Retiring in the US
Minnesota
For Americans thinking of retiring to Minnesota from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in Minnesota run at 98.6 against a US average of 100, with housing at 91.3. We cover Minnesota's 87 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
Where Minnesota stands
Tier 4 of 16
Cost of living
98.6
Taxes on a retired couple
USD $4,213
Healthcare access
66 % of residents 65+
Safety
3.6 per 100,000 a year
Climate
4.9 months a year
Natural-hazard risk
USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings
Minnesota is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
Minnesota, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
Minnesota's 87 counties
Every county in Minnesota on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
- No figure
- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = more)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 87 counties, with their figures
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Aitkin County
16,252 residents, 5,804 aged 65 or older (35.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,570 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Aitkin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.90 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 21 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Aitkin, Hill City, McGregor (Census, 1 July 2024).
Aitkin County page → -
Anoka County
381,605 residents, 64,713 aged 65 or older (17.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,949 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 91 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.41 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,873 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Blaine, Coon Rapids, Andover (Census, 1 July 2024).
Anoka County page → -
Becker County
35,497 residents, 9,025 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,067 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Becker County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 90 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,914 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Detroit Lakes, Frazee, Lake Park (Census, 1 July 2024).
Becker County page → -
Beltrami County
47,055 residents, 9,200 aged 65 or older (19.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,048 Lower than 32 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Beltrami County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,914 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bemidji, Blackduck, Wilton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Beltrami County page → -
Benton County
41,744 residents, 7,066 aged 65 or older (16.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.6 Cheaper than 62 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. St. Cloud, MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,069 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Benton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.21 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud, Foley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Benton County page → -
Big Stone County
5,054 residents, 1,443 aged 65 or older (28.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,694 Lower than 39 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Big Stone County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,934 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ortonville, Graceville, Clinton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Big Stone County page → -
Blue Earth County
70,634 residents, 11,917 aged 65 or older (16.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.0 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Mankato, MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,058 Lower than 32 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Blue Earth County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 74 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,766 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mankato, Eagle Lake, Lake Crystal (Census, 1 July 2024).
Blue Earth County page → -
Brown County
25,517 residents, 6,475 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,262 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Brown County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.17 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Springfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Brown County page → -
Carlton County
36,711 residents, 7,630 aged 65 or older (20.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.8 Cheaper than 47 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Duluth, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,732 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Carlton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 53 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Cloquet, Moose Lake, Scanlon (Census, 1 July 2024).
Carlton County page → -
Carver County
114,379 residents, 19,051 aged 65 or older (16.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,118 Lower than 30 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Carver County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,873 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Chaska, Chanhassen, Waconia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Carver County page → -
Cass County
31,430 residents, 9,364 aged 65 or older (29.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,606 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cass County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,574 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: East Gull Lake, Lake Shore, Walker (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cass County page → -
Chippewa County
12,406 residents, 2,885 aged 65 or older (23.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,481 Lower than 24 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Chippewa County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.44 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 42 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Montevideo, Clara City, Granite Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chippewa County page → -
Chisago County
59,142 residents, 11,509 aged 65 or older (19.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,405 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Chisago County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,058 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: North Branch, Wyoming, Chisago City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chisago County page → -
Clay County
67,734 residents, 10,339 aged 65 or older (15.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 90.9 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Fargo, ND-MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,617 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clay County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.00 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 19 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,914 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Moorhead, Dilworth, Barnesville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clay County page → -
Clearwater County
8,647 residents, 2,057 aged 65 or older (23.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,004 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clearwater County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.79 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 93 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bagley, Clearbrook, Gonvick (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clearwater County page → -
Cook County
5,522 residents, 1,952 aged 65 or older (35.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,044 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cook County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.91 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 85 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest place: Grand Marais (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cook County page → -
Cottonwood County
11,405 residents, 2,751 aged 65 or older (24.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,327 Lower than 26 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cottonwood County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 60 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Windom, Mountain Lake, Westbrook (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cottonwood County page → -
Crow Wing County
69,132 residents, 18,539 aged 65 or older (26.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,249 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Crow Wing County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 57 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Brainerd, Baxter, Breezy Point (Census, 1 July 2024).
