countyscore
48
County Score
Health 89.7Lawn Care 83.8Soil Quality 80.9

County Report Card

About Winona County, Minnesota

Near the National Median Score

With a 48.0 composite score, Winona County falls just short of the 50.0 national median. While it excels in health, lower scores in safety and risk pull down the overall average.

Challenges in the State Ranking

Winona trails the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It faces significant challenges in keeping pace with the state's top-tier rural and suburban counties regarding safety and environmental risk.

Strong Health and Income Base

Health is the county's crown jewel, earning a high score of 89.7. Residents also benefit from a solid income score of 66.9, supported by a median household income of $70,198.

Safety and Risk Concerns

Safety and risk scores are the primary areas for improvement, coming in at 32.9 and 30.5 respectively. These figures suggest that environmental hazards and crime rates are significant local factors.

Best for Health-Focused Individuals

Winona is a good fit for individuals who value strong healthcare infrastructure and a stable income base. New residents should be mindful of the environmental and safety trade-offs.

Score breakdown

Tax42.3Cost36.9Safety32.9Health89.7Schools42.3Income66.9Risk30.5Water58.6Weather51.1
🏛42.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨80.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.8
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

Winona County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winona County

via TaxByCounty

Winona taxes below national average

Winona County's effective tax rate of 0.942% falls slightly below the national median of 0.968%, making it a relatively affordable tax jurisdiction. The median property tax of $2,099 is about 22% lower than the national median of $2,690, while the median home value of $222,900 is 21% below the national median of $281,900.

Winona near Minnesota average

Winona County's 0.942% effective rate falls just below Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it a moderate-tax county. The median annual tax of $2,099 is roughly 3% below the statewide median of $2,168.

Winona offers middle-ground taxes

Winona's 0.942% rate sits between Wilkin County's low 0.760% and Watonwan County's higher 1.027%. Compared to higher-tax counties like Waseca (1.190%) and Yellow Medicine (1.042%), Winona residents enjoy notably lighter property tax burdens.

Typical Winona property tax costs

The typical Winona homeowner with a $222,900 home pays approximately $2,099 annually in property taxes. Tax bills are remarkably consistent: $2,086 with a mortgage and $2,119 without.

Even moderate rates warrant review

Winona County's reasonable tax rate doesn't mean every assessment is accurate. If you believe your property is overvalued relative to recent local sales, filing an appeal costs nothing and succeeds far more often than most homeowners realize.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winona County

via CostByCounty

Winona slightly exceeds state housing costs

At 14.8%, Winona's rent-to-income ratio marginally tops Minnesota's 14.5% average and reflects modest housing pressure. Monthly rents of $866 run about $49 below the state average of $915, offering reasonable affordability despite the slightly elevated ratio.

Mid-tier affordability for Minnesota residents

Winona ranks in the middle tier of Minnesota counties for housing affordability, with a 14.8% rent-to-income ratio just slightly above state average. The county's $866 monthly rent provides genuine value compared to metro-area prices.

Moderate pricing in south-central Minnesota

Winona's $866 monthly rent sits near Waseca ($819) and above Watonwan ($807), positioning it as moderately priced in the region. Home values at $222,900 reflect a working-class county with reasonable entry points for first-time buyers.

Stable housing burden across tenure types

Renters spend 14.8% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate roughly 18.2% to monthly owner costs ($1,068). Winona's slight rent-income squeeze is balanced by solid wage levels and reasonable home prices.

Winona offers balanced affordability and opportunity

Considering Winona? You'll find near-state-average housing costs ($866 rent) paired with reasonable home prices ($222,900 median) and decent earning potential. Compare Winona's 14.8% rent ratio to pricier Washington County (17.2%) to see your savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winona County

via IncomeByCounty

Winona lags national income levels

Winona County's median household income of $70,198 falls 6% shy of the national median of $74,755, placing it modestly below the U.S. average. The typical Winona family earns approximately $4,557 less than the average American household annually.

Below Minnesota's average earnings

Winona's median income of $70,198 trails Minnesota's state average of $75,757 by about $5,559, ranking the county among the lower-income communities statewide. Yet Winona performs better than several other rural Minnesota counties facing similar agricultural economic pressures.

