Cost of Living in Norman County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Norman County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Norman County ranks #103 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Norman County, Minnesota
Norman's rents are genuinely affordable
Norman County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average, and its $752 monthly rent is among the lowest in this dataset, reflecting a truly affordable rural housing market. Though median household income at $69,833 sits modestly below the national $74,755 average, renters here stretch their dollars further than most Americans.
Second-best bargain in Minnesota
Norman County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks second only to Murray County in this eight-county comparison, well below Minnesota's 14.5% state average. At $752 monthly rent—$163 below the state average—Norman renters enjoy some of the state's most affordable housing markets.
Renter's paradise in a rural tier
Norman's $752 rent stands as the lowest among all eight counties profiled, beating even Murray County's $768, while its 12.9% burden ratio ranks exceptionally low. However, Norman's $135,700 median home value—lowest in the group—suggests buyers here face different tradeoffs than renters.
Renters win, homebuyers face modest costs
Norman County renters enjoy a remarkable 12.9% housing burden at just $752 monthly, while owners spend roughly 14.2% on mortgages for the region's cheapest homes at $135,700. This county offers exceptional value for renters; homebuyers benefit from low absolute costs but limited property appreciation potential.
Perfect for renters seeking affordability
Norman County delivers the lowest rents in this eight-county group at $752 monthly and a stellar 12.9% rent-to-income ratio, ideal for budget-conscious renters. If you're considering homeownership, its $826 monthly payments and $135,700 home values offer cheap entry, though appreciate that property values here are Minnesota's lowest among peer counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Norman County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Norman County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $752/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Norman County is $752/month, while owner costs run $826/month. Renting saves approximately $74/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,400/year. With a median household income of $69,833, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Norman County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Norman County sits 7% less expensive than Otter Tail County ($805/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Norman County
Rent Burden
12.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,629
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Norman County
Median home value is $135,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,083 vs. your max of $1,629.
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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