Crow Wing County page → -
Dakota County
457,710 residents, 81,252 aged 65 or older (17.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,089 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 1.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 96 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.94 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,873 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lakeville, Eagan, Burnsville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dakota County page → -
Dodge County
21,376 residents, 3,804 aged 65 or older (17.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 90.8 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Rochester, MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,527 Lower than 23 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dodge County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.36 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 47 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kasson, Dodge Center, Hayfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dodge County page → -
Douglas County
40,120 residents, 10,643 aged 65 or older (26.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,557 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Douglas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.74 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,574 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Alexandria, Osakis, Evansville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Douglas County page → -
Faribault County
13,888 residents, 3,533 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,096 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Faribault County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.31 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 51 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Blue Earth, Wells, Winnebago (Census, 1 July 2024).
Faribault County page → -
Fillmore County
21,540 residents, 5,265 aged 65 or older (24.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 90.8 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Rochester, MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,931 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Fillmore County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 26 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,706 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Spring Valley, Chatfield, Rushford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fillmore County page → -
Freeborn County
30,440 residents, 7,727 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,546 Lower than 23 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Freeborn County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Albert Lea, Clarks Grove, Alden (Census, 1 July 2024).
Freeborn County page → -
Goodhue County
48,195 residents, 11,439 aged 65 or older (23.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,325 Lower than 26 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Goodhue County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Red Wing, Cannon Falls, Zumbrota (Census, 1 July 2024).
Goodhue County page → -
Grant County
6,085 residents, 1,521 aged 65 or older (25.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,912 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Grant County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,970 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Elbow Lake, Hoffman, Ashby (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grant County page → -
Hennepin County
1,284,784 residents, 219,826 aged 65 or older (17.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,636 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 5 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 56 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.90 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,537 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hennepin County page → -
Houston County
18,400 residents, 4,866 aged 65 or older (26.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.8 Cheaper than 33 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,681 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Houston County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 26 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,706 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: La Crescent, Caledonia, Spring Grove (Census, 1 July 2024).
Houston County page → -
Hubbard County
22,369 residents, 6,368 aged 65 or older (28.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,391 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hubbard County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Park Rapids, Akeley, Nevis (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hubbard County page → -
Isanti County
44,386 residents, 8,530 aged 65 or older (19.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,167 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Isanti County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 51 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,058 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cambridge, Isanti, Braham (Census, 1 July 2024).
Isanti County page → -
Itasca County
45,404 residents, 12,586 aged 65 or older (27.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,668 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Itasca County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 61 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,789 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Grand Rapids, Cohasset, Coleraine (Census, 1 July 2024).
Itasca County page → -
Jackson County
9,857 residents, 2,530 aged 65 or older (25.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,898 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jackson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.42 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Jackson, Lakefield, Heron Lake (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jackson County page → -
Kanabec County
16,628 residents, 3,988 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,607 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kanabec County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 54 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,766 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mora, Ogilvie, Grasston (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kanabec County page → -
Kandiyohi County
44,720 residents, 9,608 aged 65 or older (21.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,231 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kandiyohi County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.86 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,574 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Willmar, New London, Spicer (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kandiyohi County page → -
Kittson County
4,031 residents, 1,165 aged 65 or older (28.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,862 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kittson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 17 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,970 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hallock, Karlstad, Lancaster (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kittson County page → -
Koochiching County
11,587 residents, 3,382 aged 65 or older (29.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,229 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Koochiching County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 19 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: International Falls, Ranier, Littlefork (Census, 1 July 2024).
