countyscore
65.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.7Water Quality 86Health 78

County Report Card

About Wilkin County, Minnesota

A National Leader in Livability

Wilkin County is a standout performer with a 65.3 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the top tier of counties nationwide for overall quality of life.

Outperforming the Minnesota Average

Surpassing the Minnesota state average of 55.8 by nearly ten points, Wilkin is one of the state's hidden gems. It offers a high standard of living that outpaces most of its regional neighbors.

Incredible Value and Low Risk

The county boasts an exceptional risk score of 94.7 and an affordable cost score of 69.0. With median rents of just $561, it provides an accessible lifestyle without sacrificing health.

Room to Grow in Safety

Safety and school scores are the county's relatively lower points, though they still remain respectable at 56.0 and 60.4. These metrics represent the only areas where Wilkin is not significantly ahead of the pack.

Perfect for Value-Seeking Remote Workers

Wilkin is perfect for those seeking peace, low costs, and high environmental safety. It is a premier choice for residents who prioritize long-term stability and affordable housing.

2040608010056.669567860.465.594.78648.1Tax56.6Cost69Safety56Health78Schools60.4Income65.5Risk94.7Water86Weather48.165.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average

Wilkin County DNA

D+overall

How Wilkin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wilkin County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (94.7/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Weather & Climate (48.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56.6
Cost
69+21
Safety
56
Health
78+28
Schools
60.4
Income
65.5+14.5
Risk
94.7+47.7
Water
86+28
Weather
48.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$172,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$561/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$172,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$22,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,635/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.6

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
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Nearby counties

Richland County
North Dakota
51.7
Grant County
Minnesota
66.1
Clay County
Minnesota
41.8
Traverse County
Minnesota
68.1
Otter Tail County
Minnesota
51.7
Cass County
North Dakota
38.9
Roberts County
South Dakota
52.8
Sargent County
North Dakota
60.6

Deep Dives

Wilkin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wilkin County

via TaxByCounty

Wilkin County taxes lowest nationally

Wilkin County's effective tax rate of 0.760% falls well below the national median of 0.968%, making it one of America's most tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $1,310 is barely half the national median of $2,690, and the median home value of $172,300 is 39% lower than the national median of $281,900.

Wilkin County Minnesota's tax bargain

Wilkin County's 0.760% effective rate is the lowest among Minnesota counties surveyed, substantially below the state average of 0.968%. The median annual tax of $1,310 is less than 60% of the state median of $2,168, making it exceptionally affordable.

Wilkin's tax advantage is real

Wilkin County's 0.760% rate dramatically undercuts all regional neighbors: Watonwan (1.027%), Yellow Medicine (1.042%), Waseca (1.190%), and Winona (0.942%). Even compared to relatively affordable Winona, Wilkin residents pay roughly $800 less annually in taxes on comparable homes.

Wilkin residents pay minimal taxes

The typical Wilkin County homeowner with a $172,300 home pays approximately $1,310 annually in property taxes. Bills remain stable regardless of mortgage status: $1,306 with a mortgage and $1,320 without.

Low rates don't eliminate appeals

Even in tax-friendly Wilkin County, assessment errors happen and can inflate your bill. If your property was overvalued or recently sold for far less than your assessed value, an appeal could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wilkin County

via CostByCounty

Wilkin County sets the affordability bar

At just 9.7%, Wilkin's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these seven Minnesota counties and significantly undercuts the state average of 14.5%. Renters here spend only $561 monthly—a remarkable 39% below the state average rent of $915.

Minnesota's most affordable rental market

Wilkin County ranks among Minnesota's very most affordable counties with a 9.7% rent-to-income ratio and just $561 in monthly rent. This exceptional affordability reflects Wilkin's rural character and strong local wage stability.

Unmatched affordability in the region

Wilkin's $561 monthly rent is the lowest among all comparable counties—40% cheaper than Watonwan ($807) and 75% less than Washington County ($1,637). Home values at $172,300 also undercut most regional peers, making Wilkin a true affordability outlier.

Minimal housing cost burden for all

Renters allocate just 9.7% of income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 15.6% on monthly owner costs ($907). Wilkin demonstrates that affordable housing is achievable even in rural Minnesota through genuine wage-to-cost alignment.

Wilkin is Minnesota's affordability champion

If maximum affordability is your goal, Wilkin County delivers: rents at just $561 monthly and a 9.7% rent-to-income ratio unmatched in the state. Trade metro amenities for genuine financial breathing room and compare Wilkin's costs to any Minnesota alternative.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilkin County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilkin trails the national average

Wilkin County's median household income of $69,635 sits 7% below the national median of $74,755, marking a modest income gap. The typical Wilkin family earns about $5,120 annually less than the average American household.

