Blue Earth County, MN
69,631 residents · 748 sq mi · 93.1/sq mi · 34% rural
About Blue Earth County
Blue Earth County is a county in the state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 69,112. Its county seat is Mankato. The county is named for the Blue Earth River and for the deposits of blue-green clay once evident along the banks of the Blue Earth River. Blue Earth County is part of the Mankato-North Mankato metropolitan area.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural and urban amenities, with a population density of 93.1 people per square mile and 34% of the land considered rural. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 45.4°F, with summer highs averaging 82.3°F and winter lows around 6.4°F. The growing season is moderate, supported by 33.2 inches of rainfall annually and classified as USDA zone 6b, which can be beneficial for a variety of crops and self-sufficient living.
However, residents should be aware of significant natural hazards, including strong winds (FEMA rank 95) and severe winter weather (rank 94). The area also faces risks from cold waves (rank 93) and hail (rank 85), which could impact agricultural endeavors. While the violence percentile is low at 4/100, indicating a safer environment, the overall disaster percentile is higher at 72/100, suggesting potential vulnerabilities to various weather-related events.
This county may be a good fit for those who appreciate a balance of rural living with access to urban resources, particularly individuals or families seeking a safer environment for homesteading. However, those unprepared for harsh winter conditions or significant weather hazards may find this area challenging. The hidden gem here is the relatively low property tax rate of 0.99%, which could help ease financial burdens for new homesteaders.