Koochiching
Minnesota

What stands out

Three things set Koochiching County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the average temperature is among the coldest in America (39°F), natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (1 of 100), and the school test score is in the top 2% of American counties (3.59 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Minnesota it ranks 4th of 87 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Koochiching County, Minnesota. 12,072 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -12).

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 $59,779 a year, lower than 52% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,827. Unemployment runs 4.0%, higher than 70% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 15 minutes each way.

Minnesota takes 6.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,582 a year.

Home

The median home costs $157K, cheaper than 81% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $724 a month. Property tax is 0.76% of home value, roughly $1,004 a year on that median home, lower than 59% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 80% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.6 years, longer than 81% of American counties. There are 13 active physicians in the county, about 10.8 per 10,000 people. 5.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.46 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 98% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 9 points. 70% 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 39°F, highs near 50 and lows near 28, colder than almost every county in America. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 192 Mbps down, slower than 53% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.