Cost of Living in Grant County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Grant County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Grant County ranks #204 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Grant County, Minnesota
Grant County leads on rental affordability
Grant County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% ranks among Minnesota's best and beats the national affordability standard of 30% by a wide margin. Residents spend just $779 monthly on rent—nearly $100 below state average—while earning close to the national median income.
Minnesota's most affordable county
With a 12.8% rent-to-income ratio, Grant County outperforms nearly every other Minnesota county, sitting well below the state's 14.5% average. The county's combination of low rents and stable incomes creates one of Minnesota's strongest affordability profiles.
Deepest discounts in the region
At $779 monthly, Grant County rents undercut all comparable counties—Jackson at $736 and Goodhue at $939 offer different trade-offs, but Grant's $72,957 median income makes its rents most attainable. Among its peer group, Grant delivers exceptional value.
Rent and mortgages stay lean
Grant County renters pay $779 while homeowners commit $929 monthly, with homes averaging $178,600—the region's lowest. Housing totals just 12.8% of the $72,957 median household income, leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending.
Affordability champion of Minnesota
If cost of living is your priority, Grant County is Minnesota's standout—lowest rents, low home values, and a rent-to-income ratio that beats the national standard. Relocating here means stretching your paycheck further while accessing small-town Minnesota living.
Cost of Living Advisory: Grant County
Affordability Verdict
Grant County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $779/month representing approximately 12.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Grant County is $779/month, while owner costs run $929/month. Renting saves approximately $150/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,814/year. With a median household income of $72,957, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Grant County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Grant County sits 7% more expensive than Kittson County ($728/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Grant County
Rent Burden
12.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,702
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Grant County
Median home value is $178,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,426 vs. your max of $1,702.
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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