countyscore
70.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.6Water Quality 86Health 85.6

County Report Card

About Rock County, Minnesota

A National Leader in Livability

Rock County commands an elite composite score of 70.7, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the top-tier counties for quality of life across the United States.

Outshining the Minnesota Average

With a score of 70.7, Rock County dramatically exceeds the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It stands as a premier destination within the state, offering a rare combination of safety and stability.

Unmatched Safety and Climate Stability

The county boasts a remarkable Risk Score of 90.6 and a Safety Score of 79.4. A low effective tax rate of 0.720% and an 85.6 Health Score make it a standout for fiscal and physical well-being.

Maintaining Competitive Housing Costs

The Cost Score of 58.1 is the county's lowest relative dimension, though it remains quite strong compared to national figures. While affordable, the median home value of $201,600 is rising as the county's popularity increases.

Best for Peace of Mind

Rock County is the ultimate choice for retirees or families seeking maximum safety and low taxes. Its superior scores across almost every category make it one of the most livable spots in the Midwest.

2040608010060.858.179.485.669.368.290.68642.2Tax60.8Cost58.1Safety79.4Health85.6Schools69.3Income68.2Risk90.6Water86Weather42.270.7/100
This county
National avg
7 above average1 below average

Rock County DNA

Coverall

How Rock County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Rock County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (90.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
60.8+8.799999999999997
Cost
58.1+10.100000000000001
Safety
79.4+24.400000000000006
Health
85.6+35.599999999999994
Schools
69.3+15.299999999999997
Income
68.2+17.200000000000003
Risk
90.6+43.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
42.2-13.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Rock County

Whether buying or refinancing in Rock County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$201,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$745/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$201,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,698/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

72.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Hardin County
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70.7
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Brooke County
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Tucker County
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Doddridge County
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Median income: $61,164
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Cumberland County
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LaSalle Parish
Louisiana
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Mitchell County
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Median income: $58,089
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Nearby counties

Lyon County
Iowa
65.1
Minnehaha County
South Dakota
49.5
Nobles County
Minnesota
50.4
Pipestone County
Minnesota
66.9
Lincoln County
South Dakota
34.4
Moody County
South Dakota
50.5
Murray County
Minnesota
72.7
Osceola County
Iowa
65.3

Deep Dives

Rock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rock County

via TaxByCounty

Rock County has Minnesota's lowest tax rate

Rock County's effective property tax rate of 0.720% ranks among the lowest in the entire country, well below the national median. The median property tax of $1,451 is nearly half the national median of $2,690, making Rock County exceptionally affordable for homeowners.

Lowest effective rate in Minnesota by far

Rock County's 0.720% effective rate dramatically undercuts Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it the lowest-taxed county in the state. Median taxes of $1,451 run 33% below the state average, offering homeowners significant relief.

Rock's rates far outpace region

Rock County's 0.720% rate is substantially lower than Sibley County's 1.099%, Renville County's 1.016%, and Roseau County's 0.928%. This rural southwest Minnesota county stands alone as a tax bargain.

Rock County homeowners save with 0.720% rate

The median home in Rock County is valued at $201,600; at the county's remarkably low 0.720% effective rate, that translates to just $1,451 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders pay slightly more at $1,499 due to escrow.

Even at low rates, assessment errors happen

Rock County's low tax burden is no guarantee your individual property is fairly assessed. Review your assessment notice and consider an appeal if your valuation seems out of step with recent neighborhood sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rock County

via CostByCounty

Rock County's Rental Bargain

Rock County residents dedicate just 12.7% of income to rent, the lowest ratio among these eight counties and well below both Minnesota's 14.5% average and national norms. At $745 per month, median rent ranks among Minnesota's most affordable, even as the county's $70,698 median household income sits modestly below the $74,755 national average.

Minnesota's Rental Affordability Champion

Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio positions it among the state's most affordable counties, outpacing the Minnesota average by 1.8 percentage points. This efficiency reflects a rural economy where housing costs have not inflated to match wages, creating genuine relief for working families.

Rock County Undercuts All Peers

Rock County's $745 rent is the lowest in this regional cluster, beating Renville ($760), Sibley ($858), Roseau ($886), and St. Louis ($970) by substantial margins. Its median home value of $201,600 also offers better value than Rice ($298,500) and Sherburne ($332,700), positioning it as the rural affordability leader.

Housing Takes Minimal Income Share

Renters spend $745 monthly while homeowners pay $906, together claiming just 12-13% of the $70,698 median household income. This leaves working families with meaningful resources for food, healthcare, transportation, and savings—a rare comfort in today's housing market.

