Cost of Living in Benton County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benton County ranks #2,469 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benton County, Minnesota
Benton balances income and housing costs
Benton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% edges above the national average of 14.5%, but household incomes of $71,480 nearly match the national median of $74,755. The $917 median rent remains affordable in absolute terms, though homeowner costs of $1,295 pull the total housing burden higher.
Moderate affordability among Minnesota counties
Benton County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it in the middle range of county affordability. Local incomes support this positioning reasonably well, avoiding the extreme pressures seen in some rural peers.
Competitive rents in central Minnesota
Benton's $917 median rent nearly matches Big Stone County ($718) and Becker County ($899), making it competitively priced within the region. However, homeowner costs of $1,295 exceed most neighbors, suggesting higher property values and ownership premiums.
Ownership carries the heavier burden
Renters here pay $917 monthly while homeowners face $1,295—a $378 gap that reflects the county's median home value of $247,100. Combined housing expenses consume roughly 31% of the $71,480 median household income, with ownership pulling the average upward.
Consider renting before buying
Benton County offers reasonable rental affordability, but prospective homebuyers should plan carefully for the $1,295 monthly owner costs. If you're relocating here and considering purchase, ensure your income comfortably exceeds the median to avoid the ownership premium that strains household budgets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Benton County is affordable. The median rent is $917/month against a median household income of $71,480, putting rent at 15.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Benton County is $917/month, while owner costs run $1,295/month. Renting saves approximately $378/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $55,500/year. With a median household income of $71,480, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Benton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Benton County sits 6% more expensive than Winona County ($866/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benton County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,668
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.7%
of gross income
The median home in Benton County may be a stretch
Median home value is $247,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,973 vs. your max of $1,668.
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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