countyscore
73.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.9Soil Quality 91.8Safety 90

County Report Card

About Red Lake County, Minnesota

Dominating the National Rankings

Red Lake County is a standout performer with a composite score of 73.1, crushing the national median of 50.0. This puts it among the most livable counties in the entire country.

Leading the Way in Minnesota

At 73.1, the county sits nearly 18 points above the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It represents the gold standard for quality of life within the state's borders.

Elite Safety and Economic Security

The county posts a nearly perfect risk score of 97.9 and an elite safety score of 90.0. These are paired with a high income score of 80.9, making it both safe and prosperous.

Tax and Education Trade-offs

The tax score of 41.1 is the county's relative weak point, indicating a moderate tax burden for residents. Additionally, the school score of 67.4, while good, is the lowest among its stellar dimensions.

An All-Around Livability Champion

This county is perfect for almost anyone, especially families and high earners seeking ultimate peace of mind. It combines low rents of $628 with high incomes and world-class safety.

Score breakdown

Tax41.1Cost67.5Safety90Health88.9Schools67.4Income80.9Risk97.9Water86Weather47.1
🏛41.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨91.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.9
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

Pennington County
Minnesota
43.9
Polk County
Minnesota
50.9
Clearwater County
Minnesota
65.2
Mahnomen County
Minnesota
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Norman County
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Marshall County
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Beltrami County
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Traill County
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Deep Dives

Red Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Red Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Red Lake tax rate near national norm

Red Lake County's 0.959% effective tax rate runs virtually even with the national median of 0.968%, offering balanced affordability. The median home value of $157,200 sits 44% below the US median, making this an economical county for both purchase and annual taxes.

Slightly below Minnesota average

At 0.959%, Red Lake County's effective tax rate sits just below the state average of 0.968%, placing it squarely in the middle range among Minnesota's 87 counties. This makes it a moderate-tax option for property owners statewide.

Comparable to nearby northern counties

Red Lake County at 0.959% aligns closely with nearby Pennington County at 0.959% and Beltrami County. The county's lower median home values help offset the region's tax rates, keeping overall burdens reasonable.

About $1,508 on median home value

The median home in Red Lake County valued at $157,200 generates approximately $1,508 in annual property taxes at the 0.959% effective rate. This is 30% below the state median of $2,168, reflecting the county's modest home values and reasonable tax rate.

Check if you're overassessed

Red Lake County homeowners should periodically review their property assessments to ensure they align with fair market value. An appeal can provide meaningful savings, particularly if home values have declined or improvements weren't properly credited.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Red Lake County

via CostByCounty

Red Lake County sets national affordability bar

Red Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 9.7% is exceptionally low—nearly 5 percentage points below the national average of 14.5%—making it one of the nation's most affordable rental markets. With median household income of $77,500 and median rent of just $628, housing remains a minor budget item.

Minnesota's rental affordability champion

Red Lake County's 9.7% rent-to-income ratio crushes Minnesota's 14.5% state average by a decisive margin. The $628 median rent is 31% cheaper than the state median of $915.

Unmatched affordability across all metrics

Red Lake's $628 rent is the lowest among all eight counties—$103 cheaper than Pipestone's second-place $731. Similarly, owner costs of $901 beat most peers, rivaling Pipestone for overall housing affordability.

Housing costs shrink to minimal burden

At $77,500 median income, Red Lake renters spend just 9.7% ($628 monthly) on housing, leaving maximum budget flexibility. Homeowners allocate 14.0% ($901), making ownership nearly as accessible as renting—a rare combination.

Red Lake: housing affordability perfected

Red Lake County offers the nation's most favorable rent-to-income ratio at 9.7%—exceptional value for any relocation. If housing costs drive your move, Red Lake's $628 rent and $901 owner costs deliver unmatched affordability in Minnesota.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Red Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Red Lake Meets National Income Standard

Red Lake County's median household income of $77,500 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 3.7%, positioning it above average. The county ranks in the upper-middle segment of U.S. income distribution.

Above-Average Earner for Minnesota

Red Lake County's $77,500 median income surpasses Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by roughly $1,700. The county ranks among the stronger-earning communities statewide despite its rural location.

Regional Income Leader

Red Lake's $77,500 outpaces all nearby rural counties, exceeding Pennington ($72,561), Polk ($69,136), Pine ($69,666), and Pipestone ($66,073). Only Ramsey County ($81,004) surpasses Red Lake in the broader region.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

Red Lake County's 9.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest across all eight counties, reflecting the best housing affordability in the region. With modest median home values of $157,200, residents enjoy significant financial flexibility.

