Pope
Minnesota

What stands out

What stands out about Pope County: the school test score is among the highest in America (3.64 where 3.0 is grade level), the uninsured rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (5.2%), and high-school completion is in the top 6% of American counties (95%). Within Minnesota it ranks 5th of 87 counties for the school test score.

Where you are

You live in Pope County, Minnesota. 11,312 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -7).

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 $71,212 a year, higher than 77% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,347. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 85% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Minnesota takes 6.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,359 a year.

Home

The median home costs $336K, pricier than 77% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $858 a month. Property tax is 0.81% of home value, roughly $1,830 a year on that median home, lower than 55% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 88% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 9 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.7 years, longer than 82% of American counties. There are 16 active physicians in the county, about 14.1 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 3.45 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than almost every county in America. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 9 points. 80% 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 45°F, highs near 55 and lows near 34, colder than 92% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 14 out of 100, safer than 86% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 153 Mbps down, slower than 70% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.