countyscore
57.3
County Score
Safety 87.2Health 86.8Soil Quality 81.1

County Report Card

About Sibley County, Minnesota

Strong Livability in a Quiet Setting

Sibley County scores a 57.3 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It provides a stable and high-quality environment compared to many rural counties nationwide.

Exceeding State Performance Benchmarks

With a 57.3 composite score, Sibley sits above the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It remains a hidden gem for those looking for safety and stability outside the major metro hubs.

A Leader in Public Safety

The county shines with a Safety Score of 87.2 and a Health Score of 86.8. Residents benefit from a peaceful community atmosphere and a strong median household income of $76,082.

Water and Education Hurdles

Sibley faces a significant challenge with its Water Score of 5.5, the lowest among its metrics. Additionally, a School Score of 42.9 suggests room for growth in the local educational infrastructure.

Best for Peace and Quiet

Sibley County is a top choice for individuals prioritizing personal safety and a tight-knit community. It offers a high standard of living for those who don't mind investing in private water solutions or supplemental education.

Score breakdown

Tax31Cost36Safety87.2Health86.8Schools42.9Income78.6Risk77.1Water5.5Weather45.3
🏛31
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76
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

McLeod County
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Carver County
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Nicollet County
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Le Sueur County
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Deep Dives

Sibley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sibley County

via TaxByCounty

Sibley County taxes above national rates

Sibley County's effective property tax rate of 1.099% ranks well above the national median, making it one of the higher-taxed counties nationally. The median property tax of $2,364 slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690 relative to the county's median home value of $215,000.

Sibley second-highest in Minnesota

Sibley County's 1.099% effective rate ranks second-highest in Minnesota, exceeded only by Scott County's 1.066%—and substantially above the state average of 0.968%. Median taxes of $2,364 run 9% above the state average despite lower home values.

Sibley leads region with highest rate

Sibley County's 1.099% rate exceeds all regional neighbors, including Renville County's 1.016%, Roseau County's 0.928%, and Rock County's 0.720%. This rural south-central Minnesota county carries the heaviest property tax burden in its region.

Sibley homeowners pay $2,364 annually

The median home in Sibley County is valued at $215,000; at the county's 1.099% effective rate, that homeowner pays approximately $2,364 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders see this climb to $2,451 due to escrow arrangements.

Sibley's high rate makes appeals worthwhile

With the state's second-highest tax rate, Sibley County homeowners have significant incentive to challenge inflated assessments. Contact your assessor to request a formal reassessment if your property's valuation seems disconnected from comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sibley County

via CostByCounty

Sibley County's Solid Affordability

Sibley County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% beats Minnesota's 14.5% average and sits comfortably below national norms, while median household income of $76,082 slightly exceeds the $74,755 national average. Median rent of $858 per month exceeds Minnesota's $915 state average, yet remains manageable given the county's above-average wages.

Sibley Performs Well Statewide

Sibley County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Minnesota's average, reflecting a working-class rural economy with reasonable housing costs relative to earnings. The county outperforms statewide affordability norms despite sitting outside major metro corridors.

Sibley's Central Minnesota Positioning

Sibley County's $858 rent exceeds the rural bargains of Rock ($745) and Renville ($760) but trails more expensive peers like Roseau ($886) and Rice ($1,046). Home values of $215,000 sit in the regional middle, making Sibley a balanced option within central Minnesota's affordability spectrum.

Housing Claims Modest Income Share

Renters spend $858 monthly while homeowners pay $1,113, consuming roughly 13.5% and 17.5% of the $76,082 median household income respectively. Sibley households enjoy income levels slightly above national averages, allowing them to absorb these costs while maintaining meaningful savings capacity.

Sibley County for Value-Conscious Families

Earning close to the national median? Sibley County delivers above-average affordability at 13.5% rent-to-income while offering small-town Minnesota character. Compare it to rock-bottom Rock County or higher-cost suburbs, and you'll see Sibley as a pragmatic middle path with solid wage prospects.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sibley County

via IncomeByCounty

Sibley County slightly above national median

Sibley County's median household income of $76,082 edges 1.8% above the national median of $74,755—nearly at parity with the U.S. average. The county performs right in line with typical American households.

At Minnesota's state average

At $76,082, Sibley County sits just slightly below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, performing near the middle of the state's counties. The per capita income of $38,862 also closely mirrors the state average of $39,335.

Mid-range among rural counties

Sibley County's $76,082 exceeds most rural neighbors including Renville ($69,086) and Rock ($70,698), while trailing Rice County ($82,792). The county represents solid middle-tier earning power in south-central Minnesota.