Build Wealth on Solid Ground

Red Lake County households benefit from above-average income combined with the region's lowest housing burden, creating optimal conditions for savings. Directing 20% or more of earnings to investments can generate meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Red Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Red Lake County: Peak National Safety

Red Lake County holds an impressive safety score of 99.7, among the highest in the nation. Its total crime rate of 204.4 per 100K is over ten times lower than the national average.

Minnesota's Safety Benchmark

With a safety score of 99.7, Red Lake County significantly outperforms the Minnesota average of 98.2. While only one agency reports data, the figures indicate an exceptionally quiet and safe jurisdiction.

Red Lake Leads the Region

Red Lake's crime rate of 204.4 per 100K is the lowest among its neighbors, including Pennington at 1,793.5. This makes it a regional standout for those prioritizing a low-crime environment.

Analyzing the Crime Breakdown

Crime is split evenly between violent and property offenses, both at a very low 102.2 per 100K. These numbers represent a tiny fraction of the crime levels seen in most American counties.

Protecting a High Standard of Safety

Maintaining the county's safety requires continued collaboration between neighbors and law enforcement. Even in the safest areas, staying alert helps preserve the community's unique security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Red Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Exceptional longevity, complex health profile

Red Lake County residents live to 81.2 years on average—3.2 years longer than the U.S. median of 76.4 years and 2.5 years above Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. Despite this exceptional life expectancy, 15.5% report poor or fair health, suggesting concentrated health challenges within the population.

Minnesota's longest-living county

Red Lake County ranks first in Minnesota for life expectancy, with a 2.5-year advantage over the state average. This outlier status reflects unique population characteristics and deserves further investigation into protective health factors.

Provider data limited, access unclear

Complete data on primary care and mental health provider availability is not currently available for Red Lake County. This gap makes it difficult to assess whether strong life expectancy reflects abundant local providers or other community factors.

Low uninsured rate despite data gaps

At 5.4% uninsured, Red Lake County is below the state average of 6.0%, meaning most residents have health coverage. Without provider utilization data, it's unclear how coverage translates into actual healthcare access for residents.

Maintain coverage in your community

Red Lake County's strong health indicators include high insurance coverage rates—maintain that advantage by keeping your family insured. Contact MNsure.org or your county health department to explore coverage options and sustain the county's exceptional health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Red Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in Red Lake County

Red Lake County operates just six public schools serving a total of 749 students across three districts. The system is streamlined, featuring two elementary schools and three high schools to serve its close-knit community.

High Graduation Rates through Robust Funding

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 86.6%. This academic success is backed by high per-pupil spending of $9,620, which is over $1,000 more than the Minnesota state average.

Two Districts Share the Student Body

Red Lake Falls Public Schools and Red Lake County Central Public Schools serve almost equal numbers of students, with 384 and 365 respectively. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring all students are served by traditional local districts.

Small Schools in a Purely Rural Setting

All six local schools are rural, and the average school size is the smallest in our review at 150 students. J.A. Hughes Elementary is the largest campus with 222 students, while some specialized sites have as few as two students.

Quality Education in a Quiet Setting

For those seeking a rural home with exceptional school performance, Red Lake County is a standout choice. The high graduation rates and small class sizes make it an ideal location for personalized student attention.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Red Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Red Lake County ranks among America's safest places

Red Lake County scores just 2.16 on the composite risk scale, placing it at the absolute bottom of U.S. natural disaster exposure and earning a "Very Low" rating. This exceptionally protective score reflects minimal flood risk (8.24), negligible earthquake threat (0.38), and low tornado exposure (8.59). Red Lake County represents one of the safest natural hazard zones in the entire United States.

Red Lake County is Minnesota's safest

Red Lake County's composite score of 2.16 ranks as Minnesota's lowest across all 87 counties, placing it dramatically below the state average of 42.38. Every hazard category remains at the absolute bottom of statewide exposure, with flood risk at 8.24 and tornado risk at 8.59 reflecting the county's minimal geographic vulnerabilities. Red Lake County offers residents genuinely exceptional protection from natural disasters.

Red Lake County's advantage far exceeds surrounding areas

Red Lake County's score of 2.16 is dramatically lower than every neighboring county, including Polk County to the east (67.05) and Pennington County to the south (46.98). This exceptional disparity reflects Red Lake's remote location, sparse population, and landscape characteristics that eliminate most hazard exposures. The comparison underscores Red Lake's position as Minnesota's single safest county from a natural disaster perspective.

