countyscore
55.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.2Health 93.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Sherburne County, Minnesota

Competitive and Above the Median

Sherburne County achieves a composite score of 55.7, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that is highly attractive by national standards.

Mirroring the Minnesota Standard

The county's score of 55.7 is nearly identical to the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It represents the quintessential Minnesota experience, balancing high earnings with typical suburban challenges.

Top-Tier Health and Income

Sherburne excels with an Income Score of 96.2 and a Health Score of 93.8. With a median household income of $102,965, residents enjoy significant financial resources and excellent medical access.

Rising Costs and Tax Burden

Housing affordability is a growing concern, reflected in a low Cost Score of 11.7 and a median home value of $332,700. The Tax Score of 38.4 also indicates a higher-than-average local tax environment.

Suits Growing Upwardly-Mobile Families

Sherburne County is ideal for families who earn well and want a safe, health-conscious environment. It offers the classic suburban trade-off: high income and great schools for a higher cost of living.

2040608010038.411.764.193.866.896.246.58646.3Tax38.4Cost11.7Safety64.1Health93.8Schools66.8Income96.2Risk46.5Water86Weather46.355.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Sherburne County DNA

Foverall

How Sherburne County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sherburne County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (96.2/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (11.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.4-13.600000000000001
Cost
11.7-36.3
Safety
64.1+9.099999999999994
Health
93.8+43.8
Schools
66.8+12.799999999999997
Income
96.2+45.2
Risk
46.5
Water
86+28
Weather
46.3-9.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Sherburne County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$332,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,151/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$332,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $102,965/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.1

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

Wright County
Minnesota
56.5
Benton County
Minnesota
41
Isanti County
Minnesota
43.6
Anoka County
Minnesota
43.7
Hennepin County
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Stearns County
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50.3
Meeker County
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Mille Lacs County
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42.6

Deep Dives

Sherburne County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sherburne County

via TaxByCounty

Sherburne's rate moderately above national median

Sherburne County's effective property tax rate of 0.995% exceeds the national median, yet its median tax of $3,311 tops the national median of $2,690. This reflects Sherburne's role as a growing Twin Cities exurb with median home values of $332,700—18% above the national average.

Sherburne slightly above Minnesota average

Sherburne County's 0.995% effective rate edges above Minnesota's 0.968% state average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 87 counties. Median taxes of $3,311 run 53% above the state average of $2,168, driven by higher property values.

Sherburne falls between Scott and state average

Sherburne County's 0.995% rate sits between Scott County's high of 1.066% and the state average of 0.968%. The county represents mid-range suburban taxation as it experiences growth along the Twin Cities corridor.

Median Sherburne home tax: $3,311 annually

The median home in Sherburne County is valued at $332,700; at the county's 0.995% effective rate, that homeowner pays approximately $3,311 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders see this figure stay relatively flat at $3,293 due to escrow arrangements.

Assess your Sherburne property value claim

In a rapidly growing county like Sherburne, assessment values can lag or lead the actual market—creating opportunities for appeals. If your property tax seems high relative to recent neighborhood sales, file a formal reassessment request with your assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sherburne County

via CostByCounty

Sherburne Balances Income and Housing

Sherburne County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% beats Minnesota's 14.5% average and sits well below the national benchmark, supported by a strong median household income of $102,965—38% above the $74,755 national median. Median rent of $1,151 per month exceeds Minnesota's $915 average, yet remains affordable given Sherburne's above-average wages.

Sherburne Ranks Above Average

Sherburne County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio places it among Minnesota's better-performing counties for housing affordability, a reflection of both solid housing costs and robust household incomes driven by suburban growth. The county punches above state averages in wage earnings while maintaining below-average affordability pressure.

Sherburne's Suburban Sweet Spot

Sherburne County's $1,151 rent and $102,965 median income position it between rural affordability (Rock, Renville) and wealthy exurbs (Scott County's $120,247 income). Median home values of $332,700 exceed most rural peers but trail Scott County's $393,500, marking Sherburne as a more accessible suburban option.

Strong Incomes Sustain Higher Costs

Renters allocate $1,151 monthly while homeowners spend $1,669, together consuming 13.4% and 19.5% of the $102,965 median household income. Sherburne households earn significantly above state and national medians, enabling them to absorb above-average housing costs without strain.

Sherburne for Growing Suburban Families

If you're earning near Sherburne's $102,965 median and seeking suburban amenities with Twin Cities access, this county delivers strong affordability at 13.4% rent-to-income. Compare it to pricier Scott County or lower-wage rural alternatives, and you'll find a balanced sweet spot for upwardly mobile families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sherburne County

via IncomeByCounty

Sherburne County well above national average

Sherburne County's median household income of $102,965 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 37.7%—placing it among the nation's higher-earning counties. The county significantly outperforms most American communities.

