countyscore
56.2
County Score
Soil Quality 86.9Health 85.4Income & Jobs 74.9

County Report Card

About Roseau County, Minnesota

Solid Standing in Northern Minnesota

Roseau County earns a composite score of 56.2, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a reliable standard of living in the state's northern reaches.

Aligning with the State Average

Roseau's score of 56.2 sits just above the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It maintains a competitive profile by balancing high income levels with specialized regional challenges.

High Health and Earning Power

Residents benefit from an 85.4 Health Score and a 74.9 Income Score. The median household income of $73,611 supports a comfortable lifestyle, especially with median home values under $180,000.

Addressing Critical Water Infrastructure

The county struggles with a very low Water Score of 7.4, indicating significant needs in water quality or infrastructure. Housing affordability also lags slightly with a Cost Score of 36.6.

A Haven for Outdoor Professionals

Roseau is ideal for workers in the manufacturing or agricultural sectors who want high pay and excellent healthcare. Those moving here should simply verify specific water quality details for their property.

Score breakdown

Tax43.3Cost36.6Safety65Health85.4Schools59.5Income74.9Risk56.2Water7.4Weather48.3
🏛43.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨86.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.3
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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74.3
Pennington County
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43.9
Kittson County
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69.5
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Deep Dives

Roseau County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Roseau County

via TaxByCounty

Roseau County's rate below national median

Roseau County's effective property tax rate of 0.928% sits below the national median rate, reflecting its small-town Minnesota character. The median property tax of $1,644 falls well short of the national median of $2,690, thanks to median home values around 37% lower than the U.S. average.

Roseau runs nearly even with state average

Roseau County's 0.928% effective rate is just slightly below Minnesota's 0.968% state average, placing it near the center of the state's 87 counties. Median taxes of $1,644 run 24% below the state average of $2,168.

Moderate taxes for far northern Minnesota

Roseau County's 0.928% rate is notably lower than Renville County's 1.016% and substantially lower than Sibley County's 1.099%. As Minnesota's northernmost county, Roseau offers reasonable property tax burden relative to its regional peers.

Roseau homeowners pay $1,644 annually

The median home in Roseau County is valued at $177,100; at the county's 0.928% effective rate, that homeowner pays approximately $1,644 in annual property taxes. The figure rises to $1,792 for those with mortgages due to escrow.

Assessment challenges apply in Roseau too

Even in affordable Roseau County, some homeowners may be overassessed relative to market value. File an appeal with your county assessor if your property tax seems misaligned with recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roseau County

via CostByCounty

Roseau Aligns with Minnesota Average

Roseau County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% sits nearly level with Minnesota's 14.5% average and tracks the national affordability benchmark closely. Median rent of $886 per month slightly exceeds the state's $915 average, while the $73,611 median household income falls just below the $74,755 national median.

Roseau Mirrors State Norms

With a rent-to-income ratio nearly identical to Minnesota's statewide average, Roseau County ranks squarely in the middle for state affordability. This positioning reflects a rural, working-class economy where housing pressures remain manageable despite modest wage levels.

Northern Minnesota's Middle Ground

Roseau County's $886 rent falls between Rock County's bargain rates ($745) and St. Louis County's premium pricing ($970), positioning it as a northern Minnesota middle option. Home values of $177,100 similarly split the difference between rural counties like Renville ($151,900) and higher-cost peers like Rice ($298,500).

Balanced Housing-to-Income Costs

Renters spend $886 monthly while homeowners allocate $1,019, together consuming roughly 14% of the $73,611 median household income. This alignment with state averages reflects Roseau's position as a representative rural Minnesota county without dramatic affordability pressures or bargains.

Roseau for Stable Rural Living

If you seek predictable, middle-of-the-road Minnesota affordability, Roseau County delivers exactly that—no surprises, fair housing costs, and a working-class community vibe. Compare it to pricier metros like Scott County or lower-cost bargains like Rock County, and you'll find a steady middle path.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roseau County

via IncomeByCounty

Roseau slightly below national income

Roseau County's median household income of $73,611 sits 1.5% below the national median of $74,755—nearly at parity with the U.S. average. The county performs comparably to typical American households.

Below Minnesota's state average

At $73,611, Roseau County trails Minnesota's state average of $75,757 but remains closer to the state median than many rural counties. The per capita income of $36,987 falls below the state average of $39,335.

Mid-range in the region

Roseau County's $73,611 income positions it above Renville ($69,086) and Rock ($70,698) but below Rice County ($82,792). The county represents moderate earning power among its rural Minnesota peers.

Balanced housing affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.4%, Roseau County residents allocate a healthy but manageable share to housing costs. The median home value of $177,100 aligns well with the county's income levels.

