Cost of Living in Aitkin County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Aitkin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Aitkin County, Minnesota
Aitkin's rent burden tops the nation
Aitkin County residents spend 18.4% of their income on rent, nearly 4 percentage points above the national average of 14.5%. While the median rent of $912 per month seems modest, it strains local household incomes that average $59,498—significantly lower than the national median of $74,755.
Middle-of-the-road in Minnesota affordability
Aitkin's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% places it above Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, signaling affordability pressures compared to most state counties. The median rent of $912 matches the state average nearly exactly, but lower incomes here create the real squeeze.
Tighter budgets than nearby counties
Aitkin's residents spend a larger share of income on housing than neighboring Becker County (15.2% rent-to-income ratio) and significantly more than Big Stone County (13.2%). Only Beltrami County (17.7%) comes close to Aitkin's affordability challenge in the region.
Where Aitkin incomes go
Renters here pay $912 monthly while homeowners face $838 in mortgage costs—both pulling hard on a median household income of $59,498. Combined, housing consumes roughly 30% of gross income for an average Aitkin household, well above the standard 28% benchmark.
Consider the total housing picture
If you're weighing a move to Aitkin, factor in that housing costs hit harder here than in neighboring counties like Becker or Big Stone due to lower local incomes. However, median home values of $235,100 remain accessible compared to state averages, making homeownership a potential long-term solution.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Aitkin County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,388
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
The median home in Aitkin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $235,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,877 vs. your max of $1,388.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.