Cost of Living in Blue Earth County, Minnesota

$1,076/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$252,800

Median Home Value

18% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,076/mo

18% above state average

Median Home Value

$252,800

10% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Blue Earth County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Blue Earth County$1,076/mo

Minnesota Average$915/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,076/mo

Median Gross Rent

$252,800

Median Home Value

$1,229/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Blue Earth County, Minnesota

Blue Earth faces affordability pressure

Blue Earth County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% ranks among the highest in this analysis, exceeding the national average of 14.5% by over 3 percentage points. At $1,076 monthly rent, this county charges premium prices relative to local household incomes of $72,623.

Above Minnesota's affordability average

Blue Earth County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio places it among Minnesota's least affordable counties, significantly above the state average of 14.5%. The $1,076 median rent is the highest in this county set, straining local budgets despite respectable household incomes.

Premium rents for a regional center

Blue Earth's $1,076 median rent far exceeds rural neighbors like Big Stone ($718), Becker ($899), and Aitkin ($912), though it undercuts metro areas like Anoka ($1,396). This pricing reflects Blue Earth's status as a regional commercial hub with higher-demand housing.

Housing dominates Blue Earth budgets

Renters here pay $1,076 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,229—the second-highest owner costs in this county set—on a $72,623 median income. Combined, housing approaches 32% of household income, leaving limited funds for other necessities and savings.

Premium pricing for regional convenience

Blue Earth offers more amenities and job diversity than rural peers, but expect to pay a premium: median rents and homeowner costs are among the state's highest outside metro areas. If you're relocating here, secure employment at or above median income—otherwise housing costs will strain your budget significantly.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Blue Earth County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.8%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,695

per month

Owner Cost Burden

20.3%

of gross income

The median home in Blue Earth County may be a stretch

Median home value is $252,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,018 vs. your max of $1,695.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.8%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Blue Earth County, Minnesota?

Blue Earth County, Minnesota has a median monthly rent of $1,076/mo and a median home value of $252,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Blue Earth County?

The median gross rent in Blue Earth County is $1,076/mo. This is 18% above state average for Minnesota.

Is Blue Earth County affordable?

Blue Earth County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Blue Earth County's rent compare to the state average?

Blue Earth County's median rent of $1,076/mo is 18% above state average of $915/mo for Minnesota.

What is the median home value in Blue Earth County?

The median home value in Blue Earth County, Minnesota is $252,800. This is 10% below the national median home value of $281,900.