Cost of Living in Brown County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brown County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brown County ranks #563 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brown County, Minnesota
Brown County approaches national norms
Brown County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits between the national average (14.5%) and the most strained counties, reflecting moderate affordability pressure. With median rent of $931 and household incomes of $68,690—slightly below the national median of $74,755—local residents feel the squeeze somewhat.
Slightly above Minnesota's affordability line
Brown County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% state average, indicating above-average affordability pressure within the state. The $931 median rent sits modestly above the state average of $915, while local incomes lag state peers.
Mid-range costs in southern Minnesota
Brown County's $931 rent places it between Big Stone ($718) and Blue Earth ($1,076), offering moderate pricing within the region. Home values here are the lowest in this county set at $181,700, providing an affordability offset for prospective homeowners.
Ownership is the better deal
Renters pay $931 monthly while homeowners face just $901—an unusual reversal where ownership costs less than renting on a $68,690 median income. For homebuyers, this county's low property values ($181,700) make ownership highly accessible relative to rental markets.
A buyer's market in southern Minnesota
Brown County's remarkably low home values ($181,700) make it an excellent choice for renters ready to buy, as ownership costs less than renting here. If you're relocating and can access homeownership financing, Brown County delivers genuine value unavailable in most Minnesota markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brown County
Affordability Verdict
Brown County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $931/month representing approximately 16.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $931/month rent versus $901/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $30/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,614/year. With a median household income of $68,690, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Brown County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pine County where rent averages $873/month, Brown County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brown County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,603
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Brown County
Median home value is $181,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,451 vs. your max of $1,603.
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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