CountyScore

Watonwan County

Minnesota · MN

#36 in Minnesota
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Watonwan County, Minnesota

Watonwan beats national livability median

Watonwan County's composite score of 71.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 44th percentile nationally. This places Watonwan among the more livable U.S. counties, outpacing the vast majority of American regions. The score reflects particularly strong performance in housing affordability and cost management.

Just above Minnesota's state baseline

With a score of 71.9, Watonwan sits just above Minnesota's state average of 70.9, marking it as a solid mid-tier performer. The county doesn't dominate its state peers, but it holds steady in a competitive field of 87 Minnesota counties. Watonwan's profile is balanced across its measured dimensions, avoiding extreme highs or lows.

Affordable living and cost leadership

Watonwan excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 80.4, featuring median rent of just $807 per month and median home values of $151,600. The county also maintains solid tax efficiency (73.4) with an effective tax rate of 1.03%, making it genuinely budget-friendly. Risk management (76.1) is another bright spot, indicating relative safety from hazards and instability.

Limited income and wage opportunities

Watonwan's income score of 29.5 is among the lowest, with median household income at just $70,593. This income-to-affordability ratio, while positive for budgets, suggests limited high-wage employment sectors in the county. Health performance (71.9) is respectable but trails several peer counties, indicating room for improved healthcare infrastructure.

Ideal for cost-conscious rural seekers

Watonwan County suits families and retirees seeking affordable rural living without compromising basic services and safety. Remote workers with steady out-of-state income will find exceptional value here; local job seekers should research specific occupational opportunities before relocating. This county rewards those who prioritize low housing costs and modest lifestyle over high-wage career advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.4Cost80.4SafetyComing SoonHealth71.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.5Risk76.1WaterComing Soon
🏛73.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡76.1
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 Watonwan County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Izard County
Arkansas
71.9
Median income: $47,728
Clear Creek County
Colorado
71.9
Median income: $96,667
Glascock County
Georgia
71.9
Median income: $55,250
Montgomery County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $66,571
Randolph County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $61,121

Deep Dives

Watonwan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Watonwan County

via TaxByCounty

Watonwan taxes exceed national average

Watonwan County's effective tax rate of 1.027% surpasses the national median of 0.968%, placing it above typical American counties. The median property tax of $1,557 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's median home value of $151,600—well below the national median of $281,900.

Watonwan above average for Minnesota

Watonwan County's 1.027% effective rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968% by six percentage points. The median annual tax of $1,557 falls below the state median of $2,168, as county homes are typically valued well below the state average.

Watonwan taxes higher than Wilkin

Watonwan's 1.027% rate exceeds Wilkin County's notably low 0.760% and Winona County's 0.942%, but remains lower than Waseca County's 1.190% and Yellow Medicine County's 1.042%. The county's modest home values keep absolute tax bills among the region's lowest.

Typical Watonwan tax bills

The typical Watonwan homeowner with a $151,600 home pays approximately $1,557 annually in property taxes. Bills vary based on mortgage status: $1,854 with a mortgage versus $1,308 without.

Even modest homes merit appeals

Lower-valued properties are often overlooked in assessment reviews, but overvaluation can still occur and drain household budgets. Request a reassessment if your property was valued during a market peak or if recent sales nearby suggest your tax basis is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Watonwan County

via CostByCounty

Watonwan offers genuine affordability

At 13.7%, Watonwan's rent-to-income ratio undercuts Minnesota's 14.5% state average and remains well below the national benchmark. Renters spend $807 monthly while earning $70,593 in median household income—providing comfortable housing cost burden statewide.

Solid affordability ranking among Minnesota counties

Watonwan ranks among Minnesota's more affordable housing markets with a 13.7% rent-to-income ratio and monthly rents of $807. The county's rental costs run $108 below the state average, making it genuinely accessible for working families.

Moderate pricing in a rural region

Watonwan's $807 rent sits between Wilkin County's bargain $561 and Waseca's $819, offering middle-ground pricing in Minnesota's southern corridor. Home values ($151,600) are among the region's most affordable, competing favorably with Yellow Medicine and rural peers.