Rock County for Maximum Affordability

Searching for Minnesota's most housing-affordable option? Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio and $745 median rent deliver genuine breathing room for renters and buyers alike. Families earning the county's median income of $70,698 stretch dollars further here than anywhere else in this regional comparison.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rock County

via IncomeByCounty

Rock County slightly below national median

Rock County's median household income of $70,698 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 5.4%. While below the U.S. average, the county remains competitive with many rural and agricultural regions.

Lower-earning Minnesota county

At $70,698, Rock County falls below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, ranking in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The per capita income of $38,201 also sits slightly below the state average of $39,335.

Mid-range among southwestern peers

Rock County's $70,698 sits between Renville ($69,086) and Roseau ($73,611), making it a middle performer in its regional cohort. The county earns less than Rice County ($82,792) but maintains steady household income.

Excellent housing affordability

Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest measured, providing significant relief on housing costs compared to national norms. The median home value of $201,600 remains reasonable given the county's income levels.

Invest the savings from affordability

Rock County's exceptional housing affordability (12.7% of income) means residents have more discretionary income than their counterparts elsewhere. Direct those savings into index funds, bonds, or retirement accounts to build long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rock County

via CrimeByCounty

Rock County is Exceptionally Safe

Rock County posts a total crime rate of just 486.6 per 100K, leading to an elite safety score of 99.2. This performance far surpasses the national safety average.

Beating State Safety Averages

The county's crime rate is less than half the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100K. It easily exceeds the state’s typical safety score of 98.2.

Neighborly Safety Comparison

Rock County reports significantly less crime than neighbors like Renville. Please note that data comes from a single reporting agency and requires careful interpretation when comparing to multi-agency counties.

Minimal Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is remarkably low at 41.4 per 100K compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime also stays minimal at 445.2 per 100K residents.

Maintaining Rock County's Safety

Even in high-safety areas, preventative measures like deadbolts and window locks remain essential. Maintaining your home's exterior security helps keep these record-low numbers in place.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Rock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Southwest Minnesota

Rock County operates a streamlined education system with 6 public schools managed by only 2 school districts. This rural network supports 1,502 total students, primarily through the Luverne and Hills-Beaver Creek districts. The infrastructure includes 2 elementary schools and 3 high schools to serve the local population.

Strong Results and Consistent Funding

The county's graduation rate of 91.7% is well above the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 86.6%. With a school score of 58.3, Rock County outperforms the state average of 54.9 by a healthy margin. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $8,813, ensuring local schools are funded slightly better than the Minnesota state average.

Luverne Public Schools Set the Pace

The Luverne Public School District is the dominant provider, enrolling 1,161 students across 4 schools. The Hills-Beaver Creek School District serves the remainder of the county with 341 students in 2 schools. There are currently no charter schools in Rock County, keeping the focus on traditional district-led education.

The Classic Rural School Experience

Every school in Rock County is classified as rural, providing a consistent environment for all 1,502 students. Luverne Elementary is the largest facility with 524 students, while Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary serves just 145 students. The average school size is 250 students, promoting a familiar and high-visibility atmosphere for families.

Join a Community with Academic Excellence

Families seeking high-performing rural schools will find Rock County to be an ideal destination. With graduation rates exceeding 91%, the local districts offer a clear path to student success. Explore available properties in Luverne to enjoy a high-quality education in a stable, rural setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rock County

via RiskByCounty

Rock County is exceptionally safe

Rock County's composite risk score of 9.41 is among the lowest in the nation, earning a Very Low risk rating. Residents here face significantly fewer natural disaster threats than the typical American county.

Minnesota's safest county

At 9.41, Rock County's risk score is dramatically below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it the safest county in the state by a wide margin. This exceptional ranking reflects minimal exposure across nearly all hazard categories.

Safest in the southern region

Rock County (9.41) is far safer than neighboring Nobles County and substantially safer than Sibley County (22.96) to the north. Only a handful of Minnesota counties match Rock's exceptionally low risk profile.

Tornado risk exceeds other threats

Tornadoes represent Rock County's primary hazard at 36.16, still below the state average for this pervasive Midwestern threat. All other risks—flood (15.08), wildfire (7.54), and earthquake (7.03)—are minimal.

Standard insurance provides good coverage

Rock County's low overall risk means a standard homeowners policy covers most scenarios, though tornado/windstorm riders remain sensible. Residents should still maintain a weather emergency plan and stay alert during severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Rock County

via WaterByCounty

Rock County Achieves Top Compliance Grade

Rock County earns a Grade A for its drinking water systems, with zero health violations recorded in the last five years. The county’s violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 people is far superior to the state average of 32.5. This ensures that residents are receiving water that consistently meets all Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Federal Watershed Assessment Gaps Exist

Currently, no water bodies in Rock County are covered under the federal §303(d) assessment framework. Consequently, there are no reported impairment percentages compared to the Minnesota state average of 1.5%. This indicates that the environmental health of local streams and lakes has not yet been quantified at the federal level.

