Cost of Living in Olmsted County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Olmsted County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Olmsted County, Minnesota
Premium location, premium housing costs
Olmsted County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this eight-county dataset, reflecting a metro-area housing market where rents have climbed sharply above national norms. The county's robust median household income of $93,494—25% above the national $74,755 median—enables residents to absorb these costs, though the burden remains notably heavy.
Minnesota's most expensive housing market
Olmsted County's $1,283 monthly rent and 16.5% rent-to-income ratio top all eight counties profiled and exceed Minnesota's 14.5% state average by a significant margin. This is Minnesota's premier housing market, driven by Rochester's regional economic strength and medical hub status.
Clear regional affordability outlier
Olmsted's $1,283 rent and $304,500 median home value stand dramatically above all peer counties—Nicollet's $931 rent and $258,500 homes are the closest comparables, yet still $350 monthly cheaper and $46,000 less in home value. This county occupies its own tier, reflecting Rochester's status as Minnesota's most robust regional economy.
Highest burden among all eight counties
Olmsted renters dedicate 16.5% of income to $1,283 monthly rent—the steepest ratio in this dataset—while owners allocate roughly 17.7% to mortgages on homes averaging $304,500. Both housing types here demand significantly larger income shares than neighbors, reflecting this county's prosperity-driven price inflation.
Premium living for premium earners
Olmsted County suits those relocating for high-wage Rochester jobs willing to accept premium housing costs; its $93,494 median income supports $1,283 rents and $304,500 home prices. Compare with affordable rural neighbors like Norman County ($752 rent, $69,833 income) to evaluate whether Rochester's economic opportunity justifies this eight-county region's highest housing burden.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Olmsted County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,182
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.7%
of gross income
The median home in Olmsted County may be a stretch
Median home value is $304,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,431 vs. your max of $2,182.
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.