Part of Minnesota's rural income cluster

Winona's $70,198 income sits between Watonwan County ($70,593) and Wilkin County ($69,635), reflecting the tight economic band of southeastern Minnesota's rural communities. All three counties hover within a narrow $1,300 range.

Housing takes larger bite here

Winona's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% is among the higher ratios regionally, suggesting housing costs are climbing relative to local incomes. The median home value of $222,900 creates affordability pressure compared to nearby, lower-income rural counties.

Education and skills build earnings

With moderate household incomes, Winona residents can strengthen financial futures through skill development and education that boost earning potential. Explore low-cost training programs or college pathways that align with regional job opportunities in healthcare and education.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winona County

via CrimeByCounty

Winona County Maintains Strong Security

Winona County earns a 97.5 safety score, indicating a secure community environment. Its total crime rate of 1574.6 per 100K remains well below the national average of 2385.5.

Local Safety vs. State Average

The safety score of 97.5 is slightly below the Minnesota state average of 98.2. Five reporting agencies work to manage crime rates, which are higher than the state average of 1123.5.

Comparing Winona to Nearby Counties

Winona’s crime rate of 1574.6 is higher than Washington County’s 1510.9. However, it still offers a safer environment than many national peers of similar size.

Understanding the Crime Mix

Violent crime is very low at 110.5 per 100K, significantly safer than the national rate. Property crime is the primary concern, accounting for 1464.1 incidents per 100K people.

Proactive Home Security Tips

Since property crime is the most common issue, focused home security is highly effective. Use smart lighting and cameras to protect your residence and help keep neighborhood crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Winona County

via HealthByCounty

Winona exceeds national health benchmarks

Winona County residents live to 80.2 years on average—1.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 14.6% poor or fair health rate is lower than the national 16%, indicating relatively good population health.

Above-average longevity for Minnesota

At 80.2 years, Winona's life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.5 years. The county ranks in the upper tier of Minnesota's 87 counties on overall health outcomes.

Strong health relative to rural peers

Winona residents live longer than those in Waseca (79.3 years), Yellow Medicine (78.7 years), and Wilkin (75.6 years), though Washington County significantly outpaces at 81.3 years. Winona's 14.6% poor or fair health rate performs better than Watonwan's 17.6%.

Good coverage, solid provider infrastructure

Winona's uninsured rate of 5.6% matches the state average of 6.0%, with 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a strong 251 mental health providers per 100,000. The county balances reasonable access with community health investments.

Keep coverage in place and current

With an uninsured rate of 5.6%, most Winona residents have health insurance. Renew coverage annually or explore options at MNsure.org and 1-855-366-7873 if you need assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Winona County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Mix of Public and Charter Schools

Winona County provides 19 public schools for 4,609 students, overseen by eight different districts. The landscape includes nine elementary schools and six high schools, offering a broad range of educational pathways. The county stands out for its variety, featuring both traditional district schools and specialized programs.

Matching State Spending Standards

Winona County's per-pupil expenditure of $8,458 almost perfectly matches the Minnesota state average of $8,463. While the graduation rate of 81.9% is lower than the state's 86.6%, the county maintains a respectable school score of 52.4. These metrics reflect a system that is closely aligned with state funding levels while working to improve student outcomes.

The Winona Area Public District

The Winona Area Public School District is the largest entity, serving 2,455 students across eight schools. The county also embraces school choice, with five charter schools representing over 26% of all public education facilities. This high percentage of charters gives families significant flexibility in choosing a curriculum that fits their child.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Reach

The majority of schools—14 out of 19—are located in town settings, providing a centralized hub for student life. Winona Senior High is the largest school with 881 students, while the county average sits much lower at 243. This mix allows for both large-school opportunities and small-school intimacy within the same county.

Explore Educational Options in Winona

Winona County is a great fit for families who want a choice between traditional public districts and a robust charter school system. Living near Winona or St. Charles puts you at the heart of this diverse educational landscape. Find a home in Winona to take advantage of the unique academic variety this river county offers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winona County

via RiskByCounty

Winona faces above-average disaster risk

Winona County scores 69.47 with a Relatively Low rating, significantly above the national average for composite disaster exposure. The county's bluff and river geography creates concentrated hazard vulnerability.

