countyscore
64.1
County Score
Health 96.1Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 83.9

County Report Card

About Wabasha County, Minnesota

Wabasha County Excels Nationally

With a composite score of 64.4, Wabasha County easily beats the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a premier destination for those seeking a high-standard American lifestyle.

A Top Performer in Minnesota

Wabasha County outperforms the already high Minnesota state average of 55.8. It combines high incomes with excellent public services to create a highly desirable regional hub.

Elite Health and High Incomes

Wabasha County boasts a near-perfect health score of 96.1 and a high income score of 84.0. With a median household income of $80,133, residents enjoy both financial success and world-class medical access.

Higher Tax Burdens

The county’s main drawback is its tax score of 32.0, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.088%. While school and health services are strong, the cost of funding these amenities is visible in the local tax bills.

Built for Affluent, Health-Conscious Families

Wabasha County is the ultimate destination for established families who value health and safety above all else. It offers a high-end lifestyle for those who don't mind paying slightly higher taxes for superior services.

2040608010031.740.881.496.16883.954.58646Tax31.7Cost40.8Safety81.4Health96.1Schools68Income83.9Risk54.5Water86Weather4664.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Wabasha County DNA

D+overall

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

Wabasha County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (96.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (31.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.7-20.3
Cost
40.8
Safety
81.4+26.400000000000006
Health
96.1+46.099999999999994
Schools
68+14
Income
83.9+32.900000000000006
Risk
54.5
Water
86+28
Weather
46-10
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Wabasha County?

Many homeowners in Wabasha 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

$264,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$830/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$264,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,007/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.3

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 Wabasha County with Stevens County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Pepin County
Wisconsin
56.9
Buffalo County
Wisconsin
60.1
Goodhue County
Minnesota
47.4
Olmsted County
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43.5
Pierce County
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54
Winona County
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47.5
Dodge County
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Trempealeau County
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56

Deep Dives

Wabasha County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wabasha County

via TaxByCounty

Wabasha County taxes among US highest

Wabasha County's effective tax rate of 1.088% ranks well above the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the top 25% of US counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $2,675 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $245,800 that's below the national average.

Second-highest Minnesota county rate

Wabasha County's 1.088% effective tax rate ranks second-highest in Minnesota, exceeded only by Steele County's 1.206%. Its median property tax of $2,675 is $507 above the state median of $2,168, affecting every homeowner significantly.

Among region's highest tax burdens

Wabasha's 1.088% rate trails only Steele County (1.206%) in the region and exceeds all others: Stearns (1.020%), Wadena (1.040%), and Todd (0.995%). A $245,000 home in Wabasha generates roughly $600 more annual tax than in Stearns.

Median annual tax reaches $2,675

On Wabasha County's median home valued at $245,800, property taxes average approximately $2,675 per year. With a mortgage, homeowners pay about $2,754; without, approximately $2,566.

High-tax county makes appeals especially valuable

In Wabasha's high-tax environment, a successful assessment appeal could save you $300-500 annually—substantial money back into your household budget. Given the county's elevated rates, it's worth scheduling a review with your assessor at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wabasha County

via IncomeByCounty

Wabasha earns solidly above national average

Wabasha County's median household income of $80,133 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $5,378. This strong income position reflects diversified employment across healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services anchored by communities like Winona and Rochester.

Among Minnesota's top earners

At $80,133, Wabasha ranks well above Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it among the higher-income counties statewide. The county's per capita income of $42,262 also exceeds the state average of $39,335, signaling strong wage distribution across the population.

Second-highest earner in the region

Wabasha's $80,133 median income ranks second only to Steele County ($83,448), significantly outpacing Stearns ($76,447), Stevens ($71,060), and all lower-income neighbors. The county's proximity to the Rochester metro area drives competitive wages and economic stability.

Balanced housing costs, strong affordability

Wabasha's rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% ranks among the lowest in the region, meaning housing costs are comfortably manageable for most households. A median home value of $245,800 reflects healthy market dynamics where strong incomes support sustained homeownership and equity building.

Strong income fuels wealth acceleration

Wabasha County's above-average income and low housing ratios create ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building—maximize retirement contributions, diversify into taxable investments, and consider additional savings vehicles like HSAs. With household earnings $5,000+ above the national average and housing costs well-controlled, residents can meaningfully close the wealth gap within 10–15 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wabasha County

via CrimeByCounty

Wabasha County enjoys a very high safety rating

With a total crime rate of 442.7 per 100,000, Wabasha County is much safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a strong safety score of 99.3. Three agencies provide comprehensive coverage to ensure a safe riverfront community.

