countyscore
62.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 83.6Soil Quality 67.5

County Report Card

About Redwood County, Minnesota

Outperforming the National Average

Redwood County earns a solid composite score of 62.9, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. It offers a higher quality of life than roughly 75% of counties in the U.S.

Beating the Minnesota State Average

The county's 62.9 score surpasses the Minnesota average of 55.8 by a significant margin. It is a strong regional competitor that balances affordability with public health.

Excellent Water and Health Scores

Redwood excels in resource quality with a water score of 86.0 and a strong health score of 83.6. It also offers great affordability, with a cost score of 64.3 and home values around $150,400.

Tax Burdens and Moderate Incomes

The tax score of 41.0 suggests that property taxes take a larger bite out of the local budget. The income score of 59.1 is also relatively modest compared to the county's other high-performing metrics.

Best for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

This county is a fantastic fit for first-time homebuyers who value health and environmental quality. It provides a high standard of living without the prohibitive price tags of metropolitan areas.

Score breakdown

Tax41Cost64.3Safety59Health83.6Schools67.3Income59.1Risk65Water86Weather43
🏛41
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.6
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

Renville County
Minnesota
57.4
Brown County
Minnesota
60.3
Cottonwood County
Minnesota
63.2
Lyon County
Minnesota
64.5
Yellow Medicine County
Minnesota
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Watonwan County
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53.6
Murray County
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72.7
Chippewa County
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59.5

Deep Dives

Redwood County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Redwood County

via TaxByCounty

Redwood taxes slightly above national average

Redwood County's 0.960% effective tax rate tracks nearly even with the national median of 0.968%, offering reasonable affordability. The median home value of $150,400 runs 47% below the US median, making this one of the nation's more economical counties.

Near Minnesota's state average rate

At 0.960%, Redwood County's effective tax rate essentially mirrors Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, placing it in the middle of the state's 87 counties. This makes it a representative option for property taxation across the state.

Competitive rates in the region

Redwood County's 0.960% rate compares closely to Red Lake County at 0.959% and sits lower than Pipestone County at 0.911%. Among southwest Minnesota counties, Redwood offers middle-ground tax rates and notably affordable home prices.

Modest $1,444 annual property tax

The median home in Redwood County valued at $150,400 generates approximately $1,444 in annual property taxes at the 0.960% effective rate. This is 33% below the state median of $2,168, reflecting the county's low median home values and moderate tax rate.

Review assessments regularly

Even in low-tax counties, property assessments can drift away from market reality over time. Redwood County homeowners should verify their assessed values are accurate and appeal if they believe their home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Redwood County

via CostByCounty

Redwood County beats national affordability norm

Redwood County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% falls below the national average of 14.5%, delivering above-average housing affordability. With a median household income of $67,024 and median rent of $767, renters keep costs lean despite the county's modest income base.

Better than Minnesota's rental affordability average

Redwood County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Minnesota's 14.5% state average, ranking among the state's most affordable markets. The median rent of $767 trails the state median of $915 by $148.

Second-cheapest rents; lowest owner costs

Redwood's $767 rent trails only Pipestone's $731, offering exceptional value for renters. Owner costs of $784 monthly match Pipestone's and beat all peers, making Redwood attractive for both renters and homebuyers.

Housing leaves maximum budget flexibility

On a $67,024 median income, Redwood renters allocate 13.7% ($767) to housing, among the lowest ratios statewide. Homeowners spend 14.0% ($784), making both renting and owning exceptionally affordable relative to income.

Redwood delivers rural affordability excellence

Redwood County combines rural affordability with balanced income, offering strong value for relocating families. At $767 rent and $784 owner costs, Redwood rivals Red Lake and Pipestone for the state's best housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Redwood County

via IncomeByCounty

Redwood Below National Income Mark

Redwood County's median household income of $67,024 falls 10.4% short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lower third of U.S. income distribution, typical of rural agricultural regions.

Lower-Income County in Minnesota

Redwood County's $67,024 median income ranks well below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, representing one of the state's less affluent counties. The $8,700 gap reflects economic pressures in southwestern Minnesota.

Near Bottom of Regional Ranking

Redwood's $67,024 is among the lowest in the region, exceeding only Pipestone County ($66,073). The county significantly lags wealthier peers like Ramsey ($81,004) and Red Lake ($77,500).

Affordable Housing Provides Relief

Redwood County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio shows modest housing costs relative to income, with a median home value of just $150,400. Lower housing burdens help stretch limited household earnings.

