countyscore
49.6
County Score
Health 93.5Income & Jobs 87.3Soil Quality 82.7

County Report Card

About Steele County, Minnesota

Steele County Approaches National Benchmark

Steele County earns a composite score of 49.6, placing it just a fraction below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a balanced profile that tracks closely with thousands of other counties across the United States.

Falling Short of State Livability Averages

The county’s overall score of 49.6 trails the Minnesota state average of 55.8. While Steele County remains a productive hub, it ranks in the lower tier of Minnesota's exceptionally high-scoring counties.

Exceptional Health and Strong Income

A standout health score of 93.5 makes Steele County a leader in wellness and medical access. This is paired with an impressive income score of 87.3, supported by a median household income of $83,448.

High Taxes and Low Affordability

The county struggles with a cost score of 21.8 and a tax score of 25.4, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.206%. These factors combined make it one of the more expensive areas in the region relative to local wages.

Best for Health-Conscious Careerists

Steele County is an ideal fit for high-earning households who value top-tier healthcare and are willing to pay a premium in taxes. It appeals to those seeking economic stability in a healthy, active community environment.

2040608010025.421.849.893.548.787.362.959.847.9Tax25.4Cost21.8Safety49.8Health93.5Schools48.7Income87.3Risk62.9Water59.8Weather47.949.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Steele County DNA

Foverall

How Steele County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Steele County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (93.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (25.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.4-26.6
Cost
21.8-26.2
Safety
49.8
Health
93.5+43.5
Schools
48.7
Income
87.3+36.3
Risk
62.9+15.899999999999999
Water
59.8
Weather
47.9-8.100000000000001
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Steele County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$234,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,006/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$234,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,448/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.1

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
Compare Steele County with Summit County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Summit County
Colorado
Median income: $106,255
49.6
Clinch County
Georgia
Median income: $55,549
49.6
Greenwood County
Kansas
Median income: $58,276
49.6
McPherson County
Kansas
Median income: $77,701
49.6
Wayne County
New York
Median income: $73,914
49.6
Orange County
North Carolina
Median income: $88,553
49.6
Union County
Ohio
Median income: $109,506
49.6
Utah County
Utah
Median income: $96,877
49.6

Nearby counties

Waseca County
Minnesota
52.5
Dodge County
Minnesota
58.4
Rice County
Minnesota
49.3
Freeborn County
Minnesota
47.5
Mower County
Minnesota
44.7
Le Sueur County
Minnesota
56.3
Olmsted County
Minnesota
43.7
Blue Earth County
Minnesota
41.7

Deep Dives

Steele County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Steele County

via CrimeByCounty

Steele County stays well below national crime averages

With a total crime rate of 1,131.1 per 100,000, Steele County remains far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 98.2. Local agencies effectively manage public safety even as the region grows.

Reflecting the standard for Minnesota public safety

Steele County's crime rate of 1,131.1 per 100,000 aligns almost perfectly with the Minnesota state average of 1,123.5. Its safety score of 98.2 matches the state average exactly. This indicates that the county mirrors the overall security profile of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Higher incident rates compared to western neighbors

Steele County's crime rate is higher than that of Stearns County, which sits at 713.0 per 100,000. It also shows more activity than rural Wabasha County to the east. Despite these differences, Steele remains a competitive and safe choice within the southern Minnesota corridor.

Property crime drives the majority of local reports

Property crime accounts for 917.2 of the county's total incidents per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains relatively low at 213.9, which is significantly better than the national violent crime average of 369.8. Most residents will only encounter safety issues in the form of theft or minor vandalism.

Securing your property in a stable environment

Visible security measures like doorbell cameras serve as effective deterrents against property crime in Steele County. Coordinating with neighbors to watch for unusual activity can help push these crime rates even lower. Taking small precautions ensures your home stays as safe as the data suggests.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Steele County

via SchoolsByCounty

Steele County’s Focused District Network

Steele County manages 20 public schools across four districts, serving a total student population of 7,105. The system is well-balanced with 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 8 high schools. This structured environment ensures a clear path from early childhood through graduation.

Steady Academic Results and Local Investment

Steele County achieves a graduation rate of 86.2%, nearly matching the state average of 86.6%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,240, placing the county just below the statewide spending average of $8,463. The county maintains a school score of 54.2, which slightly exceeds the national median of 50.0.

Owatonna Public Schools Lead the Way

The Owatonna Public School District is the largest in the county, educating 4,926 students across 14 schools. The county hosts one charter school, making up 5% of the total public school options. Other notable districts serving the area include Blooming Prairie and NRHEG.

The Feel of Town-Centered Education

Schooling in Steele County has a strong community feel, with 15 schools located in town settings and 5 in rural areas. Owatonna Senior High is the county’s largest school with 1,475 students, while the average school size is 418. Most families attend schools that are integrated closely with local town life.