Smart savings build security

Roseau County's moderate income of $73,611 and reasonable housing costs (14.4%) create space for intentional financial planning. Even small regular investments in diversified funds can grow substantially over time through compound interest.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roseau County

via CrimeByCounty

Roseau County's Secure Profile

Roseau County earns a strong 98.7 safety score, indicating a much lower risk than the national average. Its total crime rate of 817.3 per 100K is roughly one-third of the U.S. rate.

Above the Minnesota Average

Roseau outperforms the state average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate is also roughly 300 points lower than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100K.

Regional Comparison with Sherburne

Compared to Sherburne County, Roseau shows a slightly lower overall crime footprint. Three local agencies work together to monitor and report safety across the county.

Analyzing Property vs. Violent Crime

While the violent crime rate of 235.4 is above the state average, property crime is very low at 581.9 per 100K. This reflects a community where theft and burglary are relatively rare.

Focusing on Home Awareness

Invest in home security systems that alert you to unusual activity around your perimeter. Strong community ties and visible security measures help deter the property crimes that do occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Roseau County

via HealthByCounty

Roseau County lags national life expectancy

At 77.0 years, Roseau County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 80.3 years by 3.3 years—a significant gap reflecting substantial health challenges. The county's 13.2% poor or fair health rate falls below the national average of 15%, suggesting acute rather than widespread health challenges. This disparity warrants deeper investigation into the drivers of reduced longevity.

Lowest life expectancy in state comparison group

Roseau County's 77.0-year life expectancy ranks lowest among Minnesota comparison counties and lags the state average of 78.7 years by 1.7 years. The 5.3% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state's 6.0% average, indicating coverage is available but potentially not as robust as needed. These metrics suggest Roseau faces distinct health and healthcare challenges.

Roseau's longevity and providers trail peers

Roseau's 77.0-year life expectancy significantly underperforms neighboring counties like Sherburne (79.4 years) and Scott (81.1 years) by 2-4 years. Primary care provider density at 52 per 100K exceeds only Renville, limiting preventive care accessibility. Mental health providers at 39 per 100K fall well below regional peers, creating behavioral health access barriers.

Limited provider network constrains healthcare access

Roseau County has just 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—requiring residents to travel further for routine preventive care compared to nearby counties. Mental health provider shortages at 39 per 100K mean behavioral health support requires travel or wait times. The combination of limited primary care and mental health capacity directly impacts residents' ability to manage chronic conditions.

Secure coverage to access available services

Even with limited providers, maintaining active health insurance ensures you access Roseau's available healthcare resources without financial barriers. Visit MNsure.org to verify your coverage status and explore options if uninsured. Community health centers throughout Roseau can connect you to coverage programs and provide essential care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Roseau County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Northern Border

Roseau County's educational landscape features 10 public schools and 4 school districts serving a total of 2,660 students. The system is split between 4 elementary schools and 6 high schools, including two alternative learning centers. The infrastructure is designed to serve a mix of town centers and sprawling rural areas.

Steady Performance and State-Level Funding

Roseau County schools achieve an 89.6% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 86.6% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending is nearly identical to the state average at $8,474. The county’s school score of 56.5 indicates a high level of academic quality compared to the state median of 54.9.

Roseau and Warroad Lead Enrollment

The Roseau Public School District and Warroad Public School District are the largest, serving 1,152 and 1,068 students respectively. These two districts manage the majority of the county's educational resources through 7 combined schools. There are no charter schools in the county, with all public education managed through traditional local districts.

A Mix of Rural and Town Learning

Schools here are divided between rural settings (7) and town centers (3), offering different environments for families. Roseau Elementary is the largest school with 625 students, while Badger Secondary is significantly smaller with only 116 students. The average school size of 333 students allows for robust extracurricular programs while maintaining a local feel.

Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District

With graduation rates near 90%, Roseau County is an excellent choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Homes near Roseau and Warroad provide direct access to the county's largest and most resource-rich districts. Consider this northern Minnesota gem for a community that values high educational standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roseau County

via RiskByCounty

Roseau faces moderate national risk

Roseau County's composite risk score of 43.86 slightly exceeds the national average, carrying a Relatively Low rating. The score masks a significant concentration of wildfire danger that sets this county apart from most peers.

Slightly above Minnesota's average

At 43.86, Roseau County's risk score edges above Minnesota's state average of 42.38, reflecting above-average exposure to specific hazards. The county's Relatively Low rating indicates manageable but non-trivial disaster risk.

