Cost of Living in Kittson County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kittson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kittson County ranks #80 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kittson County, Minnesota
Kittson offers exceptional rental affordability
Kittson County residents spend just 12.6% of their $69,615 median household income on rent, beating the national comfort threshold and approaching the most affordable U.S. markets. At $728 per month, Kittson's median rent is among Minnesota's lowest, making it a rental bargain even as local wages lag slightly below the national average.
Minnesota's most affordable renters live here
Kittson's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Minnesota's 14.5% state average, placing the county among the state's most renter-friendly markets. The $728 median rent is $187 below the state average of $915—a 20% savings that few Minnesota counties can match.
Kittson leads the region on affordability
Kittson renters pay $728 monthly, the lowest among surrounding counties like Lake of the Woods ($867), Kandiyohi ($843), and Kanabec ($1,003). Despite slightly lower median incomes, Kittson's housing costs create the lowest burden in the region, making it uniquely accessible for renters.
Ultra-low rent, modest home values
Renters in Kittson spend just 12.6% of their income on housing, freeing up cash for other needs compared to statewide norms. Homeowners pay $772 monthly for properties valued at just $134,400, the lowest median home value in this dataset and offering genuine affordable ownership pathways.
The affordability champion for renters
If rent affordability is your defining concern, Kittson County is hard to beat—both regionally and statewide. Remote workers or retirees on modest incomes will find exceptional value here, though job availability in the remote far-north location may warrant research before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kittson County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Kittson County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $728/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Kittson County is $728/month, while owner costs run $772/month. Renting saves approximately $44/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,086/year. With a median household income of $69,615, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Kittson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Grant County where rent averages $779/month, Kittson County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kittson County
Rent Burden
12.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,624
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Kittson County
Median home value is $134,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,073 vs. your max of $1,624.
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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