Minnesota's upper-income counties

At $102,965, Sherburne County substantially surpasses Minnesota's state average of $75,757, ranking in the top tier of state counties. The per capita income of $44,241 significantly exceeds the state average of $39,335.

Second only to Scott County

Sherburne County's $102,965 ranks second among its peer group, trailing only Scott County's $120,247 but substantially ahead of all other regional counties. The county represents strong suburban prosperity in the Twin Cities orbit.

Premium housing, premium incomes

Sherburne County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio is excellent, even with the median home value of $332,700. Strong household incomes comfortably support elevated housing costs in this growing suburban county.

Capitalize on strong earnings

Sherburne County's $102,965 median income provides substantial capacity for aggressive wealth building and long-term financial planning. Consider maxing out 401(k) contributions, diversifying into stocks and bonds, and exploring real estate investment opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sherburne County

via CrimeByCounty

Sherburne's Low Crime Standing

Sherburne County boasts a safety score of 98.7, reflecting a very secure environment compared to the national average. Its total crime rate of 836.3 per 100K is less than half the U.S. rate.

Sherburne Safer Than State Average

The county ranks higher than the state average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100K.

Sherburne vs. Nearby Scott County

Sherburne is notably safer than Scott County and aligns closely with Roseau's safety profile. Four reporting agencies track these low incident numbers to ensure public transparency.

Violent Crime Remains Rare

Violent crime is very low at 71.6 per 100K, which is less than half the state average of 153.0. Property crime also stays well under national benchmarks at 764.7 per 100K.

Taking Proactive Security Steps

Take advantage of your county's safety by staying proactive about home security. Simple habits like locking garage doors and using timers for lights can prevent opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sherburne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive and High-Performing System

Sherburne County manages a robust educational network of 43 public schools and 5 districts, serving 16,192 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 16 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 16 high schools. This extensive system also includes 9 alternative schools to support diverse learning paths.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county's graduation rate of 93.7% is exceptionally high, far outperforming the Minnesota average of 86.6%. Educators achieve these marks with a lean per-pupil spend of $7,570, well below the state average of $8,463. A school score of 56.7 further confirms that Sherburne County schools are delivering high value for their investment.

Elk River District Dominates the Region

The Elk River Public School District is the county's largest by far, serving 14,152 students across 31 schools. Big Lake and Becker also maintain significant presences, with 3,204 and 2,863 students respectively. Four charter schools operate within the county, offering specialized alternatives for nearly 10% of the total school count.

Suburban Comfort with Diverse Settings

The county's schools are mostly suburban (23) or town-based (16), though a few city and rural options exist. Elk River Senior High is the largest school with 1,637 students, while the average school size is a manageable 405 students. This mix allows for a variety of educational atmospheres, from large comprehensive campuses to smaller community schools.

Secure a Bright Future in Sherburne

With a 93.7% graduation rate, Sherburne County is one of the strongest regions for academic success in Minnesota. Families often flock to Elk River and Big Lake for their reputable schools and high-performing districts. Start your home search here to ensure your children have access to top-tier graduation prospects and diverse school choices.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sherburne County

via RiskByCounty

Sherburne faces above-average risk

Sherburne County's composite risk score of 53.56 exceeds the national average, carrying a Relatively Low rating that reflects moderate but real hazard exposure. The county experiences elevated tornado and wildfire threats compared to most American counties.

Above Minnesota's state average

At 53.56, Sherburne County's risk score surpasses Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it among the state's more exposed counties. The Relatively Low rating indicates manageable but significant disaster risk.

Moderate risk among central counties

Sherburne County (53.56) faces higher risk than Renville County (38.45) and Sibley County (22.96) to the south, but lower than Rice County (75.45) and Scott County (76.56) to the east. It represents a middle ground in central Minnesota's risk landscape.

Tornadoes, wildfires, and flooding

Sherburne County confronts a three-part hazard profile: tornado risk at 70.39, wildfire risk at 76.43, and flood risk at 62.47. All three significantly exceed the state average, making severe weather and fire season particularly dangerous.

Cover all three major threats

Sherburne County residents need comprehensive protection: windstorm riders for tornado damage, NFIP flood insurance, and wildfire provisions in homeowners policies. Review your coverage before spring and fall severe weather seasons, and ensure all gaps are closed.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Sherburne County

via WaterByCounty

Sherburne County Achieves Top Safety Rating

Sherburne County earns a perfect Grade A for drinking water compliance, recording zero health violations over five years. This performance is exceptional compared to the Minnesota state average of 32.5 violations per 100,000 residents. The data shows that local water systems are consistently meeting all federal safety benchmarks.

Watershed Health Assessment Still Pending

Federal §303(d) assessments have not yet covered the water bodies in Sherburne County for the current reporting cycle. Because of this, the county has no official impairment percentage to compare with the state average of 1.5%. Local environmental health remains unquantified in the federal ATTAINS database at this time.

