countyscore
52.5
County Score
Soil Quality 93.3Health 89.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Waseca County, Minnesota

Waseca Outperforms the National Average

Waseca County earns a 52.5 composite score, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds half of all counties in the United States.

A Competitive Choice in Minnesota

While Waseca is a strong performer nationally, its 52.5 score sits just below the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It remains a solid option within a state known for high livability standards.

High Health and Income Drive Success

The county excels with a health score of 89.2 and a water quality score of 86.0. High incomes also support the area, with a median household income of $75,052 bolstering its economic profile.

Managing Tax and Housing Costs

Tax burdens are a relative weakness, as the 1.19% effective tax rate results in a low score of 26.1. Housing affordability also presents a challenge, with a cost score of 39.5.

Best for Health-Conscious Professionals

Waseca is an excellent fit for established professionals who prioritize health infrastructure and robust income potential. The trade-off is a higher tax bill than many surrounding Minnesota counties.

Score breakdown

Tax26.1Cost39.5Safety51.3Health89.2Schools41.3Income77.5Risk75.3Water86Weather47.4
🏛26.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨93.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱84.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Waseca County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Waseca County

via TaxByCounty

Waseca taxes rank high nationally

Waseca County's effective tax rate of 1.190% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.968%, placing it well above the typical American county. The median property tax here is $2,537—close to the national median of $2,690—despite a median home value of $213,200 that's well below the national median of $281,900.

Among Minnesota's highest-taxed counties

Waseca's 1.190% effective rate ranks it as one of the most tax-heavy counties in Minnesota, substantially above the state average of 0.968%. The median annual tax bill of $2,537 exceeds the statewide median of $2,168 by 17%.

Waseca taxes outpace rural neighbors

Compared to surrounding counties, Waseca imposes notably steeper rates: Watonwan County (1.027%), Wilkin County (0.760%), and Yellow Medicine County (1.042%) all tax lower. Only Washington County to the east approaches Waseca's tax burden, with a 1.001% rate on much higher-value homes.

What typical Waseca homeowners pay

The typical Waseca homeowner with a $213,200 home pays approximately $2,537 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages may see slightly higher bills at $2,603 due to escrow requirements.

You might be overassessed

Many homeowners in high-tax counties like Waseca are paying more than they should due to assessment errors. If your property taxes seem steep, consider requesting a professional assessment review—thousands of appeals succeed each year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Waseca County

via CostByCounty

Waseca rents remain below national benchmarks

At 13.1%, Waseca's rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard and undercuts Minnesota's state average of 14.5%. Renters here spend roughly $819 monthly on housing while earning a median household income of $75,052—nearly matching the U.S. median of $74,755.

More affordable than most Minnesota counties

Waseca ranks among Minnesota's more affordable housing markets, with renters paying $96 less per month than the state average of $915. The county's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio places it solidly in the affordable tier statewide.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Waseca's $819 monthly rent sits between Watonwan County ($807) and Winona County ($866), offering moderate pricing in Minnesota's south-central region. Home values at $213,200 are reasonable for the area, positioning Waseca as a middle-ground option among rural neighbors.

Renters and buyers both find value

Renters dedicate 13.1% of income to monthly rent, while homeowners spend roughly 18.2% on mortgage and owner costs ($1,139 monthly). Together, these figures show Waseca's housing is genuinely affordable across both rental and ownership markets.

Consider Waseca for balanced affordability

If you're relocating to Minnesota and value lower housing costs without sacrificing income potential, Waseca delivers solid fundamentals: sub-14% rent ratios and median incomes near the national average. Compare Waseca's $819 rents to pricier neighbors like Washington County ($1,637) to see the savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Waseca County

via IncomeByCounty

Waseca's income matches the nation

Waseca County's median household income of $75,052 sits virtually even with the national median of $74,755—a rare perfect match. This means a typical Waseca household earns roughly the same as the average American family, placing the county right at the financial center of the country.

Just below Minnesota's middle ground

Waseca's median income falls slightly under Minnesota's state average of $75,757, ranking the county in the middle tier statewide. While not among the state's wealthiest counties, Waseca households earn more than several rural counterparts across Minnesota.

