Cost of Living in Cass County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cass County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cass County ranks #848 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cass County, Minnesota
Cass County's affordability challenge
Cass County residents spend 16.4% of their income on rent—well above the national benchmark of 14.5%—despite earning $64,937, which is 13% below the national median. This mismatch marks Cass as one of the tighter affordability spots in the region.
Minnesota's affordability strain point
Cass County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Minnesota, exceeding the state average by 1.9 percentage points. The county sits in the lower-income tier while facing rental costs that capture disproportionate household budgets.
Lower rents, but also lower incomes
While Cass's median rent of $889 undercuts Carlton ($967) and Clay ($1,000), residents earn less too—$64,937 versus Carlton's $80,042. This unfavorable income-to-cost ratio makes Cass renters stretch harder despite cheaper absolute rent prices.
Housing consumes more income here
Cass renters pay $889 monthly while homeowners spend $954, together consuming roughly 16-18% of the median $64,937 income. The affordability crunch hits renters hardest, who devote 16.4% to housing alone.
Cass demands budget-conscious planning
Relocating to Cass County requires careful financial discipline—housing will claim a larger income share than regional norms suggest comfortable. If you're seeking the lowest absolute rents and can manage tighter budgets, Cass offers opportunity; otherwise, neighboring counties provide better margins.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cass County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cass County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $889/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $889/month rent versus $954/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $65/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,886/year. With a median household income of $64,937, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Cass County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Faribault County where rent averages $837/month, Cass County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cass County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,515
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.6%
of gross income
The median home in Cass County may be a stretch
Median home value is $262,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,094 vs. your max of $1,515.
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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