Cost of Living in Nobles County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Nobles County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Nobles County, Minnesota
Nobles County's affordability pinch nationwide
At 15.8%, Nobles County's rent-to-income ratio ranks highest in this eight-county dataset and well above the national average, signaling housing stress for renters here. With a median household income of $65,509—the lowest in the group and below the national $74,755 median—residents face the sharpest squeeze between earnings and housing costs.
Minnesota's affordability challenge county
Nobles County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% average, the worst performance among the eight profiled counties. At $863 monthly rent against the state average of $915, renters struggle less with absolute cost than with how much of their below-average paychecks it consumes.
Most stretched county in the region
Nobles County's 15.8% rent burden and $65,509 median income stand apart from neighbors like Murray County ($12.4% burden, $74,475 income) and Mower County ($14.2% burden, $71,495 income). This county faces real affordability pressure compared to its peers, despite moderate absolute rent costs.
Renters hit hardest by income-housing gap
Nobles County renters spend 15.8% of income on $863 monthly rent, the highest burden ratio in this dataset, while owners allocate roughly 15.0% to mortgages on homes worth $179,200. The data suggests homeownership offers slightly better proportional affordability, though both housing types strain budgets below state norms.
Weigh job prospects carefully here
Nobles County's $65,509 median income and 15.8% rent burden signal economic headwinds; relocating here requires confident job prospects or supplemental income. Compare with higher-earning neighbors like Nicollet ($80,362 income) or more balanced options like Murray County ($74,475 income, 12.4% burden) to ensure your salary aligns with local housing costs.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Nobles County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,529
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Nobles County
Median home value is $179,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,431 vs. your max of $1,529.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.