Minnesota's most affordable income county

Wilkin's median income of $69,635 ranks among Minnesota's lowest, falling $6,122 below the state average of $75,757. Yet this income level pairs with some of the state's lowest living costs, creating relative purchasing power.

Competitive with other rural areas

Wilkin's $69,635 income edges out Watonwan County ($70,593) and Winona County ($70,198), marking it as a regional peer to other agricultural Minnesota counties. All three rural neighbors cluster within just $1,000 of each other.

Best housing affordability in region

Wilkin County's rent-to-income ratio of just 9.7%—the lowest among comparison counties—means housing consumes minimal household income. The median home value of $172,300 combined with modest incomes creates exceptional affordability for both renters and buyers.

Your cost advantage is your strength

Wilkin's ultra-low housing burden (9.7% of income) frees up capital for savings and investment that other regions can't match. Maximize this advantage by directing your housing savings into emergency funds, education, or long-term wealth vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilkin County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilkin County Exceeds National Averages

Wilkin County reports a solid safety score of 98.4, well above national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 1007.2 per 100K is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2385.5.

Competitive Safety Ranking in Minnesota

Wilkin’s safety score of 98.4 beats the state average of 98.2. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that is lower than the Minnesota average of 1123.5.

Wilkin County vs. Similar Districts

The crime rate of 1007.2 per 100K is lower than Waseca’s but higher than Watonwan’s. It represents a safe, middle-ground community within the rural Minnesota landscape.

Violent Crime Remains Exceptionally Rare

The violent crime rate is just 93.0 per 100K, far lower than the state average of 153.0. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 914.2 per 100K residents.

Securing Your Property in Wilkin

Help keep Wilkin County safe by investing in basic home security measures like smart doorbells. Locking doors and windows remains the most effective way to prevent property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wilkin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Classrooms on the Western Border

Wilkin County manages eight public schools that serve a total of 1,044 students across three districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools. With an average school size of just 131 students, the county offers one of the most personal education environments in the state.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

Wilkin County achieves an impressive 91.8% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87%. This success is achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,740, which is well below the national spending level of $13,000. The school score of 56.1 indicates that the county delivers strong academic results with efficient resource use.

Breckenridge Leads Local Education

The Breckenridge Public School District is the largest in the county, enrolling 617 students across four schools. Other families are served by the Rothsay and Campbell-Tintah districts, which manage the remaining student population. There are no charter schools in the county, as the traditional districts effectively meet local demand.

Rural Roots and Small-Town Pride

The school environment is split between town and rural locales, reflecting the county’s agricultural heritage. Breckenridge Elementary is the largest school with 279 students, while most other schools are significantly smaller. This small scale ensures that students receive individual attention and remain deeply connected to their peers.

Personalized Education in Wilkin County

If you value high graduation rates and small class sizes, Wilkin County is an ideal place to find a home. The districts here offer a safe, high-performing environment that consistently beats state benchmarks. Search for homes in Breckenridge to secure a spot in this top-performing rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wilkin County

via RiskByCounty

Wilkin County is Minnesota's safest

Wilkin County scores just 5.34 with a Very Low rating—roughly 25 times lower than the national average. This remote northwest county represents one of the safest natural disaster exposure profiles in the United States.

Lowest risk score in Minnesota

Wilkin's 5.34 composite score is 88% below Minnesota's 42.38 state average, ranking it the safest county statewide by a substantial margin. Rural location and distance from major population centers drive this exceptional profile.

Wilkin stands apart in the region

Wilkin (5.34) is dramatically safer than neighboring Yellow Medicine County (29.96) and distant Washington County (83.87). The county's remote northwest position shields it from many regional hazard concentrations.

Wildfire edges out other minor risks

Wildfire risk (19.94) represents Wilkin's highest exposure, though still modest, while tornado risk (19.18) and flood risk (12.56) remain minimal. Earthquake exposure is negligible at just 3.05.

Basic insurance coverage is sufficient

Wilkin County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized riders or premium coverage. Annual policy reviews remain prudent, but the county's exceptionally low risk profile means residents face minimal natural disaster exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wilkin County

via WaterByCounty

Consistent Compliance in Wilkin County

Wilkin County holds an 'A' grade for drinking water, reporting no health violations in the EPA SDWIS system over the last five years. This perfect record outperforms the state-wide average violation rate of 32.5 per 100,000 residents. The local water supply remains a reliable and safe resource for the community.

