Cost of Living in Nicollet County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Nicollet County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Nicollet County ranks #1,152 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Nicollet County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Nicollet County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $931/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Nicollet County pay $931/month on average, compared to $1,278/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 27%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,771/year. With a median household income of $80,362, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Nicollet County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pine County where rent averages $873/month, Nicollet County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Nicollet County
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
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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