Cost of Living in Cook County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cook County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cook County ranks #464 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cook County, Minnesota
Cook balances rural charm with affordability
Cook County residents spend 14.8% of their $71,643 income on rent—just slightly above the national 14.5% benchmark—despite earning 4% below the national median. This modest premium for rural housing reflects reasonable regional value.
Near Minnesota's affordability center
Cook's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just 0.3 percentage points above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The county offers neither standout bargains nor particular strain.
Cook offers moderate rental middle ground
Cook's $886 median rent falls between cheaper Clearwater ($740) and Chippewa ($846) while exceeding Cass ($889) slightly. With home values of $294,000, Cook offers more expensive housing than its rural peers but remains accessible compared to suburban counties.
Balanced housing costs on modest wages
Cook renters pay $886 monthly while homeowners spend $1,053 against a $71,643 income, representing roughly 15-18% for housing. Both rental and ownership pathways remain proportional, though incomes remain the limiting factor.
Cook attracts nature-focused pragmatists
If you value access to Lake Superior, outdoor recreation, and small-town character without sacrificing housing affordability, Cook County delivers practical balance. This is authentic northeast Minnesota living at reasonable cost—ideal for relocators prioritizing quality of life over income growth.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cook County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cook County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $886/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $886/month rent versus $1,053/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $167/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,129/year. With a median household income of $71,643, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Cook County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cook County sits 6% less expensive than Goodhue County ($939/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cook County
Rent Burden
14.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,672
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.6%
of gross income
The median home in Cook County may be a stretch
Median home value is $294,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,347 vs. your max of $1,672.
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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