Cost of Living in Dodge County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dodge County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dodge County ranks #737 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dodge County, Minnesota
Dodge County punches above its income class
At 13.0%, Dodge County's rent-to-income ratio is one of Minnesota's best, maintained by a median income of $92,943—24% above the national average. Renters spend $1,007 monthly, a premium over rural peers, yet the higher income makes the burden manageable.
Dodge County balances income and housing costs
Dodge County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Minnesota's most favorable, sitting well below the state average of 14.5% despite above-average rents. Its $92,943 median income—the third-highest among surveyed counties—offsets higher housing costs effectively.
Dodge leads southern Minnesota in affordability
Dodge's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio beats nearby Faribault (15.6%) and Freeborn (14.6%) counties, even though rents run $1,007 versus their $837. This advantage stems from Dodge's significantly higher median income of $92,943 compared to neighbors closer to $65,000-69,000.
Housing takes just 13% of household income
Renters commit $1,007 monthly while homeowners spend $1,405 on a median income of $92,943, consuming only 13.0% and 18.2% respectively. This favorable ratio reflects how median income growth in Dodge has outpaced housing cost inflation.
Dodge balances affordability with prosperity
Relocate to Dodge County if you want small-town living with genuine economic stability and accessible housing costs relative to income. Your $1,007 rent or $267,500 home purchase will consume less income here than in neighboring counties or Minnesota's metros.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dodge County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Dodge County is affordable. The median rent is $1,007/month against a median household income of $92,943, putting rent at 13.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,007/month rent versus $1,405/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $398/month cheaper — a 28% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $60,214/year. With a median household income of $92,943, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Dodge County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Itasca County where rent averages $944/month, Dodge County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dodge County
Rent Burden
13.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,169
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dodge County
Median home value is $267,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,136 vs. your max of $2,169.
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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