Specialized Monitoring Includes PFAS Tracking

Scientists have taken 14,392 measurements at 68 sites across Sherburne County over the last five years. In addition to physical and nutrient data, monitoring efforts include tracking PFAS (Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances). This proactive approach helps the county identify emerging contaminants before they impact the public water supply.

Mississippi River Flows Below Typical Levels

The Mississippi River at St. Cloud is currently flowing at 5,420 cfs, which is 80% of its long-term mean of 6,775 cfs. While the river remains a major water source, these slightly lower-than-average flows may influence the concentration of minerals. This data is critical for understanding the balance of the county's primary waterway.

Monitor PFAS and Maintain Water Quality

While drinking water is Grade A, the active monitoring of PFAS highlights the importance of staying informed about chemical contaminants. If you use a private well, periodic testing for nutrients and PFAS is recommended to ensure your individual safety. The Mississippi’s slightly lower flow suggests a need for regional water conservation awareness.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sherburne County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Gap in Central Minnesota

Sherburne County averages 43.5°F annually, which is notably cooler than the national median but standard for the Upper Midwest. Its 30.7 inches of annual precipitation sits just above the state average.

Comfortably Above the State Average

At 43.5°F, Sherburne is roughly 0.7 degrees warmer than the Minnesota state average. It ranks in the warmer half of the state's 87 counties, benefiting from its central-southern location.

Drier and Warmer than Stearns

Sherburne is slightly warmer than neighboring Stearns County, though it sees nearly 4 inches less snowfall annually. Both counties share similar summer averages, hovering around 68.5°F.

Heavy Snow and Summer Peaks

Residents face 44.3 inches of annual snowfall and 9 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winter temperatures average a cold 16.1°F, while July highs reach a humid 70.8°F.

Equipping for Variable Conditions

With 44.3 inches of snow, reliable snow removal equipment is a primary local necessity. The 9 days of extreme heat require efficient cooling systems to manage mid-summer spikes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sherburne County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Sandy Soils

Sherburne County has a notably acidic soil pH of 5.47, which is well below the national median of 6.5. This level is significantly lower than the state average of 6.21. Many traditional crops may require lime applications to thrive in these conditions.

Coarse Sand Dominates the Mix

The soil is 64.4% sand, the highest in this group, with 22.1% silt and only 8.4% clay. This coarse texture means the soil does not hold together easily and drains very quickly. It is highly workable but struggles to retain both water and essential minerals.

Healthy Organic Levels, Low Water

Organic matter is strong at 9.11%, staying close to the state average and far above the national 2.0%. However, the water capacity is low at 0.163 in/in due to the sand. This combination creates a unique environment where organic matter provides nutrients, but moisture escapes fast.

Challenges in Soil Performance

A soil score of 55.2 is below the state average of 73.0, indicating management challenges for standard agriculture. Without specific drainage data, the high sand percentage confirms that water moves through the soil profile rapidly. Successful growers here often use irrigation to maintain plant health.

Acid-Loving Plants for Zone 4b

Sherburne’s acidic, sandy soil in Zone 4b is a paradise for blueberries and azaleas. Use raised beds or heavy mulching to make the most of your home garden. Embrace the unique soil by planting species that thrive in well-drained, sandy environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sherburne County

via LawnByCounty

Average Effort Yields Great Results

Sherburne County hits near the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 64.8. It is significantly easier than the national median, offering a reliable path to a healthy lawn for most residents. This Zone 4b county provides the standard Minnesota growing experience.

Standard Precipitation and Typical Heat

Annual precipitation of 30.7 inches provides just enough moisture to meet the ideal lawn requirements. The county experiences nine days above 90 degrees, which is slightly higher than the state average. This combination means that mid-summer irrigation is necessary to prevent grass from going dormant.

Sandy Soil Requires Special Attention

With a high sand content of 64.4% and a low pH of 5.47, Sherburne County soil can be challenging. The acidic conditions may require lime applications to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for most turf. Because there is very little clay (8.4%), you must manage your watering carefully to prevent leaching.

Stable Moisture Levels This Season

Sherburne County is currently enjoying a drought-free season with 0% coverage and no drought weeks in the past year. This abundance of moisture is a perfect opportunity to build up your soil health. Focus on adding compost to your sandy base while conditions are favorable.

Planting Around the May Frost

Wait for the last spring frost on May 7 before starting your new lawn projects. Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue blends are the most reliable choices for this climate. Ensure your work is finished by the first fall frost on September 30 to allow roots to settle.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sherburne County's county score?
Sherburne County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 55.6 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 Sherburne County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Sherburne County ranks #46 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 Sherburne County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Sherburne County is $3,311, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Sherburne County a tax score of 38.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sherburne County?
The median household income in Sherburne County, Minnesota is $102,965 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sherburne County earns an income score of 96.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sherburne County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Sherburne County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Sherburne 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 Sherburne County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.