Cost of Living in Cottonwood County, Minnesota

$765/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$154,000

Median Home Value

16% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$765/mo

16% below state average

Median Home Value

$154,000

45% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

22.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Cottonwood County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Cottonwood County$765/mo

Minnesota Average$915/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$765/mo

Median Gross Rent

$154,000

Median Home Value

$835/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

22.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Cottonwood County, Minnesota

Cottonwood rents remain affordable nationally

At 13.4%, Cottonwood County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their earnings on housing than typical Americans. This advantage reflects both modest rents—$765 monthly—and a stable income base of $68,239, though that trails the national median by $6,516.

Best rental affordability in Minnesota

Cottonwood County ranks among Minnesota's most affordable for renters, with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 14.5%. The county's $765 median rent is $150 less than Minnesota's average, making it a standout for budget-conscious households.

Southern Minnesota's affordability leader

Compared to nearby Faribault County ($837 rent) and Freeborn County ($837 rent), Cottonwood offers the lowest rental costs in the region while maintaining comparable incomes. Its $154,000 median home value is the most accessible for buyers among its southern Minnesota neighbors.

Housing takes modest 13.4% of income

Renters spend $765 monthly while homeowners pay $835, with both figures leaving substantial breathing room in Cottonwood's median $68,239 household budget. Together, housing represents only 13.4% of income for renters and 14.7% for owners—well within the sustainable 30% threshold.

Relocate here for genuine affordability

If you're priced out of Minnesota's metro areas, Cottonwood County delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing community stability or homeownership potential. Rent runs $150-170 below state average, and a $154,000 median home value makes ownership accessible on a modest income.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Cottonwood County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

13.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,592

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.7%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Cottonwood County

Median home value is $154,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,229 vs. your max of $1,592.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cottonwood County, Minnesota?

Cottonwood County, Minnesota has a median monthly rent of $765/mo and a median home value of $154,000. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 22.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Cottonwood County?

The median gross rent in Cottonwood County is $765/mo. This is 16% below state average for Minnesota.

Is Cottonwood County affordable?

Cottonwood County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 22.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Cottonwood County's rent compare to the state average?

Cottonwood County's median rent of $765/mo is 16% below state average of $915/mo for Minnesota.

What is the median home value in Cottonwood County?

The median home value in Cottonwood County, Minnesota is $154,000. This is 45% below the national median home value of $281,900.