Cost of Living in Koochiching County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Koochiching County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Koochiching County ranks #601 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Koochiching County, Minnesota
Koochiching combines low costs with lower wages
Koochiching County residents spend 13.4% of their $69,115 median household income on rent, a respectable figure that sits just below the national comfort zone. At $774 per month, median rent is affordable, though local incomes trail the national average by about $5,600, reflecting the county's rural character.
Below state average on housing burden
Koochiching's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Minnesota's 14.5% state average, and at $774, median rent undercuts the state average of $915 by $141. The county offers solid rental affordability relative to the broader Minnesota market.
Competitive rents in a rural cluster
Koochiching renters pay $774 monthly, slightly above Kittson County's $728 but well below Kanabec's $1,003 and comparable to Lake of the Woods ($867). The county sits in the middle tier of affordability among its rural neighbors, balancing modestly low costs with limited economic opportunity.
Affordable rent and modest home values
Renters in Koochiching spend 13.4% of their $69,115 income on housing, leaving decent room in household budgets compared to state averages. Homeowners pay $753 monthly for properties valued at $143,700, the second-lowest median home value in the region and a genuine entry point for aspiring owners.
Budget-friendly but economically modest
Koochiching offers respectable rental and ownership affordability, particularly for those seeking escape from costlier metros or suburban sprawl. However, the lower median income reflects limited job diversity; prospective movers should verify remote work viability or local employment fit before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Koochiching County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Koochiching County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $774/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $774/month rent versus $753/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $21/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,271/year. With a median household income of $69,115, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Koochiching County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Koochiching County is more affordable than Big Stone County by roughly 8% ($774/mo vs $718/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Koochiching County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,613
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Koochiching County
Median home value is $143,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,147 vs. your max of $1,613.
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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