Outearning most rural neighbors

Waseca's $75,052 income leads nearby Watonwan County ($70,593) and Wilkin County ($69,635), but trails the Twin Cities' prosperity corridor represented by Washington County ($114,457). As a regional agricultural hub, Waseca performs solidly against fellow rural Minnesota counties.

Housing costs fit comfortably here

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.1%, Waseca households spend well below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving plenty of breathing room in household budgets. The median home value of $213,200 remains accessible relative to local incomes, supporting both renters and homeowners.

Build stability with smart planning

Waseca's stable, middle-of-the-road income provides a solid foundation for wealth building through consistent savings and investment. Consider working with a local financial advisor to develop a long-term strategy that turns your household's earnings into lasting family assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Waseca County

via CrimeByCounty

Waseca County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Waseca County maintains a strong safety score of 98.3, signaling a secure community. Its total crime rate of 1097.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2385.5.

Safety Levels Above State Average

Waseca’s safety score sits slightly higher than the Minnesota average of 98.2. Local law enforcement agencies coordinate closely to maintain these competitive safety metrics.

Regional Crime Rate Comparison

The county's crime rate of 1097.4 is comparable to the state average of 1123.5. It remains safer than more urbanized neighbors while staying competitive with rural peers.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

Violent crime is low at 168.8 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 928.6 incidents. These figures indicate that residents are far less likely to face physical threats than the average American.

Simple Steps to Protect Your Home

Maintain your county's 98.3 safety score by securing your property with motion-activated lights. Smart home security systems help deter the non-violent property crimes most common in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Waseca County

via HealthByCounty

Waseca lives slightly longer than average

Residents of Waseca County have a life expectancy of 79.3 years, slightly above the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 14.3% poor or fair health rate is lower than the national benchmark of 16%, suggesting generally healthier daily functioning across the population.

Waseca outpaces Minnesota on longevity

At 79.3 years, Waseca's life expectancy edges past Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 0.6 years. The county ranks in the middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties for overall health outcomes.

Healthier than rural peers

Waseca residents live longer than those in neighboring Watonwan County (79.0 years) and Yellow Medicine County (78.7 years), though Washington County significantly outpaces at 81.3 years. Waseca's 14.3% poor or fair health rate performs better than Watonwan's 17.6%.

Primary care access lags provider density

Just 5.6% of Waseca residents lack health insurance, matching the state average of 6.0%, but the county has only 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the state median. Mental health support is stronger, with 63 providers per 100,000.

Most Waseca residents have coverage

With an uninsured rate of 5.6%, most Waseca County residents already have health insurance. If you're among the uninsured, check MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to explore coverage options and subsidies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Waseca County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Education Infrastructure

Waseca County operates 13 public schools serving a total enrollment of 3,055 students. The system is distributed across three elementary, three middle, and five high schools managed by three local districts. This structure provides a focused learning environment with an average school size of only 235 students.

Performance and Investment in Waseca

The county reports an 81.8% graduation rate, which sits below the Minnesota state average of 86.6% and the national benchmark of 87%. Local districts spend $8,347 per pupil, nearly matching the state average of $8,463 but trailing the national average of $13,000. Despite lower spending than national peers, the county maintains a school score of 52.1, slightly above the national median.

Waseca Public Schools Lead the County

The Waseca Public School District is the largest provider, educating 1,784 students across seven different schools. Families also have access to the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton district, which serves 697 students. For those seeking alternatives, TEAM Academy operates as the county's sole charter school, representing roughly 8% of the total school landscape.

A Traditional Town School Experience

The educational experience here is rooted in town settings, where 10 of the 13 schools are located. Waseca Senior High is the largest facility with 607 students, while several rural schools offer even smaller, more intimate cohorts. Attendance here feels personal, with student populations significantly smaller than typical suburban schools.

Finding Your Home Near Waseca Schools

Homebuyers in Waseca County often prioritize the proximity to well-established town schools like Hartley Elementary. With intimate class sizes and a manageable district structure, the area offers a classic Minnesota education setting. Explore local listings to find a home that fits your family's academic needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Waseca County

via RiskByCounty

Waseca's risk stays well below average

Waseca County scores 24.68 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating—less than half the national average. This places the county among the safer communities for natural disaster exposure across the United States.

