Cost of Living in Houston County, Minnesota

$881/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$226,300

Median Home Value

4% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$881/mo

4% below state average

Median Home Value

$226,300

20% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Houston County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Houston County$881/mo

Minnesota Average$915/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$881/mo

Median Gross Rent

$226,300

Median Home Value

$969/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Houston County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio13.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Houston County, Minnesota?

Houston County, Minnesota has a median monthly rent of $881/mo and a median home value of $226,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Houston County?

The median gross rent in Houston County is $881/mo. This is 4% below state average for Minnesota.

Is Houston County affordable?

Houston County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Houston County's rent compare to the state average?

Houston County's median rent of $881/mo is 4% below state average of $915/mo for Minnesota.

What is the median home value in Houston County?

The median home value in Houston County, Minnesota is $226,300. This is 20% below the national median home value of $281,900.