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Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota — County Report Card

MN

#14 in Minnesota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
66.5
County Score
Safety 82.8Health 81.2Schools 70.8

County Report Card

About Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota

An Elite National Performer

Yellow Medicine County achieves an impressive 66.5 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the most livable counties in the entire country.

A Regional Leader in Minnesota

The county easily surpasses the Minnesota state average of 55.8. Its high performance across safety and education makes it a regional leader in overall quality of life.

Safe, Healthy, and Affordable

Safety is a defining feature here with an 82.8 score, paired with a strong health score of 81.2. Affordable housing also helps, with a $148,200 median home value supporting a 64.2 cost score.

Taxes and Water Quality

The tax burden is the most significant downside, with a score of 34.9 reflecting a 1.04% effective rate. Water quality metrics also come in at 51.0, which is lower than many other high-scoring peers.

Ideal for Family-Oriented Living

This county is a fantastic choice for families seeking affordable living, safe streets, and solid schools. It offers some of the best overall value in the state for those prioritizing community safety.

Score breakdown

Tax34.9Cost64.2Safety82.8Health81.2Schools70.8Income70.4Risk70.1Water51Weather40.5
🏛34.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.9
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

Yellow Medicine County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yellow Medicine County

via TaxByCounty

Yellow Medicine taxes exceed national average

Yellow Medicine County's effective tax rate of 1.042% surpasses the national median of 0.968%, placing it above typical American counties. The median property tax of $1,545 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting Yellow Medicine's median home value of $148,200—well below the national median of $281,900.

Yellow Medicine above Minnesota average

Yellow Medicine County's 1.042% effective rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968% by about 7%. The median annual tax of $1,545 falls well below the state median of $2,168, as homes are typically valued significantly below the Minnesota average.

Yellow Medicine among region's highest

Yellow Medicine's 1.042% rate exceeds Wilkin (0.760%), Watonwan (1.027%), and Winona (0.942%), and nearly matches Waseca (1.190%). Only Waseca and Washington counties tax at higher rates in this region.

Yellow Medicine typical tax bills

The typical Yellow Medicine homeowner with a $148,200 home pays approximately $1,545 annually in property taxes. Bills vary slightly by mortgage status: $1,515 with a mortgage and $1,567 without.

Rural overassessment deserves attention

Rural counties like Yellow Medicine often have assessment lags—properties valued based on outdated sales data or inflated market assumptions. Check if your assessed value aligns with recent comparable sales; a successful appeal in rural areas often delivers substantial savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yellow Medicine County

via CostByCounty

Yellow Medicine delivers exceptional affordability

At 11.5%, Yellow Medicine's rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Minnesota's 14.5% state average and ranks among the nation's most affordable areas. Monthly rents of just $688 run 25% below the state average, making this rural county genuinely accessible.

Top-tier affordability across Minnesota

Yellow Medicine ranks among Minnesota's most affordable counties with an 11.5% rent-to-income ratio and monthly rents of $688. The county's sub-$690 rental costs and stable local wages create rare housing value in today's market.

Among the region's best-priced options

Yellow Medicine's $688 monthly rent ranks among the lowest in this group, trailing only Wilkin's exceptional $561. Home values at $148,200 also undercut most regional peers, making Yellow Medicine a compelling affordability choice.

Minimal housing burden for working families

Renters spend just 11.5% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate roughly 15.1% to monthly owner costs ($904). Yellow Medicine demonstrates true affordability across both rental and ownership markets.

Yellow Medicine maximizes housing value

Relocating to Yellow Medicine gives you Minnesota's best value proposition: 11.5% rent ratios, $688 monthly rents, and sub-$150K home prices. If budget breathing room matters, Yellow Medicine's affordability edge rivals all but Wilkin County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yellow Medicine County

via IncomeByCounty

Yellow Medicine near national average

Yellow Medicine County's median household income of $71,573 falls 4% below the national median of $74,755, placing it slightly under the U.S. average. The typical Yellow Medicine family earns roughly $3,182 less annually than the average American household.

Solid middle ground statewide

Yellow Medicine's median income of $71,573 ranks modestly below Minnesota's state average of $75,757, positioning the county in the middle tier regionally. The income gap of $4,184 reflects agricultural economic challenges balanced against rural affordability.

Competitive rural performer

Yellow Medicine's $71,573 income ranks between Waseca County ($75,052) and Watonwan County ($70,593), outpacing Wilkin ($69,635) and Winona ($70,198). The county performs respectably among Minnesota's agricultural communities.

