countyscore
64.3
County Score
Safety 90.4Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 75

County Report Card

About Swift County, Minnesota

Swift County Earns High National Marks

A composite score of 65.2 places Swift County firmly above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a superior quality of life compared to the majority of counties in the United States.

Exceeding Minnesota's High Standards

Swift County’s 65.2 score outperforms the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It stands out as a high-performing rural county that manages to offer better-than-average amenities for the region.

Superior Safety and Infrastructure

Swift County shines with an elite safety score of 90.4 and a strong water quality score of 86.0. These numbers reflect a community that is both physically secure and supported by reliable public resources.

Lower Local Income Levels

The income score of 47.0 is the county's primary challenge, with a median household income of $62,601. While housing is very affordable at a median home value of $147,100, wage growth remains slower than state peers.

Ideal for a Safe, Affordable Lifestyle

Swift County is a top pick for retirees or remote workers who prioritize public safety and low housing costs over high local wages. It offers a secure, quiet lifestyle with exceptionally high infrastructure standards.

2040608010046.151.290.471.464.734.8758643.5Tax46.1Cost51.2Safety90.4Health71.4Schools64.7Income34.8Risk75Water86Weather43.564.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Swift County DNA

D+overall

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

Swift County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (90.4/100) but notably weak in Income (34.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
46.1
Cost
51.2
Safety
90.4+35.400000000000006
Health
71.4+21.400000000000006
Schools
64.7+10.700000000000003
Income
34.8-16.200000000000003
Risk
75+28
Water
86+28
Weather
43.5-12.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Swift County?

Many homeowners in Swift County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$161,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$920/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$161,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,412/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.4

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 Swift County with Osceola County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Osceola County
Iowa
Median income: $69,239
64.3
Jackson County
Kentucky
Median income: $40,000
64.3
Fillmore County
Minnesota
Median income: $77,512
64.3
Catron County
New Mexico
Median income: $49,864
64.3
Lake County
Oregon
Median income: $62,787
64.3
Nicholas County
West Virginia
Median income: $54,639
64.3
Dade County
Georgia
Median income: $64,568
64.2
Sheridan County
Kansas
Median income: $73,750
64.2

Nearby counties

Chippewa County
Minnesota
58.5
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
74.8
Stevens County
Minnesota
64.1
Pope County
Minnesota
65.3
Kandiyohi County
Minnesota
44.4
Big Stone County
Minnesota
68.3
Yellow Medicine County
Minnesota
66.7
Douglas County
Minnesota
56.4

Deep Dives

Swift County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Swift County

via CrimeByCounty

Swift County is among the nation's safest places

Swift County features an incredibly low crime rate of 183.6 per 100,000 residents. This figure is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a near-perfect safety score of 99.7, indicating a high level of community security.

A premier ranking for safety in Minnesota

With a safety score of 99.7, Swift County far exceeds the Minnesota average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 183.6 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,123.5. It is consistently one of the safest counties in the entire state.

Leading the pack among western Minnesota neighbors

Swift County reports much less crime than neighboring Stevens County, which has a rate of 557.8 per 100,000. It also maintains a higher safety profile than Traverse County to the northwest. Residents here enjoy a level of security that few nearby areas can match.

Property and violent crime reach historic lows

Violent crime occurs at a rate of only 71.4 per 100,000, while property crime is even lower at 112.2. These rates mean that for the average resident, encountering crime is statistically unlikely. Public safety is a hallmark of daily life in Swift County.

Focusing on prevention to keep rates low

While crime is rare, simple habits like locking front doors and installing motion sensors keep the county secure. Swift County's safety is built on community trust and proactive awareness. Keeping an eye on your neighbors' property remains a highly effective local tradition.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Swift County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than Most of America

Swift County averages 43.7°F annually, significantly lower than the national median temperature. This reflects the intense continental climate found across the northern plains.

Swift Outpaces the State Average

At 43.7°F, the county is warmer than the Minnesota state average of 42.8°F. This places it among the slightly milder regions within the state's borders.

Milder than Neighbors to the North

Swift is warmer than Stevens County, which averages 42.2°F annually. However, its 28.1 inches of annual precipitation remains just below the state average of 30.0 inches.

Snowy Winters and Warmer Peaks

The county sees 42.6 inches of snow and a chilly 14.6°F average in the winter months. Summers are relatively hot for the region, featuring 12 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Managing Summer Heat and Winter Snow

Residents need reliable air conditioning to manage the 12 annual extreme heat days. Winter requires robust snow removal equipment to handle the 42.6 inches of accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Swift County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the River Valley

Swift County reports an average pH of 7.19, which is quite high compared to the Minnesota state average of 6.21. This alkaline nature reflects the unique mineral heritage of the local landscape and the Minnesota River valley.

Silty Soils with High Retention

The soil composition includes 41.6% silt and 24.7% clay, creating a dense texture that excels at holding nutrients. The 31.9% sand component provides just enough grit to help with structural stability underfoot.

Healthy Matter but Lower Water Storage

Organic matter stands at a healthy 6.23%, providing essential nutrients for the 4b hardiness zone. However, the available water capacity of 0.190 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.199, requiring attentive irrigation during droughts.

Natural Water Management

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high silt and clay levels often indicate moderate to slow drainage speeds. It is vital for local land managers to prioritize soil structure to prevent compaction in these heavy soils.

Grow Strong in Swift County

With a soil score of 67.7, this land is ready for productive use in Zone 4b. Alkaline-tolerant shrubs and classic prairie vegetables will thrive here if you manage the water levels during the peak of summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Swift County

via LawnByCounty

Predictable Growth in Swift County

Swift County scores a 65.1 for lawn ease, placing it slightly above the state average of 63.9. Maintaining a lawn in Zone 4b here is easier than in half the country, thanks to a balanced climate. Homeowners can expect a standard maintenance schedule without extreme environmental hurdles.

High Heat Days Impact Watering

Swift County experiences 12 extreme heat days per year, which is 50% higher than the state average. Combined with 28.1 inches of precipitation, this heat can dry out a lawn rapidly in mid-summer. Monitoring your 2,620 growing degree days will help you time your mowing as growth peaks in June.

Alkaline Soils and Clay Balance

A soil pH of 7.19 puts Swift County on the alkaline side of the ideal range. The mix of 24.7% clay and 31.9% sand provides a decent structure for holding water while allowing roots to breathe. While drainage class data is N/A, the soil composition suggests a relatively stable base for turf.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

With 5 weeks of drought in the past year, the county stays relatively resilient compared to western neighbors. Current drought levels are at 0.0%, providing a great window for lawn recovery and growth. During heat spikes, increase your mowing height to three inches to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

A May Start for Swift Lawns

The window for seeding opens after May 4, once the threat of frost typically passes. Use the 2,620 growing degree days to establish a dense turf that can handle the 12 annual days of extreme heat. Kentucky Bluegrass remains a top performer for this zone if provided with consistent supplemental water.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Swift County's county score?
Swift County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 64.3 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 Swift County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Swift County ranks #21 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 Swift County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Swift County is $1,386, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Swift County a tax score of 46.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Swift County?
The median household income in Swift County, Minnesota is $60,412 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Swift County earns an income score of 34.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Swift County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Swift County scores 64.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Swift 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 Swift 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.