Becker County, Minnesota

County Distress Index: Healthy · 30.7 | 35,283 people · 51st most distressed in Minnesota
American Default Research

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Becker County, MN ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 30.7 — 2718th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing costs consume a moderate share of household income. Within Minnesota, it ranks 51st of 87 counties. Among its 7 neighboring counties, 5 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Becker County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 53.8 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 53.8
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 58
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 53
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 76
Homeownership Rate 30
Structural Poverty 49.9
Unemployment Rate 93
Poverty Rate 36
Income vs. State Median 49
Child Poverty Rate 33
Disability Rate 37
Transfer Income Dependency 56
Legal Distress 42.9
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 43
Economic Vitality 30.9
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 32
Rent-to-Income Ratio 13
Business Formation Rate 57
House Price Change (YoY) 26
Consumer Credit Distress 12.5
Debt in Collections 12
Medical Debt 20
Auto Loan Delinquency 3
Credit Card Delinquency 6
Uninsured Rate 35
Subprime Credit Population 14

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Becker County
Becker County, MN 30.7 Healthy —
Mahnomen County, MN 48.0 Normal +17.3
Clay County, MN 43.0 Normal +12.3
Wadena County, MN 41.7 Normal +11.0
Hubbard County, MN 36.4 Normal +5.7
Norman County, MN 35.1 Normal +4.4
Clearwater County, MN 28.4 Healthy -2.3
Otter Tail County, MN 26.8 Healthy -3.9

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Becker County
Camden County, NC 30.8 Healthy +0.0
Pend Oreille County, WA 30.7 Healthy -0.0
Franklin County, IN 30.7 Healthy -0.1
Emery County, UT 30.7 Healthy -0.1
Marinette County, WI 30.8 Healthy +0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Becker County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Becker County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Becker County.

WHITE EARTH INVESTMENT INITIATIVE
Detroit Lakes
218-844-7029 Website
Home Improvement/RehabPre-PurchaseHomebuyer EducationRental Help

See all counselors in Minnesota →

Find an Attorney

Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral 612-278-6333

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Becker County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis 612-334-5970
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid 612-332-1441
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services 1-888-575-2954
Central Minnesota Legal Services, Inc. (612) 334-5970
Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (800) 933-1112
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota Corporation (800) 450-8585

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

Need legal help? Find a foreclosure defense attorney in Minnesota →

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Becker County, Minnesota?

    Becker County has a County Distress Index score of 30.7 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,718th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 51st in Minnesota out of 87 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Becker County?

    The primary driver of distress in Becker County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 53.8 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Becker County compare to neighboring counties?

    Becker County (30.7) can be compared to its 7 neighboring counties: Mahnomen County, MN (48.0); Clay County, MN (43.0); Wadena County, MN (41.7).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Becker County's score of 30.7 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Becker County's CDI score?

    Becker County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Becker County?

    Becker County, Minnesota has a population of approximately 35,283 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.