countyscore
56.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.7Health 95.8Safety 77.1

County Report Card

About Wright County, Minnesota

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Wright County beats the national median with a composite score of 56.5. This performance signals a high-quality environment that balances economic strength with public safety.

Leading the Minnesota Average

Scoring 56.5 puts Wright County just ahead of the Minnesota state average of 55.8. It holds its own as a competitive and highly desirable location within the state's landscape.

Top-Tier Economic and Health Power

Economic and physical wellbeing are exceptional here, with an income score of 96.7 and a health score of 95.8. A safety score of 77.1 further reinforces its reputation as a secure place to live.

High Costs and Risk Factors

Housing affordability is a major hurdle, with a cost score of 9.5 due to a $332,800 median home value. Risk factors also score lower at 31.6, indicating vulnerability to natural or economic shifts.

Tailor-Made for High-Income Families

Wright County is perfect for high-income families who want safety and excellent health services. Residents should be prepared for the higher cost of entry in the local real estate market.

2040608010038.29.577.195.863.196.731.668.249.6Tax38.2Cost9.5Safety77.1Health95.8Schools63.1Income96.7Risk31.6Water68.2Weather49.656.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Wright County DNA

Foverall

How Wright County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wright County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (95.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (9.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.2-13.799999999999997
Cost
9.5-38.5
Safety
77.1+22.099999999999994
Health
95.8+45.8
Schools
63.1+9.100000000000001
Income
96.7+45.7
Risk
31.6-15.399999999999999
Water
68.2+10.200000000000003
Weather
49.6
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Wright County

Whether buying or refinancing in Wright County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$332,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,246/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$332,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $106,666/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.4

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
Compare Wright County with Camas County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Camas County
Idaho
Median income: $55,536
56.5
Clinton County
Indiana
Median income: $63,690
56.5
Knox County
Kentucky
Median income: $33,153
56.5
New York County
New York
Median income: $104,553
56.5
Fentress County
Tennessee
Median income: $50,865
56.5
Juab County
Utah
Median income: $89,803
56.5
Pepin County
Wisconsin
Median income: $74,536
56.5
Hot Springs County
Wyoming
Median income: $64,375
56.5

Nearby counties

Sherburne County
Minnesota
55.6
Hennepin County
Minnesota
36
Carver County
Minnesota
56
Anoka County
Minnesota
43.7
Meeker County
Minnesota
57.7
McLeod County
Minnesota
50.1
Ramsey County
Minnesota
32.6
Benton County
Minnesota
41

Deep Dives

Wright County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wright County

via TaxByCounty

Wright County taxes near national norm

Wright County's effective tax rate of 0.997% sits just below the national median of 0.968%, placing it in the American mainstream for property taxation. The median property tax of $3,319 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by 23%, reflecting Wright's median home value of $332,800—significantly higher than the national median of $281,900.

Wright County slightly above Minnesota

Wright County's 0.997% effective rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968% by less than one percentage point. The median annual tax of $3,319 substantially exceeds the state median of $2,168, driven by home values well above the Minnesota average.

Wright taxes higher-value homes

Wright's 0.997% rate matches or exceeds Wilkin (0.760%), Watonwan (1.027%), and Winona (0.942%), but falls below Waseca (1.190%). Wright's median home value of $332,800 is the second-highest in this region, behind only Washington County's $400,900.

Wright homeowners pay substantial taxes

The typical Wright County homeowner with a $332,800 home pays approximately $3,319 annually in property taxes. Mortgage status affects bills: $3,422 with a mortgage versus $2,990 without.

Suburban growth creates appeal opportunities

Wright County's growing residential market means many homes were assessed at or near peak prices. If market values have softened since your last assessment, or if comparable homes nearby sold for less, a reassessment appeal could recoup thousands in overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wright County

via CostByCounty

Wright County balances costs with strong incomes

At 14.0%, Wright's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Minnesota's 14.5% state average despite higher-than-typical costs. Strong median incomes of $106,666—43% above the national average—make Wright's $1,246 monthly rents manageable for most residents.

Affluent county with moderate affordability

Wright County ranks among Minnesota's wealthier areas, reflected in a 14.0% rent-to-income ratio and median incomes well above state averages. The county's higher rents ($1,246 monthly) are offset by proportionally higher earnings, maintaining decent affordability.

Pricey but income-justified suburban option

Wright's $1,246 monthly rent exceeds most rural neighbors but remains significantly below Washington County's $1,637, positioning it as a suburban sweet spot. Home values at $332,800 reflect Twin Cities commuter appeal without the premium pricing of closer-in suburbs.

Affluence sustains reasonable affordability

Renters dedicate 14.0% of income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 18.8% on monthly owner costs ($1,678). Wright's higher costs align with higher incomes, creating a balanced affordability picture for well-earning households.

