Cost of Living in Clearwater County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clearwater County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clearwater County ranks #254 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clearwater County, Minnesota
Clearwater offers rural affordability value
Clearwater County residents spend just 13.7% of their $64,934 income on rent, beating the national 14.5% benchmark despite earning 13% below the national median. This rural county punches above its economic weight in housing value.
Among Minnesota's most affordable
Clearwater's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Minnesota, sitting below the state average of 14.5%. Combined with the lowest median rent in this group at $740, Clearwater exemplifies rural affordability.
Clearwater undercuts even cheaper counties
Clearwater's $740 median rent is the absolute lowest among these eight counties, and its 13.7% ratio bests even Chisago's premium-priced 13.6%. The trade-off: rural isolation and limited employment diversity compared to regional centers.
Extreme affordability on modest income
Clearwater residents pay just $740 rent and $887 monthly owner costs from a $64,934 income, allocating roughly 13-16% to housing. This leaves substantial room in tight household budgets.
Clearwater for remote workers and retirees
If you work remotely or are retired with a modest but stable income, Clearwater County offers unbeatable housing value with minimal affordability strain. The tradeoff is rural character and distance from major services—ideal for those seeking lower cost of living over urban convenience.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clearwater County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Clearwater County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $740/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clearwater County is $740/month, while owner costs run $887/month. Renting saves approximately $147/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,014/year. With a median household income of $64,934, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Clearwater County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clearwater County sits 8% more expensive than Lincoln County ($688/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clearwater County
Rent Burden
13.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,515
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clearwater County
Median home value is $177,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,414 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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