Redwood County, Minnesota

County Distress Index: Healthy · 32.9 | 15,288 people · 37th most distressed in Minnesota
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Redwood County, MN ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 32.9 — 2586th 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 37th of 87 counties. Its score is in the middle of its 6 neighboring counties.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Redwood County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 61.2 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 61.2
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 56
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 87
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 52
Homeownership Rate 20
Structural Poverty 35.9
Unemployment Rate 58
Poverty Rate 37
Income vs. State Median 52
Child Poverty Rate 29
Disability Rate 24
Transfer Income Dependency 19
Economic Vitality 28.3
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 19
Rent-to-Income Ratio 8
Business Formation Rate 79
House Price Change (YoY) 37
Consumer Credit Distress 22.1
Debt in Collections 18
Medical Debt 14
Auto Loan Delinquency 5
Credit Card Delinquency 48
Uninsured Rate 39
Subprime Credit Population 19
Legal Distress 17.4
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 17

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Redwood County
Redwood County, MN 32.9 Healthy —
Renville County, MN 33.8 Healthy +0.9
Cottonwood County, MN 33.7 Healthy +0.8
Lyon County, MN 33.4 Healthy +0.5
Brown County, MN 29.2 Healthy -3.7
Yellow Medicine County, MN 22.0 Healthy -10.9
Murray County, MN 18.0 Healthy -14.9

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Redwood County
Shawano County, WI 32.9 Healthy -0.0
Huron County, MI 33.0 Healthy +0.1
Carlton County, MN 32.8 Healthy -0.1
Ralls County, MO 32.8 Healthy -0.1
Auglaize County, OH 33.0 Healthy +0.1

Download Data

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

Find Help in Redwood County

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 Redwood 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Redwood County has a County Distress Index score of 32.9 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,586th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 37th in Minnesota out of 87 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Redwood County?

    The primary driver of distress in Redwood County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 61.2 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Redwood County compare to neighboring counties?

    Redwood County (32.9) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Renville County, MN (33.8); Cottonwood County, MN (33.7); Lyon County, MN (33.4).

  • 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). Redwood County's score of 32.9 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

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

    Redwood 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 Redwood County?

    Redwood County, Minnesota has a population of approximately 15,288 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.