Cost of Living in Houston County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Houston County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Houston County ranks #609 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Houston County, Minnesota
Houston balances rent and income well
Houston County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% sits just slightly above Minnesota's state average of 14.5% and well within the national affordability standard of 30%. The county's median rent of $881 and median income of $77,087 create a comfortable housing-cost equilibrium.
Solid affordability in southeastern Minnesota
Houston County ranks in Minnesota's upper-middle tier for affordability with a 13.7% rent-to-income ratio, beating roughly 40 of the state's 87 counties. Its positioning reflects typical rural Minnesota housing economics—modest rents matched to stable but moderate incomes.
Competitive rents among rural counties
Houston's $881 rent falls between Grant County's bargain $779 and Goodhue County's $939, while its $77,087 income trails both peers slightly. For southeastern Minnesota seekers, Houston offers a balanced middle ground on cost and earning potential.
Housing takes fair share of budget
Renters pay $881 while homeowners commit $969 monthly, with homes valued at $226,300. Housing totals 13.7% of the $77,087 median household income, leaving reasonable breathing room for other expenses.
Steady affordability with rural charm
Houston County offers reliable housing affordability and above-average wages for a rural Minnesota county, making it attractive to those seeking small-town living without extreme cost constraints. With rents and incomes both competitive regionally, it's a sensible choice for budget-conscious relocators.
Cost of Living Advisory: Houston County
Affordability Verdict
Houston County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $881/month — about 13.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Houston County pay $881/month on average, compared to $969/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,529/year. With a median household income of $77,087, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Houston County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Houston County is less affordable than Goodhue County by roughly 6% ($881/mo vs $939/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Houston County
Rent Burden
13.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,799
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
The median home in Houston County may be a stretch
Median home value is $226,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,807 vs. your max of $1,799.
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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