CountyScore

Ramsey County

Minnesota · MN

#87 in Minnesota
59.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Ramsey County, Minnesota

Solid performer despite below-state ranking

Ramsey County's composite score of 59.5 still exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 9.5 points, showing above-average U.S. livability. However, this masks significant challenges within Minnesota's context.

Notably below Minnesota's average

At 59.5, Ramsey County lags Minnesota's state average of 70.9 by 11.4 points, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 87 counties. This is the weakest performance in this cohort.

Income and healthcare lead the county

Ramsey County's income score of 36.3 is the highest in this cohort, reflecting a median household income of $81,004. Health (74.9) also performs decently, providing good quality-of-life outcomes for residents.

Affordability crisis and high costs burden residents

Ramsey County has the highest median home value ($304,900) and rent ($1,298/month) in this group, with a cost score of only 61.3. High taxes (1.236% effective rate) compound affordability challenges, making housing unattainable for many households.

For high earners willing to pay premium prices

Ramsey County suits affluent households and professionals with incomes well above $80,000 who can absorb high housing costs and taxes. It's a county for those prioritizing urban amenities and income over affordability and value.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.5Cost61.3SafetyComing SoonHealth74.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.3Risk5.4WaterComing Soon
🏛67.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Ramsey County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Baltimore County
Maryland
59.5
Median income: $90,904
Aleutians West Census Area
Alaska
59.4
Median income: $107,344
Nome Census Area
Alaska
59.6
Median income: $76,643
Bibb County
Georgia
59.6
Median income: $50,747
Livingston County
Illinois
59.4
Median income: $70,796

Deep Dives

Ramsey County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ramsey County

via TaxByCounty

Ramsey taxes rank among highest nationally

Ramsey County's 1.236% effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.968%, placing it in the highest tier nationally for property taxation. The median home value of $304,900 tops the national median, meaning residents pay both more in dollars and higher percentage rates.

Highest tax rate in Minnesota

At 1.236%, Ramsey County has the highest effective tax rate among Minnesota's 87 counties, nearly 28% above the state average of 0.968%. This reflects the costs of supporting the Twin Cities metro area and Saint Paul services.

Significantly higher than surrounding counties

Ramsey County's 1.236% rate far exceeds regional neighbors like Hennepin and Washington counties, which run notably lower. The urban density and infrastructure demands of Saint Paul drive this county's elevated tax burden.

Substantial $3,767 annual property tax

The median home in Ramsey County valued at $304,900 generates approximately $3,767 in annual property taxes at the 1.236% effective rate. This is 74% higher than the state median of $2,168, reflecting both higher home values and the county's steep tax rate.

Ramsey homeowners should review assessments

With high tax bills, even small assessment errors create substantial savings opportunities through appeals. Ramsey County residents should verify their property values reflect current market conditions and challenge any inflated assessments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ramsey County

via CostByCounty

Ramsey County's rental burden hits national ceiling

Ramsey County residents face a rent-to-income ratio of 19.2%—sharply above the national average of 14.5%—making it the most housing-burdened county in this group. Despite the county's highest median household income of $81,004, the median rent of $1,298 consumes nearly one-fifth of earnings.

Minnesota's rental affordability crisis center

Ramsey County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio vastly exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% state average, revealing acute housing stress in the state's urban core. The median rent of $1,298 towers 42% above the state median of $915.

Rents skyrocket; ownership costs highest

Ramsey's $1,298 monthly rent dwarfs rural peers like Pipestone ($731) and Redwood ($767), nearly doubling costs. Homeowners face $1,536 monthly—again, the highest by far—reflecting median home values of $304,900.

Income barely keeps pace with housing costs

Ramsey County's $81,004 median income is offset by $1,298 rent (19.2% of income) and $1,536 owner costs (22.8% of income). Both ratios exceed recommended affordability thresholds, straining household budgets despite the county's strong income base.

Ramsey demands deep pockets; consider suburbs

Ramsey County's metro amenities come at a steep housing cost—the highest in this entire group. If you're relocating to the Twin Cities, compare Ramsey's tight 19.2% rent ratio against more affordable rural counties to find better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ramsey County

via IncomeByCounty

Ramsey Outearns National Average Significantly

Ramsey County's median household income of $81,004 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 8.3%, placing it well above average. The county ranks in the upper quarter of U.S. income distribution, driven by its urban St. Paul economy.

