

via TaxByCounty

Pope County offers tax-friendly rate

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pope County

via CostByCounty

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).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pope County

via IncomeByCounty

Pope County Slightly Below National Median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pope County

via CrimeByCounty

Pope County: A National Safety Leader

Pope County earns a high safety score of 99.0, reflecting its status as a very secure community. The total crime rate of 610.0 per 100K is a fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Outperforming the Minnesota Average

The county's safety score of 99.0 ranks it above the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Three local agencies work together to keep crime levels significantly below the state average of 1,123.5.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Pope County's crime rate of 610.0 per 100K is much lower than Redwood's 946.3. It stands out as one of the safer options in the region, offering residents great peace of mind.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime is rare in Pope County, with a rate of 88.4 per 100K people. Property crime stands at 521.6, which remains far lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

Securing garages and sheds is a smart way to prevent the most common local property crimes. Pope County's low crime rates are a community asset that residents can help protect through awareness.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pope County

via HealthByCounty

Living near the national standard

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pope County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Population, High-Quality Schools

Pope County maintains eight public schools serving ,1440 students across two primary districts. The landscape includes two elementary, two middle, and two high schools, alongside one charter school option.

Stellar Graduation Rates and High Scores

Pope County excels with a 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 86.6% and the national average of 87%. The county also outspends the state average, investing $9,258 per pupil to achieve an impressive school score of 59.5.

Minnewaska District Dominates Local Enrollment

The Minnewaska School District educates the vast majority of local students with 1,347 enrollees across seven schools. Glacial Hills Elementary serves as the county's lone charter school, representing 12.5% of the total school inventory.

Purely Rural Schooling Experience

All eight schools in Pope County are classified as rural, creating a close-knit environment where the average school size is 206 students. Minnewaska Secondary is the largest campus with 399 students, while the local charter school serves just 93 children.

Settle Near Elite Public Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Pope County is a premier choice for families looking to buy a home. The Minnewaska area provides a high-performing rural education that is difficult to match in larger urban centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pope County

via RiskByCounty

Pope County ranks among America's safer places

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pope County

via WeatherByCounty

Substantial Seasonal Variation

Pope County’s 43.3°F annual average is more than 10 degrees below the national median of 54°F. It averages 26.4 inches of precipitation, typical for the Upper Midwest.

Aligning With the State Average

The county's average temperature of 43.3°F sits just above the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. Its 26.4 inches of precipitation is slightly below the state average of 30.0 inches.

Moderate Compared to Neighbors

Pope is warmer than Polk County but cooler than Pipestone. It records 46.3 inches of snow, which is higher than neighboring Renville County's 37.7 inches.

Snowy Winters and Sunny Julys

Winter brings 46.3 inches of snow and a January average of 12.1°F. Summers are pleasant with a July average of 70.4°F and 9 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Invest in Snow Removal

Residents need reliable snow blowers to manage the 46.3 inches of annual snowfall. HVAC systems must be robust enough to handle the transition from 15.5°F winters to 90°F heat spikes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pope County

via SoilByCounty

Pope County's Perfectly Balanced pH

Pope County soil hits the sweet spot with a pH of 6.50, exactly matching the national median for ideal plant growth. This contributes to an exceptional soil score of 88.7, placing it among the elite counties in Minnesota. The chemical balance here is nearly perfect for a wide range of vegetation.

A Substantial Silt and Clay Mix

The soil composition is 36.3% sand, 37.6% silt, and a robust 21.7% clay. This mixture provides significant structural integrity and helps the soil retain nutrients effectively. While more substantial than sandy soils, it remains workable for most gardening and farming tasks.

High Fertility and Standard Water Capacity

The organic matter content is a healthy 9.62%, nearly mirroring the state average of 9.90%. Its available water capacity is 0.200 in/in, which is essentially equal to the Minnesota benchmark. These figures represent a consistently fertile and reliable growing medium.

Stable Moisture for Growing Seasons

With over 21% clay, this soil holds onto water more tightly than sandier neighbors. While specific drainage data is N/A, the balance of sand and silt suggests moderate drainage that prevents rapid drying. This stability is beneficial for maintaining consistent moisture levels for crops during the summer.

Vibrant Gardening in Zone 4b

Located in Zone 4b, Pope County is well-suited for a variety of temperate crops and ornamental plants. The neutral pH and high soil score mean that almost any plant suited for the climate will thrive here. It is an ideal environment for both professional agriculture and hobby gardening.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pope County

via LawnByCounty

Optimal Lawn Care in Pope County

Pope County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 71.9, making it one of the easier places in Minnesota to grow grass. This Zone 4b region outperforms the national median significantly, providing a friendly climate for home landscaping.

Balanced Heat and Growing Days

The county sees 9 extreme heat days, staying close to the state average of 8. While annual precipitation of 26.4 inches is below the state average, the 2,387 growing degree days provide plenty of warmth for turf to flourish.

Rich Soil and Healthy pH

The soil pH is a near-perfect 6.50, sitting right in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake. With 21.7% clay and 36.3% sand, the soil provides a robust structure that holds moisture better than the state's sandier regions.

High Resilience and Low Drought

Pope County is currently enjoying 0% drought coverage, making it a standout for resilience in the state. With only 4 weeks of drought recorded over the past year, lawns here are under much less stress than neighboring areas.

A Longer Season for Success

Take advantage of the May 11 to September 27 growing season by seeding Kentucky Bluegrass or Turf-type Tall Fescue. The favorable soil pH and low drought risk make this an ideal time to start a new lawn project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pope County's county score?
Pope County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 65.4 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 Pope County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Pope County ranks #18 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 Pope County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Pope County is $1,915, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Pope County a tax score of 54.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pope County?
The median household income in Pope County, Minnesota is $72,205 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pope County earns an income score of 71.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pope County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Pope County scores 65.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Pope 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 Pope 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.