Dakota
Minnesota

What stands out

What stands out about Dakota County: violent crime is among the lowest in America (2.6 per 1,000), the median household income is in the top 3% of American counties ($101,360), and the uninsured rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (5.2%). Within Minnesota it ranks 3rd of 87 counties for violent crime, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Dakota County, Minnesota. 439,179 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,193).

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 $101,360 a year, higher than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $72,792. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 87% of American counties. 16% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Minnesota takes 6.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $6,409 a year.

Home

The median home costs $400K, pricier than 86% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,481 a month. Property tax is 1.01% of home value, roughly $3,439 a year on that median home, higher than 60% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 81.1 years, longer than 95% of American counties. There are 805 active physicians in the county, about 18.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 5.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.35 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 93% of American counties. 96% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 24 points. 86% 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 47°F, highs near 57 and lows near 37, colder than 86% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 93 out of 100, riskier than 93% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 270 Mbps down, faster than 84% of American counties. There are 10 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 5 breweries, 3 museums.