countyscore
45.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.5Health 95.3Lawn Care 77.4

County Report Card

About Scott County, Minnesota

High Prosperity with Suburban Pressures

Scott County’s composite score of 45.8 falls below the national median of 50.0. While it is wealthy, high costs and environmental risks drag down its overall national percentile.

Wealthy but Below State Average

Despite its affluence, Scott County’s score of 45.8 is lower than the Minnesota average of 55.8. The trade-off for its high-income profile is a significantly higher cost of living.

Wealth and Health Leaders

Scott County dominates with a near-perfect Income Score of 98.5 and a Health Score of 95.3. The median household income is a staggering $120,247, among the highest in the region.

The High Price of Living

Affordability is the main challenge, with a Cost Score of 5.0 and median home values at $393,500. A low Risk Score of 23.4 also suggests the area is more vulnerable to environmental stressors.

Best for Affluent Commuters

This county is tailor-made for high-earning professionals who value premium health services and top-tier community amenities. It is a classic 'pay-to-play' market where high incomes offset the steep cost of entry.

Score breakdown

Tax33.3Cost5Safety45.8Health95.3Schools47.9Income98.5Risk23.4Water59.8Weather50.1
🏛33.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤95.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.4
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

Carver County
Minnesota
56
Dakota County
Minnesota
43
Rice County
Minnesota
49.3
Le Sueur County
Minnesota
56.3
Hennepin County
Minnesota
36
Sibley County
Minnesota
57.3
Ramsey County
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32.6
Anoka County
Minnesota
43.7

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County taxes exceed national levels

Scott County's effective property tax rate of 1.066% sits well above the national median, and its median property tax of $4,195 towers over the national median of $2,690. This reflects Scott County's position as a prosperous Twin Cities suburb with median home values of $393,500—40% above the national average.

Highest effective rate in Minnesota

Scott County's 1.066% effective rate is the highest in Minnesota, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.968%. Median taxes of $4,195 run nearly double the state average of $2,168, reflecting the county's affluent suburban character.

Scott's taxes far exceed surrounding counties

Scott County's 1.066% rate substantially exceeds Sherburne County's 0.995%, Renville County's 1.016%, and all other regional peers. As a wealthy Twin Cities suburb, Scott County residents pay the steepest property tax bills in the state.

Scott County median home tax: $4,195 yearly

The median home in Scott County is valued at $393,500; at the county's 1.066% effective rate, that homeowner pays approximately $4,195 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders see this climb to $4,271 due to escrow practices.

High-value homes often overassessed in Scott

Scott County's expensive homes are prime candidates for assessment appeals—even a small percentage adjustment saves substantial money. Request a formal reassessment if your property's valuation hasn't reflected recent market corrections or comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott County: Prosperity with Price Tag

Scott County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio modestly exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% average, but its wealthy $120,247 median household income—61% higher than the $74,755 national median—absorbs housing costs gracefully. At $1,485 per month, median rent is Minnesota's highest, yet remains manageable for households earning substantially above national norms.

Minnesota's Wealthiest County Cluster

Scott County ranks among Minnesota's most affluent counties, with a median household income that dwarfs the state average and enables premium housing costs to feel sustainable. Its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio, while slightly above state average, reflects a prosperous exurban economy where wages outpace housing inflation.

Scott County's Affluent Positioning

Scott County's $1,485 rent and $393,500 median home value significantly exceed all regional peers, including Sherburne County ($1,151 rent, $332,700 homes) and Rice County ($1,046 rent, $298,500 homes). Only the wealthiest households—those earning Scott's $120,247 median—can comfortably shoulder these costs in this eight-county comparison.

Wealth Makes Expensive Housing Work

Renters pay $1,485 monthly while homeowners carry $1,922, consuming 14.8% and 19.2% of the $120,247 median household income respectively. Scott County households spend more on housing in absolute dollars than any peer, but their incomes are proportionally so much higher that affordability ratios remain acceptable.

Scott County for High-Income Professionals

Earning $120,000 or more? Scott County offers the Twin Cities' most desirable exurban lifestyle with high-quality schools and booming employers. Compare its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio to rural counties where wages stagnate, and you'll see that prosperity here doesn't sacrifice affordability for those at the county's income level.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott County far exceeds national income

Scott County's median household income of $120,247 towers 60.8% above the national median of $74,755—among the highest in the country. The county represents one of America's most prosperous communities.

Minnesota's richest county

At $120,247, Scott County dramatically surpasses Minnesota's state average of $75,757, ranking at the top tier of all state counties. The per capita income of $53,499 nearly 36% exceeds the state average of $39,335.

