In June of 2022, U.S. News and World Report, in partnership with CVS Health, released rankings on the healthiest counties in the United States. Pennington County in Minnesota earned a rank of #54 in a peer group of “rural, high-performing counties” and had an overall ranking of #196.

Counties from across the United States were ranked on a series of health measures including population health, equity, education, economy, housing, food nutrition, environment, public safety, community vitality, and infrastructure.

Pennington County achieved a score of 70 on population health, which assesses access to care, healthy behaviors, health conditions, mental health and resulting health outcomes within communities.

Pennington County achieved a score of 75 on equity. This category assesses income, education, health and social equality to determine how well all members of a community are afforded the opportunity to live a productive, healthy life.

The County achieved a high score of 78 on Food and Nutrition. The food and nutrition category tracks the availability and use of healthy foods in a community, as well as the prevalence of chronic diseases that have been linked to poor nutrition.

The County achieved a score of 75 on Housing. The housing category tracks the availability, affordability and quality of homes within a community.

To view the scores for each category, check out the full report card on U.S. News and World Report.

The Perfect Balance

With a population of 8,722, the City of Thief River Falls (located in Pennington County) is small enough to be friendly, but large enough to offer the amenities people demand. It is the kind of community that people want to live and work in. It is central to the Northwest Minnesota region, set amid agricultural land and pristine wilderness, a desirable place for people who enjoy outdoor recreational pursuits.

Located at the juncture of two rivers, the Thief River and the Red Lake River, outdoor recreational opportunities like fishing, kayaking, and  River Walk can be accessed within City boundaries. A short drive will take you to Agassiz Wildlife Refuge, which features 61,000 acres of pristine wilderness, or to Lake of the Woods, an internationally acclaimed fishing destination.

First-class Infrastructure and amenities have created the perfect environment for business and industry to thrive here. In fact, a 2022 report found that seventy percent of our employers are planning for new investments in their facilities or equipment within the next year.

Thief River Falls Airport is the third busiest cargo airport in Minnesota and a 45-minute flight will take commuters to/from Minneapolis via Denver Air. Major highways connect the community to the interstate transportation system. The local education system is unparalleled, providing the opportunity to pursue in-demand career paths. Broadband infrastructure is multi-layered and very robust, offering extreme internet speed throughout the community and the County. Sanford Medical Center built a state-of-the-art facility in 2014, serving as a health and wellness hub for the entire region.

More Information

Visit Thief River Falls

Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce

Thief River Falls Education Foundation

Sanford Medical Center