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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Aitkin County ranks #1,266 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Aitkin County
Affordability Verdict
Aitkin County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $912/month — about 18.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $912/month rent versus $838/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $74/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,914/year. With a median household income of $59,498, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Aitkin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sibley County where rent averages $858/month, Aitkin County is approximately 6% more expensive.
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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