Cost of Living in Nicollet County, Minnesota

$931/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$258,500

Median Home Value

2% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$931/mo

2% above state average

Median Home Value

$258,500

8% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

26.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Nicollet County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Nicollet County$931/mo

Minnesota Average$915/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$931/mo

Median Gross Rent

$258,500

Median Home Value

$1,278/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

26.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Nicollet County, Minnesota

Higher incomes offset Nicollet's housing costs

Nicollet County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average, a strong showing given that renters here face $931 monthly rent—among the highest in this eight-county group. The county's median household income of $80,362, well above the national $74,755, allows residents to absorb these premium costs more comfortably than lower-earning peers.

Higher-cost Minnesota outpost

Nicollet County's $931 monthly rent tops the state average of $915 and pushes its rent-to-income ratio to 13.9%, modestly better than Minnesota's 14.5% baseline. This county ranks among Minnesota's pricier markets, driven by its larger population centers and higher median incomes.

Premium housing for a prosperous county

Nicollet's $931 rent and $258,500 median home value rank highest in this eight-county sample, rivaled only by Olmsted County's even steeper prices. This reflects Nicollet's status as a mid-sized regional hub with stronger job markets and higher wage earners than surrounding rural counties.

Owners bear heavier housing burden

Nicollet renters dedicate 13.9% of income to housing, while owners allocate roughly 19.1% to monthly mortgage payments on homes averaging $258,500. The gap suggests homeownership here requires substantial income or savings; renters enjoy better proportional affordability in this higher-cost market.

Where higher incomes meet higher costs

Nicollet County suits those relocating for better jobs and willing to pay for regional amenities—$80,362 median incomes support $931 rents and $258,500 home prices. But compare it with neighboring Murray County ($768 rents, $74,475 incomes) to decide if premium housing matches your earnings and lifestyle priorities.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Nicollet County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

13.9%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,875

per month

Owner Cost Burden

19.1%

of gross income

The median home in Nicollet County may be a stretch

Median home value is $258,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,064 vs. your max of $1,875.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.9%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Nicollet County, Minnesota?

Nicollet County, Minnesota has a median monthly rent of $931/mo and a median home value of $258,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 26.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Nicollet County?

The median gross rent in Nicollet County is $931/mo. This is 2% above state average for Minnesota.

Is Nicollet County affordable?

Nicollet County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 26.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Nicollet County's rent compare to the state average?

Nicollet County's median rent of $931/mo is 2% above state average of $915/mo for Minnesota.

What is the median home value in Nicollet County?

The median home value in Nicollet County, Minnesota is $258,500. This is 8% below the national median home value of $281,900.