CountyScore

Steele County

Minnesota · MN

#59 in Minnesota
69.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Steele County, Minnesota

Steele outperforms most U.S. counties

Steele County's composite score of 69.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40%, placing it comfortably in the upper half of American counties. This strong national ranking reflects balanced performance across multiple livability dimensions.

Competitive standing in Minnesota

Steele's score of 69.5 sits just below Minnesota's state average of 70.9, positioning it as a solid mid-range performer among the state's counties. It holds steady in a state known for high livability standards overall.

Health and incomes lead the way

Steele County shines with a health score of 81.5 (among the state's best) and the highest median household income in this cohort at $83,448. Housing remains affordable with median rent at $1,006 per month and homes averaging $234,200, making it accessible for middle-to-upper-middle-income households.

Income advancement and safety gaps

Though household income is solid, the income score of 37.9 suggests limited wage growth opportunities compared to higher-performing counties. Risk management scores high at 62.9, but safety data is not yet available, leaving a small data gap in the overall picture.

Ideal for young professionals

Steele County appeals to young professionals and established families seeking good health care, reasonable incomes, and affordable housing without the expense of premium-tier counties. It's a dependable choice for those wanting Minnesota quality of life at a balanced price point.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.4Cost71SafetyComing SoonHealth81.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.9Risk62.9WaterComing Soon
🏛68.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡62.9
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 Steele County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Carroll County
Arkansas
69.5
Median income: $55,187
Burke County
Georgia
69.5
Median income: $50,739
Henderson County
Illinois
69.5
Median income: $65,651
Hamilton County
Iowa
69.5
Median income: $71,750
Coffey County
Kansas
69.5
Median income: $67,377

Deep Dives

Steele County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Steele County

via TaxByCounty

Steele leads region in tax burden

Steele County's effective tax rate of 1.206% ranks well above the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the top 30% of US counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $2,824 exceeds the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $234,200 that's below the national average.

Highest taxes in Minnesota

Steele County has the highest effective tax rate among all Minnesota counties at 1.206%, compared to the state average of 0.968%. Its median property tax of $2,824 is $656 above the state median of $2,168—one of the steepest gaps in the state.

Significantly higher than surrounding areas

Steele County's 1.206% rate far exceeds every neighboring county: Stearns at 1.020%, Wabasha at 1.088%, and Todd at 0.995%. A homeowner with a $234,000 home pays roughly $600 more annually in Steele than in adjacent Stearns County.

Median home tax bill reaches $2,824

On a median home valued at $234,200, Steele County homeowners pay approximately $2,824 annually. With a mortgage, the bill averages $2,881; without, $2,711—a reflection of the county's high effective rate.

Higher tax burden makes appeal more valuable

In a high-tax county like Steele, reducing your assessment through appeal can yield substantial savings. Even a small reduction in your assessment percentage translates to meaningful money back—contact your assessor's office to learn about your appeal options.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Steele County

via CostByCounty

Steele meets national affordability benchmark

Steele County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% matches the national standard, making housing costs predictable for renters earning $83,448 median annually. At $1,006 monthly rent, Steele offers solid affordability compared to many U.S. counties, though incomes here run 11.5% above the national median.

Right at Minnesota's state average

Steele County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio exactly mirrors Minnesota's average, positioning it as a typical affordability county within the state. The $1,006 median rent sits just $91 above the state average, reflecting balanced supply and demand in the local rental market.

Middle ground between rural and urban

Steele County's $1,006 rent runs slightly above Stevens ($833) but below Stearns ($1,057), making it a moderate option in this cluster. Its $83,448 median income—the highest among these eight counties—gives residents more breathing room despite moderate housing costs.

Balanced renting and homeownership

Renters spend $1,006 monthly while homeowners invest $1,258 in monthly costs, with a median home value of $234,200. At 14.5% of the $83,448 median household income, Steele residents allocate a reasonable share to housing while maintaining flexibility for savings.

Solid choice for affordability-conscious movers

Steele County delivers competitive rents and above-average wages, making it attractive for renters or first-time homebuyers. Compare it to Stearns if you want lower housing costs or to Wabasha if you prioritize homeownership on a similar budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Steele County

via IncomeByCounty

Steele leads Minnesota in household income

Steele County's median household income of $83,448 runs $8,693 above the national median of $74,755. This strong performance reflects robust manufacturing and agricultural sectors that consistently attract well-compensated workers.

Among Minnesota's highest earners

At $83,448, Steele significantly outpaces Minnesota's state average of $75,757, ranking as one of the top earners in the state. The county's diversified economy and proximity to the Twin Cities corridor support sustained wage growth.

Steele outearns peers across the region

Steele County's $83,448 median income tops all neighboring and similar counties in this analysis, including Stearns ($76,447), Wabasha ($80,133), and Stevens ($71,060). This leadership position reflects strong labor demand and competitive wages in the county's manufacturing and professional sectors.

Housing fit comfortably in budgets

Steele's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% is well below the affordability threshold, meaning residents dedicate a healthy but manageable portion of income to housing. Combined with a median home value of $234,200, the county offers strong homeownership potential for working families.

Steele's income supports wealth creation

Higher median income in Steele creates real opportunity to move beyond basic budgeting into strategic wealth building—consider diversifying beyond homeownership into stocks, bonds, or retirement vehicles. With household earnings $8,600+ above national average, families here can accelerate progress toward long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Steele County

via HealthByCounty

Steele matches the nation's lifespan

Steele County's life expectancy of 80.0 years is 1.6 years above the U.S. average of 78.4 years. At 13.4% poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national average of 16.0%, suggesting residents enjoy healthier day-to-day experiences.

Top-tier health in Minnesota

Steele County's 80.0-year life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's state average by 1.3 years. The county's 13.4% poor or fair health rate places it well above the state median for population wellness.

Steele shines among central Minnesota peers

At 80.0 years, Steele ties Stearns County and trails only Stevens County (82.9 years) in the region. With the lowest poor/fair health rate of nearby counties, Steele residents report the strongest day-to-day wellness in the area.

Accessible care, low uninsured rates

Steele County has 59 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 310 mental health providers, with just 5.0% of residents uninsured—well below the state average of 6.0%. This combination ensures most Steele County residents can access the care they need.

Protect your family's health

If you're among the 5% uninsured in Steele County, exploring your options costs nothing. Head to MNsure.org to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Steele County

via RiskByCounty

Steele County carries very low overall risk

Steele County's composite risk score of 37.15 sits safely below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it in the very low risk category. While not risk-free, the county's exposure to natural disasters remains manageable compared to national standards.

Middle-of-the-road risk for Minnesota

Among Minnesota's 87 counties, Steele ranks in the lower-risk portion but not at the absolute bottom. The county's 37.15 score reflects moderate tornado exposure (70.99) offset by minimal wildfire and earthquake threats.

Similar risk profile to nearby counties

Steele County's 37.15 risk score aligns closely with Todd County (37.72), making them peer communities in terms of natural disaster exposure. Both counties benefit from being removed from Minnesota's highest-risk zones.

Tornadoes present primary concern

Tornado risk dominates Steele County's hazard profile at 70.99, representing the only significant threat in the county's risk portfolio. Flood (42.21), wildfire (10.46), and earthquake (9.51) risks all remain well below concerning levels.

Storm shelter and standard coverage suffice

A basement safe room or community storm shelter addresses Steele County's primary tornado risk effectively. Standard homeowners insurance covers most weather-related damage, though residents should verify coverage limits for wind and hail damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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