Housing costs are very manageable

Yellow Medicine's rent-to-income ratio of 11.5% is among the region's best, indicating housing consumes minimal household budget. The median home value of $148,200 ranks among the state's most affordable, offering genuine economic breathing room.

Leverage affordability for security

Yellow Medicine's exceptionally low housing burden (11.5%) frees significant household capital for emergency savings and long-term investing. Redirect your housing cost advantage into systematic savings that compound over years into meaningful family wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yellow Medicine County

via CrimeByCounty

Yellow Medicine County Is Exceptionally Safe

Yellow Medicine County achieves an elite 99.4 safety score, representing one of the highest safety levels in the nation. The total crime rate is a mere 407.6 per 100K residents.

Outperforming the State of Minnesota

The county safety score of 99.4 far exceeds the Minnesota average of 98.2. Its crime rate is less than half the state average, showcasing the effectiveness of local safety efforts.

Regional Safety Leader

Yellow Medicine’s crime rate of 407.6 is the lowest among its peers, even beating the very safe Wright County. It provides a highly secure environment compared to any surrounding area.

Extremely Rare Crime Statistics

Property crime is exceptionally low at 324.0 per 100K, and violent crime is just 83.6. These figures indicate that residents experience a level of safety far above the national norm.

Maintaining the Gold Standard of Safety

Preserve your 99.4 safety score by continuing to lock vehicles and securing outdoor equipment. Simple community vigilance ensures that crime remains a rarity in Yellow Medicine County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Yellow Medicine County

via HealthByCounty

Yellow Medicine aligns with national averages

Yellow Medicine County's 78.7-year life expectancy matches Minnesota's state average and is nearly equal to the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.4% poor or fair health rate sits between national (16%) and state norms, suggesting moderate health challenges.

Right at Minnesota's health median

Yellow Medicine's 78.7-year life expectancy matches Minnesota's state average exactly, positioning the county at the midpoint of state performance. The 15.4% poor or fair health rate reflects mid-range health outcomes for Minnesota counties.

Health outcomes middle ground among peers

Yellow Medicine residents live longer than Wilkin's 75.6 years but shorter than Wright (80.0 years) and Winona (80.2 years). The county's 15.4% poor or fair health rate falls between Waseca's 14.3% and Watonwan's 17.6%.

Slightly higher uninsured, adequate providers

Yellow Medicine's uninsured rate of 6.6% edges above the state average of 6.0%, indicating some coverage gaps. The county has 53 primary care providers per 100,000 and 95 mental health providers per 100,000.

Check coverage options this year

With an uninsured rate of 6.6%, more Yellow Medicine residents than average lack coverage. Visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 to check eligibility and find affordable plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Yellow Medicine County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Excellence on the Western Prairie

Yellow Medicine County operates eight public schools serving a total enrollment of 1,287 students. The system is managed by four districts and focuses on a traditional elementary and high school split. Despite its small size, the county maintains a diverse landscape that includes a significant percentage of charter schools.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Yellow Medicine County achieves a remarkable 93.6% graduation rate, one of the highest in Minnesota and well above the 87% national average. The county spends $7,943 per pupil and maintains an impressive school score of 57.5. These results indicate that local students are graduating at elite rates compared to state and national peers.

Yellow Medicine East and Charter Choice

The Yellow Medicine East district is the largest, serving 616 students across its primary, middle, and high schools. This county is also a hub for school choice, with charter schools representing 37.5% of all public facilities. The E.C.H.O. Charter School provides a distinct alternative to the traditional Canby and Yellow Medicine East districts.

Small-School Focus and Rural Charm

The majority of schools are located in rural settings, fostering a quiet and focused learning atmosphere. Canby Elementary is the largest school in the county with 304 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 184 students. This intimate scale allows for a highly personalized education where students and teachers form lasting bonds.

Elite Graduation Rates in a Quiet Setting

For families who want elite academic results without the hustle of a major metro area, Yellow Medicine County is a hidden gem. The high graduation rates and small class sizes make it an attractive location for home buyers. Explore homes in Canby or Granite Falls to secure a spot in these top-tier rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yellow Medicine County

via RiskByCounty

Yellow Medicine's risk stays low

Yellow Medicine County scores 29.96 with a Very Low rating, roughly 40% below the national average for disaster exposure. The southwestern county enjoys a favorable natural hazard profile compared to most U.S. communities.

