Roseau County
MN · Pop. 15,301 · Rural County
Roseau County, Minnesota covers 1,672 square miles with a population of 15,301 and a density of 9.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $177,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.93%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 3b with a 131-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.9°F and average winter lows of -1.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 24.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Lifecare Medical Center is 6.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.4% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.93% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $177,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 96.4% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Lifecare Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 6.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 131-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of -1.6°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Roseau County, MN is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 42/100
- Median home price
- $177k
- Property tax
- 0.93%
- Growing season
- 131 days (zone 3b)
- Annual rainfall
- 24.5"
- Broadband
- 96.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Lifecare Medical Center, 6.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Roseau County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Roseau County?
- Roseau County is in USDA hardiness zone 3b with a 131-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.9°F, and average winter lows of -1.6°F. The established crops are wheat, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $177,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.93%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.4% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Lifecare Medical Center is 6.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Minnesota Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Minnesota
All Minnesota countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Roseau County by distance, including across state lines.
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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.