countyscore
55.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 74.4Safety 65.2

County Report Card

About Todd County, Minnesota

Todd County Beats the National Median

With a composite score of 55.4, Todd County performs better than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a reliable and steady quality of life for its residents.

Competitive with State Peers

Todd County’s score of 55.4 sits right at the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It represents a quintessential Minnesota experience, offering a balanced mix of northern rural living and modern services.

Excellent Water and Healthy Living

Todd County excels in essential resources, earning a water score of 86.0 and a health score of 74.4. Residents benefit from clean utilities and accessible healthcare relative to other rural jurisdictions.

Educational and Tax Pressures

The county faces hurdles in its tax score of 38.5 and school score of 45.6. These scores suggest a need for more efficient public spending and investments in local educational outcomes.

A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Todd County is best suited for individuals who value natural resources and health over lower taxes or school rankings. It provides a stable, middle-of-the-road living experience with high-quality water and clean air.

2040608010038.548.665.274.445.648.262.38646.9Tax38.5Cost48.6Safety65.2Health74.4Schools45.6Income48.2Risk62.3Water86Weather46.955.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Todd County DNA

Foverall

How Todd County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Todd County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (38.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.5-13.5
Cost
48.6
Safety
65.2+10.200000000000003
Health
74.4+24.400000000000006
Schools
45.6-8.399999999999999
Income
48.2
Risk
62.3+15.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
46.9-9.100000000000001
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Many homeowners in Todd County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$188,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$850/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$188,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,039/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.7

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

Wadena County
Minnesota
62.5
Douglas County
Minnesota
56.4
Morrison County
Minnesota
50.8
Otter Tail County
Minnesota
51.7
Crow Wing County
Minnesota
49.3
Pope County
Minnesota
65.4
Stearns County
Minnesota
50.3
Benton County
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41

Deep Dives

Todd County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Todd County

via TaxByCounty

Todd County rates near national median

Todd County's effective tax rate of 0.995% sits virtually at the national median of 0.98%, making it an average US county for property tax burden. The median property tax of $1,874 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting a median home value of $188,400 that's lower than the national average.

Slightly above Minnesota state average

Todd County's 0.995% effective tax rate edges above Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, placing it in the middle range statewide. Its median property tax of $1,874 exceeds the state median of $2,168 by comparison to its lower median home value.

Mid-range taxes for central Minnesota

Todd County's 0.995% rate sits comfortably between Swift (0.855%) and Stearns (1.020%), representing a moderate burden in the region. Homeowners here pay roughly $300-400 less annually than in Steele or Wabasha counties on similar-value homes.

Median tax bill near $1,900 annually

On Todd County's median home valued at $188,400, property taxes average approximately $1,874 per year. With a mortgage, expect about $1,920; without, closer to $1,824.

Appeal process accessible to all homeowners

If your Todd County property feels overvalued, an assessment appeal is free to file and successful challenges are common. Even a 5-10% reduction in your assessed value could save you $100-200 annually—contact your county assessor to start.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Todd County

via CostByCounty

Todd rents strain modest incomes

Todd County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national norms, driven by a $63,039 median income that sits 15.7% below the national average. The $850 monthly rent is moderate, but housing costs take a larger toll on earnings here than they do nationally.

Above Minnesota average strain

At 16.2%, Todd County's ratio outpaces Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. The $850 rent runs slightly below the state average of $915, yet income constraints push affordability pressure above the state norm.

Similar challenges to Swift and Wadena

Todd County's $850 rent sits between Stevens ($833) and Stearns ($1,057), but its $63,039 income aligns with lower-earning rural neighbors like Swift ($62,601). Todd faces affordability pressures comparable to the most strained counties in this cluster.

Tight squeeze on working households

Renters pay $850 monthly while homeowners invest $863, with a median home value of $188,400. Todd residents allocate 16.2% of their $63,039 income to rent alone, leaving limited resources for other essential expenses and savings.

Explore income opportunities first

Todd County's rural character and low home values appeal to remote workers and retirees with stable income. If you're job-hunting, ensure local wage prospects justify relocating to a county where housing strains household budgets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Todd County

via IncomeByCounty

Todd trails national and state income levels

Todd County's median household income of $63,039 falls $11,716 below the national median of $74,755. The county's economy faces structural headwinds tied to limited manufacturing diversity and distance from major employment centers.

Among Minnesota's lower-income counties

At $63,039, Todd ranks notably below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it among the state's lower-earning counties. The county's per capita income of $32,283 also trails the state average of $39,335, indicating broader income concentration challenges.