Balanced affordability statewide

With a 13.5% rent-to-income ratio, Sibley County offers reasonable housing affordability for its income level. The median home value of $215,000 aligns sensibly with typical household earnings.

Build wealth through consistency

Sibley County's moderate income of $76,082 and solid affordability (13.5%) provide a stable foundation for steady wealth accumulation. Consistent contributions to retirement accounts and diversified investments, even if modest, compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sibley County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier National Safety in Sibley

Sibley County is one of the safest in the country, earning an impressive safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 280.9 per 100K is a small fraction of the national 2,385.5 average.

A Leader in Minnesota Safety

Sibley far exceeds the state average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate is nearly 75% lower than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100K.

Low Crime Rates vs. Renville

With just 280.9 crimes per 100K, Sibley is significantly safer than neighboring Renville County. Six reporting agencies confirm these exceptionally low crime figures.

Minimal Incident Breakdown

Both violent crime (60.2) and property crime (220.7) are remarkably low in Sibley County. This translates to an environment where serious safety incidents are very rare for residents.

Keeping Sibley Safe

Even with such high safety scores, it is wise to maintain basic home security. Ensure all entry points are well-lit and secure to keep Sibley County at the top of the safety rankings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sibley County

via HealthByCounty

Sibley County exceeds national life expectancy

At 80.4 years, Sibley County's life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average of 80.3 years, placing the county in the upper range of American health outcomes. The county's 15.0% poor or fair health rate matches the national average nearly exactly, suggesting typical prevalence of health challenges. Overall, Sibley demonstrates above-average longevity for a rural Minnesota county.

Above average Minnesota county for longevity

Sibley County's 80.4-year life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.7 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. The 6.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state's 6.0% average, indicating generally good coverage with minor gaps. This combination reflects strong community health outcomes relative to state peers.

Sibley's longevity ranks high; provider access lags

Sibley's 80.4-year life expectancy exceeds Renville (77.8 years) and Roseau (77.0 years), though it trails Scott County (81.1 years) by less than one year. However, Sibley's primary care provider density at just 13 per 100,000 residents is the lowest among comparison counties, forcing significant travel for routine care. Mental health providers at 66 per 100K fall below many regional peers, creating additional access barriers.

Good health despite limited provider infrastructure

Despite exceptional life expectancy, Sibley faces a critical primary care provider shortage at just 13 per 100,000 residents—requiring residents to travel substantial distances for checkups. The 6.2% uninsured rate means most residents have coverage, yet limited providers constrain its utility. Mental health services at 66 per 100K present additional barriers to comprehensive behavioral healthcare.

Secure insurance for necessary travel to care

Sibley's provider shortage means residents often travel for care—strong health insurance is essential to ensure that travel is worthwhile financially. Visit MNsure.org to verify coverage status and explore options before scheduling appointments in adjacent counties. Maintaining active coverage protects you against unexpected costs when accessing out-of-county healthcare.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sibley County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network with Significant Charter Choice

Sibley County's educational landscape consists of 11 public schools across 5 districts, serving 2,165 students. The system includes 5 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high schools, all located in rural settings. Notably, 36.4% of the county's schools are charter institutions, providing high levels of choice in a small community.

Investment Focused on Rural Success

Sibley County invests $8,579 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Minnesota state average of $8,463. The graduation rate of 81.6% is lower than the state's 86.6% average, suggesting a focus on improving long-term outcomes. The school score of 52.5 reflects the challenges and opportunities present in this rural district network.

Sibley East and GFW Lead the County

The Sibley East School District is the largest provider, with 1,078 students enrolled across its 3 schools. GFW Public Schools follows with 600 students, while the Minnesota New Country School serves as a prominent charter option with 213 students. Four charter schools in total offer families alternative educational models outside of traditional districts.

Small, Rural, and Community-Focused

Education in Sibley County is entirely rural, with an average school size of only 197 students. Sibley East-Gaylord Elementary is the largest facility with 469 students, while several smaller schools offer even more intimate settings. Attending school here feels like a true community experience where students and teachers are closely connected.

Discover Rural Living and Educational Choice

If you value small class sizes and a high degree of school choice, Sibley County is a strong contender. The high concentration of charter schools provides unique options that are rare in most rural counties. Explore homes in Gaylord and Arlington to find a community that prioritizes personal student attention.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sibley County

via RiskByCounty

Sibley County enjoys low risk

Sibley County's composite risk score of 22.96 sits well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. Residents face substantially fewer natural disaster threats than typical Americans.

Well below Minnesota average

At 22.96, Sibley County's risk score ranks comfortably below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, making it one of the safer counties in the state. The Very Low rating reflects modest exposure across all hazard categories.

