Cost of Living in Mahnomen County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mahnomen County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mahnomen County ranks #1,897 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mahnomen County, Minnesota
Mahnomen stretched compared to nation
Mahnomen County renters spend 15.2% of income on housing, exceeding both the national average of 14.5% and the state average of 14.5%. The median household income of $53,925 is substantially below the national median of $74,755, making affordability genuinely tight.
Among Minnesota's least affordable
Mahnomen County ranks below average for housing affordability in Minnesota, with its 15.2% rent-to-income ratio placing it in the lower half of state counties. The combination of lower incomes and moderate rents creates a harder squeeze than neighboring rural counties.
Mahnomen faces regional affordability pressure
While Mahnomen's rent of $685 is competitive with Lincoln County ($688) and Lyon County ($742), the county's much lower median income of $53,925 means housing takes a bigger bite of household budgets. Compared to Marshall County ($71,701 income) and Lyon County ($72,761), Mahnomen residents face tighter housing cost burdens.
Income gap drives affordability struggles
Renters pay $685 monthly and homeowners pay $757, but on a median household income of just $53,925, these costs consume 15.2% and 16.9% of income respectively. Both figures exceed healthy affordability thresholds, limiting financial flexibility for residents.
Mahnomen requires careful financial planning
Prospective residents should thoroughly compare Mahnomen's income opportunities against its housing costs, as tight affordability margins leave less room for error. Consider whether job prospects and wage levels will support your household budget in this community.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mahnomen County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Mahnomen County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $685/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $685/month rent versus $757/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $72/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,443/year. With a median household income of $53,925, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Mahnomen County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Mahnomen County is less affordable than Jackson County by roughly 7% ($685/mo vs $736/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mahnomen County
Rent Burden
15.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,258
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Mahnomen County
Median home value is $146,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,170 vs. your max of $1,258.
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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