countyscore
64.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 93Health 90.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Stevens County, Minnesota

Stevens County Outperforms the Nation

With a high composite score of 65.6, Stevens County significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the top tier of US jurisdictions for overall livability and resident satisfaction.

A Leader in the Gopher State

Stevens County ranks well above the Minnesota state average of 55.8. Its consistent performance across multiple categories makes it one of the premier living destinations in Greater Minnesota.

Environmental Resilience and Wellness

The county boasts an elite risk score of 93.0, indicating very low vulnerability to natural hazards. Residents also enjoy a health score of 90.9 and high-quality water, scoring 86.0 for purity and infrastructure.

Modest Growth in Local Schools

While strong overall, the school score of 52.5 and cost score of 48.6 represent areas for potential improvement. Housing is moderately affordable with a median rent of $833, but educational metrics remain near the state median.

The Choice for Security and Stability

Stevens County is perfect for families and retirees looking for a safe, low-risk environment with exceptional health services. It offers a rare combination of environmental peace of mind and high-quality utility infrastructure.

204060801005041.676.690.952.574.7938646.7Tax50Cost41.6Safety76.6Health90.9Schools52.5Income74.7Risk93Water86Weather46.764.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average

Stevens County DNA

D+overall

How Stevens County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Stevens County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (93/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Weather & Climate (46.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50
Cost
41.6
Safety
76.6+21.599999999999994
Health
90.9+40.900000000000006
Schools
52.5
Income
74.7+23.700000000000003
Risk
93+46
Water
86+28
Weather
46.7-9.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$202,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$951/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$202,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,733/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.6

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

Big Stone County
Minnesota
68.3
Swift County
Minnesota
64.3
Grant County
Minnesota
65.8
Traverse County
Minnesota
66.7
Pope County
Minnesota
65.3
Roberts County
South Dakota
53.4
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
74.8
Douglas County
Minnesota
56.4

Deep Dives

Stevens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Stevens County

via CrimeByCounty

Stevens County provides exceptional peace of mind

Stevens County boasts a total crime rate of 557.8 per 100,000, roughly one-fourth of the national average. This creates a highly safe environment, reflected in its superior safety score of 99.1. Two dedicated reporting agencies keep a close watch on this small, secure community.

Outperforming the state safety average with ease

The county's safety score of 99.1 easily beats the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Its crime rate of 557.8 is less than half of the statewide average of 1,123.5 per 100,000. Stevens stands out as a top-tier safe haven within the state.

Comparing favorably to regional neighbors

While Stevens County is very safe, it sees slightly more activity than Swift County to the south, which has a rate of 183.6. However, it remains much safer than Todd County further east. Local law enforcement maintains a tight-knit and responsive presence in the area.

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent in Stevens

The violent crime rate in Stevens County is a remarkably low 62.0 per 100,000 residents. Property crime stands at 495.8, making up the bulk of all reported law enforcement activity. The data suggests that serious person-to-person crime is a rare occurrence here.

Layering your home defense for total security

Even in low-crime areas, keeping vehicles locked and sheds secured prevents opportunistic property theft. Residents can maintain this high level of safety by reporting minor incidents promptly. Your vigilance helps keep Stevens County one of the safest spots in the region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stevens County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Continental Climate in Stevens

Stevens County maintains a chilly 42.2°F average annual temperature, which falls well below the national median. This climate features the sharp seasonal swings typical of the Upper Midwest.

Matching the Minnesota Average

The county's 42.2°F average is nearly identical to the statewide mean of 42.8°F. It sits firmly in the middle of Minnesota’s temperature rankings, avoiding the extreme cold of the far north.

Drier and Cooler than Southern Neighbors

With 26.9 inches of annual rain, Stevens is drier than the state average of 30.0 inches. It is also cooler than Swift County to the south, which enjoys a 43.7°F average.

From Deep Freezes to Mild Summers

Winters are harsh with a 13.4°F average and 44.6 inches of snow. July brings a comfortable 70.3°F average, with only 7 days per year reaching the 90°F mark.

Prepare for Prolonged Winter Cold

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency heating to handle January's 9.8°F average lows. Heavy-duty winter gear is essential for outdoor activities during the long snow season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stevens County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils on the Western Prairie

Stevens County features an average pH of 7.09, making it significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile suggests a landscape influenced by carbonate-rich glacial till.

Silt and Clay Define the Texture

The soil is comprised of 41.5% silt and 25.5% clay, which provides a heavy texture that holds onto nutrients well. With only 31.0% sand, these fields may take longer to dry out in the spring but offer great stability for crops.

Strong Organic Foundation

At 6.93% organic matter, Stevens County stays well above the national average of 2.0% even if it trails the state average. The available water capacity of 0.196 in/in ensures that plants have a steady supply of moisture during the dry summer months.

Managing Heavier Prairie Soils

Specific drainage classifications are not currently documented for this area, but the high clay and silt content typically suggests slower water movement. Growers should monitor for ponding in low-lying areas during heavy spring melts.

Productive Potential in Zone 4b

A soil score of 72.9 indicates solid agricultural and gardening potential in Zone 4b. Focus on crops that tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, such as asparagus, beans, and brassicas.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stevens County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Stevens

Stevens County holds a lawn difficulty score of 63.1, aligning closely with the Minnesota state average. While it meets the national benchmark of 50.0, the lower-than-average precipitation creates a slightly more hands-on experience for homeowners. Successful lawns here rely on smart watering habits in Hardiness Zone 4b.

Dryer Air Requires Careful Planning

Annual precipitation averages 26.9 inches, which falls below the state average of 30.0 inches and the ideal range for many turfgrasses. You have 2,360 growing degree days to work with, but the lower rainfall means your irrigation system is vital. Most growth happens between the May 4 spring frost and the October 1 fall frost.

Neutral Soils Support Root Health

The soil pH is 7.09, which is slightly alkaline but generally supportive of most standard lawn grasses. While specific drainage class data is limited for this area, the 25.5% clay and 31.0% sand mix suggests moderate moisture retention. You may need to monitor for iron chlorosis if the pH stays on the higher side.

Navigating 10 Weeks of Drought

The county endured 10 weeks of drought over the past year, significantly more than its eastern neighbors. Although current conditions are clear, this history suggests you should select drought-tolerant grass varieties. Focus on soil aeration to help every drop of infrequent rain reach the root zone.

Hardy Turf for Western Minnesota

Select drought-resistant tall fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass blends to handle the 26.9 inches of annual rain. Plan to seed your lawn early in May to ensure it is established before the July heat arrives. With 2,360 growing degree days, your lawn can fill in quickly with the right nutrient balance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stevens County's county score?
Stevens County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 64.1 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 Stevens County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Stevens County ranks #22 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 Stevens County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Stevens County is $1,634, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Stevens County a tax score of 50/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stevens County?
The median household income in Stevens County, Minnesota is $75,733 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stevens County earns an income score of 74.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stevens County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Stevens County scores 64.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Stevens 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 Stevens 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.