Safer than Rice and Scott

Sibley County (22.96) is significantly safer than neighboring Rice County (75.45) and Scott County (76.56) to the east, though slightly riskier than Rock County (9.41) to the south. Among central Minnesota counties, it ranks near the safest.

Tornadoes are primary threat

Tornadoes represent Sibley County's greatest hazard at 42.33, though this remains below the state average for this common Midwestern danger. Flooding (31.20) poses a secondary risk, while wildfire and earthquake threats are minimal.

Standard coverage meets most needs

Sibley County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most scenarios. Add windstorm riders for tornado coverage and maintain a severe weather plan, but supplemental flood insurance is only necessary for properties in known flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sibley County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Summer Peaks in Sibley

Sibley County's annual average temperature of 44.9°F is nearly 9 degrees below the national median. Despite the cooler annual average, its summer peaks are more intense than many neighboring regions.

Among Minnesota's Warmest Counties

Sibley County is significantly warmer than the state average of 42.8°F. It ranks high for temperature among Minnesota counties, largely due to its southern prairie location.

The Heat Leader in the Region

Compared to Scott County, Sibley experiences twice as many extreme heat days each year. Its July average of 72.7°F makes it one of the warmer agricultural hubs in the Minnesota River Valley.

Sweltering Summers and Cold Winters

The county endures 12 days of extreme heat above 90°F, the highest in this group. This is balanced by a winter average of 16.9°F, creating a wide seasonal temperature swing of over 55 degrees.

Prioritizing Summer Cooling

Given the 12 days of extreme heat, residents should ensure air conditioning systems are well-maintained. While snowfall data is unavailable, the 13.6°F January average still requires robust home insulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sibley County

via SoilByCounty

Sibley’s Rich Clay Loam Soils

Sibley County features Entisols with a dominant texture of clay loam and a pH of 6.89. This slightly alkaline profile is higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.21. It provides a stable and productive foundation for diverse plant life.

A Balanced Loamy Distribution

The soil contains 35.5% silt, 35.2% sand, and 23.3% clay. This even distribution provides the ideal 'loam' texture that farmers and gardeners highly prize. It retains enough water for plants while allowing for enough drainage to prevent root rot.

Exceptional Moisture Storage

Organic matter is high at 8.91%, which is more than four times the national average. Sibley's water capacity of 0.204 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.199. These numbers indicate a very fertile landscape with high potential for consistent crop yields.

Optimal Well-Drained Conditions

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. This is considered an ideal category for agriculture, as it manages rainfall efficiently without staying overly wet. A soil score of 81.1 confirms that Sibley’s land is of superior quality.

Abundant Growth in Zone 4b

In Hardiness Zone 4b, Sibley County is a prime location for corn, soybeans, and lush vegetable gardens. The clay loam soil is particularly good for heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes and squash. Start your garden today in some of the state's best-rated soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sibley County

via LawnByCounty

Sibley County's High Lawn Potential

A lawn difficulty score of 76.0 makes Sibley County a premier location for growing grass in Minnesota. This score is significantly higher than both the state and national averages. The Zone 4b climate here provides a generous growing window for dedicated homeowners.

A Warm and Long Growing Season

Sibley enjoys a robust 2,710 growing degree days, which is quite high for the region. However, you must contend with 12 days of extreme heat, which is 50% higher than the state average. While precipitation data is limited, the high heat days suggest that supplemental summer watering is a must.

Well-Drained Clay Loam Soils

The soil is classified as well-drained clay loam, featuring a balanced 23.3% clay and 35.2% sand. A pH of 6.89 is nearly perfect, ensuring that your grass can easily access all available nutrients. This natural soil quality is a major asset for any local gardener.

Minimal Drought Impact So Far

Only 27.1% of Sibley County is currently classified as abnormally dry, and the area only saw four weeks of drought last year. These stable conditions mean your lawn likely hasn't faced significant stress recently. Maintain this health by watering deeply in the early morning during the hottest weeks.

Longest Growing Window in the Region

With a very early last frost on April 24 and a late first frost on October 15, Sibley has an exceptionally long season. This gives you ample time to establish Zone 4b grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass. The extended fall allows for excellent root development before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sibley County's county score?
Sibley County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 57.3 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 Sibley County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Sibley County ranks #38 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 Sibley County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Sibley County is $2,364, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Sibley County a tax score of 31/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sibley County?
The median household income in Sibley County, Minnesota is $76,082 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sibley County earns an income score of 78.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sibley County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Sibley County scores 57.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Sibley 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 Sibley County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.