Lake County
MN · Pop. 10,911 · Rural County
Lake County, Minnesota covers 2,109 square miles with a population of 10,911 and a density of 5.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on haylage, hay, beans. A median home price of $223,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.75% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 3b with a 136-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.4°F and average winter lows of 4°F. Annual rainfall averages 31.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Ely Bloomenson Comm Hospital is 34 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.4% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.75% holds annual carrying costs down.
- At 5.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low poverty rate of 8.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 136-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The nearest hospital, Ely Bloomenson Comm Hospital, is 34 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 4°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Lake County, MN is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 48/100
- Median home price
- $223k
- Property tax
- 0.75%
- Growing season
- 136 days (zone 3b)
- Annual rainfall
- 31.8"
- Broadband
- 85.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Ely Bloomenson Comm Hospital, 34 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lake County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lake County?
- Lake County is in USDA hardiness zone 3b with a 136-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.4°F, and average winter lows of 4°F. The established crops are haylage, hay, beans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $223,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.75%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Ely Bloomenson Comm Hospital is 34 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Minnesota Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Minnesota
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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