Cost of Living in Big Stone County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Big Stone County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Big Stone County ranks #102 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Big Stone County, Minnesota
Big Stone County leads in affordability
Big Stone County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% sits below both the national average (14.5%) and most state peers, making it Minnesota's most affordable county for renters. With a median rent of just $718 and household incomes of $65,475, housing costs consume the smallest share of income in this analysis.
Minnesota's most affordable housing market
Big Stone County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's best for affordability, beating Minnesota's 14.5% average by over a full percentage point. The $718 median rent is the lowest in this county set, reflecting Big Stone's rural character and lower cost of living.
The clear regional affordability leader
Big Stone's $718 median rent dramatically undercuts every neighboring county: Aitkin ($912), Benton ($917), Becker ($899), and Blue Earth ($1,076). This county's rural isolation delivers genuine housing bargains unavailable in more developed regions.
Housing leaves room in the budget
Renters pay just $718 monthly while homeowners face $750—the lowest combined housing costs in this county set—on a $65,475 median income. This leaves Big Stone households roughly 22% of income for non-housing expenses, providing genuine financial breathing room.
Affordability champion for budget movers
Big Stone County is ideal if housing affordability is your priority: median rents and home values ($135,700) are the lowest available in Minnesota. Factor in that job markets and amenities are more limited here—the trade-off for this affordability advantage is geographic and economic isolation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Big Stone County
Affordability Verdict
Big Stone County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $718/month representing approximately 13.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $718/month rent versus $750/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $32/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,143/year. With a median household income of $65,475, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Big Stone County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Big Stone County is less affordable than Koochiching County by roughly 7% ($718/mo vs $774/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Big Stone County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,528
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Big Stone County
Median home value is $135,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,083 vs. your max of $1,528.
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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