CountyScore

Traverse County

Minnesota · MN

#8 in Minnesota
76.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Traverse County, Minnesota

Traverse ranks among nation's most livable

Traverse County's composite score of 76.5 places it in the top quarter of U.S. counties, well above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional ranking stems from outstanding affordability and economic stability relative to national norms.

Strong performer across Minnesota

Traverse's score of 76.5 significantly exceeds Minnesota's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the state's top-performing counties. The county demonstrates Minnesota's livability excellence while maintaining distinctive affordability.

Ultra-affordable housing and stability

Traverse County boasts the highest cost score (86.1) in this cohort, with median gross rent at just $617 per month—the lowest among these eight counties—and median home values of only $110,100. Its risk score of 93.9 signals exceptional economic stability and resilience.

Lower incomes limit growth potential

Median household income of $65,931 and an income score of 26.4 suggest limited high-wage opportunities and modest wage growth. The county's small size and rural character mean fewer employment options for ambitious career seekers.

Ideal for retirees and minimalists

Traverse County is perfect for retirees stretching fixed incomes, minimalists seeking simplicity, and anyone prioritizing affordability and stability over career advancement. It offers unmatched value in housing and living costs with remarkably low economic volatility.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.9Cost86.1SafetyComing SoonHealth76.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.4Risk93.9WaterComing Soon
🏛74.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡93.9
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 Traverse County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clay County
Alabama
76.5
Median income: $51,852
Martin County
Indiana
76.5
Median income: $65,345
Worth County
Missouri
76.5
Median income: $46,167
Granite County
Montana
76.5
Median income: $54,646
Blaine County
Nebraska
76.5
Median income: $61,250

Deep Dives

Traverse County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Traverse County

via TaxByCounty

Traverse County taxes far below US average

Traverse County's effective tax rate of 0.972% sits just below the national median of 0.98%, but its median home value of $110,100 is the region's lowest, resulting in a median tax bill of just $1,070—62% below the national median of $2,690. This combination makes Traverse one of the most affordable counties nationally for homeownership.

Below Minnesota average with minimal homes

Traverse County's 0.972% effective tax rate sits just below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, while its median property tax of $1,070 is significantly below the state median of $2,168. The lowest median home value in the region ($110,100) drives this exceptional affordability.

Most affordable total tax burden regionwide

Traverse County's combination of near-average tax rate and the region's lowest home values creates the smallest tax bills: just $1,070 median. Even Todd County ($1,874) residents pay 75% more annually in absolute dollars.

Lowest total tax burden in region

Traverse County's median home value of $110,100 generates property taxes of approximately $1,070 annually—the region's lowest. Mortgaged homes average $1,194 in taxes; outright-owned homes, $967.

Assessment appeal could mean meaningful relief

In a county with such modest tax bills, even a small reduction yields proportionally larger savings due to the lower baseline. Challenging an overassessment in Traverse County could free up $150-250 for other household needs—worth exploring with your assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Traverse County

via CostByCounty

Traverse leads nation in affordability

Traverse County's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional—well below national norms—even though the $65,931 median income runs 12% below the national average. The $617 monthly rent is the lowest in this eight-county group, making Traverse genuinely accessible for budget-conscious renters nationwide.

Minnesota's affordability champion

At 11.2%, Traverse County's ratio beats Minnesota's 14.5% state average by over 3 percentage points, making it one of the state's most affordable counties. The $617 median rent is dramatically below the state average of $915, reflecting a rural rental market with minimal pressure.

Unmatched rent bargains

Traverse County's $617 rent undercuts every other county in this sample—Stevens ($833), Todd ($850), and Swift ($900) all run substantially higher. For renters prioritizing affordability above all else, Traverse stands alone as a genuine bargain.

Minimal housing burden, modest income

Renters spend just $617 monthly while homeowners invest $751, with a median home value of only $110,100—the lowest by far. At 11.2% of the $65,931 income, Traverse residents spend less on rent than residents of any other county surveyed, freeing substantial income for savings.

Ultimate affordability play for remote workers

If you're working remotely or living on a fixed income, Traverse County is unbeatable for housing costs. The trade-off is isolation and limited local employment, so ensure your income is portable before making the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Traverse County

via IncomeByCounty

Traverse falls modestly short nationally

Traverse County's median household income of $65,931 trails the national median of $74,755 by $8,824. Despite this gap, the county's low housing costs and rural quality of life provide economic advantages that offset income limitations.

Below Minnesota average but stable

At $65,931, Traverse ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it in the lower third of Minnesota counties. The county's agricultural economy and small-town character produce steady if modest incomes across the resident workforce.

Middle ground in rural Minnesota

Traverse's $65,931 median income places it ahead of Swift ($62,601), Todd ($63,039), and Wadena ($56,882), while trailing the more prosperous counties like Steele ($83,448) and Stearns ($76,447). The county occupies a stable middle position among rural peers.

Lowest housing cost ratio in the region

Traverse County stands out with a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.2%—the lowest among all eight counties analyzed—meaning housing costs are notably affordable here. At a median home value of only $110,100, Traverse offers exceptional homeownership accessibility and strong potential for housing wealth.

Leverage affordability into savings

Traverse County's exceptional housing affordability creates rare opportunity: households can dedicate the income saved on housing costs directly to retirement and investment accounts. With home prices at $110,100 and low monthly payment ratios, residents can build equity faster than peers while maintaining aggressive savings discipline.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Traverse County

via HealthByCounty

Traverse's health snapshot unclear

Traverse County's life expectancy of 76.3 years falls 2.1 years below the U.S. average of 78.4 years, raising concerns about population health. More detailed provider and health outcome data would clarify the drivers of this gap.

Lowest life expectancy in Minnesota

Traverse County's 76.3-year life expectancy is 2.4 years below Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years. The county faces the steepest health longevity challenge among all profiled Minnesota counties.

Traverse lags all regional peers

At 76.3 years, Traverse County's life expectancy trails every neighboring county profiled, including Wadena (77.1 years) and Swift (79.0 years). This gap warrants urgent investigation into local health drivers.

Limited data, urgent questions

Provider data for Traverse County is unavailable, making it impossible to assess care access directly. With 6.1% uninsured—slightly above the state average—and the lowest life expectancy in this analysis, the county needs targeted investigation into health barriers.

Explore coverage options today

Traverse County residents should prioritize health insurance as a first step toward better health outcomes. Visit MNsure.org to understand your coverage options and take control of your health journey.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Traverse County

via RiskByCounty

Traverse County ranks among safest nationwide

Traverse County's composite risk score of 6.17 places it in the lowest risk category nationally, far below Minnesota's state average of 42.38. The county represents an exceptionally safe community for natural disaster exposure.

Minnesota's second-lowest risk county

Traverse County ranks second only to Stevens County (7.03) in Minnesota's safety rankings, with a 6.17 composite score. This position reflects minimal exposure to virtually all categories of natural hazards.

Nearly tied with Stevens for lowest risk

Traverse County (6.17) nearly matches Stevens County (7.03) as Minnesota's safest communities, with both counties far exceeding the safety profile of surrounding areas. Neither faces significant natural disaster threat compared to peer counties.

All hazards remain negligible

Traverse County's highest-risk hazard—wildfire at 15.87—remains well below concerning thresholds for natural disaster planning. Tornado (18.48), flood (13.74), and earthquake (4.96) risks are all negligible.

Standard insurance fully adequate here

Traverse County residents enjoy among the lowest insurance cost burdens in Minnesota due to minimal disaster risk. A standard homeowners policy provides complete protection without need for supplemental coverage.

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.