Mille Lacs
Minnesota

What stands out

Three things set Mille Lacs County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the average temperature is in the bottom 6% of American counties (44°F), the school test score is in the top 11% of American counties (3.37 where 3.0 is grade level), and the restaurant count per person is in the top 12% of American counties (1.2 per 1,000). Within Minnesota it ranks 31st of 87 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota. 26,680 people live here with you. The population grew 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +214).

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 $68,088 a year, higher than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,582. Unemployment runs 4.5%, higher than 81% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 28 minutes each way.

Minnesota takes 6.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,147 a year.

Home

The median home costs $316K, pricier than 72% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $903 a month. Property tax is 1.06% of home value, roughly $2,340 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 72% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.6 years, shorter than 64% of American counties. There are 29 active physicians in the county, about 10.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.28 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 89% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 26 points. 75% 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 44°F, highs near 54 and lows near 33, colder than 94% of American counties. About 25 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 20 out of 100, safer than 80% of American counties; the county has had 10 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 151 Mbps down, slower than 71% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.