Watershed Quality Awaiting Official Review

Official impairment data for Wilkin County's water bodies is not currently available in the federal ATTAINS database. These waters have not yet been assessed under the §303(d) reporting cycle, meaning they lack a formal health rating. This local data gap exists despite a state average impairment rate of 1.5%.

Intensive Pesticide and Organic Monitoring

Monitoring stations at 37 sites across Wilkin County have generated 18,039 measurements in the past five years. The data collection focuses heavily on organics and pesticides, reflecting the county's agricultural landscape. This high volume of results provides a detailed chemical profile of the local watershed.

Bois de Sioux River Flowing Low

The Bois de Sioux River near Doran is currently flowing at just 152 cfs, which is only 37% of its long-term mean. This significantly low discharge indicates dry conditions within the 1,880 square mile drainage basin. Such low flows can increase the concentration of any existing contaminants in the river system.

Monitor Water Use During Low Flow

With the Bois de Sioux River at just 37% of its typical flow, residents should be mindful of water conservation and source protection. Low streamflow can impact the natural dilution of agricultural runoff, making the monitoring of pesticides even more critical. Ensure that any private wells are deeply situated and tested for the organic compounds tracked by the county.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilkin County

via WeatherByCounty

Wilkin's Cool Continental Profile

At 41.7°F, Wilkin County averages well below the national median temperature. The climate features dry air and extreme seasonal shifts typical of the Great Plains transition.

Cooler Than the Minnesota Average

The county's 41.7°F annual average falls below the statewide mark of 42.8°F. It sits in the colder northern half of the state's temperature rankings.

Drier Days Than the Central Lakes

Wilkin receives only 24.8 inches of rain and snow. This is significantly less than Wright County’s 31.1-inch annual total.

Frigid Winters and Mild Summers

January is harsh with an 8.7°F average, while 49.6 inches of snow fall annually. Summers remain relatively mild with only 5 days over 90°F.

Practical Gear for the Prairie

High-rated insulation is essential for the 12.4°F winter average. Because of the 24.8-inch precipitation limit, water-wise gardening is a smart choice for local homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilkin County

via SoilByCounty

High pH Across the Plains

Wilkin County features more alkaline soil than its neighbors, with a pH of 7.26. This level sits well above the national median of 6.5 and the Minnesota average of 6.21.

Dense Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is defined by a heavy presence of silt at 42.1% and sand at 32.7%. This combination, along with 23.9% clay, creates a dense and fertile medium that holds its shape well.

Competitive Water Storage

Organic matter is strong at 7.30%, though it trails the state average of 9.90%. The water capacity of 0.191 in/in is nearly on par with the Minnesota average of 0.199, ensuring steady growth for native plants.

Stable Hydrology for Crops

Precise drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. The silt-heavy composition suggests moderate drainage speeds that prevent rapid drying in the summer months.

Hardy Crops for Zone 4a

In the cooler Zone 4a, cold-tolerant crops like wheat and sugar beets are the local staples. Despite the short season, your garden will benefit from this nutrient-dense and moisture-retaining earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilkin County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Growing in the Red River Valley

Wilkin County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 59.8, which is lower than the state average. The cooler Hardiness Zone 4a and limited rainfall require more intentional care and planning from local homeowners.

Drier Climate with Fewer Heat Extremes

Precipitation is light at 24.8 inches annually, falling well below the ideal range of 30-50 inches. While the 2,308 growing degree days indicate a shorter season, the county sees only 5 days of extreme heat, reducing the risk of mid-summer burnout.

Alkaline Soil and Heavy Clay

The soil pH of 7.26 is slightly alkaline, which may require amendments like sulfur to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A clay content of 23.9% helps retain essential moisture, which is a vital advantage in this drier climate.

Vigilance Required During Dry Spells

With 11 weeks spent in drought over the past year, irrigation is more than a luxury here. Although current conditions are stable, the historical data suggests that preparing for dry cycles is a critical part of Wilkin lawn care.

Choose Hardy, Drought-Tolerant Grass

Opt for Fine Fescues that can handle the short season between the May 5th last frost and the October 3rd first frost. Establishing turf early in the spring is key to survival before the harsh Zone 4a winter arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilkin County's county score?
Wilkin County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 65.3 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 Wilkin County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Wilkin County ranks #19 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 Wilkin County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Wilkin County is $1,310, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Wilkin County a tax score of 56.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilkin County?
The median household income in Wilkin County, Minnesota is $69,635 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilkin County earns an income score of 65.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilkin County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Wilkin County scores 65.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Wilkin 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 Wilkin County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.