Cost of Living in Pine County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pine County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pine County ranks #1,908 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pine County, Minnesota
Pine County renters just above national baseline
Pine County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% edges slightly above the national average of 14.5%, though the county's median household income of $69,666 falls $5,089 short of the U.S. median. At $873 monthly, rent remains affordable despite modest incomes.
Just above Minnesota's rental affordability average
Pine County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% state average by a hair. The median rent of $873 undercuts the statewide median of $915, making it slightly more affordable than the typical Minnesota county.
Affordable rents; higher homeownership costs
Pine County's $873 rent is the lowest among regional peers like Pennington ($900) and Polk ($843), though just shy of Pipestone's bargain $731. Homebuyers face $1,051 monthly costs—higher than Pipestone or Redwood but lower than Pennington.
Renters get the better deal than owners
At $69,666 median income, Pine County renters dedicate 15% to the $873 monthly rent, while homeowners stretch to 18% paying $1,051. The median home value of $225,600 makes ownership a heavier lift than renting for most households.
Pine's rental market rewards budget-conscious families
If affordable rents matter most, Pine County's $873 median is among Minnesota's lowest. But compare ownership costs carefully—Pine homeowners pay more than renters relative to income, unlike cheaper counties like Pipestone or Redwood.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pine County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Pine County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $873/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Pine County is $873/month, while owner costs run $1,051/month. Renting saves approximately $178/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,043/year. With a median household income of $69,666, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Pine County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Waseca County where rent averages $819/month, Pine County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pine County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,626
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.1%
of gross income
The median home in Pine County may be a stretch
Median home value is $225,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,801 vs. your max of $1,626.
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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