CountyScore

Wright County

Minnesota · MN

#74 in Minnesota
66.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Wright County, Minnesota

Wright exceeds national livability standard

Wright County's composite score of 66.4 tops the national median of 50.0 by over 30 percent, placing it in the 33rd percentile nationally. This represents solid livability performance compared to U.S. counties overall, though the score reflects some internal tradeoffs between income strength and cost pressures. Wright delivers respectable quality of life without achieving top-tier national rankings.

Below Minnesota state average

With a score of 66.4, Wright County falls modestly below Minnesota's state average of 70.9. The county ranks as a lower-middle performer within its home state's 87-county field. Wright's profile reflects suburban-to-exurban pressure typical of counties near metropolitan areas, with higher costs offsetting income advantages.

Income and health lead the way

Wright boasts a strong income score (53.0) backed by median household income of $106,666—significantly above state averages and reflecting proximity to job-rich metro areas. Health performance (82.9) is excellent, indicating strong healthcare infrastructure and outcomes. Tax efficiency (74.2) at 0.997% effective rate further supports household finances.

Housing costs and risk constrain livability

Wright's cost score of 60.1 reflects significant housing pressures, with median home values at $332,800 and median rent at $1,246 per month—among the highest in this county set. The risk score of 31.6 is low, suggesting moderate environmental or hazard vulnerability that requires neighborhood-level assessment. These factors consume much of the income advantage.

Suburban option for metro-adjacent professionals

Wright County appeals to affluent professionals and families seeking suburban living with excellent schools and healthcare, willing to accept higher housing costs in exchange. The county works well for those commuting to Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area or seeking better-paying regional employment. Prospective residents should verify that household income supports the elevated housing market and assess specific neighborhood risk profiles before purchasing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.2Cost60.1SafetyComing SoonHealth82.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome53Risk31.6WaterComing Soon
🏛74.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡31.6
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 Wright County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Columbia County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $55,070
Madison County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $48,176
Ben Hill County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $39,081
Jackson County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $85,012
Miller County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $58,407

Deep Dives

Wright County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Wright County

via HealthByCounty

Wright leads peers on population health

Wright County residents live to 80.0 years on average—1.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 12.5% poor or fair health rate is notably lower than the national 16%, reflecting strong overall wellness.

Above-average health across Minnesota

Wright County's 80.0-year life expectancy exceeds Minnesota's state average of 78.7 years by 1.3 years. The county's 12.5% poor or fair health rate ranks among the best in the state.

Healthier than most regional comparisons

Wright County residents outlive those in Waseca (79.3 years), Yellow Medicine (78.7 years), and Wilkin (75.6 years), though Washington County edges ahead at 81.3 years. Wright's 12.5% poor or fair health rate is superior to most nearby counties.

Low uninsured rate, moderate care access

Wright County has a low uninsured rate of 4.3%, below the state average of 6.0%, with 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 134 mental health providers per 100,000. The county provides solid baseline healthcare infrastructure.

Strong coverage foundation in Wright County

Wright County's uninsured rate of 4.3% is among the state's best. If you're uninsured, visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to explore affordable coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.