Scott dominates the region

Scott County's $120,247 median income is roughly 45% higher than Sherburne County ($102,965) and more than double most other neighboring counties. The county stands as the undisputed economic powerhouse in south-central Minnesota.

High income, high housing costs

Scott County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% remains near ideal despite the median home value of $393,500—substantially higher than surrounding counties. Strong household incomes successfully support premium housing in this prosperous suburb.

Wealth-building is within reach

Scott County's exceptional $120,247 median income creates extraordinary opportunity for aggressive wealth building and financial independence. With higher discretionary income, residents should prioritize diversified investments, real estate, and long-term wealth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Scott County Stays Below National Average

Scott County holds a safety score of 98.1, keeping it well within the range of the nation's safer communities. Its total crime rate of 1,215.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the 2,385.5 national average.

Scott County's State Ranking

Scott County sits just below the Minnesota average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,215.1 is slightly higher than the state average of 1,123.5.

Comparing Neighbors to the North

Scott's crime rate is higher than Sherburne but remains far below the rates seen in St. Louis County. Seven different reporting agencies provide a comprehensive view of safety here.

High Violent Crime Safety

The county excels in violent crime safety, reporting only 105.7 incidents per 100K versus the national 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 1,109.4 per 100K.

Smart Security for Scott County

With property crime being the primary concern, investing in smart doorbells can be highly effective. These tools provide a digital deterrent in a county with already low violent crime levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Scott County

via HealthByCounty

Scott County leads nation in life expectancy

Scott County's 81.1-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 80.3 years by 0.8 years, reflecting exceptional population health and healthcare quality. At 13.6% poor or fair health, Scott County sits below the national average of 15%, indicating strong overall health status. These metrics position Scott among America's healthiest counties.

Minnesota's healthiest county in state comparison

Scott County's 81.1-year life expectancy leads all comparison counties and surpasses Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 2.4 years. The 4.4% uninsured rate ranks among the state's lowest, significantly outperforming the 6.0% state average. This combination reflects both excellent healthcare access and strong community health outcomes.

Scott outperforms comparable Minnesota counties

Scott County's 81.1-year life expectancy far exceeds peers like Renville (77.8 years) and Roseau (77.0 years), representing a 3-4 year advantage. With 49 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Scott offers solid provider access, though not the highest density regionally. Mental health services at 144 per 100K provide comprehensive behavioral healthcare significantly above rural county averages.

High coverage and strong healthcare infrastructure

Scott County's 4.4% uninsured rate ranks among Minnesota's best, meaning 96% of residents have coverage enabling consistent care access. Primary care provider availability at 49 per 100K supports preventive care and chronic disease management throughout the county. Mental health capacity at 144 providers per 100K enables comprehensive behavioral health support for residents.

Protect your health through active coverage

Scott County's strong health metrics reflect high insurance uptake—maintain your own coverage to benefit from this robust healthcare ecosystem. Check MNsure.org if your coverage is changing or expiring to explore available options. Consistent insurance ensures you maximize access to Scott County's excellent healthcare resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Growing Suburban Network

Scott County boasts a massive education infrastructure with 57 public schools and 7 districts serving 26,259 students. This diverse landscape includes 25 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 18 high schools. The county also features 12 alternative schools and 8 special education facilities to meet varied student needs.

Solid Graduation Rates and Lean Spending

The graduation rate stands at 88.4%, which is slightly higher than both the Minnesota state average of 86.6% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Local schools operate efficiently with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,594, which is lower than the state's $8,463 average. While the school score of 54.0 is just below the state average, graduation remains a strong point.

The Powerhouses of Prior Lake and Shakopee

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and Shakopee Public Schools are the largest districts, enrolling 8,741 and 7,867 students respectively. Together, these two districts manage 26 schools and provide the bulk of the county's educational services. Two charter schools also operate in the county, providing alternative public options for local families.

Suburban Living with Large-Scale Schools

Most students attend schools in suburban (36) or town (17) locales, with an average school size of 477 students. Prior Lake High School is a major hub with 2,857 students, representing one of the largest facilities in the state. This environment offers students diverse academic tracks and extensive athletic and arts programs.

Make Your Move to a Top Suburban District

Scott County is a premier destination for families who want large-scale school resources in a suburban setting. Districts like Shakopee and Prior Lake-Savage offer modern facilities and graduation rates that beat the national average. Explore homes in these growing communities to secure a place in one of Minnesota's most active educational regions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott County faces significant risk

Scott County's composite risk score of 76.56 substantially exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating that understates its actual hazard exposure. The county ranks among America's higher-risk areas despite its moderate label.

