Cost of Living in Freeborn County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Freeborn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Freeborn County ranks #1,850 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Freeborn County, Minnesota
Freeborn County tracks Minnesota's state average
At 14.6%, Freeborn County's rent-to-income ratio nearly mirrors Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, with renters paying $837 monthly on a $69,012 median income. This alignment places Freeborn squarely within state norms for affordability, neither advantaged nor disadvantaged regionally.
Freeborn sits at Minnesota's affordability median
Freeborn County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio closely matches Minnesota's 14.5% average, placing it in the middle tier of state counties surveyed. Its $837 median rent and $69,012 income are typical for southern Minnesota rural communities.
Freeborn outpaced by Fillmore and Dodge
Freeborn's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio trails nearby Fillmore (12.2%) and Dodge (13.0%), though it beats Faribault (15.6%) among southern Minnesota peers. The county's $837 rent is identical to Faribault's, but slightly lower incomes make affordability more stretched here.
14.6% of income goes to rent monthly
Renters allocate $837 monthly while homeowners spend $888 on a $69,012 median income, consuming 14.6% and 15.4% respectively. Both figures sit comfortably within the 30% affordability threshold, offering households reasonable flexibility for other expenses.
Freeborn offers solid, unremarkable stability
Freeborn County suits relocators seeking typical rural Minnesota affordability without standout advantages or drawbacks. Rent runs $837 and homeownership costs $888 monthly on a $69,012 income—middle-of-the-road housing costs with middle-of-the-road incomes.
Cost of Living Advisory: Freeborn County
Affordability Verdict
Freeborn County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $837/month representing approximately 14.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Freeborn County pay $837/month on average, compared to $888/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,057/year. With a median household income of $69,012, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Freeborn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Freeborn County is less affordable than Cass County by roughly 6% ($837/mo vs $889/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Freeborn County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,610
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Freeborn County
Median home value is $164,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,316 vs. your max of $1,610.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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