Todd earns slightly above Southwest peers

Todd County's $63,039 median income edges above Swift ($62,601) and Wadena ($56,882) but lags Traverse ($65,931) and all higher-income neighbors. The county shares rural characteristics with similarly struggling counties, limiting competitive wage pressures.

Housing costs demand careful budgeting

Todd's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% indicates housing costs take a meaningful bite from household earnings—above the national comfort threshold. Combined with median home values of $188,400, families must budget carefully to balance housing needs with other financial priorities.

Build wealth despite income constraints

Todd County residents should focus on maximizing non-income wealth sources: employer benefits, tax credits, and low-fee savings vehicles accessible to modest earners. Starting small—even $25 monthly into a savings account—establishes discipline and creates cushion against income volatility.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Todd County

via CrimeByCounty

Todd County provides a secure rural landscape

Todd County reports a total crime rate of 815.0 per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 98.7. Three local agencies work diligently to keep incident rates low across the county.

Steady safety metrics compared to state averages

The county's crime rate of 815.0 is noticeably better than the Minnesota average of 1,123.5 per 100,000. Its safety score of 98.7 also outperforms the state average of 98.2. Todd County remains a reliably safe place to live within the state.

Todd County maintains a safe regional profile

Todd County has a slightly higher crime rate than Stearns County (713.0) but is significantly safer than larger urban centers. It faces more challenges than its neighbor Wadena County, which reports almost no crime. Overall, Todd offers a balanced and secure environment for its residents.

Property crime remains the primary focus

Property crime accounts for 680.5 of every 100,000 incidents, while violent crime is limited to 134.5. This violent crime rate is less than half the national average of 369.8. Law enforcement mainly deals with non-violent incidents like theft or trespassing.

Prioritizing home security for rural peace

Home security systems and adequate exterior lighting provide excellent protection for Todd County's rural properties. Being aware of your surroundings and securing outbuildings can prevent most property-related issues. Community vigilance is the key to keeping these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Todd County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Heart of Todd County

Todd County maintains a 9-school public system across 4 districts, educating 2,984 students. The county’s infrastructure includes 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 4 high schools. This small but efficient network serves a largely rural population with dedicated local facilities.

Strong Local Investment and School Quality

Todd County invests $8,490 per pupil, which is slightly above the Minnesota state average of $8,463. The graduation rate is 83.8%, and the county holds a school score of 53.5, which is better than the national median. While graduation rates are slightly below the state average, the high per-pupil spending shows a commitment to improvement.

Spotlight on Long Prairie-Grey Eagle

The Long Prairie-Grey Eagle School District is a major local provider, serving 978 students across two large campuses. Other significant districts include Staples-Motley and Bertha-Hewitt. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus entirely on the local public district programs.

A Traditional Rural Academic Setting

Education in Todd County is primarily rural, with 6 schools in rural areas and 3 in town settings. The largest school is Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Elementary, which serves 500 students. With an average school size of 332, the county offers a balance of community scale and academic resources.

Invest in a Home Near Todd County Schools

With per-pupil spending above the state average, Todd County is a place where your tax dollars directly support local classrooms. Families moving here often look for homes near Long Prairie or Staples to be close to the county's largest educational hubs. Education quality is a great reason to make Todd County your home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Todd County

via RiskByCounty

Todd County maintains very low risk profile

Todd County's composite risk score of 37.72 falls just below Minnesota's state average of 42.38, earning a very low risk rating. The county offers substantially safer conditions than most U.S. communities.

Lower-risk county in Minnesota

Todd County ranks in the safer half of Minnesota's 87 counties for natural disaster exposure, with a 37.72 composite score. This positioning reflects balanced hazard exposure with no single dominating threat.

Comparable to Steele County's risk level

Todd County (37.72) nearly mirrors Steele County (37.15) in composite risk, making them peer communities for disaster preparedness. Both outperform Stearns County (87.56) dramatically to the southeast.

Wildfire and flood present dual concerns

Todd County faces dual primary threats: wildfire risk (71.60) and flood risk (56.23), with tornado risk (39.95) as a secondary hazard. Wildfire exposure is particularly notable during Minnesota's dry seasons.

Wildfire awareness plus standard coverage

Todd County residents should maintain defensible space around homes and verify wildfire coverage in their standard homeowners policy. Flood insurance remains optional given the moderate 56.23 flood risk, but property-by-property assessment is recommended.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Todd County

via WaterByCounty

Todd County maintains a perfect A grade

The county has recorded zero health violations over the past five years, ensuring a 0.0 violation rate. This performance is significantly better than the state average of 32.5 violations per 100,000 people.