Smart Saving on Modest Income

Redwood County households earning $67,024 can build wealth through disciplined savings despite income constraints. Prioritizing emergency funds, low-cost index funds, and employer retirement benefits creates a foundation for long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Redwood County

via CrimeByCounty

Redwood County's Strong Safety Profile

Redwood County earns a safety score of 98.5, indicating it is safer than most of the country. The total crime rate of 946.3 per 100K is well under the national average of 2,385.5.

Redwood vs. the Minnesota Average

The county's safety score of 98.5 is higher than the state average of 98.2. Redwood's total crime rate also stays below the state average, thanks to the efforts of five reporting agencies.

Regional Safety and Comparisons

Redwood County's crime rate of 946.3 per 100K is slightly higher than Pope County's 610.0. However, it remains significantly more secure than major metro areas like Ramsey County.

Identifying Local Crime Trends

Violent crime in Redwood County is 207.4 per 100K, which is nearly half the national average. Property crime at 738.9 per 100K also remains very low compared to national benchmarks.

Enhancing Home and Property Security

Smart locks and outdoor lighting are effective tools for deterring the property crimes that occur locally. Community vigilance ensures Redwood County remains a safe place to live and work.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Redwood County

via HealthByCounty

Living above national and state averages

Redwood County residents live to 79.1 years on average, 2.7 years longer than the U.S. median of 76.4 years and 0.4 years above Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. With 14.5% reporting poor or fair health, Redwood is healthier than both the national average of 16.1% and most Minnesota counties.

Top-tier health outcomes in Minnesota

Redwood County ranks in Minnesota's upper tier for life expectancy, exceeding the state average by 0.4 years. The 14.5% poor/fair health rate is better than most Minnesota counties, placing Redwood among the state's healthiest.

Solid primary care, limited mental health

Redwood County has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below state medians but adequate for its rural population. Mental health providers are notably scarce at 52 per 100K—less than one-fifth the state average—creating a significant gap in behavioral health.

Strong coverage, behavioral health barrier

At 6.8% uninsured, Redwood County matches higher-risk peers, but good life expectancy suggests most residents maintain coverage. The acute shortage of mental health providers means many who are covered still struggle to access counseling and psychiatric care.

Insurance alone isn't enough here

Redwood County's strong physical health masks a critical gap: severe mental health provider shortages. Apply for coverage at MNsure.org, and advocate for expanded behavioral health services in your community—both insured and uninsured residents need them.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Redwood County

via SchoolsByCounty

Five Districts Serving Redwood County

Redwood County manages 13 public schools serving 2,521 students across five school districts. The education landscape is diverse, including five elementary schools, six high schools, and one middle school.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

Redwood County achieves an impressive 92.9% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the national 87% average. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil spend of $7,831, which is below the state average of $8,463.

Redwood Area Schools Lead Local Districts

The Redwood Area School District is the county's largest, serving 1,113 students in four schools. Other notable districts include Westbrook-Walnut Grove and Red Rock Central, with no charter schools operating in the county.

Rural Roots with Town Accessibility

The county features nine rural schools and four town-based facilities, with an average enrollment of 210 students per school. Reede Gray Elementary is the largest campus at 419 students, ensuring that even the largest schools maintain a community feel.

An Excellent Choice for Education and Housing

Homebuyers will find Redwood County particularly attractive due to its superior graduation rates and efficient school management. Proximity to the Redwood Area schools offers a perfect blend of high academic standards and rural living.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Redwood County

via RiskByCounty

Redwood County's risk moderately exceeds U.S. baseline

Redwood County scores 35.05 on the composite risk scale, placing it modestly above the national average and earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This moderate exposure reflects a balanced hazard profile with flood (39.28) and tornado (39.34) risks that slightly exceed typical American levels. Redwood County presents manageable risk that benefits from focused preparation rather than heightened alarm.

Redwood ranks below Minnesota's state average

Redwood County's composite score of 35.05 falls modestly below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it slightly safer than the typical Minnesota county. Flood risk (39.28) and tornado risk (39.34) both track near or slightly below state medians, reflecting Redwood's southwestern location and mixed landscape. This positioning makes Redwood one of the safer Minnesota counties while still maintaining moderate hazard exposure.

Redwood occupies favorable middle-safe position regionally

Redwood County's score of 35.05 ranks lower than Polk County to the north (67.05) and Pennington County to the northeast (46.98), but higher than Pipestone County to the south (14.73). This middle positioning reflects Redwood's transition landscape between prairie and woodland that creates moderate rather than extreme hazard exposure. The regional comparison shows Redwood's relatively protective geographic advantage.

