Cost of Living in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mille Lacs County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mille Lacs County ranks #2,312 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota
Mille Lacs County surpasses national average
Mille Lacs County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, exceeding the national average of 14.5% despite solid median income of $71,455. The higher rent relative to income suggests housing pressures that warrant careful budgeting for prospective residents.
Above state average, challenging county
Mille Lacs County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the upper tier—above Minnesota's state average of 14.5%—placing it among less affordable state counties. At $909 monthly rent, renters pay just below the state median of $915, but the affordability ratio remains tight.
Mille Lacs County faces regional headwinds
At $909 monthly rent, Mille Lacs County is the second-priciest in the region after McLeod County ($906), while the $71,455 median income is lower than McLeod's $78,468. The median home value of $237,500 is the highest in the group, reflecting stronger property demand but reduced affordability.
Housing costs strain household budgets
Renters allocate $909 monthly and homeowners pay $1,247 on a median household income of $71,455, consuming 15.3% and 21.0% of income respectively. Owner costs are notably strained, with homeowners spending more than one-fifth of income on housing—well above comfort levels.
Mille Lacs County demands careful assessment
Prospective residents should closely evaluate their income stability before relocating to Mille Lacs County, as housing costs consume substantial portions of household budgets. Compare this county's tight affordability metrics against neighbors to understand if it matches your financial capacity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mille Lacs County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Mille Lacs County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $909/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Mille Lacs County is $909/month, while owner costs run $1,247/month. Renting saves approximately $338/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,443/year. With a median household income of $71,455, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Mille Lacs County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sibley County where rent averages $858/month, Mille Lacs County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mille Lacs County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,667
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.9%
of gross income
The median home in Mille Lacs County may be a stretch
Median home value is $237,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,896 vs. your max of $1,667.
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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