CountyScore

Stearns County

Minnesota · MN

#81 in Minnesota
65.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Stearns County, Minnesota

Stearns leads the nation in livability

Stearns County scores 65.5 on the CountyScore index, well above the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This above-average performance reflects a strong combination of tax efficiency and health outcomes that resonates across the region.

Just below Minnesota's average

With a score of 65.5, Stearns ranks slightly below Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 87 counties. The county holds its own in a competitive state, reflecting Minnesota's generally strong livability standards.

Health and affordability stand out

Stearns excels in health (79.0) and tax efficiency (73.6), with residents paying just 1.020% in effective taxes while enjoying a median home value of $256,500. The county also offers reasonable housing costs, with median gross rent at $1,057 per month, making it accessible for families of various income levels.

Income growth lags behind peers

The county's biggest weakness is its income score of 33.3, with median household income at $76,447—notably lower than some neighboring counties. Risk management also scores low at 12.4, suggesting residents may want to assess property and liability protections carefully.

Best for health-conscious families

Stearns County suits families prioritizing health care and community wellness, backed by solid tax and housing affordability. It's a smart choice for those seeking a stable, mid-tier livability profile without the premium income requirements of higher-scoring counties.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax73.6Cost70.6SafetyComing SoonHealth79SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.3Risk12.4WaterComing Soon
🏛73.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡12.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Stearns County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
65.5
Median income: $77,722
La Paz County
Arizona
65.5
Median income: $49,506
Mississippi County
Arkansas
65.5
Median income: $53,428
Bulloch County
Georgia
65.5
Median income: $56,832
Marshall County
Illinois
65.5
Median income: $69,818

Deep Dives

Stearns County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Stearns County

via TaxByCounty

Stearns taxes slightly above US median

Stearns County's effective tax rate of 1.020% sits modestly above the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the upper half of US counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,617 annually, slightly below the national median of $2,690, thanks to a median home value of $256,500 that's lower than the national average of $281,900.

Above average in Minnesota rankings

Stearns County's 1.020% effective tax rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it a higher-tax county within the state. At $2,617, its median property tax is also above the state median of $2,168—a difference of $449 per household annually.

Steele County taxes hit highest in region

Among central Minnesota counties, Stearns sits in the middle band: Steele County leads at 1.206%, while Wadena follows at 1.040%. Stevens County offers the region's lowest burden at 0.807%, making Stearns homeowners pay roughly $1,100 more annually than their Stevens County counterparts on comparable-value homes.

Expected annual tax on typical home

On Stearns County's median home valued at $256,500, you can expect to pay approximately $2,617 in annual property taxes. Whether you carry a mortgage ($2,612) or own outright ($2,625), the tax obligation remains nearly identical.

Many homeowners eligible for appeal

If your property assessment feels high, you're not alone—studies show 20-40% of homeowners are overassessed. Contact your county assessor about filing an appeal; a successful challenge could reduce your tax bill by hundreds of dollars annually with no cost to file.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stearns County

via CostByCounty

Stearns rents bite harder than national norm

Stearns County residents spend 16.6% of income on rent, outpacing the national average and signaling tighter affordability than most U.S. counties. While the median household income of $76,447 exceeds the national median of $74,755, the $1,057 monthly rent takes a larger bite, suggesting housing costs have risen faster than wages here.

Above average strain in Minnesota

At 16.6%, Stearns County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. The median rent of $1,057 also runs $142 above the state average, indicating stronger housing demand or limited supply in the area.

Pricier than surrounding counties

Stearns County's $1,057 rent outpaces nearby Steele County ($1,006) and significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Stevens County ($833), making it the priciest rental market in this cluster. However, median home values of $256,500 remain well below metro-adjacent counties, offering a middle ground for homebuyers.

Housing consumes 16.6% of income

Renters pay $1,057 monthly while homeowners carry $1,222 in monthly costs, with the median home valued at $256,500. Together, these figures reveal that Stearns residents allocate roughly one-sixth of their $76,447 median income to housing, leaving limited cushion for other expenses.

Job-rich but housing-tight market

If you're considering Stearns County, weigh the higher housing costs against strong local employment opportunities. Compare this rent-to-income ratio to neighboring Steele or Stevens counties if affordability is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stearns County

via IncomeByCounty

Stearns earns above the national average

At $76,447, Stearns County's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,692. This places the county in the upper-middle income tier nationally, reflecting a stable economy anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing jobs.

Above average in Minnesota

Stearns ranks above Minnesota's state average of $75,757, making it one of the more prosperous counties in the region. The county's median income is driven by strong employment in the St. Cloud metro area and its surrounding communities.

Competitive with nearby counties

Stearns' $76,447 median income trails Steele County ($83,448) but exceeds Stevens ($71,060), Swift ($62,601), and Todd ($63,039). Among central Minnesota peers, Stearns holds solid middle ground with consistent wage growth across diverse industries.

Housing costs stay manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.6%, Stearns residents spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing—well below the national threshold where affordability becomes strained. A median home value of $256,500 reflects a balanced market where homeownership remains achievable for middle-income households.

Build your financial future now

Stearns' stable income levels create opportunity for retirement savings and wealth building—start by automating monthly contributions to retirement accounts and investment funds. Even modest amounts invested consistently can compound significantly over a career, especially in a county with steady employment prospects.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Stearns County

via HealthByCounty

Stearns lives longer than the U.S. average

At 80.0 years, Stearns County residents live 1.6 years longer than the U.S. life expectancy of 78.4 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 16.0% mirrors the national average, suggesting stable overall health outcomes across the lifespan.

Above average health in a healthy state

Stearns County outperforms Minnesota's state average life expectancy of 78.7 years by 1.3 years. The county ranks well within Minnesota's top tier for longevity and health outcomes.

Outpaced by Stevens, matched by Steele

Stevens County leads the region at 82.9 years, while Stearns and Steele County tie at 80.0 years. Stearns residents report better health than nearby Swift County (79.0 years), positioning the county in the upper half of regional performance.

Strong provider access supports care

With 98 primary care providers and 426 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Stearns County significantly exceeds state benchmarks for healthcare access. Only 5.2% of residents lack insurance—below the state average of 6.0%—making healthcare more affordable and accessible across the county.

Check your coverage today

Even in well-served Stearns County, nearly 1 in 20 residents lack health insurance. Visit MNsure.org to explore coverage options and ensure you're protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stearns County

via RiskByCounty

Stearns faces significantly above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 87.56, Stearns County ranks in the relatively moderate category—more than double the Minnesota state average of 42.38. This elevated risk reflects particular vulnerability to tornadoes and flooding that outpace most other regions in the state.

Highest-risk county in Minnesota

Stearns County carries the highest composite disaster risk of all Minnesota counties, driven by a tornado risk score of 93.03 and flood risk of 90.87. This exceptional exposure places it in a different risk category entirely compared to its state peers.

Stearns stands alone in risk level

Adjacent counties like Todd (37.72) and Wadena (12.95) face substantially lower composite risks. Stearns' 87.56 score reflects a unique concentration of hazards—particularly tornadoes and flooding—that distinguishes it from surrounding areas.

Tornadoes and floods dominate here

Tornado risk scores a critical 93.03 in Stearns County, with flood risk nearly as severe at 90.87—both among the highest in the nation for these specific hazards. Wildfire risk (76.34) adds a third significant threat, particularly during dry seasons.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Homeowners in Stearns County should prioritize flood insurance and a reinforced safe room or storm shelter to address tornado risk. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making separate flood coverage critical given the county's 90.87 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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