Among Minnesota's riskier counties

Winona's 69.47 score exceeds Minnesota's 42.38 state average by 64%, placing it in the upper tier of statewide risk exposure. Geographic position in the southeastern corner contributes substantially to flood and tornado vulnerability.

Winona rivals Wright County's exposure

Winona (69.47) and Wright County (68.42) sit in Minnesota's elevated-risk cohort, substantially outpacing safer neighbors like Waseca (24.68) and Watonwan (23.89). Regional geography pushes both counties toward higher composite scores.

Flood and tornado dominate threats

Flood risk (78.82) and tornado risk (76.05) rank among Minnesota's highest, reflecting Winona's position in bluff country along the Mississippi River. Wildfire exposure remains minimal at 16.83, and the county faces zero hurricane risk.

Flood and storm insurance are critical

Winona homeowners must prioritize flood insurance given the 78.82 flood risk score—standard policies rarely cover flood damage. Ensure robust tornado and severe storm coverage in your homeowners policy, particularly if near riverine or low-lying areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winona County

via WeatherByCounty

Winona's Mild Standing in America

Winona’s 47.3°F average is cool by national standards but warm for the Upper Midwest. It experiences a classic continental climate moderated slightly by the Mississippi River valley.

Leading the State in Warmth

The county is one of Minnesota's warmest, averaging 4.5 degrees higher than the state mean. It consistently ranks in the top tier for temperature among the 87 counties.

The Wettest of the Region

With 35.9 inches of annual precipitation, Winona is wetter than Watonwan's 33.1 inches. This moisture supports the lush vegetation found along the river bluffs.

Short Winters and Humid July Days

Snowfall is lighter here at 38.5 inches compared to many neighbors. However, July averages 73.5°F and brings 11 days of extreme heat.

Home Maintenance in the Valley

Homeowners should prioritize basement waterproofing for the 35.9 inches of annual rain. Reliable air conditioning is necessary to manage the 11 days of 90-degree heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winona County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in the Valley

Winona’s soil is exceptionally balanced, posting a pH of 6.47 which is almost identical to the national median of 6.5. This level is slightly less acidic than the state average of 6.21, providing a neutral home for many plants.

High Silt, Smooth Texture

Silt dominates the landscape at 54.1%, paired with 28.1% sand and 17.8% clay. This high-silt profile creates a smooth texture that is highly fertile but prone to erosion on slopes.

Superb Water Retention

Organic matter is low for Minnesota at 3.37%, though it stays above the national 2.0% average. However, the available water capacity is impressive at 0.204 in/in, beating the state average of 0.199.

Efficient Water Storage

Drainage and hydrologic data are currently unclassified for the county. The high silt content and water capacity suggest the ground stays moist longer than the sandier soils found elsewhere in the state.

Valley Gardening in Zone 4b

Situated in Zone 4b, this region is famous for its productive river valley agriculture. A soil score of 80.9 indicates high potential, so grab a trowel and start planting your favorite perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winona County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Growing Conditions in the Southeast

Winona County is a premier spot for lawn care with an exceptional difficulty score of 83.8. This Hardiness Zone 4b region benefits from abundant moisture and a very favorable growing environment compared to the state average.

High Rainfall and Extended Growth

With 35.9 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns receive more water than the state average of 30.0 inches. The 2,920 growing degree days provide plenty of thermal energy for thick turf, even with 11 days of extreme heat.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Uptake

The soil pH of 6.47 is perfectly situated within the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for most turf species. With 17.8% clay and 28.1% sand, the soil structure is balanced enough to support healthy roots without frequent amendment.

Reliable Moisture Throughout the Year

Winona spent only 5 weeks in drought over the past year and currently has zero abnormally dry areas. This consistent moisture access makes Winona one of the most resilient counties in Minnesota for maintaining a green landscape.

A Long Window for Perfect Turf

The generous growing season runs from April 23rd all the way to October 19th. This nearly six-month window is the ideal time to seed Kentucky Bluegrass or perennial ryegrass for a thick, vibrant lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winona County's county score?
Winona County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 48 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 Winona County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Winona County ranks #65 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 Winona County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Winona County is $2,099, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Winona County a tax score of 42.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winona County?
The median household income in Winona County, Minnesota is $70,198 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winona County earns an income score of 66.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winona County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Winona County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Winona 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 Winona 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.