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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Nobles County ranks #1,558 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Nobles County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Nobles County is affordable. The median rent is $863/month against a median household income of $65,509, putting rent at 15.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Nobles County pay $863/month on average, compared to $816/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,971/year. With a median household income of $65,509, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Nobles County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Nobles County is less affordable than Benton County by roughly 6% ($863/mo vs $917/mo).
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
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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