Carlton
Minnesota

What stands out

Against every county in America, Carlton County is unusual in three ways: the average temperature is among the coldest in America (40°F), the school test score is in the top 4% of American counties (3.52 where 3.0 is grade level), and the uninsured rate is in the bottom 7% of American counties (5.6%). Within Minnesota it ranks 9th of 87 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Carlton County, Minnesota. 36,362 people live here with you. The population grew 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +336).

Minnesota has a graduated income tax that reaches 9.85%, taxes Social Security above income thresholds, and has an estate tax with a $3 million exemption. In exchange it ranks near the top in health outcomes, school results and household income, and the Twin Cities metro holds more Fortune 500 headquarters per capita than any other. Winters are long and cold.

Money

The typical household here brings in $74,660 a year, higher than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $58,073. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 58% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Minnesota takes 6.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,594 a year.

Home

The median home costs $301K, pricier than 70% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $997 a month. Property tax is 1.19% of home value, roughly $2,595 a year on that median home, higher than 72% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 74% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.3 years, longer than 67% of American counties. There are 46 active physicians in the county, about 12.7 per 10,000 people. 5.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.44 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 96% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 12 points. 74% of eligible voters turned out. Under Minnesota law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 40°F, highs near 51 and lows near 30, colder than almost every county in America. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 29 out of 100, safer than 71% of American counties; the county has had 10 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 136 Mbps down, slower than 76% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.