CountyScore

Swift County

Minnesota · MN

#23 in Minnesota
73.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Swift County, Minnesota

Swift ranks well above national average

Swift County's composite score of 73.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates broad-based livability strengths that appeal to value-conscious households.

Above Minnesota's statewide standard

With a score of 73.3, Swift outperforms Minnesota's state average of 70.9, ranking among the stronger performers across the state's 87 counties. This positions it as a solid choice within Minnesota's competitive livability landscape.

Taxes and housing are exceptionally cheap

Swift County leads this cohort in cost score (80.6) and tax efficiency (78.2), with an effective tax rate of just 0.855% and median gross rent at only $900 per month. Median home values of $147,100 make homeownership genuinely accessible for working families.

Limited income opportunities here

The county's income score of 24.3 reflects modest median household income of just $62,601—the lowest in this group. Health services score 74.6, which is adequate but trails higher-performing counties, suggesting residents should evaluate medical access carefully.

Best for rural retirees and workers

Swift County suits retirees living on fixed incomes and rural workers who prioritize rock-bottom living costs over wage growth. It's an excellent choice for those seeking deep affordability and a slower pace of life without geographic isolation.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.2Cost80.6SafetyComing SoonHealth74.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.3Risk75WaterComing Soon
🏛78.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75
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 Swift County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Teton County
Idaho
73.3
Median income: $90,740
Washington County
Idaho
73.3
Median income: $53,608
Grant County
Kentucky
73.3
Median income: $67,940
Owsley County
Kentucky
73.3
Median income: $31,064
Beauregard Parish
Louisiana
73.3
Median income: $64,995

Deep Dives

Swift County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Swift County

via TaxByCounty

Swift County keeps taxes well below US median

Swift County's effective tax rate of 0.855% falls below the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the bottom 35% of US counties. Despite having the region's lowest median home value at $147,100, homeowners pay just $1,258 annually—less than half the national median of $2,690.

Below Minnesota average, affordable housing

Swift County's 0.855% effective tax rate sits below the Minnesota state average of 0.968%, offering relief for property owners. The median property tax of $1,258 is the second-lowest in the eight-county region, running $910 beneath the state median of $2,168.

Third-lowest taxes in the region

Swift County's 0.855% rate edges above Stevens (0.807%) but remains lower than most peers: Traverse at 0.972%, Todd at 0.995%, and Stearns at 1.020%. On a typical home, Swift residents enjoy $200-600 annual savings compared to most neighboring counties.

Under $1,300 annual tax on median home

Swift County's median home value of $147,100 produces property taxes of approximately $1,258 per year. Whether with a mortgage ($1,309) or without ($1,219), the tax burden remains among the region's lowest.

Low base rate doesn't rule out overassessment

Even in affordable Swift County, your home may be assessed above fair market value—a problem affecting one in three homeowners nationally. Filing an assessment appeal costs nothing and could recover $150-300 annually in tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Swift County

via CostByCounty

Swift strains on lower incomes

Swift County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and significantly above the national average, placing housing affordability under stress. Despite the $900 monthly rent being moderate, the $62,601 median household income—16% below national average—means housing costs consume an outsized portion of residents' earnings.

Most strained in Minnesota sample

Swift County's 17.3% ratio exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% average by nearly 3 percentage points, making it the least affordable county in this eight-county cluster. The combination of below-state-average income ($62,601 vs. state context) and mid-range rents ($900) creates genuine affordability challenges for local renters.

Tight margins despite modest rents

Swift County's $900 rent sits between Stevens ($833) and Stearns ($1,057), but the lower $62,601 income makes the burden proportionally heavier here. Among rural neighbors, only Wadena County ($56,882 income) faces worse affordability pressures.

Income challenges drive affordability gap

Renters spend $900 monthly while homeowners invest $761, with a median home value of $147,100—the lowest in this group. At 17.3% of a $62,601 income, Swift residents dedicate a concerning share to rent, leaving little margin for emergencies or savings.

Consider employment prospects carefully

Swift County's low housing costs won't offset income constraints unless you're relocating for higher-wage work. Compare carefully with higher-income counties like Steele or Stearns before committing to a move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Swift County

via IncomeByCounty

Swift County earns well below national average

Swift County's median household income of $62,601 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,154, the widest gap among Minnesota counties analyzed here. This income challenge reflects Swift's rural character and limited access to higher-wage employment hubs.

Lowest earner in Minnesota comparison

At $62,601, Swift ranks significantly below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, representing a gap of over $13,000. The county's economy centers on agriculture and small manufacturing, limiting wage-growth opportunities compared to urban and suburban peers.

Swift faces income headwinds region-wide

Swift County's $62,601 median income ranks lowest among all eight counties studied, falling below Wadena ($56,882 — correction: Wadena is lower), Todd ($63,039), Traverse ($65,931), and all higher-income neighbors. The county's isolation from major metro areas constrains employer competition and wage levels.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Swift's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% is the highest among all counties analyzed, signaling that housing consumes a noticeably larger share of household income here. With median home values at $147,100, affordability exists, but families face tighter budgets overall.

Small steps compound into security

Swift County households should prioritize accessible wealth-building tools: employer 401(k) matches, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and low-cost index funds that don't require large upfront investments. Even $50 monthly invested consistently builds a meaningful safety net and reduces dependence on high-income growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Swift County

via HealthByCounty

Swift faces health access challenges

Swift County's life expectancy of 79.0 years slightly exceeds the national average of 78.4 years, but the 16.0% poor or fair health rate equals the national benchmark. The county mirrors typical American health struggles, particularly around provider access.

Below Minnesota's health average

Swift County's 79.0-year life expectancy trails Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.7 years, and its 16.0% poor or fair health rate ranks below the state median. The county faces greater health headwinds than most Minnesota neighbors.

Struggling compared to peers

At 79.0 years, Swift County lags behind Stearns and Steele (80.0 years) and significantly trails Stevens County (82.9 years). Swift also shows the highest uninsured rate in the region at 9.1%.

Access gaps threaten local health

Swift County has just 41 primary care providers and 113 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—well below state needs. With 9.1% of residents uninsured—50% higher than the state average—many Swift County residents struggle to afford care when they need it most.

Swift County needs coverage now

Nearly 1 in 11 Swift County residents lack health insurance, putting them at serious financial and health risk. MNsure.org offers free help finding affordable coverage—visit today to protect yourself and your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Swift County

via RiskByCounty

Swift County sits well below state average

Swift County's composite risk score of 25.06 falls substantially below Minnesota's average of 42.38, placing it solidly in the very low risk category. The county enjoys natural disaster exposure far below national norms.

Among Minnesota's lowest-risk counties

Swift County ranks in the lower quartile of Minnesota's counties for natural disaster risk, with a 25.06 composite score. Only a handful of counties in the state present less overall hazard exposure.

Safest county in its immediate area

Swift County's 25.06 risk score is lower than Stevens County (7.03) and Traverse County (6.17), making it one of the safest in this region. It substantially outperforms Stearns County (87.56) to the east.

Wildfire represents the primary hazard

Wildfire risk at 46.31 is Swift County's most significant natural disaster exposure, though still well below concerning levels. Flood (36.39) and tornado (28.56) risks trail significantly, creating a balanced but manageable hazard profile.

Basic homeowners coverage is typically sufficient

Swift County residents benefit from minimal specialized insurance needs due to the county's low composite risk score. A standard homeowners policy provides adequate protection for this low-hazard community.

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.