Tornado and flood pose Redwood's primary concerns

Tornado risk reaches 39.34, reflecting Redwood County's southwestern position where spring and early summer storms can develop and intensify across relatively open terrain. Flood risk scores 39.28, driven by the Minnesota River and Cottonwood River systems that drain the county and periodically overflow during heavy spring snowmelt and summer rainfall. Wildfire risk remains low at 18.61 thanks to limited forest coverage across the mostly agricultural county.

Prepare for floods and tornadoes in Redwood County

Establish a tornado safety plan with a designated safe room or basement, and practice it seasonally given Redwood County's tornado exposure. Obtain a flood insurance policy if your home is in a mapped flood zone or near either the Minnesota or Cottonwood Rivers—standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Review your insurance coverage annually and after any major home improvements to ensure protection remains adequate.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Redwood County

via WeatherByCounty

A Land of Temperature Extremes

Redwood County averages 44.9°F annually, trailing the national median of 54°F. It records 29.3 inches of precipitation, very close to the 30.0-inch national average.

Hotter Summers Than Average

At 44.9°F, Redwood is warmer than the 42.8°F Minnesota state average. It is also more prone to extreme heat than many other counties in the state.

Warmest Summer Spikes

Redwood sees 15 days of extreme heat, which is 5 days more than neighboring Renville County. Its 44.6 inches of snow is also higher than Pipestone’s 39.6 inches.

Heavy Snow and Heat Peaks

The county experiences a notable 15 days of 90°F+ temperatures each summer. Winter brings 44.6 inches of snow and a January average of 14.0°F.

Cooling Capacity is Key

Due to the 15 days of extreme heat, homeowners should ensure air conditioning systems are well-maintained. Winter preparation must account for the 17.4°F average during the coldest months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Redwood County

via SoilByCounty

Redwood's Alkaline and Sturdy Ground

Redwood County soil is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.10, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. This leads to a soil score of 67.5, reflecting a profile that is functional but requires specific management compared to the state average. The soil is more basic than many of its northern neighbors.

Strong Structure with High Clay Content

With 23.7% clay and 41.2% sand, this soil has a substantial feel and excellent nutrient-holding capacity. The 35.2% silt rounds out a texture that provides strong support for heavy-rooting plants. This composition can become heavy when wet, requiring careful timing for tillage.

Solid Water Storage with Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter in Redwood stands at 4.93%, which is below the state average of 9.90% but well above the national average. Available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.199. These metrics suggest a reliable and steady growing environment.

Water Retention and Soil Stability

The 23.7% clay content means this soil is slower to drain than sandier counties but excellent at holding onto water. This is a benefit during the dry summer months common in southwestern Minnesota. Builders should plan for the soil's higher clay content when managing site drainage.

Extended Growing Potential in Zone 5a

Redwood County is in Zone 5a, offering one of the longer growing seasons in the state. This warmer climate paired with heavy clay-based soil is great for corn, soy, and deep-rooted perennials. Gardeners can succeed with a wide variety of vegetables if they manage the soil's alkaline nature.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Redwood County

via LawnByCounty

Average Effort for Redwood Lawns

Redwood County’s lawn difficulty score of 63.6 sits right at the state average. Located in Zone 5a, this region offers a longer growing season but faces more intense summer heat than its northern neighbors.

High Heat Hits the Prairie

The county endures 15 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 8. This heat, combined with 2,664 growing degree days, means lawns will go dormant without significant irrigation during July and August.

Sturdy Clay-Based Soils

With 23.7% clay, the soil in Redwood County holds moisture and nutrients better than sandier counties. The pH of 7.10 is slightly alkaline but still very close to the ideal range for a healthy lawn.

Persistent Dryness in the South

Every acre of Redwood County is currently abnormally dry, following 12 weeks of drought over the past year. Maintaining a tall mowing height of 3 to 4 inches will help shade the soil and reduce water loss during heatwaves.

Late April Start for Growth

The growing season typically starts April 30 and lasts until October 4, providing ample time for seeding. Turf-type Tall Fescues are recommended here because they handle the 15 days of 90-degree heat better than other cool-season grasses.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Redwood County's county score?
Redwood County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Redwood County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Redwood County ranks #26 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 Redwood County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Redwood County is $1,444, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Redwood County a tax score of 41/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Redwood County?
The median household income in Redwood County, Minnesota is $67,024 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Redwood County earns an income score of 59.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Redwood County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Redwood County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Redwood 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 Redwood County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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