countyscore
40.1
County Score
Health 80.3Income & Jobs 62Water Quality 57.2

County Report Card

About St. Louis County, Minnesota

A Challenging National Profile

St. Louis County's composite score of 40.7 falls below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the complex socio-economic and environmental landscape of this large northern county.

Below the Minnesota Average

The county's score of 40.7 is notably lower than the Minnesota average of 55.8. While it offers unique natural beauty, it trails the state in several key livability metrics like safety and risk.

Solid Healthcare and Earning Potential

St. Louis County maintains a strong Health Score of 80.3, anchored by regional medical hubs. It also offers decent earning power with an Income Score of 65.1 and a median income of $69,455.

Safety and Environmental Vulnerabilities

The county struggles with a low Safety Score of 14.9 and a Risk Score of 8.4. These numbers point to higher crime rates relative to the state and a vulnerability to regional environmental hazards.

Suits Resilient Outdoor Enthusiasts

This county is best for those who value access to the North Shore and strong medical facilities over traditional safety metrics. It offers a rugged lifestyle where income and healthcare remain competitive despite other challenges.

2040608010033.63014.980.349.8628.457.248.3Tax33.6Cost30Safety14.9Health80.3Schools49.8Income62Risk8.4Water57.2Weather48.340.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

St. Louis County DNA

Foverall

How St. Louis County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

St. Louis County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (80.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (14.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33.6-18.4
Cost
30-18
Safety
14.9-40.1
Health
80.3+30.299999999999997
Schools
49.8
Income
62+11
Risk
8.4-38.6
Water
57.2
Weather
48.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$221,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,013/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$221,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,069/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.0

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

Lake County
Minnesota
65.1
Itasca County
Minnesota
56
Koochiching County
Minnesota
62.2
Carlton County
Minnesota
49.4
Douglas County
Wisconsin
40.8
Bayfield County
Wisconsin
59
Cook County
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63.2
Aitkin County
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55

Deep Dives

St. Louis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in St. Louis County

via TaxByCounty

St. Louis County taxes above national median

St. Louis County's effective property tax rate of 1.027% exceeds the national median, though its median property tax of $2,142 falls short of the national median of $2,690. This reflects the county's median home value of $208,500—26% below the U.S. average.

St. Louis slightly above Minnesota average

St. Louis County's 1.027% effective rate surpasses Minnesota's 0.968% state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 87 counties. Median taxes of $2,142 run just 1% below the state average of $2,168.

St. Louis taxes moderate for region

St. Louis County's 1.027% rate sits between Sherburne County's 0.995% and Renville County's 1.016%, making it typical for the broader Minnesota region. As Minnesota's largest county by area, St. Louis blends rural and urban tax burdens.

St. Louis median home tax: $2,142 yearly

The median home in St. Louis County is valued at $208,500; at the county's 1.027% effective rate, that homeowner pays approximately $2,142 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders see this rise to $2,317 due to escrow.

St. Louis homeowners should verify assessments

Even in a moderately taxed county like St. Louis, many properties are assessed above fair market value. File a formal appeal with your county assessor if your property tax seems misaligned with recent neighborhood sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Louis County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Louis trails national income

St. Louis County's median household income of $69,455 falls 7.1% below the national median of $74,755. The county reflects the economic realities of a region transitioning from mining and industrial heritage.

Among Minnesota's lower-earning counties

At $69,455, St. Louis County ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it among the lower-earning counties statewide. The per capita income of $39,778 slightly exceeds the state average of $39,335, showing uneven income distribution.

Lower earners in the north

St. Louis County's $69,455 ranks near the bottom of the eight-county comparison, exceeding only Renville ($69,086). The county faces greater economic challenges than more prosperous Minnesota regions.

Housing affordability challenged

St. Louis County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is the highest among these counties, exceeding the 15% threshold and straining household budgets. The median home value of $208,500 represents a significant burden relative to local earning power.

Prioritize financial resilience

St. Louis County's modest $69,455 income and elevated housing costs (16.8%) require disciplined financial planning and budgeting. Building an emergency fund and even minimal retirement contributions should be priority one before pursuing other wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Louis County

via CrimeByCounty

St. Louis County National Trends

St. Louis County reports a total crime rate of 2,397.1 per 100K, which is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a safety score of 96.2, indicating more activity than rural neighbors.

St. Louis County's State Profile

The county's crime rate is more than double the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100K. Consequently, its safety score of 96.2 falls below the state average of 98.2.

