CountyScore

Stevens County

Minnesota · MN

#4 in Minnesota
77.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Stevens County, Minnesota

Stevens ranks among America's most livable

Stevens County's composite score of 77.3 places it in the top quarter of U.S. counties, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This exceptional ranking reflects a distinct strength in affordability and risk management that sets it apart nationally.

Minnesota's affordability champion

Stevens ranks above Minnesota's state average of 70.9 with a score of 77.3, placing it among the state's top performers. The county demonstrates that high livability doesn't require premium incomes or costs.

Unbeatable affordability and stability

Stevens County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this cohort at 0.807% and exceptional housing affordability, with median rent just $833 per month and homes averaging $180,800. Its risk score of 93.0 signals strong financial stability and low economic volatility for residents.

Lower incomes offset by low costs

Median household income of $71,060 and an income score of 29.8 are the county's main constraints, reflecting limited high-wage job opportunities. However, this is substantially offset by the county's ultra-low cost of living, making it genuinely affordable for working families.

Perfect for budget-conscious families

Stevens County is ideal for families prioritizing affordability and financial security over high incomes, or retirees stretching fixed benefits. The combination of rock-bottom taxes, minimal housing costs, and strong stability creates exceptional value for cost-conscious households.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.6Cost79.9SafetyComing SoonHealth82SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.8Risk93WaterComing Soon
🏛79.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡93
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 Stevens County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Caribou County
Idaho
77.3
Median income: $66,653
Bottineau County
North Dakota
77.3
Median income: $83,460
Bowman County
North Dakota
77.3
Median income: $83,773
Renville County
North Dakota
77.3
Median income: $76,311
Emery County
Utah
77.3
Median income: $69,956

Deep Dives

Stevens County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stevens County

via TaxByCounty

Stevens offers lowest regional tax rate

Stevens County's effective tax rate of 0.807% sits well below the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the bottom 20% of US counties by tax burden. Homeowners pay a median of just $1,459 annually, less than half the national median of $2,690.

Among Minnesota's lowest-tax counties

Stevens County's 0.807% effective tax rate ranks in Minnesota's bottom tier, well below the state average of 0.968%. At $1,459, the median property tax is the lowest among the eight-county region, running $709 below the state median.

Lowest tax burden in central Minnesota

Stevens County leads the region in tax affordability, with a 0.807% rate significantly lower than Swift (0.855%), Traverse (0.972%), and Stearns (1.020%). A homeowner buying a $250,000 home pays roughly $1,100 annually less in Stevens than in neighboring Stearns.

Minimal annual tax on median home

Stevens County's median home value of $180,800 generates property taxes of approximately $1,459 per year. Both mortgaged ($1,483) and outright owners ($1,429) benefit from the county's lowest regional tax rate.

Assessment review still worth pursuing

Even in a low-tax county, overassessment affects many homeowners—20-40% regionally may be paying more than fair market value dictates. A successful appeal in Stevens County could still save you $200-400 annually with minimal effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stevens County

via CostByCounty

Stevens stands out as a housing bargain

Stevens County residents enjoy a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio—well below the national benchmark—while earning $71,060 median annually, which is about 5% below the national median. The $833 monthly rent represents exceptional affordability in the Midwest, making Stevens one of the most accessible counties nationally.

Among Minnesota's most affordable counties

At 14.1%, Stevens County beats Minnesota's 14.5% state average, signaling stronger rental affordability than most of the state. The $833 median rent runs $82 below Minnesota's state average, reflecting the rural character and lower cost structure of the area.

Cheapest rent in the region

Stevens County's $833 rent is the lowest among all eight counties surveyed, undercut only by Traverse County's exceptional $617. For renters, Stevens offers significant savings compared to Stearns ($1,057) or Steele ($1,006) while maintaining reasonable income levels.

Ultra-affordable housing landscape

Renters pay just $833 monthly while homeowners invest $887, with a median home value of only $180,800. Stevens residents allocate just 14.1% of their $71,060 income to rent, leaving substantially more room for savings and discretionary spending than most Minnesota counties.

Budget-conscious seekers, look here

Stevens County offers genuine housing bargains for renters and modest homebuyers willing to embrace rural Minnesota. The low cost of living here frees up income for other priorities—an advantage worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stevens County

via IncomeByCounty

Stevens approaches but trails national median

Stevens County's median household income of $71,060 falls $3,695 short of the national median of $74,755. While the county's workforce contributes meaningfully to state employment, income growth lags peers in more diversified metros.

Below Minnesota's average income

At $71,060, Stevens ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it in the lower half of county earners statewide. The county's economy relies heavily on agriculture and food processing, which offer steady but moderate-wage employment.

Among the lower earners nearby

Stevens County's $71,060 median income ranks below Steele ($83,448), Stearns ($76,447), and Wabasha ($80,133), though it exceeds Swift ($62,601) and Todd ($63,039). The county's income profile reflects its rural character and dependence on commodity-based industries.

Affordable housing supports household stability

Stevens' rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% indicates housing costs consume a reasonable share of earnings, and the median home value of $180,800 remains achievable for most working families. Affordability here is a real advantage for wealth building and long-term security.

Strategic planning bridges income gaps

Though Stevens' median income trails state averages, the county's low housing costs create genuine opportunity for savings and investment—prioritize building an emergency fund, then automate contributions to retirement and education savings plans. Even modest, consistent investing can help households close the income-growth gap over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Stevens County

via HealthByCounty

Stevens leads the nation on longevity

Stevens County residents enjoy the longest life expectancy in this analysis at 82.9 years—4.5 years above the U.S. average of 78.4 years. With a 15.0% poor or fair health rate, Stevens County performs better than the national average of 16.0%.

Minnesota's healthiest county profiled

Stevens County's 82.9-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 4.2 years. The county stands out as a model of health longevity within the state.

Clear regional health leader

Stevens County's 82.9-year life expectancy towers over all neighboring counties, including Stearns and Steele at 80.0 years and Swift at 79.0 years. No other profiled county approaches Stevens' remarkable health outcomes.

Solid care access with gaps in specialists

Stevens County offers 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, though mental health providers at 185 per 100,000 lag behind state standards. At 5.4% uninsured, the county stays just below the state average of 6.0%, ensuring most residents can access basic care.

Keep Stevens healthy and insured

With Stevens County leading Minnesota in health outcomes, protecting that progress means ensuring all residents have coverage. Visit MNsure.org to verify your insurance status and explore options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stevens County

via RiskByCounty

Stevens County enjoys minimal disaster risk

Stevens County's composite risk score of 7.03 ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below Minnesota's state average of 42.38. The county represents one of the safest communities for natural disaster exposure in the upper Midwest.

Among Minnesota's safest counties

Stevens County ranks near the absolute bottom of Minnesota's 87 counties for natural disaster risk, with a 7.03 composite score. This exceptional safety reflects low exposure across all hazard categories, from tornadoes to earthquakes.

Tied for lowest risk in the region

Stevens County shares exceptionally low risk with neighboring Traverse County (6.17), making them among the safest communities in Minnesota. Both counties benefit from geographic isolation from major disaster corridors.

All hazards pose minimal threat

Even Stevens County's highest-risk hazard—wildfire at 20.58—remains well below concerning thresholds. Tornado (24.78), flood (10.59), and earthquake (5.28) risks are all negligible by state and national standards.

Standard insurance provides adequate protection

Stevens County residents can rely on conventional homeowners insurance without specialized disaster coverage. Annual policy reviews remain prudent, but the county's minimal risk profile means most residents face lower insurance costs than state averages.

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.