Wright works for suburban-seeking professionals

If you're a dual-income household or high earner seeking suburban living with strong schools, Wright County's 14.0% rent ratio and $106K median incomes create genuine value. Compare Wright's costs to Washington County's premium pricing to see how location-conscious spending saves thousands annually.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wright County

via IncomeByCounty

Wright soars above national average

Wright County's median household income of $106,666 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 43%, ranking it among America's more affluent counties. The typical Wright family earns nearly $32,000 more per year than the average U.S. household.

Elite status in Minnesota incomes

Wright County's median income of $106,666 ranks among Minnesota's highest, commanding a 41% premium over the state average of $75,757. Few Minnesota counties rival Wright's earning power, reflecting its growing Twin Cities suburbs economy.

Dominates regional income landscape

Wright's $106,666 income significantly outpaces most rural neighbors—Waseca ($75,052), Wilkin ($69,635), Watonwan ($70,593), and Winona ($70,198)—though trails Washington County ($114,457). Wright's prosperity reflects its position as a Twin Cities exurb with commuter-friendly housing.

Strong income meets rising costs

Wright's rent-to-income ratio of 14.0% remains healthy, though the median home value of $332,800 reflects suburban growth pressures. Households here comfortably manage housing costs while maintaining room for savings and investment.

Scale up your investment strategy

Wright County's strong household incomes create excellent opportunities for aggressive wealth building through diversified portfolios and retirement planning. Work with a financial advisor to structure investments that align with your multi-decade growth timeline and family goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wright County

via CrimeByCounty

Wright County Among Nation's Safest

Wright County boasts an exceptional 99.1 safety score, making it a standout for public safety. Its total crime rate of 550.7 per 100K is roughly one-quarter of the national average.

A Top Safety Performer in Minnesota

Wright County’s safety score of 99.1 easily beats the state average of 98.2. It maintains a total crime rate that is less than half the Minnesota average of 1123.5.

Leading the Region in Low Crime

With a rate of 550.7, Wright County is significantly safer than neighbors like Waseca or Winona. It sets the regional standard for low crime and community security.

Minimal Violent Crime Presence

Violent crime is remarkably low at 65.2 per 100K, while property crime is just 485.5. These numbers reflect a very peaceful community where serious crime is a rare event.

Preserving Your High Safety Score

Maintain Wright County's elite 99.1 safety status by staying vigilant and reporting unusual activity. Simple habits like locking garage doors help prevent the few property crimes that do occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wright County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust and Growing School System

Wright County features an extensive network of 84 public schools serving 28,119 students across 14 districts. The county is well-equipped with 30 elementary, 17 middle, and 32 high schools. This large-scale infrastructure supports one of the most significant student populations in the region.

High Performance Beats State Averages

Wright County boasts a strong 91.3% graduation rate, easily surpassing the state average of 86.6% and the national 87% benchmark. With a per-pupil spend of $8,132, the county achieves a high school score of 56.7. These numbers demonstrate that the county provides a high-value education with excellent student success rates.

Powerhouse Districts in St. Michael and Buffalo

The St. Michael-Albertville and Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose districts lead the county, serving 6,670 and 5,313 students respectively. While traditional districts dominate, the county also hosts five charter schools for families seeking alternative educational models. The specialized Sherburne and Northern Wright district also provides targeted support across 11 facilities.

Town Hubs and Large-Scale High Schools

Wright County schools are primarily located in town settings (46) and rural areas (27), with a growing suburban presence. St. Michael-Albertville Senior High is a major local landmark, enrolling 2,240 students in a high-energy environment. The average school size of 365 students ensures a balance between diverse opportunities and community connection.

Invest in a Wright County Future

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Wright County is a premier destination for families focused on education. Homes in St. Michael or Buffalo offer direct access to these high-performing districts. Start your home search today to join a community that clearly prioritizes academic excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wright County

via RiskByCounty

Wright faces significant disaster risks

Wright County scores 68.42 with a Relatively Low rating, well above the national average for composite natural disaster exposure. The county's central position and mixed geography create overlapping hazard concentrations.

Second-riskiest county in Minnesota

Wright's 68.42 score ranks just below Washington County (83.87) and substantially exceeds Minnesota's 42.38 state average. The county sits in the second-highest risk tier statewide across multiple threat categories.

Wright County leads surrounding area

Wright (68.42) significantly outpaces nearby Waseca (24.68), Watonwan (23.89), and Yellow Medicine (29.96) counties. Only Washington County (83.87) approaches Wright's elevated exposure level in the region.

Tornado and flood risks run high

Tornado risk (80.44) and flood risk (74.75) rank among Minnesota's highest, while wildfire risk (61.04) adds additional exposure. The convergence of these three hazards creates significant compound vulnerability for residents.