Red Lake County faces minimal natural hazard exposure

Wildfire risk is the only category of meaningful concern at 48.76, reflecting the county's boreal forest coverage, though this remains moderate compared to Minnesota's most fire-prone areas. Flood risk (8.24) and tornado risk (8.59) are negligible—among the state's absolute lowest—thanks to Red Lake's sparse development and geographic position. Earthquake risk is essentially zero at 0.38.

Basic coverage suffices in Red Lake County

A standard homeowners insurance policy provides adequate protection given Red Lake County's minimal overall disaster exposure—focus on ensuring coverage reflects your home's current replacement cost. Maintain basic wildfire preparedness by keeping gutters clear and removing dead vegetation within 50 feet of structures, though fire risk remains low. Review your policy every three to five years to ensure coverage remains aligned with property value and any improvements made.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Red Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

A True Northern Frontier

Red Lake County’s 39.8°F average temperature is one of the lowest in the nation, far below the 54°F median. It experiences a dry continental climate with only 24.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Colder Than the State Mean

The county is notably colder than the 42.8°F Minnesota state average. This reflects the harsh winters found in the northwestern part of the state.

Heavy Snowfall for the Region

Red Lake averages 49.9 inches of snow, significantly more than the 39.6 inches found in Pipestone. Its 39.8°F annual temperature is almost identical to neighboring Polk County.

Intense Snow and Cold

Winters are dominated by 49.9 inches of snow and a January average of just 6.0°F. Summers are short and mild, with only 5 days per year reaching 90°F.

Serious Winter Gear Required

Residents should invest in high-capacity snow removal equipment for the nearly 50 inches of snowfall. Home heating systems must be reliable to withstand the 9.8°F average winter temperature.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Red Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Red Lake's Elite Agricultural Soil

Red Lake County features one of the highest soil scores in the state at 91.8, far surpassing the Minnesota average of 73.0. The soil is nearly neutral with a pH of 6.63, which is very close to the national median. This makes the county a premier location for diverse biological and agricultural activity.

A Light, Productive Sand-Silt Blend

The soil composition is 47.2% sand, 36.0% silt, and 14.3% clay. This light texture allows for exceptional root penetration and easy tillage for farmers and gardeners. It strikes a great balance between drainage and structural support.

Rich in Organic Matter and Moisture

The county boasts an organic matter content of 17.37%, nearly double the state average of 9.90%. Available water capacity is also superior at 0.210 in/in, providing a significant buffer against dry weather. This high fertility is a cornerstone of the county's agricultural success.

High-Capacity Water Management

The combination of high sand content and high organic matter creates a soil that is both permeable and absorbent. While official drainage classes are not listed, this mix typically handles heavy rains well while keeping moisture accessible to plants. It is a highly resilient soil type for all land uses.

High Yields in a Cold Climate

Sitting in Hardiness Zone 3b, Red Lake requires cold-adapted species, but its 91.8 soil score ensures those plants thrive. It is an ideal spot for high-yield cool-season crops and robust home gardens. Don't let the northern winters fool you; this is some of the best soil in the country.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Red Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Success in Red Lake

Red Lake County earns a 66.9 lawn difficulty score, proving that northern Minnesota can be a great place for grass. This Zone 3b county is easier to manage than the state average, despite the harsh winters.

Dry Air and Pleasant Summers

Annual precipitation is low at 24.3 inches, which is well below the ideal range for turf. However, with only 5 extreme heat days, your grass won't have to fight the high-temperature stress found in southern Minnesota.

Solid Soil Texture and pH

The soil pH of 6.63 is excellent for most grass types and requires very little intervention. A composition of 47.2% sand and 14.3% clay creates a loamy environment that allows for decent drainage and root expansion.

Watch for Dry Conditions

With 85.6% of the county currently abnormally dry and 7 weeks of drought last year, supplemental irrigation is necessary. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation in this low-precipitation climate.

Maximize the Northern Window

The frost-free window between May 9 and September 30 is your primary time for lawn care. Choose ultra-hardy Zone 3b varieties like Fine Fescue to ensure your lawn survives the January average of 6.0 degrees.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Lake County's county score?
Red Lake County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 73.1 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 Red Lake County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Red Lake County ranks #2 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 Red Lake County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Red Lake County is $1,508, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Red Lake County a tax score of 41.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Red Lake County?
The median household income in Red Lake County, Minnesota is $77,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Red Lake County earns an income score of 80.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Red Lake County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Red Lake County scores 73.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Red Lake 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 Red Lake 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.