Major cities or towns:

Pine City
Sandstone
Hinckley
Pine County, Minnesota is a rural county located in the eastern part of the state. The geography is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous lakes and rivers, providing abundant natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The population is around 30,000, with a median age slightly higher than the national average, indicating an older demographic. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture, forestry, and tourism, with some manufacturing and healthcare also present. The cost of living is relatively low compared to the national average, and the housing market offers affordable options, though job opportunities can be limited. The education system includes several public school districts, with no major universities within the county, though nearby options are available. Healthcare facilities are limited, with the nearest major hospitals located in larger cities outside the county. Cultural attractions are modest, focused on outdoor recreation, local festivals, and small-town charm. Outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and water sports are popular. The transportation infrastructure is adequate, with a network of state and county roads, but public transit options are limited. Crime rates are generally low, contributing to a safe, close-knit community atmosphere, though access to certain amenities and services may be more challenging due to the rural nature of the county.

Demographics

Population

30K

Ethnicity %

White
88
Black
2
Asian
1
Hispanic
3

Median Age

45

Density

2 of 10

21 / Mile²

Avg Family Size

3.0

Religious

55%

Foreign Born

9%

Veterans

6.1%

Adult Smokers

23%

Adult Obesity

37%

Uninsured

8%

Excessive Drinking

24%

Poverty Rate

9.3%

Weather

Sunlight

4.5 hours winter dailyLeast sunny

Summer average temp

88°F

Winter max temp

25°F

Precipitation

29 in.

Snowfall (inches)

51.1 (high)

Drought risk

Low

Earthquake risk

Very Low

Wildfire risk

Low

Tornado risk

Low

Hurricane risk

Negligible

Crime

Rank: 5.6 of 10

(crimes per 1,000 people yearly)

Violent

4 (2.6)

Property

10 (48)

Assault

4 (1.9)

Larceny (theft)

9 (34)

Robbery

3 (0.3)

Burglary

9 (11.1)

Rape

5 (0.41)

Auto Theft

10 (3.6)

Murder

1 (0.00)

Arson

4 (0.17)

Driving deaths involving alcohol

34%

Politics and Law

State politics

Blue (Democrat)

Abortion laws

Legal at any stage

Marijuana laws

Legal for medical use

Gun Laws

Permit required for open and concealed carry

Democrat

34%

Republican

64%

State Tax Burden

9.99%

Cigarette Tax

$3.04

Jobs

Income (per capita)

$45,538

Unemployment

6.4%

Employment

65%

Hours worked

40.2

Outdoors

Natural Amenities

2.6 / 10

Water Area

1.64%

Near park?

64%

Beaches

1-3 hours

Mountains

Not near mountains

Tree Area

62%

Housing

Home Ownership

73%

Median Home Price

$264K

Average Rent

$781

Internet over 25mbps

55%

Transportation

Walkability

unknown

Cycling

unknown

Public Transit

unknown

Major Airport

>2 hours

Average Commute Time

30

Education

K-12 Test Scores

5 of 10  

(avg: -0.03)

College graduates

15%

Culture

Arts scene

unknown

Food awards per 100k

unknown