Cost of Living in Chippewa County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chippewa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chippewa County ranks #632 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Chippewa County, Minnesota
Chippewa delivers genuine affordability
Chippewa County residents spend just 14.7% of their $69,192 income on rent—nearly matching the national standard of 14.5%—while paying only $846 monthly. This exceptional value proposition holds despite below-national median incomes.
Minnesota's most affordable option here
Chippewa County's median rent of $846 is the lowest among these eight counties, and its 14.7% rent-to-income ratio sits virtually at the state average. The county punches above its weight in affordability despite modest local incomes.
Chippewa undercuts every comparable county
Chippewa's $846 rent beats Clearwater ($740) in absolute cost, but Clearwater residents enjoy a 13.7% ratio. Carlton ($967), Clay ($1,000), and all more urban neighbors charge substantially more, making Chippewa among the region's most economical.
Balanced housing burden on modest wages
With $846 rent and $936 monthly owner costs against a $69,192 income, Chippewa residents allocate roughly 15-16% to housing. Both renters and buyers find reasonable proportions, though incomes remain the county's constraint.
Chippewa is the budget-friendly choice
If housing affordability is your priority and you can adapt to a smaller job market and rural character, Chippewa County delivers the best rent-to-income ratio in this group. Your housing dollar stretches furthest here, freeing budget for other priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chippewa County
Affordability Verdict
Chippewa County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $846/month representing approximately 14.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Chippewa County pay $846/month on average, compared to $936/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,114/year. With a median household income of $69,192, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Chippewa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Chippewa County sits 6% less expensive than Becker County ($899/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chippewa County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,614
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Chippewa County
Median home value is $149,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,190 vs. your max of $1,614.
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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