Minnesota's Wealthiest County

Ramsey County leads Minnesota with a median household income of $81,004, significantly surpassing the state average of $75,757 by over $5,200. As home to Minnesota's second-largest city, the county anchors the state's economic strength.

Dramatically Outpaces Rural Neighbors

Ramsey's $81,004 median towers over surrounding rural counties: Pennington ($72,561), Polk ($69,136), and Pine ($69,666) all fall $11,000–$12,000 below. The urban-rural income divide is starkly visible across the region.

High Income, High Housing Costs

Ramsey County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio is notably elevated, reflecting premium urban housing at $304,900 median value. While incomes are strong, residents allocate a larger share to housing than rural peers.

Leverage Prosperity for Wealth Building

Ramsey County's $81,004 median income positions households to save substantially after housing and living expenses. Advanced strategies like tax-loss harvesting, diversified investments, and wealth-transfer planning can maximize long-term financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ramsey County

via HealthByCounty

Urban health outcomes with modest gaps

Ramsey County residents live to 77.6 years on average, 1.2 years above the U.S. median of 76.4 years but 1.1 years below Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. At 16.8% reporting poor or fair health, Ramsey exceeds the national average of 16.1%, reflecting urban health disparities.

Below-average outcomes in Minnesota's hub

Ramsey County, home to St. Paul, ranks in Minnesota's lower half for life expectancy despite being the state's second-largest county. The 16.8% poor/fair health rate is among Minnesota's highest, indicating concentrated health inequities in the urban population.

Excellent mental health, strong primary care

Ramsey County has 562 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—by far the highest concentration in the state, reflecting its urban density and specialty infrastructure. Primary care availability at 110 per 100K is solid, giving residents good access to frontline care.

Urban uninsured rate above state average

At 6.7% uninsured, Ramsey County exceeds the state average of 6.0%, with nearly 670 residents per 100,000 lacking coverage. Despite excellent provider density, cost and systemic barriers mean some residents can't fully access available care.

Coverage unlocks Ramsey's healthcare wealth

Ramsey County has exceptional medical and mental health providers—but only covered residents can fully access them. Visit MNsure.org or call 651-297-2527 to apply for Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, or marketplace insurance today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ramsey County

via RiskByCounty

Ramsey County faces substantially above-average U.S. risk

Ramsey County scores 94.62 on the composite risk scale, placing it far above the national average and earning a "Relatively High" risk rating. This elevated exposure is driven by exceptional tornado risk (98.70) and significant flood threat (93.80) that reflect the county's urban density and river exposure. Ramsey County represents one of Minnesota's most hazard-exposed areas.

Ramsey ranks among Minnesota's highest-risk counties

Ramsey County's composite score of 94.62 massively exceeds Minnesota's average of 42.38, ranking it in the state's top tier for natural disaster exposure. The tornado risk of 98.70 represents Minnesota's highest exposure, while flood risk of 93.80 reflects the Mississippi River's presence through the county. This exceptional vulnerability demands serious preparation from all Ramsey County residents.

Ramsey faces Minnesota's most concentrated urban hazard

Ramsey County's score of 94.62 substantially exceeds every surrounding county including Washington (data not provided in this set) and St. Croix to the east. The 98.70 tornado risk score represents the single highest hazard exposure of any Minnesota county, driven by the Twin Cities metropolitan area's expansive footprint and dense building stock. This exceptional position underscores Ramsey's unique vulnerability profile statewide.

Tornadoes and flooding threaten Ramsey County residents

Tornado risk reaches 98.70—Minnesota's absolute highest—reflecting Ramsey County's spring and early summer exposure to severe storms, hail, and potential large tornadoes that impact the Twin Cities metro area. Flood risk scores 93.80, driven by the Mississippi River and urban stormwater systems that can overwhelm capacity during heavy rain and snowmelt. Earthquake risk is elevated at 28.88 compared to most Minnesota counties, though still low in absolute terms.

Prioritize tornado and flood protection in Ramsey County

Establish a detailed family tornado plan with a safe room or basement shelter, and practice your plan seasonally—Ramsey County's exceptional tornado risk demands active preparedness. Verify that your homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, and obtain a separate flood insurance policy if your home is in a mapped flood zone or at risk from urban stormwater. Review coverage annually and after any property improvements to ensure protection keeps pace with home value and evolving risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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