Cost of Living in Itasca County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Itasca County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Itasca County ranks #922 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Itasca County, Minnesota
Itasca rents stress tight household finances
Itasca County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% significantly exceeds Minnesota's state average of 14.5% and approaches affordability strain, driven by modest incomes of $66,380 relative to rents of $944. The county's lower wages create proportional housing burden despite modest absolute rent.
Minnesota's least affordable by income ratio
Itasca County ranks among Minnesota's least affordable counties when measuring rent against income, with a 17.1% ratio driven by the state's lowest median household income at $66,380. The county faces a structural affordability challenge rooted in limited earning opportunities.
Highest rent burden in its peer group
Itasca's $944 rent runs slightly above state median, but its $66,380 income—the lowest among comparable counties—makes housing proportionally most burdensome. Hubbard and Jackson counties both offer lower rent-to-income ratios through either lower rents or higher incomes.
Housing strains the tightest incomes
Renters spend $944 while homeowners commit $967 monthly, with homes valued at $212,000. Housing claims 17.1% of the county's $66,380 median household income, leaving little room for savings or emergencies in many households.
Affordable housing, limited income opportunities
Itasca County's modest home prices ($212,000) and rents ($944) attract budget-conscious buyers, but the county's lower wages create ongoing affordability pressure. Relocate here only if you have secure, remote income or can tap northern Minnesota job markets; otherwise, consider higher-income counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Itasca County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Itasca County is affordable. The median rent is $944/month against a median household income of $66,380, putting rent at 17.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Itasca County is $944/month, while owner costs run $967/month. Renting saves approximately $23/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,443/year. With a median household income of $66,380, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Itasca County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Itasca County sits 6% more expensive than Cass County ($889/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Itasca County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,549
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
The median home in Itasca County may be a stretch
Median home value is $212,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,692 vs. your max of $1,549.
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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