Balanced housing costs across all income levels

Renters dedicate 13.7% of income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 15.1% on monthly owner costs ($888). This equilibrium demonstrates Watonwan's genuine affordability across both rental and ownership pathways.

Watonwan works for budget-conscious families

Relocating to Watonwan delivers one of Minnesota's most affordable housing markets: 13.7% rent ratios and median homes under $152,000. If cost of living is your priority, Watonwan's sub-$810 rents and low home values beat 80% of Minnesota counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Watonwan County

via IncomeByCounty

Watonwan falls short nationally

Watonwan County's median household income of $70,593 falls 6% below the national median of $74,755, placing it below the American average. The typical Watonwan family earns roughly $4,160 less per year than a typical U.S. household.

Among Minnesota's lower-income counties

Watonwan's median income of $70,593 ranks below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, placing it in the lower half of Minnesota's 87 counties. The income gap of $5,164 reflects the economic challenges facing Minnesota's rural agricultural areas.

Faces stiffest rural income competition

Watonwan's $70,593 income trails all nearby counties—Waseca ($75,052), Wilkin ($69,635), and Winona ($70,198)—placing it among the region's most economically challenged. Only Wilkin County comes close, highlighting Watonwan's struggle against regional income trends.

Housing remains affordable locally

Watonwan's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% stays comfortably below the 30% affordability standard, and the median home value of $151,600 remains one of the county's most accessible in Minnesota. Lower housing costs help stretch household budgets despite modest incomes.

Start small, build momentum steadily

While Watonwan incomes are modest, the county's affordable housing and living costs create opportunities for saving and gradual wealth building. Begin with automatic transfers to savings accounts and explore low-cost investment options designed for steady, long-term growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Watonwan County

via HealthByCounty

Watonwan health challenges above national norm

Watonwan County's life expectancy of 79.0 years is slightly above the U.S. average of 78.9 years, but 17.6% of residents report poor or fair health—significantly higher than the national 16%. This disparity suggests ongoing health vulnerabilities in the population.

Below-average health across Minnesota metrics

Watonwan's 79.0-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Minnesota's 78.7-year average, but the county ranks lower on overall health outcomes. The 17.6% poor or fair health rate stands out as one of the highest among Minnesota's 87 counties.

Struggling more than nearby rural counties

Watonwan residents report worse health than those in adjacent Waseca (14.3% poor/fair) and Yellow Medicine (15.4% poor/fair) counties, and significantly worse than Washington County (9.3%). Life expectancy also trails Waseca by 0.3 years and Winona by 1.2 years.

Uninsured rate highest among peer counties

Watonwan has the highest uninsured rate among these seven counties at 10.3%—nearly double the state average of 6.0%. Provider access is moderate with 54 primary care providers per 100,000 and 72 mental health providers per 100,000.

Urgent: explore coverage at MNsure

One in ten Watonwan residents lack health insurance. Visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to find affordable coverage options, financial assistance, and preventive care resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Watonwan County

via RiskByCounty

Watonwan ranks among safest places

Watonwan County scores 23.89 with a Very Low risk rating, roughly half the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county enjoys minimal hazard concentration compared to most U.S. communities.

Safest county in Minnesota

At 23.89, Watonwan ranks as Minnesota's lowest-risk county—44% below the state average of 42.38. Rural geography and distance from major urban corridors contribute to the county's exceptional safety profile.

Watonwan and Waseca lead the region

Watonwan (23.89) and nearby Waseca (24.68) form a low-risk pocket, while neighbors like Washington County (83.87) and Wright County (68.42) face substantially higher exposure. The southern tier of the region benefits from more moderate hazard profiles overall.

Tornado risk slightly elevated

Tornado risk (44.43) represents Watonwan's primary exposure, though it remains below state averages. Flood risk (24.90) and wildfire risk (9.19) both stay minimal, and earthquake exposure is negligible at 10.69.

Standard storm coverage suffices

Homeowners should maintain solid tornado and severe storm protections within their standard policy. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage keeps pace with property improvements—but Watonwan's risk profile doesn't demand specialized or premium 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.