Active Monitoring Focused on Nutrient Trends

Monitoring sites are plentiful in Rock County, with 74 locations producing 13,542 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses on pesticides, nutrients, and organics to protect the local water supply. This footprint ensures a high level of scientific oversight for the county's water resources.

Limited Live Streamflow Gauging Available

Rock County does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage for live flow reporting. Without real-time discharge data, the community relies on the county's excellent drinking water compliance records for safety signals. The lack of a primary gauge is a common data gap in many rural Minnesota counties.

Sustain Clean Water Through Active Testing

Residents benefit from perfect compliance, but should remain vigilant as no formal watershed assessment exists. Given the focus on nutrient and pesticide monitoring, home well owners should consider annual testing for these agricultural markers. Protecting the source water is vital to maintaining the county's Grade A status.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rock County

via WeatherByCounty

A Rainy Match for the Minnesota Average

While annual temperature data is currently unavailable for Rock County, its 30.0 inches of annual precipitation aligns exactly with the Minnesota state average. This southwestern corner sits well below the national precipitation median, reflecting the drier characteristics of the Great Plains border.

Consistency in the Southwest Corner

Rock County mirrors the state's average rainfall of 30.0 inches perfectly. Although its specific temperature rank is not recorded, its southern latitude typically positions it as one of the warmer regions compared to the 42.8°F state average.

Bordering the Dakota Plains

Rock County shares a climate profile with its neighbors in the Buffalo Ridge region, characterized by steady winds and consistent moisture. Its 30-inch rainfall matches the broader regional trend seen in adjacent Pipestone and Nobles counties.

Limited Seasonal Temperature Records

Specific seasonal averages and extreme heat counts are not available for this county. However, the 30.0 inches of annual precipitation suggest a standard distribution of moisture throughout the growing season and winter months.

Preparing for Southwestern Winds

Residents should focus on wind-resistant infrastructure and moisture management for the 30.0 inches of annual rain. Without specific local temperature data, following regional guidelines for the Minnesota-South Dakota border is the best approach for HVAC sizing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rock County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in the Southwest

Rock County’s soil pH sits at 6.83, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This measurement is significantly higher than the Minnesota average of 6.21. Such levels are generally favorable for legumes and many common row crops.

Dominant Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is predominantly silt at 54.3%, with 27.7% clay and a low 18.0% sand content. This fine-textured mix allows the soil to hold nutrients and water very effectively. However, the high silt and clay levels mean the ground may become heavy when wet.

Steady Moisture for Growing Plants

The organic matter content is 4.46%, which is double the national average but below the state average of 9.90%. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in stays just above the state benchmark of 0.199. This ensures a consistent water supply for crops throughout the growing season.

Solid Soil Performance Ratings

A soil score of 75.1 puts Rock County above the state average of 73.0. The high silt percentage suggests that drainage may be slower than in sandier neighboring counties. Proper management can prevent compaction and ensure long-term soil health.

Ideal Conditions in Zone 5a

Located in Zone 5a, Rock County enjoy a slightly warmer climate than most of Minnesota. This allows for a wider variety of vegetables and a longer season for corn and small grains. Your garden will thrive in this nutrient-dense silty soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rock County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Lawn Challenges in Rock County

Rock County presents a tougher environment than its neighbors, with a lawn difficulty score of 55.4. While this is still above the national average, it falls nearly 10 points below the Minnesota state average. Residents in this Zone 5a area must work harder to maintain a green carpet.

Tight Water Margins for Local Lawns

Annual precipitation averages 30.0 inches, hitting the absolute minimum of the ideal lawn watering range. Because moisture is at a premium, efficient irrigation systems are vital for success here. Without supplemental watering, lawns in this region can quickly enter dormancy during the peak growing season.

Stable Soil with High Clay Content

The local soil features 27.7% clay, which is higher than many surrounding counties and helps retain what little moisture falls. A pH of 6.83 is excellent for grass health and limits the need for lime or sulfur treatments. However, the low sand content of 18.0% means you should watch for soil compaction over time.

Widespread Dryness Demands Water Conservation

The county spent half the year—26 weeks—in drought conditions, and 100% of the area is currently Abnormally Dry. Water conservation is not just suggested; it is essential for lawn survival here. Focus on raising mower blades to three inches to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5a

Being in Zone 5a allows for a slightly wider variety of grass types, including some heat-tolerant Tall Fescues. Because local frost and temperature data is limited, keep a close eye on soil temperatures for a spring start. Deep-rooting varieties will serve you best during the frequent dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rock County's county score?
Rock County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 70.7 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 Rock County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Rock County ranks #6 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 Rock County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Rock County is $1,451, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Rock County a tax score of 60.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rock County?
The median household income in Rock County, Minnesota is $70,698 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rock County earns an income score of 68.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rock County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Rock County scores 70.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Rock 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 Rock County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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