Cost of Living in Goodhue County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Goodhue County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Goodhue County ranks #1,808 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Goodhue County, Minnesota
Goodhue rents lean affordable nationally
Renters in Goodhue County spend 13.6% of household income on rent, well below the national affordability threshold of 30% and better than Minnesota's state average of 14.5%. The county's median household income of $82,749 outpaces the national median by $8,000, cushioning housing costs.
Mid-pack affordability across Minnesota
Goodhue ranks in the middle tier of Minnesota's 87 counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio nearly a point better than state average. At $939 monthly rent, the county charges $24 more than Minnesota's median but residents earn enough to absorb the difference comfortably.
Slightly pricier than nearby counties
Goodhue's $939 rent exceeds Houston County's $881 and Grant County's $779, but its residents earn higher incomes to match. Among southeastern Minnesota counties, Goodhue offers a balance of moderate housing costs and strong wage earning.
Housing eats 13–14% of income
Renters spend $939 monthly while homeowners commit $1,268, with the typical home valued at $269,400. Together, housing claims roughly 13.6% of the median $82,749 household income—leaving plenty of budget room for other essentials.
Strong wages, manageable housing costs
If you're comparing counties for affordability and income stability, Goodhue delivers above-average earnings with below-average housing burden. The county's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% ranks among Minnesota's most livable, making it an attractive relocation target for budget-conscious professionals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Goodhue County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Goodhue County is affordable. The median rent is $939/month against a median household income of $82,749, putting rent at 13.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Goodhue County pay $939/month on average, compared to $1,268/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 26%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,343/year. With a median household income of $82,749, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Goodhue County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Goodhue County sits 5% less expensive than Beltrami County ($991/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Goodhue County
Rent Burden
13.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,931
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.4%
of gross income
The median home in Goodhue County may be a stretch
Median home value is $269,400. Estimated monthly cost: $2,151 vs. your max of $1,931.
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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