countyscore
46.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.2Health 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.

2040608010034.95.245.895.347.998.223.459.850.1Tax34.9Cost5.2Safety45.8Health95.3Schools47.9Income98.2Risk23.4Water59.8Weather50.146.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Scott County DNA

Foverall

How Scott County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Scott County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.2/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (5.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.9-17.1
Cost
5.2-42.8
Safety
45.8-9.200000000000003
Health
95.3+45.3
Schools
47.9
Income
98.2+47.2
Risk
23.4-23.6
Water
59.8
Weather
50.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Scott County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$419,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,568/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$419,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$62,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $119,314/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.4

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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Nearby counties

Carver County
Minnesota
56
Dakota County
Minnesota
42.9
Rice County
Minnesota
49.1
Le Sueur County
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54.6
Hennepin County
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Sibley County
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57.4
Ramsey County
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Anoka County
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43.5

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 46.1 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 Scott County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Scott County ranks #72 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 $4,230, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 34.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Minnesota is $119,314 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 98.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Scott County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.