Well above Minnesota average

At 76.56, Scott County's risk score far surpasses Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it one of the state's more hazard-prone counties. This ranking reflects significant exposure to floods, tornadoes, and wildfire across the county.

Comparable risk to Rice County

Scott County (76.56) sits nearly tied with neighboring Rice County (75.45) as the region's riskiest pair. Only St. Louis County (91.57) carries substantially greater overall disaster risk in Minnesota.

Tornadoes and floods lead threats

Tornadoes represent Scott County's acute danger at 88.96, nearly tied with Rice County as the state's tornado hotspot. Flooding ranks second at 73.03, compounded by wildfire risk (52.00) that exceeds most Minnesota counties.

Invest in comprehensive coverage

Scott County's triple threat of tornadoes, floods, and wildfires demands robust insurance: windstorm riders for tornadoes, NFIP flood insurance, and full homeowners coverage with wildfire provisions. Check your policy exclusions immediately and add coverage gaps before storm season arrives.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scott County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Continental Climate Variation

Scott County averages 44.2°F annually, staying about 10 degrees cooler than the national median. The region experiences a humid continental climate with a significant 33.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Leading the State in Warmth

With an annual average of 44.2°F, Scott County is warmer than the state average of 42.8°F. It also receives more moisture than the typical Minnesota county, exceeding the state average by 3.3 inches.

Warmer Than Northern Metro Peers

Scott County is generally warmer and wetter than Sherburne County to the north. While it shares the 13.6°F January average with Sibley County, its proximity to the Twin Cities urban heat island can occasionally influence local readings.

Significant Snow and Rising Heat

The county balances 39.8 inches of annual snowfall with 6 extreme heat days above 90°F. Summer averages reach a comfortable 68.8°F, though July can peak near 71°F.

Preparing for Wet Snow

Homeowners should prepare for nearly 40 inches of snow and slightly higher-than-average humidity. Modern HVAC systems should be rated for both the sub-zero January lows and the week of 90°F summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of Scott County

Scott County is characterized by Entisols with a dominant texture of fine sand. The pH of 6.34 is very close to the national median of 6.5 and sits above the state average of 6.21. These soils are relatively young and varied across the landscape.

High Sand for Rapid Drainage

The soil contains 48.7% sand, 33.1% silt, and 16.8% clay. This high sand content ensures that the ground dries out quickly after a storm. While this prevents puddling, it also means nutrients can leach away more easily than in clay-heavy soils.

Moderate Organic Matter and Capacity

Organic matter is steady at 6.06%, which is triple the national average but lower than the state's 9.90%. The available water capacity is 0.186 in/in, falling slightly below the state average of 0.199. Gardeners should plan for supplemental watering during the peak of summer.

Excessively Drained Landscapes

The soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A. This means water moves through the profile very rapidly, which is great for building but challenging for thirsty crops. Management should focus on maintaining moisture and adding organic amendments.

Garden Readiness in Zone 4b

In Hardiness Zone 4b, Scott County is perfect for drought-tolerant native plants and deep-rooted perennials. With a soil score of 75.7, the land is more productive than the average Minnesota plot. Try growing tomatoes or peppers that appreciate the warmth of sandy soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

High Performance Lawns in Scott County

Scott County is a standout for lawn enthusiasts with a difficulty score of 77.4. This puts it well above the Minnesota average of 63.9 and makes it significantly easier than the national baseline. The Zone 4b climate here provides a stable environment for high-quality turf.

Ample Rainfall and Gentle Summers

The county receives a healthy 33.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is firmly within the ideal range for grass. With only six extreme heat days per year, your lawn is less likely to suffer from mid-summer burnout compared to the state average of eight. Plenty of growing degree days ensure consistent, lush growth.

Working with Excessively Drained Sand

Scott County features a very high sand content of 48.7%, resulting in soil that is classified as excessively drained. While this prevents puddling, it means nutrients can wash away quickly through the fine sand. A pH of 6.34 is ideal, but you should prioritize organic matter to improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Currently Clear of Significant Drought

The county is in excellent shape with zero current drought coverage and only four weeks of drought recorded over the last year. This low drought pressure is a major reason for the high lawn score. Enjoy the green grass, but remember that your sandy soil will require quick action if dry weather returns.

Seeding Window Starts in Early May

Zone 4b favorites like Kentucky Bluegrass will flourish in these conditions. Aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on May 2 to take full advantage of the long growing season. The early October fall frost gives you plenty of time for established grass to harden off for winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 45.8 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 Scott County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Scott County ranks #73 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 Scott County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $4,195, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 33.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Minnesota is $120,247 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 98.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Scott County scores 45.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott County with other counties side by side.

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