Wildfire risk distinguishes Roseau

Roseau County (43.86) shares similar overall risk with other northern Minnesota counties, but its wildfire score of 91.00 is extraordinary—the highest among all counties in this comparison. This unique vulnerability sets Roseau apart from neighbors like Koochiching and Lake counties.

Wildfire danger is extreme

Roseau County's wildfire risk of 91.00 is by far its dominant hazard and among the highest in Minnesota, driven by vast forested landscapes and dry conditions. Flooding poses a secondary threat at 59.96, while tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire preparedness

Roseau County residents must focus on wildfire mitigation: clear vegetation within 30 feet of structures, use fire-resistant roofing, and maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance. Consider brush clearing as a annual priority and develop an evacuation plan for wildfire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roseau County

via WeatherByCounty

Subarctic Chills on the Northern Border

Roseau County is one of the coldest spots in the lower 48 with an average annual temperature of only 36.6°F. This is nearly 17 degrees colder than the national median, placing it firmly in a continental subarctic climate zone.

Far Below the State Average

The county's average of 36.6°F is significantly lower than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. It consistently ranks as one of the coldest counties in the state due to its position on the Canadian border.

Cold Even by Northern Standards

Compared to Kittson County to the west, Roseau maintains a similarly frigid profile with just 27.7 inches of annual precipitation. It lacks the lake-effect moderation found further east, leading to more stable but extreme cold.

Brutal Winters and Mild Summers

Winter averages are a punishing 6.6°F, while summers remain mild with a July average of 65.8°F. The county only sees about 2 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F.

Winter Survival and Heating Focus

High-efficiency heating systems and heavy-duty insulation are non-negotiable for the 6.6°F winter average. Residents rarely need intensive air conditioning given the rare occurrence of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roseau County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Rich Northern Soils

Roseau County features a soil pH of 6.05, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level is also slightly below the Minnesota state average of 6.21. Many northern forest plants and specific crops thrive in these slightly sour conditions.

Sandy Texture with High Porosity

The soil contains 45.9% sand, 33.7% silt, and only 11.4% clay. This sandy composition allows for rapid drainage and prevents waterlogging during heavy rains. However, it requires careful nutrient management as water moves through the profile quickly.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 20.47%, the organic matter in Roseau is more than double the state average of 9.90%. This extreme richness drives an available water capacity of 0.222 in/in, which is among the highest in the region. This organic abundance offsets the sandy texture to keep plants hydrated.

High-Performing Northern Landscapes

The county boasts an impressive soil score of 86.9, far exceeding the state average of 73.0. While specific drainage classes are not listed, the combination of high sand and high organic matter creates a resilient growing environment. These soils are remarkably productive despite the northern latitude.

Short Seasons in Zone 3b

Roseau sits in the chilly Zone 3b, requiring cold-hardy crops like cabbage, potatoes, and northern berries. The rich soil profile helps plants grow quickly during the short summer window. Start a garden today to see what this high-organic soil can produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roseau County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in the Far North

Roseau County has a lawn difficulty score of 59.3, making it slightly more challenging than the state average. Located in the cold Zone 3b, the short growing season and harsh winters define the local lawn care experience. It remains easier than the national median, though your window for growth is tight.

Low Heat and Shorter Growing Windows

With only 1,621 growing degree days, grass grows much more slowly here than in southern Minnesota. Precipitation is relatively low at 27.7 inches annually, and the county sees only two extreme heat days per year. You will find yourself mowing less frequently but needing to maximize the short summer months.

Sandy Foundations and Acidic Trends

The soil in Roseau is quite sandy at 45.9%, which provides excellent drainage but may lose nutrients quickly. A pH of 6.05 is on the lower end of the ideal range, so you might need occasional lime applications. With only 11.4% clay, your lawn will rely heavily on consistent fertilization and watering.

Managing Moderate Drought and Sandy Soil

Roseau spent 16 weeks in drought this year, and 73.7% of the county currently faces dry conditions. Because sandy soil drains so fast, these dry spells hit lawns here harder and faster than in clay-heavy areas. Mulching your grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain vital moisture and nutrients.

Maximize the Short Northern Season

Select ultra-hardy Zone 3 grass types like Fine Fescue or specific Kentucky Bluegrass cultivars. Wait until the frost risk ends around May 16 to begin work, and be ready to wrap up before the first frost on September 24. This narrow window requires precise timing for seeding or sodding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roseau County's county score?
Roseau County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Roseau County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Roseau County ranks #44 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 Roseau County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Roseau County is $1,644, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Roseau County a tax score of 43.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roseau County?
The median household income in Roseau County, Minnesota is $73,611 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roseau County earns an income score of 74.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roseau County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Roseau County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Roseau 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 Roseau 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.