Cost of Living in Pipestone County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pipestone County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pipestone County ranks #173 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pipestone County, Minnesota
Pipestone punches well above affordability average
Pipestone County boasts Minnesota's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 13.3%, comfortably below both the national average of 14.5% and state average of 14.5%. Despite a median income of $66,073—the lowest among these eight counties—Pipestone delivers exceptional housing affordability.
Most affordable rental market in comparison group
Pipestone County leads this cohort with a 13.3% rent-to-income ratio, well below Minnesota's 14.5% average. The median rent of just $731 is nearly $200 cheaper than the state median of $915.
Unbeatable rents across the region
Pipestone's $731 monthly rent substantially undercuts all regional peers—Pennington ($900), Pine ($873), Polk ($843), and others. Homeownership costs ($787/month) are equally competitive, making Pipestone the region's affordability champion.
Housing costs consume smallest income slice
Pipestone's $66,073 median income paired with $731 rent means renters spend just 13.3% on housing—well below the comfort threshold. Homeowners pay $787 monthly, or roughly 14.2%, making both renting and owning highly affordable.
Pipestone: where affordability really shines
Relocating to Pipestone means stretching your paycheck further than almost anywhere in Minnesota. With rent near $731 and home values around $126,700, Pipestone is ideal for those prioritizing housing affordability over metro-area amenities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pipestone County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Pipestone County is affordable. The median rent is $731/month against a median household income of $66,073, putting rent at 13.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Pipestone County is $731/month, while owner costs run $787/month. Renting saves approximately $56/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,729/year. With a median household income of $66,073, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Pipestone County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Pipestone County is less affordable than Morrison County by roughly 7% ($731/mo vs $782/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pipestone County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,542
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pipestone County
Median home value is $126,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,011 vs. your max of $1,542.
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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