Assessed water bodies show no impairments

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 0.0% of the assessed water bodies in Todd County were found to be impaired. This meets the highest standards of the Clean Water Act §303(d).

Active monitoring across ninety-five local sites

Todd County water quality is tracked via 16,871 measurements taken over the last five years. Physical properties, nutrients, and pesticides are the most frequently measured characteristics in the region.

Long Prairie River below typical flow levels

The gauge at Long Prairie reports a discharge of 163 cfs, which is only 87% of its long-term seasonal mean. This drainage area covers 434 square miles and currently reflects drier than average conditions.

Conserve water during lower streamflow periods

Since the Long Prairie River is flowing below its mean, water conservation can help maintain source water levels. Continue to monitor for nutrients and pesticides, as these are the primary focus of local water quality tests.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Todd County

via WeatherByCounty

Todd County’s Cold Northern Profile

Todd County is quite cold by national standards, with an average annual temperature of just 40.1°F. This makes it one of the cooler populated regions in the continental United States.

Colder than the Minnesota Mean

The county's 40.1°F average is notably lower than the statewide average of 42.8°F. It ranks among the chillier central Minnesota counties due to its northern position.

Snowier and Colder than the South

Todd receives 54.0 inches of snow, significantly more than Swift County’s 42.6 inches. It is also nearly five degrees cooler than the southeastern river valley counties.

Quiet Summers and Heavy Snow

Summer heat is rare here, with only 5 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 67.8°F. Winter dominates the calendar, featuring a frigid 8.5°F average in January.

Winter Resilience is Key

Heavy-duty insulation and snowblowers are vital for surviving 54 inches of annual snow. Indoor recreation planning is essential during the long, cold winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Todd County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Central Minnesota

Todd County’s soil is notably acidic, with an average pH of 5.78 compared to the state average of 6.21. This chemical makeup typically requires lime amendments for growers looking to raise more sensitive garden vegetables.

High Sand Content Dominates

A massive 62.4% sand content defines this soil, paired with just 10.4% clay. This results in an incredibly loose, workable texture that drains very quickly but may struggle to hold onto fertilizers.

Rich Matter in a Thirsty Soil

The county features a high organic matter content of 9.40%, which is nearly on par with the state average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.166 in/in is quite low, meaning the soil dries out faster than most in Minnesota.

Rapid Water Movement

While official drainage classifications are not listed, the 62.4% sand content strongly suggests a soil that moves water through the profile at a rapid pace. This is ideal for avoiding root rot but requires frequent watering for shallow-rooted plants.

Nurturing Zone 4a Gardens

A soil score of 61.8 reflects the challenges of sandy, acidic earth in the cooler Zone 4a. Focus on hardy, sand-tolerant crops like potatoes or blueberries that thrive in these specific central Minnesota conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Todd County

via LawnByCounty

A Cooler Climate for Todd County

Todd County’s lawn difficulty score of 62.2 is just below the state average of 63.9. Located in Hardiness Zone 4a, the county deals with a shorter growing season and cooler average temperatures. While easier than the national average, the environment requires more attention to winter hardiness.

Short Seasons and Cooler Days

With only 1,952 growing degree days, your grass has a much shorter window to thrive than in southern Minnesota. The season is framed by a late frost on May 13 and an early first frost on September 27. However, the 31.0 inches of precipitation provides the ideal amount of natural moisture for cool-season grasses.

Sandy Ground and Low pH

The soil is 62.4% sand with a pH of 5.78, which is more acidic than the ideal range for turf. This high sand content means water and nutrients move through the soil very quickly. Regular applications of organic matter or compost are necessary to help this soil hold onto the moisture your grass needs.

Rising Dryness in Central Soils

Currently, 55.0% of the county is considered abnormally dry, following 11 weeks of drought over the last year. In sandy soils like these, even a short dry spell can lead to browning and dormancy. You should prioritize early morning watering to maximize absorption before the sun gets too high.

Selecting Hardy Grass for Zone 4a

Because of the May 13 frost date and cooler 1,952 GDD, select cold-hardy varieties like Creeping Red Fescue. These species handle the acidic, sandy soil of Todd County better than more sensitive turf types. Start seeding as soon as the soil warms in late May to give roots time to establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Todd County's county score?
Todd County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Todd County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Todd County ranks #47 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 Todd County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Todd County is $1,874, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Todd County a tax score of 38.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Todd County?
The median household income in Todd County, Minnesota is $63,039 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Todd County earns an income score of 48.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Todd County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Todd County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Todd 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 Todd 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.