Lower-risk Minnesota county

At 29.96, Yellow Medicine ranks comfortably below Minnesota's 42.38 state average, sitting in the lower-risk half statewide. The county's rural, southwestern position shields it from the highest hazard concentrations.

Safer than most regional peers

Yellow Medicine (29.96) beats nearby Wilkin (5.34)—though Wilkin is exceptionally low—and substantially outperforms Washington County (83.87) and Wright County (68.42) to the northeast. The southwestern region benefits from moderate hazard exposure overall.

Tornado risk leads modest exposures

Tornado risk (33.49) represents Yellow Medicine's primary hazard, though it remains well below state norms. Flood risk (29.29) and wildfire risk (25.51) both stay moderate, with negligible earthquake exposure at 9.03.

Standard coverage meets needs

Yellow Medicine residents should maintain solid tornado and severe storm protections within their standard homeowners policy. The county's moderate risk profile doesn't require specialized coverage, but annual policy reviews ensure adequate limits for property improvements.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yellow Medicine County

via WeatherByCounty

Yellow Medicine's Great Plains Influence

The county's 44.7°F average temperature is below the national median. It features a continental climate with wide temperature swings and high winds.

Warm and Dry State Context

The county stays above the 42.8°F state average annual temperature. It is one of the warmer, yet drier, counties in the western part of the state.

Extreme Heat on the Western Border

Yellow Medicine endures 18 days above 90°F, more than triple Wilkin County's heat frequency. This makes it one of the hotter regions in the state during summer.

Intense Heat and Heavy Snow

Summer peaks with an average of 18 extreme heat days. Winter brings 49.6 inches of snow and a chilly 17.3°F seasonal average.

Essential Gear for West-Central Living

Residents need powerful air conditioning to survive the 18 days of 90-degree heat. Snow blowers are also required to clear the nearly 50 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yellow Medicine County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth on the Prairie

The ground here is moderately alkaline, with an average pH of 7.19. This is significantly higher than the state average of 6.21 and the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Mix for Agriculture

A blend of 34.0% sand, 42.0% silt, and 24.0% clay provides a versatile foundation. This mix offers a good compromise between drainage speed and nutrient storage for seasonal crops.

Reliable Water Capacity

At 4.39%, organic matter is lower than the state average of 9.90%, though it remains double the national average. The available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is competitive with the statewide average of 0.199.

Effective Water Management

While specific drainage classifications are not currently listed, the high silt and clay content indicates the land holds moisture effectively. These soils typically support deep-rooted prairie and crop species.

Hardy Prairie Zone 4b

This Zone 4b landscape is perfect for hardy grains and native prairie plantings. With a soil score of 65.1, your backyard projects will thrive with regular additions of compost and organic mulch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yellow Medicine County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Challenges in Yellow Medicine

Yellow Medicine County presents a tougher landscape for lawns with a difficulty score of 58.9, falling below the state average of 63.9. Residents in this Zone 4b area must manage lower rainfall and more frequent heat to succeed.

High Heat and Lower Rainfall

With 18 extreme heat days per year—well above the state average—and only 28.3 inches of rain, turf stress is a common occurrence. These conditions require careful irrigation management during the 2,630 growing degree days.

Clay Content Helps Retain Moisture

The soil pH of 7.19 is slightly alkaline, sitting just above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. However, the 24.0% clay content is a benefit in this dry region, as it helps the soil hold onto moisture longer during the hot summer months.

Intense Drought Pressure

The county has faced 16 weeks of drought in the past year, and currently, 98.6% of the area is abnormally dry. Water conservation is vital here; focus on deep watering before sunrise to minimize evaporation losses.

Opt for Drought-Resistant Species

Hardy tall fescues are best for the window between the May 4th last frost and the October 5th first frost. While conditions are more demanding than average, selecting the right grass and timing can still result in a resilient lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yellow Medicine County's county score?
Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota has a composite county score of 66.5 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 Yellow Medicine County rank among counties in Minnesota?
Yellow Medicine County ranks #14 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 Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota?
The median annual property tax in Yellow Medicine County is $1,545, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Yellow Medicine County a tax score of 34.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yellow Medicine County?
The median household income in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota is $71,573 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yellow Medicine County earns an income score of 70.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota a good place to live?
Yellow Medicine County scores 66.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Minnesota. The best way to evaluate Yellow Medicine 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 Yellow Medicine County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.