Higher Crime Than Southern Neighbors

St. Louis County has a much higher crime rate than Scott or Sherburne. A large network of 17 reporting agencies tracks safety across this vast and diverse region.

Focusing on Property Crime

Property crime is the main driver here at 2,156.2 per 100K, slightly above the national average. Violent crime sits at 240.9, which is higher than the state average but lower than the national mark.

Upgrading Your Home Defense

Enhanced home security is a smart investment in St. Louis County given the property crime rates. Use alarm systems and motion sensors to provide an extra layer of protection for your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Louis County

via WeatherByCounty

The Epicenter of Northwoods Cold

St. Louis County averages 37.8°F annually, making it one of the coldest large counties in the United States. Its 28.2 inches of precipitation is below the national median but results in massive snowfall due to the cold.

Well Below the State Average

At 37.8°F, the county is exactly 5 degrees colder than the Minnesota state average. It ranks as one of the coldest jurisdictions in the state, influenced by both its northern latitude and Lake Superior.

Snowier than the Interior

With 70.7 inches of snow, St. Louis County receives significantly more frozen precipitation than Stearns or Sherburne. Its July average of 64.9°F is much cooler than the 70-plus averages seen further south.

Extreme Snow and Rare Heat

Winter is the dominant season with 70.7 inches of snowfall and an average temperature of 10.1°F. Extreme heat is nearly non-existent, with only 2 days per year reaching 90°F.

Built for the Long Winter

Residents must invest in heavy-duty snow removal and vehicle winterization to handle over 70 inches of snow. High-performance insulation is a priority over air conditioning, which is rarely needed.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Louis County

via SoilByCounty

The Diverse Soils of the North

St. Louis County features a wide range of soil conditions, though specific pH and taxonomic data for this set is limited. Generally, northern Minnesota soils are shaped by glacial activity and dense forests. Local testing is recommended to find your specific soil's identity.

Varied Textures Across the County

Precise percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in this dataset for St. Louis County. In this region, textures can vary wildly from heavy clay near Lake Superior to rocky till in the Arrowhead. Observation of your local plot is the best way to understand its workability.

Natural Organic Forest Floors

While specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, the region is known for its high-organic forest soils. These soils often require amendments like compost to boost productivity for traditional garden vegetables. The natural fertility of the North Woods supports massive timber and berry growth.

Complex Drainage Patterns

Drainage in this large county depends heavily on local topography and bedrock depth. Without a dominant hydrologic group on record, growers should watch for seasonal ponding or rapid runoff in sloped areas. Understanding your local watershed is key for any construction or large planting.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 3b

St. Louis County faces the tough winters of Zone 3b, requiring extremely cold-hardy varieties. Focus on short-season crops like kale, radishes, and native berries that love the northern climate. Despite the challenges, the rugged landscape offers a rewarding environment for dedicated gardeners.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Louis County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in St. Louis County

Maintaining a lawn in St. Louis County is a major task, evidenced by a difficulty score of 43.9. This is significantly lower than the national median and the state average of 63.9. The harsh Zone 3b climate requires specific strategies and resilient grass choices.

Cooler Summers and Low Growing Energy

The county only sees 1,534 growing degree days, giving grass much less energy to grow compared to southern Minnesota. Precipitation is slightly low at 28.2 inches, but the lack of heat—only two days over 90—helps prevent moisture loss. Your lawn will naturally grow slower and stay dormant longer here.

Limited Soil Data for the North Woods

Detailed soil texture and pH data are currently unavailable for this region. However, general northern Minnesota trends suggest more acidic and rocky soils that may need frequent testing. We recommend a local soil test to determine exactly what your specific yard needs for success.

Facing Long-Term Drought Stress

St. Louis County has struggled with 37 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the county currently dry. A portion of the county is in Severe Drought (D2), which is rare for the state. You must prioritize water conservation and avoid heavy lawn traffic while the grass is under such high stress.

A Short Window for Cold-Hardy Grass

Only the hardiest Zone 3b grasses will survive the local winters; think Creeping Red Fescue or hardy Bluegrass blends. The planting window is very short, starting after May 28 and ending by October 1. Be prepared for a quick transition from spring thaw to winter prep.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Louis County's county score?
St. Louis County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 40.1 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 St. Louis County rank among counties in Minnesota?
St. Louis County ranks #84 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 St. Louis County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in St. Louis County is $2,271, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns St. Louis County a tax score of 33.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Louis County?
The median household income in St. Louis County, Minnesota is $70,069 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Louis County earns an income score of 62/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Louis County, Minnesota a good place to live?
St. Louis County scores 40.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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.