Koochiching County page → -
Lac qui Parle County
6,704 residents, 1,858 aged 65 or older (27.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,803 Lower than 37 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lac qui Parle County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 57 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,934 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Madison, Dawson, Bellingham (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lac qui Parle County page → -
Lake County
10,746 residents, 3,373 aged 65 or older (31.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,205 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lake County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Beaver Bay (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lake County page → -
Lake of the Woods County
3,770 residents, 1,144 aged 65 or older (30.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,943 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lake of the Woods County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.86 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 23 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Baudette, Williams, Roosevelt (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lake of the Woods County page → -
Le Sueur County
29,453 residents, 6,110 aged 65 or older (20.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,367 Lower than 26 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Le Sueur County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.12 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 67 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,766 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Le Sueur, Montgomery, New Prague (Census, 1 July 2024).
Le Sueur County page → -
Lincoln County
5,583 residents, 1,527 aged 65 or older (27.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,996 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lincoln County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 38 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Tyler, Lake Benton, Hendricks (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lincoln County page → -
Lyon County
25,684 residents, 5,127 aged 65 or older (20.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,353 Lower than 26 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lyon County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.69 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 28 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Marshall, Tracy, Minneota (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lyon County page → -
McLeod County
36,631 residents, 8,143 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,684 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McLeod County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.00 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Hutchinson, Glencoe, Winsted (Census, 1 July 2024).
McLeod County page → -
Mahnomen County
5,153 residents, 1,087 aged 65 or older (21.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,907 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mahnomen County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.82 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 91 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mahnomen, Waubun, Bejou (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mahnomen County page → -
Marshall County
8,798 residents, 2,134 aged 65 or older (24.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,443 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Marshall County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.77 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 25 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Warren, Stephen, Argyle (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marshall County page → -
Martin County
19,440 residents, 5,177 aged 65 or older (26.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,222 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Martin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fairmont, Truman, Sherburn (Census, 1 July 2024).
Martin County page → -
Meeker County
23,603 residents, 5,500 aged 65 or older (23.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,798 Lower than 37 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Meeker County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Litchfield, Dassel, Watkins (Census, 1 July 2024).
Meeker County page → -
Mille Lacs County
27,753 residents, 5,799 aged 65 or older (20.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,301 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mille Lacs County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 57 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Princeton, Milaca, Onamia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mille Lacs County page → -
Morrison County
34,620 residents, 8,089 aged 65 or older (23.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,730 Lower than 39 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Morrison County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 19 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,470 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Little Falls, Pierz, Royalton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Morrison County page → -
Mower County
40,971 residents, 7,823 aged 65 or older (19.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,249 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mower County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.77 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 25 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Austin, Grand Meadow, Le Roy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mower County page → -
Murray County
7,942 residents, 2,405 aged 65 or older (30.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,422 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Murray County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 61 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Slayton, Fulda, Chandler (Census, 1 July 2024).
Murray County page → -
Nicollet County
34,273 residents, 6,676 aged 65 or older (19.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.0 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Mankato, MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,589 Lower than 22 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Nicollet County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.22 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: North Mankato, St. Peter, Nicollet (Census, 1 July 2024).
Nicollet County page → -
Nobles County
22,338 residents, 3,919 aged 65 or older (17.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,117 Lower than 30 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Nobles County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 72 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,934 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Worthington, Adrian, Brewster (Census, 1 July 2024).
Nobles County page → -
Norman County
6,336 residents, 1,523 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,924 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Norman County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ada, Twin Valley, Halstad (Census, 1 July 2024).
Norman County page → -
Olmsted County
166,731 residents, 30,861 aged 65 or older (18.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 90.8 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Rochester, MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,364 Lower than 26 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 92 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.55 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 35 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rochester, Stewartville, Byron (Census, 1 July 2024).
Olmsted County page → -
Otter Tail County
61,041 residents, 16,856 aged 65 or older (27.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,328 Lower than 47 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Otter Tail County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 89 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fergus Falls, Perham, Pelican Rapids (Census, 1 July 2024).