Build a Future in Steele County

Families looking for consistent academic performance and town-centric living will find Steele County a great fit. Consider homes near the highly-rated elementary schools in Owatonna to secure a spot in this stable educational environment. School district boundaries are a key factor for many buyers in this market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Steele County

via WaterByCounty

Steele County drinking water earns a C grade

The county reports 2 health violations over five years, resulting in a violation rate of 6.5 per 100,000 people. Although higher than some neighbors, this rate remains well below the statewide average of 32.5.

Local water bodies meet federal clean standards

In the 2022 reporting cycle, the assessed water body in Steele County showed a 0.0% impairment rate. This indicates that currently evaluated waters meet the Clean Water Act §303(d) standards.

Over ten thousand samples taken from local sites

Monitoring teams manage 132 sites, recording 10,257 measurements in the last five years. The data primarily tracks physical properties, metals, and both major and minor inorganics.

No active streamflow gauges in Steele County

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage reporting live data for this county. Local water management relies on drinking water compliance and static monitoring sites in the absence of real-time flow data.

Focus on inorganic contaminants and well safety

Because monitoring focuses on metals and inorganics, residents should ensure their home filtration systems are rated for these specific groups. Maintaining a C grade suggests a need for consistent oversight of local municipal reports.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Steele County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Wet Southern Profile

Steele County is warmer and wetter than most of Minnesota, with an average temperature of 44.8°F and 35.5 inches of rain. While still cooler than the national median, it is one of the state's more temperate zones.

Exceeding State Climate Norms

Steele County is 2 degrees warmer and significantly wetter than the state averages of 42.8°F and 30.0 inches. It ranks among the state's top counties for both heat and annual precipitation.

Wetter than the Metro South

Steele County receives more annual precipitation than Scott or Sibley counties. Its 44.2 inches of snow is also higher than Scott County, despite their similar southern Minnesota locations.

Balanced Extremes and High Moisture

The county experiences 9 days of 90°F heat and over 44 inches of snow annually. Summer temperatures average a warm 69.8°F, while winters remain relatively mild for Minnesota at 17.3°F.

Managing High Annual Precipitation

Residents should prioritize basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance to handle the high 35.5 inches of precipitation. The combination of 9 heat days and 44 inches of snow requires versatile, all-season HVAC systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Steele County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Entisols Near National Norms

Steele County is characterized by a loam texture and Entisol taxonomic order. Its average pH of 6.42 sits almost perfectly at the national median of 6.5, offering a more neutral environment than most Minnesota soils.

The Ideal Loam Balance

With a mix of 37.6% sand, 38.4% silt, and 22.2% clay, this soil provides an excellent balance of drainage and nutrient retention. This composition makes the soil highly workable for farmers and home gardeners alike.

Efficient Water Storage Potential

The county’s available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is nearly identical to the state average. Although its 5.75% organic matter is lower than the Minnesota average, it remains significantly higher than the national 2.0% baseline.

Steady Moisture and Heavy Runoff

These soils are moderately well drained but fall into hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential when the ground is saturated. Gardeners should plan for effective water management to prevent erosion during heavy Southern Minnesota rains.

Top-Tier Growing Conditions

An impressive soil score of 82.7 makes Steele County one of the most productive regions in the state. In Zone 4b, you can confidently grow everything from sweet corn to robust perennials in this high-quality loam.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Steele County

via LawnByCounty

Steele County Leads in Lawn Ease

Steele County boasts an impressive 81.3 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the easiest places in Minnesota to grow grass. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 63.9 and the national benchmark of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 4b, your lawn has a major head start over neighboring regions.

Plentiful Rain Fuels Heavy Growth

The county receives 35.5 inches of annual precipitation, well above the state average and within the ideal range for turf. With 2,644 growing degree days, your grass has ample warmth to thrive during the summer months. Only 9 days per year typically reach extreme heat, minimizing the risk of summer dormancy.

Ideal Loam for Nutrient Density

The soil pH sits at a near-perfect 6.42, which maximizes nutrient availability for your grass. The texture is a balanced loam that is moderately well drained, preventing both parched roots and soggy patches. This foundation requires far fewer amendments than the sandier soils found in northern Minnesota.

Resilient Landscapes and Low Stress

Steele County saw just 4 weeks in drought over the last year, and current conditions are 100% clear of dryness. The high clay content of 22.2% helps the soil hold moisture much longer than sandier neighbors. To maintain this resilience, ensure your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the grass during the peak growing season.

Spring Start for a Lush Lawn

Wait until after the May 5 frost date to begin your heavy lawn projects like overseeding or new sod. The long growing season allows for robust root development before the first fall frost hits on October 6. Cool-season blends thrive here, benefiting from the rich loam and consistent moisture.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Steele County's county score?
Steele County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 49.6 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 Steele County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Steele County ranks #62 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 Steele County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Steele County is $2,824, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Steele County a tax score of 25.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Steele County?
The median household income in Steele County, Minnesota is $83,448 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Steele County earns an income score of 87.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Steele County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Steele County scores 49.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Steele 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 Steele 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.