CountyScore

Wabasha County

Minnesota · MN

#38 in Minnesota
71.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Wabasha County, Minnesota

Wabasha exceeds national livability median

Wabasha County's composite score of 71.7 significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This solid performance reflects balanced strengths in health care and income levels relative to national standards.

Slightly ahead of Minnesota standard

With a score of 71.7, Wabasha edges above Minnesota's state average of 70.9, placing it in the upper-middle range among the state's counties. It represents dependable Minnesota livability with modest distinction.

Health and household income lead

Wabasha County features the highest health score (83.2) in this cohort, signaling excellent medical access and outcomes, plus a strong median household income of $80,133. Housing remains reasonable with median home values of $245,800 and rent at $798 per month.

Risk exposure needs attention

The risk score of 54.5 is the lowest in this group, suggesting greater economic vulnerability or environmental/financial hazards that residents should understand. Income advancement opportunities appear moderate relative to the county's overall income base.

Best for health-focused families

Wabasha County suits families with strong income levels who prioritize excellent health care and community health outcomes. It's an ideal fit for those seeking solid middle-class stability with reliable medical services and reasonable costs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.7Cost76.4SafetyComing SoonHealth83.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.7Risk54.5WaterComing Soon
🏛71.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.5
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 Wabasha County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Yakutat City and Borough
Alaska
71.7
Median income: $80,625
Howard County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $44,492
Monroe County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $43,955
Montrose County
Colorado
71.7
Median income: $66,072
Lawrence County
Indiana
71.7
Median income: $65,551

Deep Dives

Wabasha County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Wabasha County

via CostByCounty

Wabasha balances income and affordability

Wabasha County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio is excellent—well below the national average—supported by a $80,133 median income that exceeds national norms by 7%. The $798 monthly rent remains moderate, making Wabasha an attractive option for those seeking both solid earnings and housing affordability.

Among Minnesota's most affordable counties

At 11.9%, Wabasha County beats Minnesota's 14.5% state average, ranking among the state's most affordable housing markets. The $798 rent runs $117 below the state average, while the $80,133 income provides residents a comfortable buffer.

Strong affordability with higher incomes

Wabasha County's $798 rent is competitive with Stevens ($833) and Todd ($850), but the $80,133 income—second-highest in the cluster—makes housing more accessible here. The $245,800 median home value reflects modest appreciation potential for homeowners.

Optimal balance for homeowners

Renters pay just $798 monthly while homeowners invest $1,161, with a median home value of $245,800. At 11.9% of the $80,133 income, Wabasha residents allocate minimal housing burden to rent while retaining strong equity-building capacity through homeownership.

Sweet spot for stability seekers

Wabasha County combines above-average wages with below-average housing costs, appealing to families and homebuyers seeking stability. Compare it to Steele County if you want similar income levels with slightly more affordable rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Wabasha County

via HealthByCounty

Wabasha enjoys above-average health

Wabasha County's life expectancy of 80.8 years exceeds the U.S. average by 2.4 years. At 12.5% poor or fair health, Wabasha performs significantly better than the national average of 16.0%, suggesting strong population wellness.

Top-ranked health outcomes in Minnesota

Wabasha County's 80.8-year life expectancy beats Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 2.1 years. The county's 12.5% poor or fair health rate ranks among the best in the state.

Southeast Minnesota's health leader

Wabasha County's 80.8-year life expectancy trails only Stevens County (82.9 years) in the region and beats Steele and Stearns at 80.0 years. With the lowest poor or fair health rate among southern peers, Wabasha delivers strong health outcomes.

Excellent coverage and primary care access

Wabasha County has 79 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a low 4.7% uninsured rate—the best in the region and well below the state average of 6.0%. Mental health provider access at 37 per 100,000 lags regional standards, but overall care accessibility remains strong.

Maintain Wabasha's health momentum

Wabasha County's success rests partly on having the lowest uninsured rate in this analysis. If you're uninsured, visit MNsure.org to join your neighbors in protecting your health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wabasha County

via RiskByCounty

Wabasha County exceeds state average risk

Wabasha County's composite risk score of 45.55 surpasses Minnesota's state average of 42.38, placing it in the relatively low category. The county faces above-average exposure primarily to flooding and tornado activity.

Mid-range risk among Minnesota counties

Wabasha County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Minnesota's counties for natural disaster risk, with a 45.55 composite score. The county's flood and tornado risks notably exceed those of safer counties to the west.

Higher risk than western neighbors

Wabasha County (45.55) faces noticeably elevated risk compared to Steele (37.15) and Todd (37.72) counties to the west. Its position in southeastern Minnesota places it closer to established flood and severe weather corridors.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate threats

Wabasha County faces significant flood risk at 61.07 and tornado risk at 61.67, making these dual hazards the county's defining natural disaster profile. Wildfire (13.52) and earthquake (3.56) risks remain minimal by comparison.

Flood coverage essential here

Flood insurance is critical for Wabasha County residents given the 61.07 flood risk score—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. A reinforced safe room or storm shelter addresses the significant tornado threat (61.67).

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.