Otter Tail County page → -
Pennington County
13,686 residents, 2,985 aged 65 or older (21.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,046 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pennington County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Thief River Falls, St. Hilaire, Goodridge (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pennington County page → -
Pine County
30,472 residents, 7,328 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,670 Lower than 39 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pine County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 49 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Pine City, Sandstone, Hinckley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pine County page → -
Pipestone County
9,260 residents, 2,139 aged 65 or older (23.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,663 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pipestone County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Pipestone, Edgerton, Jasper (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pipestone County page → -
Polk County
30,545 residents, 6,264 aged 65 or older (20.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.7 Cheaper than 70 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Grand Forks, ND-MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,172 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Polk County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.62 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 31 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: East Grand Forks, Crookston, Fosston (Census, 1 July 2024).
Polk County page → -
Pope County
11,420 residents, 3,144 aged 65 or older (27.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,344 Lower than 46 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pope County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.57 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 34 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,574 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Glenwood, Starbuck, Long Beach (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pope County page → -
Ramsey County
541,623 residents, 94,675 aged 65 or older (17.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,895 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 51 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.85 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,873 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ramsey County page → -
Red Lake County
3,940 residents, 919 aged 65 or older (23.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,149 Lower than 30 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Red Lake County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.00 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 19 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Red Lake Falls, Oklee, Plummer (Census, 1 July 2024).
Red Lake County page → -
Redwood County
15,265 residents, 3,540 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,143 Lower than 30 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Redwood County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Redwood Falls, Morgan, Lamberton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Redwood County page → -
Renville County
14,356 residents, 3,437 aged 65 or older (23.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,272 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Renville County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,970 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Olivia, Renville, Fairfax (Census, 1 July 2024).
Renville County page → -
Rice County
69,939 residents, 12,937 aged 65 or older (18.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,050 Lower than 32 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Rice County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.55 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 35 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Faribault, Northfield, Lonsdale (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rice County page → -
Rock County
9,524 residents, 2,248 aged 65 or older (23.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 90.6 Cheaper than 40 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Sioux Falls, SD-MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,126 Lower than 51 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Rock County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.25 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Luverne, Hills, Beaver Creek (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rock County page → -
Roseau County
15,246 residents, 3,374 aged 65 or older (22.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,034 Lower than 32 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Roseau County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.90 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 21 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,970 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Roseau, Warroad, Greenbush (Census, 1 July 2024).
Roseau County page → -
St. Louis County
200,518 residents, 46,919 aged 65 or older (23.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.8 Cheaper than 47 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Duluth, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,235 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 90 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.91 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 85 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,789 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Duluth, Hibbing, Hermantown (Census, 1 July 2024).
St. Louis County page → -
Scott County
159,017 residents, 23,324 aged 65 or older (14.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,175 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Scott County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 52 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,873 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake (Census, 1 July 2024).
Scott County page → -
Sherburne County
104,194 residents, 15,138 aged 65 or older (14.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,093 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sherburne County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 54 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,830 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Elk River, Big Lake, St. Cloud (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sherburne County page → -
Sibley County
15,356 residents, 3,330 aged 65 or older (21.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,485 Lower than 24 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sibley County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Gaylord, Arlington, Winthrop (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sibley County page → -
Stearns County
164,110 residents, 30,003 aged 65 or older (18.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.6 Cheaper than 62 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. St. Cloud, MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,155 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 89 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: St. Cloud, Sartell, Waite Park (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stearns County page → -
Steele County
37,464 residents, 7,769 aged 65 or older (20.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,872 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Steele County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.12 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 67 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,766 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Owatonna, Blooming Prairie, Medford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Steele County page → -
Stevens County
9,747 residents, 1,860 aged 65 or older (19.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,465 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Stevens County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.79 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 93 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Morris, Hancock, Chokio (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stevens County page → -
Swift County
9,763 residents, 2,439 aged 65 or older (25.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,651 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Swift County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,970 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Benson, Appleton, Kerkhoven (Census, 1 July 2024).
