Yellow Medicine County's composite score of 73.3 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 47th percentile nationally. This ranks Yellow Medicine among America's more livable counties, outperforming roughly 4 in 5 U.S. regions. The score reflects particularly strong performance in housing affordability and cost management.
2 / 5
Slightly above Minnesota average
With a score of 73.3, Yellow Medicine exceeds Minnesota's state average of 70.9, marking it as an above-average performer among the state's 87 counties. The county demonstrates consistent strength across most measured dimensions without extreme outliers. Yellow Medicine represents solid, balanced livability within its home state.
3 / 5
Affordability and cost leadership prevail
Yellow Medicine excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 82.4, offering median rent of just $688 per month and median home values of $148,200—among the most affordable in the state. The county maintains solid tax efficiency (72.9) with a 1.04% effective tax rate. Health performance (77.2) is respectable, and risk score (70.1) indicates reasonable stability.
4 / 5
Limited income and wage growth
Yellow Medicine's income score of 30.1 is among the lowest in the set, with median household income at $71,573. This reflects limited high-wage employment opportunities within the county, suggesting dependence on agriculture, small business, or regional employment. Local job seekers should carefully research occupational prospects before relocating.
5 / 5
Ideal for affordability-focused families
Yellow Medicine County suits rural families, retirees, and remote workers seeking exceptional affordability without sacrificing basic services and safety. The combination of low housing costs and reasonable tax burden makes this county an excellent value proposition for those with stable out-of-state income. Those dependent on local wages should verify job market opportunities in their specific field before committing to the region.
Yellow Medicine County's composite score of 73.3 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 47th percentile nationally. This ranks Yellow Medicine among America's more livable counties, outperforming roughly 4 in 5 U.S. regions. The score reflects particularly strong performance in housing affordability and cost management.
Slightly above Minnesota average
With a score of 73.3, Yellow Medicine exceeds Minnesota's state average of 70.9, marking it as an above-average performer among the state's 87 counties. The county demonstrates consistent strength across most measured dimensions without extreme outliers. Yellow Medicine represents solid, balanced livability within its home state.
Affordability and cost leadership prevail
Yellow Medicine excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 82.4, offering median rent of just $688 per month and median home values of $148,200—among the most affordable in the state. The county maintains solid tax efficiency (72.9) with a 1.04% effective tax rate. Health performance (77.2) is respectable, and risk score (70.1) indicates reasonable stability.
Limited income and wage growth
Yellow Medicine's income score of 30.1 is among the lowest in the set, with median household income at $71,573. This reflects limited high-wage employment opportunities within the county, suggesting dependence on agriculture, small business, or regional employment. Local job seekers should carefully research occupational prospects before relocating.
Ideal for affordability-focused families
Yellow Medicine County suits rural families, retirees, and remote workers seeking exceptional affordability without sacrificing basic services and safety. The combination of low housing costs and reasonable tax burden makes this county an excellent value proposition for those with stable out-of-state income. Those dependent on local wages should verify job market opportunities in their specific field before committing to the region.
Score breakdown
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🏛72.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.