Safest third of Minnesota counties

At 24.68, Waseca ranks significantly below Minnesota's 42.38 state average for composite risk. The county sits comfortably in the lower tier of disaster exposure statewide.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Waseca's 24.68 composite score beats neighboring Watonwan County (23.89) and substantially outperforms nearby Washington County (83.87). The county benefits from relatively moderate hazard profiles across most threat types.

Tornado threat tops Waseca's risks

Tornado risk scores highest at 47.11, though still below state norms, while flood risk (24.40) and wildfire risk (15.17) remain minimal. Earthquake exposure is negligible at 9.61.

Prepare for severe weather first

Homeowners should prioritize tornado and severe storm coverage, particularly given spring weather patterns. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind and hail damage; confirm your policy includes these protections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Waseca County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Cold with High Moisture

Waseca County averages 44.6°F annually, falling below the national median but remaining warmer than most of Minnesota. It is defined by its high annual precipitation levels.

Warmer and Wetter than Average

The county is nearly two degrees warmer than the 42.8°F state average. Its 37.9 inches of annual precipitation makes it one of the wettest counties in Minnesota.

More Snow than the River Valley

Waseca gets 52.3 inches of snow, much more than Wabasha's 40.5 inches. It is also considerably wetter than Traverse County’s 25.0 inches of annual rain.

Humid Summers and Snowy Winters

July averages 71.4°F with 10 days of extreme heat. Winter brings a heavy 52.3 inches of snow, though the 16.8°F winter average is milder than in northern counties.

Prepare for Significant Annual Snow

A heavy-duty snowblower is necessary to manage over 52 inches of seasonal accumulation. Sump pumps should be checked regularly to handle the high 37.9 inches of rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Waseca County

via SoilByCounty

Elite Soil with Balanced pH

Waseca’s soil is nearly perfect for growth with an average pH of 6.47, resting right at the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity outpaces the state average of 6.21, though local taxonomic data remains unspecified.

A Versatile Medium-Texture Mix

The ground features a balanced mix of 32.7% sand, 36.9% silt, and 22.7% clay. This proportion creates a medium texture that provides excellent structural support and manageable workability for farmers.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Fertility is outstanding here, with 11.58% organic matter far exceeding the state average of 9.90%. Available water capacity stands at 0.213 in/in, offering better moisture retention than the state average of 0.199.

High Moisture Retention Potential

While official drainage and hydrologic records are not listed for this area, the high water capacity suggests reliable moisture management. The soil’s composition generally favors consistent hydration for roots throughout the season.

A Gardener's Dream in Zone 5a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, this county is a powerhouse for corn and soybeans. The soil score of 93.3 is one of the highest in Minnesota, making it an ideal spot to start your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Waseca County

via LawnByCounty

Superior Growing Conditions in Waseca

Waseca County enjoys an impressive lawn difficulty score of 84.5, far exceeding the Minnesota average of 63.9 and the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 5a, this region provides one of the most favorable environments in the state for maintaining a healthy lawn.

Ample Rainfall and Moderate Heat

The county receives a healthy 37.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly eight inches more than the state average. With 2,635 growing degree days and only 10 extreme heat days, the climate supports steady turf growth without the constant risk of summer dormancy.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry

The local soil pH of 6.47 falls squarely within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for grass nutrient uptake. A balanced mixture of 22.7% clay and 32.7% sand provides a solid foundation for roots, though homeowners should monitor drainage since specific class data is limited.

High Resilience to Dry Spells

Waseca shows excellent drought resilience, experiencing only 3 weeks of drought over the past year. Current conditions are clear of any abnormally dry areas, meaning regular rainfall typically handles most watering needs.

Plant for Success in Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are top choices for the window between the last frost on May 2nd and the first frost on October 4th. With such favorable data across the board, starting a lawn project here is highly likely to succeed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waseca County's county score?
Waseca County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Waseca County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Waseca County ranks #53 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 Waseca County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Waseca County is $2,537, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Waseca County a tax score of 26.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Waseca County?
The median household income in Waseca County, Minnesota is $75,052 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Waseca County earns an income score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Waseca County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Waseca County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Waseca 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 Waseca County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.