Cost of Living in Beltrami County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Beltrami County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Beltrami County ranks #2,822 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Beltrami County, Minnesota
Beltrami stretches incomes further than most
Beltrami County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% exceeds the national average of 14.5%, reflecting the tension between modest local incomes ($67,257) and regional housing costs. The $991 median rent consumes a noticeably larger share of paychecks here than in most U.S. counties.
Above-average affordability stress in Minnesota
Beltrami's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% ranks among Minnesota's worst, beating only a handful of counties with similar challenges. The median rent of $991 sits above the state average of $915, while local incomes lag state peers, creating genuine affordability pressure.
Rents climb in Beltrami's region
Beltrami's $991 median rent surpasses nearby Big Stone ($718) and Aitkin ($912), though it undercuts Anoka's metro pricing. The affordability challenge here stems from higher regional rents meeting lower-than-average local incomes of $67,257.
Housing dominates household budgets
Renters pay $991 monthly while homeowners face $970 in mortgage costs, pushing combined housing expenses toward 29% of the $67,257 median income. For renters specifically, housing alone consumes 17.7% of income—notably above comfortable thresholds.
Weigh true costs before relocating
Beltrami offers small-town character and lower home values ($222,300), but factor in that housing costs consume a higher share of local incomes than most Minnesota counties. If you're considering a move here, verify that your income aligns with regional earnings levels to avoid the affordability crunch many residents face.
Cost of Living Advisory: Beltrami County
Affordability Verdict
Beltrami County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $991/month — about 17.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Beltrami County is $991/month, while owner costs run $970/month. Owning saves approximately $21/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,571/year. With a median household income of $67,257, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Beltrami County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Beltrami County sits 6% more expensive than Goodhue County ($939/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Beltrami County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,569
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.3%
of gross income
The median home in Beltrami County may be a stretch
Median home value is $222,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,775 vs. your max of $1,569.
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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