Cost of Living in Crow Wing County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Crow Wing County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Crow Wing County ranks #1,672 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Crow Wing rents stretch above national norms
At 16.2%, Crow Wing County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, signaling tighter housing affordability despite a solid median income of $71,343. Renters here pay $962 monthly—roughly $188 more than the national median household would typically spend—pushing toward the affordability ceiling.
Crow Wing ranks among Minnesota's pricier
With a 16.2% rent-to-income ratio, Crow Wing County sits above Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing it in the less affordable tier statewide. Its $962 median rent is $47 higher than the Minnesota average, reflecting stronger regional demand.
Central Minnesota's housing costs peak here
Crow Wing's $962 rent and $1,141 monthly owner costs significantly exceed nearby Cottonwood ($765 rent, $835 owner cost) and Douglas County ($896 rent, $1,240 owner cost). The county's $274,400 median home value also reflects its position as a regional economic hub with higher demand.
16.2% of income goes to rent alone
Renters dedicate $962 monthly to housing on a $71,343 median income, while homeowners commit $1,141—together totaling 16.2% and 19.2% of income respectively. This distribution leaves less discretionary income than state averages, though still within acceptable limits.
Crow Wing offers value for metro-adjacent living
Moving to Crow Wing from the Twin Cities metro can save you hundreds monthly while maintaining regional job access and amenities. At $962 for rent and $274,400 for home purchase, you're paying a premium for proximity—but less than urban alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Crow Wing County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Crow Wing County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $962/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Crow Wing County pay $962/month on average, compared to $1,141/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,900/year. With a median household income of $71,343, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Crow Wing County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Crow Wing County is more affordable than Mille Lacs County by roughly 6% ($962/mo vs $909/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Crow Wing County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,665
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.2%
of gross income
The median home in Crow Wing County may be a stretch
Median home value is $274,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,191 vs. your max of $1,665.
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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