RANK #138 / 996 · POP 69,022 · MN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.5%
Blue Earth County, Minnesota, stands out for its namesake, the Blue Earth River, known for its distinctive blue-green clay that once drew French explorers. Located in south-central Minnesota, with Mankato as its county seat, the area is about an hour and a half drive south of Minneapolis. The community offers a blend of agricultural landscapes and natural beauty, including numerous rivers, over 30 lakes, and wooded bluffs, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking and camping. Commutes within the county are generally manageable, with several transit options available, including a dial-a-ride service connecting its various towns.
Life in Blue Earth County offers a quieter pace, appealing to families and those seeking a close-knit community. Public schools in the county are generally well-regarded. The economy is diverse, with agriculture remaining a core industry, particularly in hog, corn, and soybean production. Beyond agriculture, the county serves as a regional center for education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Recent economic developments include investments in energy efficiency across county facilities and broader initiatives to support local businesses and housing.
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Wilmarth - Fieldon 345.0kV Solar Project
None
|
$299M | Planned |
|
AAIM Minnesota 1 Data Center Expansion
AAIM Data Centers
|
$150M | Under Construction |
|
SunStar Solar Project (Verona Township)
Invenergy Solar
|
$150M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Blue Earth County has a Boom Town Index score of 86/100, ranking #138 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.5% and a median household income of $70,906, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Blue Earth County is $239,200 with median rent at $1,007/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2964, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.5%. Home values changed +4.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.62% of Blue Earth County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.