Cost of Living in Polk County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Polk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Polk County, Minnesota
Polk County rent burden matches national average
Polk County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% aligns nearly perfectly with the national average of 14.5%, signaling typical affordability for the U.S. The county's median household income of $69,136 runs $5,619 below the national median, yet housing costs remain proportionally reasonable.
Slightly above Minnesota's rental affordability bar
Polk County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% state average. The median rent of $843 undercuts the state median of $915 by roughly $72, placing it in the more affordable half of Minnesota counties.
Mid-range rents, above-average homeownership costs
Polk's $843 rent sits between Pipestone's bargain $731 and Pennington's $900, offering moderate pricing. However, homeowners pay $1,085 monthly—the highest among this comparison group—reflecting median home values near $211,100.
Renters find better value than homebuyers
On a $69,136 median income, Polk renters allocate 14.6% ($843) to housing while homeowners stretch to 18.8% ($1,085). The gap widens due to median home values of $211,100, making homeownership a significant financial commitment.
Polk works best for renters seeking balance
Polk County offers middle-ground rent prices and near-national-average affordability metrics. But if homeownership is your goal, compare Polk's $1,085 owner costs to cheaper alternatives like Pipestone ($787) or Redwood ($784).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Polk County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,613
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.8%
of gross income
The median home in Polk County may be a stretch
Median home value is $211,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,685 vs. your max of $1,613.
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.