Cost of Living in Clay County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clay County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clay County ranks #2,402 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clay County, Minnesota
Clay's rents edge above comfort zone
Clay County residents spend 15.4% of their $77,664 income on rent—exceeding the national 14.5% benchmark by nearly a percentage point. While not severe, this ratio suggests tighter housing budgets than national norms.
Above Minnesota's affordability average
Clay's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it in the upper tier of housing cost burden. The county's modest income relative to regional peers contributes to this strain.
Clay costs more than most peers
Clay's $1,000 median rent exceeds Carlton ($967), Chippewa ($846), Clearwater ($740), and Cook ($886), positioning it among the pricier counties for renters. Combined with lower incomes than Carver or Chisago, Clay renters face steeper affordability challenges.
Housing claims notable income share
With $1,000 rent and $1,376 monthly owner costs on a $77,664 income, Clay residents dedicate roughly 15-21% to housing. The ratio suggests less discretionary income than regional counterparts earn.
Clay suits careful middle-income planners
Clay County works best for relocators earning $75,000–$90,000 who prioritize job access to the Fargo–Moorhead corridor over maximum affordability. Budget conscious households might find better margins in neighboring counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clay County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Clay County is affordable. The median rent is $1,000/month against a median household income of $77,664, putting rent at 15.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clay County is $1,000/month, while owner costs run $1,376/month. Renting saves approximately $376/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $58,971/year. With a median household income of $77,664, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Clay County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clay County sits 6% more expensive than Itasca County ($944/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clay County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,812
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.3%
of gross income
The median home in Clay County may be a stretch
Median home value is $256,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,044 vs. your max of $1,812.
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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