Multi-layered insurance strategy needed

Wright County homeowners should secure comprehensive coverage for wind, hail, and tornado damage, plus separate flood insurance given the 74.75 flood risk score. Consider supplemental wildfire coverage or defensible space improvements around your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wright County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Below State Peak

Wright County earns a 'B' grade with 2 health violations recorded over the past five years. This results in a violation rate of 1.8 per 100,000 people, which remains significantly better than the Minnesota average of 32.5. However, these health violations suggest occasional lapses in meeting strict SDWA standards.

Watershed Health Data Currently Pending

Wright County's water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal §303(d) reporting cycle. This lack of ATTAINS data means the percentage of impaired lakes and streams is currently unclassified relative to the 1.5% state average. Local authorities must rely on their own monitoring to identify potential pollution hotspots.

Extensive Tracking of Biological Health

With 116 monitoring sites and 35,144 measurements in five years, Wright County has a very active water quality surveillance program. Monitoring uniquely focuses on biological indicators, including algae and phytoplankton, alongside nutrient levels. This data is essential for managing the health of the county's many lakes.

No Live USGS Discharge Data

Wright County does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage providing real-time discharge or flow data. Water management decisions depend on the vast monitoring footprint of 35,144 recent measurements to understand water status. This highlights the importance of the county's 'B' grade as a primary indicator of water safety.

Stay Vigilant Against Algal Blooms

High monitoring levels for algae and phytoplankton suggest that residents should be alert for seasonal algal blooms in local lakes. Given the 'B' grade for drinking water, consider using a filter that targets common contaminants if you receive municipal water. Protecting lake shorelines from nutrient runoff will help maintain both surface water and groundwater health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wright County

via WeatherByCounty

Wright's Middle-of-the-Road National Climate

The 44.1°F average temperature is nearly 10 degrees below the U.S. median. The county experiences a humid continental climate with four very distinct seasons.

A Typical Minnesota Temperature Profile

Wright County is slightly warmer than the state average of 42.8°F. Its climate represents the transitional zone between the northern forests and southern prairies.

Less Snow Than Southern Neighbors

Wright sees 42.5 inches of snow, which is less than the 50.3 inches in Watonwan. This makes winter slightly more manageable for local commuters.

Temperate Summers and Cold Januarys

Summer is comfortable with only 7 days of extreme heat. In contrast, January is very cold with a mean temperature of only 12.8°F.

Seasonal Planning for Wright Residents

All-season tires help navigate the 42.5 inches of annual snow. A dual-stage furnace is ideal for managing the chilly 16.4°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wright County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Rich Grounds

Wright County soils lean toward the acidic side with an average pH of 5.97. This falls below both the national median of 6.5 and the Minnesota average of 6.21.

Coarse Sand and Silt Mix

The ground is predominantly sandy at 50.4%, with 30.8% silt and 14.3% clay. This coarse texture allows for rapid drainage and easy workability for spring gardening and planting.

High Organic Matter Content

Organic matter is a highlight at 10.67%, comfortably exceeding the state average of 9.90%. The water capacity of 0.192 in/in is nearly identical to the state average of 0.199.

Rapid Drainage Potential

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not specified in the current dataset. Given the high sand percentage, the soil likely moves water quickly, preventing root rot during wet seasons.

Apple-Ready Zone 4b Soil

This Zone 4b county is an ideal environment for apples and hardy vegetables. With a soil score of 74.8, you have a solid foundation for a productive and diverse home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wright County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Prospects for Wright County Lawns

Wright County offers a lawn difficulty score of 71.2, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 4b, homeowners can expect a generally hospitable environment for cool-season grasses.

Cooler Summers and Average Rainfall

Annual precipitation averages 31.1 inches, just enough to meet the 30-inch state average. With only 7 extreme heat days and 2,527 growing degree days, the climate is conducive to keeping turf green without excessive thermal stress.

Sandy Soil Needs Nutrient Focus

The soil pH is 5.97, suggesting that a light application of lime could help move it into the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A high sand content of 50.4% means excellent aeration but also indicates that nutrients and water may leach away quickly.

Stable Moisture Levels

The county experienced only 4 weeks of drought over the past year, and current drought maps show 0% of the area in dry conditions. This stability allows for a standard maintenance routine without the need for emergency water measures.

Focus on the Growing Window

Plan your seeding projects between the last frost on April 30th and the first frost on October 9th. Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the recommended choices to thrive in these 4b conditions and sandy soils.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wright County's county score?
Wright County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 56.5 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 Wright County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Wright County ranks #40 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 Wright County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Wright County is $3,319, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Wright County a tax score of 38.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wright County?
The median household income in Wright County, Minnesota is $106,666 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wright County earns an income score of 96.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wright County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Wright County scores 56.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Wright 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 Wright County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.