Swift County page → -
Todd County
26,060 residents, 5,967 aged 65 or older (22.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,985 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Todd County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,470 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Long Prairie, Staples, Browerville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Todd County page → -
Traverse County
3,130 residents, 875 aged 65 or older (28.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,099 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Traverse County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wheaton, Browns Valley, Dumont (Census, 1 July 2024).
Traverse County page → -
Wabasha County
21,537 residents, 5,480 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 90.8 Cheaper than 39 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Rochester, MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,332 Lower than 26 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wabasha County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.56 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 35 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,706 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lake City, Plainview, Wabasha (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wabasha County page → -
Wadena County
14,388 residents, 3,271 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,299 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wadena County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.94 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Wadena, Menahga, Staples (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wadena County page → -
Waseca County
18,688 residents, 4,015 aged 65 or older (21.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,771 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Waseca County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,766 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Waseca, Janesville, New Richland (Census, 1 July 2024).
Waseca County page → -
Washington County
286,895 residents, 53,948 aged 65 or older (18.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,099 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 1.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 98 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,873 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Oakdale (Census, 1 July 2024).
Washington County page → -
Watonwan County
11,459 residents, 2,384 aged 65 or older (20.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,309 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Watonwan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: St. James, Madelia, Butterfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Watonwan County page → -
Wilkin County
6,288 residents, 1,437 aged 65 or older (22.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,402 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wilkin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,634 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Breckenridge, Rothsay, Campbell (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wilkin County page → -
Winona County
50,523 residents, 10,702 aged 65 or older (21.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,886 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Winona County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.42 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 43 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,366 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Winona, Goodview, St. Charles (Census, 1 July 2024).
Winona County page → -
Wright County
157,559 residents, 24,527 aged 65 or older (15.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,081 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wright County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.21 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,058 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Otsego, St. Michael, Buffalo (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wright County page → -
Yellow Medicine County
9,477 residents, 2,311 aged 65 or older (24.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minnesota nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,278 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Yellow Medicine County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 49 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Granite Falls, Canby, Clarkfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Yellow Medicine County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where Minnesota stands, on the six criteria
Minnesota's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 4 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of Minnesota, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
98.6 Cheaper than 42% of the other 50 · housing 91.3 · goods 100.5 · utilities 90.8 · other services 100.2
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $4,213 (90% margin USD $4,199–$4,227) Lower than 34% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
66 % of residents 65+ Higher than 56% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
3.6 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 3.4–3.8) Lower than 76% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
4.9 months a year More than 66% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in Minnesota
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in Minnesota, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $5,873 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $18,637 in a bad year (from USD $17,570), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 14 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $5,669 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 9 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of Minnesota's 87 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025); 18 have no Advantage plan and are left out of that column.
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Minnesota uses its own Medigap plans (Basic, Basic with riders, Extended Basic), not the federal letters, and since August 1, 2026, guarantees issue, with a premium surcharge, to first-time Medigap buyers aged 65 to 70 applying October 15-December 7 or January 1-March 31. Minnesota's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in Minnesota: Minnesota Aging Pathways, 1-800-333-2433 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to Minnesota: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to Minnesota, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
None of Minnesota's six figures is in the top fifth of the states.
Cons
None of Minnesota's six figures is in the bottom fifth of the states.
Also shown, not scored
Minnesota's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of Minnesota — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
5,830,405 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
1,113,573 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
20.4 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in Minnesota
We apply Minnesota's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
Minnesota's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 9.85 % Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2025 Form M1 Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security subtraction (federal AGI up to USD $108,320, joint): 100 % of it Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2025 Schedule M1M and instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Standard deduction, married filing joint: USD $29,900 Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2025 Form M1 Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Additional standard deduction, 65 or older (USD $1,550 each): USD $1,550 per person, from age 65 Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2025 Form M1 Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
We don't cover a town in Minnesota yet. See the towns we cover in the United States.
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