Cost of Living in Douglas County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Douglas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Douglas County ranks #921 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Douglas County, Minnesota
Douglas County keeps rents below national stress
At 13.9%, Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Minnesota's state average and well within comfort zones, supported by a median income of $77,264. Renters pay $896 monthly—notably below state average—making Douglas attractive for budget-conscious movers.
Douglas County near Minnesota's affordability mean
Douglas County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio tracks closely to Minnesota's 14.5% average, positioning it as solidly middle-ground statewide. Its $896 median rent runs $19 below the state average, though home values climb higher due to regional demand.
Douglas bridges rural and metro costs
Douglas's $896 rent and $291,700 home value position it between affordable southern counties like Cottonwood ($765 rent, $154,000 homes) and expensive metro counties like Dakota ($1,497 rent, $362,100 homes). This middle ground reflects its role as a regional hub with moderate growth pressure.
13.9% for rent, 19.3% for homeownership
Renters spend $896 monthly while homeowners commit $1,240 on a $77,264 median income, allocating 13.9% and 19.3% to housing respectively. Homeownership costs run notably higher here, reflecting the elevated $291,700 median home value relative to income.
Douglas offers balanced regional opportunity
Douglas County suits relocators seeking neither rural isolation nor metro intensity—you'll find reasonable rents at $896 and manageable home prices near $291,700. The 13.9% rent-to-income ratio leaves room for savings while maintaining access to regional amenities and employment.
Cost of Living Advisory: Douglas County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Douglas County is affordable. The median rent is $896/month against a median household income of $77,264, putting rent at 13.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Douglas County is $896/month, while owner costs run $1,240/month. Renting saves approximately $344/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,143/year. With a median household income of $77,264, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Douglas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Douglas County sits 6% more expensive than Kandiyohi County ($843/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,803
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.3%
of gross income
The median home in Douglas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $291,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,329 vs. your max of $1,803.
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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