New Ranking Reveals the Absolute Best Places to Live in Minnesota

Every year, Niche releases its rankings of the best places to live in Minnesota, and every year I do the exact same thing: skip straight to see where Rochester lands.

The 2026 list is officially here, and once again, it ranks counties across the state based on things like schools, safety, jobs, cost of living, and local amenities.

Spoiler alert: Olmsted County made the Top 10 once again!

The only question is... just how high is Rochester's home county this year?

Let's start the countdown.

10. Stevens County
Overall Niche Grade: A-

Kicking off the list is Stevens County. It may be one of the smaller counties in Minnesota, with fewer than 10,000 residents, but apparently good things come in small packages. Niche gives it high marks for its public schools and overall quality of life.

9. Clay County
Overall Niche Grade: A-

Clay County is home to Moorhead and made the top 10 thanks to its family-friendly feel and solid opportunities for young professionals. It also helps that residents seem pretty happy calling it home.

8. Cook County
Overall Niche Grade: A

If you've ever spent time along the North Shore, this one probably doesn't surprise you. Cook County earned the title of Minnesota's best county for outdoor activities, making it a dream spot for anyone who'd rather be hiking, fishing, or exploring than sitting inside.

7. Scott County
Overall Niche Grade: A

Scott County came in 7th because of its excellent public schools and strong rankings for families.

6. Carver County
Overall Niche Grade: A.

Carver County checks a lot of boxes. Great schools, plenty of parks, and a strong local economy helped push it into the 6th spot this year.

5. Dakota County
Overall Niche Grade: A+

Cracking the Top 5 is Dakota County, where Niche says residents enjoy a great mix of outdoor recreation, highly rated schools, and plenty of amenities. It also ranks among the healthiest counties in the state.

4. Ramsey County
Niche Overall Grade: A+

Ramsey County is proof that city living has its perks. It ranks as Minnesota's best county for young professionals and one of the most diverse places in the state, with no shortage of things to do year-round.

3. Washington County
Overall Niche Grade: A+

Niche gives it high marks for families, outdoor activities, and public schools..

2. Olmsted County
Niche Overall Grade: A+

And here's the one we've all been waiting for.

Olmsted County once again finds itself near the very top of the rankings, coming in as the second-best county to live in all of Minnesota.

According to Niche, it shines thanks to its excellent healthcare (shocker), highly rated schools, strong job market, and overall quality of life.

1. Hennepin County
Niche Overall Grade: A+

Claiming the top spot for 2026 is Hennepin County.

From job opportunities and entertainment to restaurants, parks, and just about every amenity you could ask for, it's easy to see why Niche put it at the top spot!