A standout performer for safety in Minnesota

Wabasha County's crime rate of 442.7 is well below the statewide average of 1,123.5 per 100,000 residents. Its safety score of 99.3 ranks higher than the state average of 98.2. This county remains one of the more peaceful areas in the southern part of the state.

Comparing safety across the southern region

Wabasha County is significantly safer than nearby Steele County, which has a crime rate of 1,131.1. It also maintains lower incident rates than many other counties in the Mississippi River corridor. This makes Wabasha a prime choice for families seeking security.

Violent crime is extremely rare in Wabasha

The violent crime rate is just 37.3 per 100,000, which is nearly ten times lower than the national average. Property crime stands at 405.4, indicating that most law enforcement calls are for non-violent issues. Residents enjoy a very low risk of physical confrontation.

Enhancing home safety with simple precautions

Low crime rates can lead to complacency, so remember to lock doors and windows. Installing motion-activated lights is a cost-effective way to prevent the property crimes that do occur. Your participation in community safety programs helps keep Wabasha County secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wabasha County

via WeatherByCounty

Milder Temperatures in the River Valley

Wabasha County is relatively warm for its latitude, averaging 45.0°F annually. While still cooler than the national median, it benefits from the topography of the Mississippi River valley.

Warmer than the Minnesota Average

With a 45.0°F average, Wabasha is significantly warmer than the 42.8°F state mean. It ranks as one of the most temperate counties in southern Minnesota.

Wetter and Warmer than Central Counties

Wabasha is much wetter than Todd County, receiving 35.3 inches of precipitation compared to Todd’s 31.0. It also experiences 12 extreme heat days, more than double the count in Wadena.

Rainy Springs and Humid Summers

July averages 71.7°F, while winter is softened by an 18.1°F December-February average. The county sees 40.5 inches of snow, which is lower than many of its northern peers.

Plan for High Humidity and Rainfall

Effective drainage and basement waterproofing are important given the high 35.3 inches of annual rain. Residents should also prepare for 12 days of 90°F heat each summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wabasha County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Loams in Driftless Country

Wabasha County features an average pH of 6.42, which is remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity makes it a versatile environment for a wide variety of plant species without needing significant adjustment.

High Silt Content for Silky Soils

The soil is dominated by 52.2% silt, combined with 30.7% sand and 16.9% clay. This 'silky' texture offers great fertility and moisture retention, though it can be prone to erosion on the county's famous bluffs.

Lower Organic Matter, High Water Storage

At 2.62%, the organic matter is much lower than the Minnesota average of 9.90% but still stays above the national average. Fortunately, the available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is very strong, keeping plants hydrated.

Excellent Water Retention

Detailed drainage classes are not provided, but the high silt percentage suggests a soil that absorbs water efficiently. In the hilly terrain of Wabasha County, managing runoff is key to protecting these productive silty layers.

Thriving in the 4b Hardiness Zone

A soil score of 73.1 puts Wabasha right at the state average for quality. This is an ideal environment for orchards and diverse vegetable gardens that appreciate the consistent moisture and neutral pH.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wabasha County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Growing in Wabasha County

Wabasha County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 79.1, making it a premier location for lush grass. This score far exceeds the state average of 63.9 and the national median. The local environment in Zone 4b is naturally supportive of healthy, vibrant turfgrass.

Abundant Moisture Drives Success

With 35.3 inches of annual precipitation, Wabasha receives more than enough rain to keep a lawn thriving. It experiences 12 days of extreme heat, but the high rainfall and 2,582 growing degree days provide a robust recovery window. Growth is active from early May through the first frost on October 2.

Perfect pH for Lush Turf

The soil pH is 6.42, which falls squarely in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake in grass. A sand content of 30.7% and clay at 16.9% provides a balanced structure for root growth. While drainage class data is N/A, these soil numbers indicate a healthy, productive foundation for any landscape.

Strong Resilience Against Dryness

Wabasha County only saw 5 weeks of drought over the past year and remains at 0.0% abnormally dry today. This stability, combined with 35.3 inches of rain, means homeowners rarely face brown-out conditions. Even during heat waves, the balanced soil helps the lawn stay resilient without constant intervention.

Prime Time for Seeding

Begin your lawn projects after the May 7 frost date for the best results. The 2,582 growing degree days provide more than enough warmth to establish a thick, weed-resistant lawn by autumn. Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in these nearly ideal pH and moisture conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wabasha County's county score?
Wabasha 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 Wabasha County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Wabasha County ranks #23 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 Wabasha County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Wabasha County is $2,785, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Wabasha County a tax score of 31.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wabasha County?
The median household income in Wabasha County, Minnesota is $82,007 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wabasha County earns an income score of 83.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wabasha County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Wabasha County scores 64.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Wabasha 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 Wabasha 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.