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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Polk County ranks #1,515 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 48%)
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).
Cost of Living Advisory: Polk County
Affordability Verdict
Polk County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $843/month representing approximately 14.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Polk County pay $843/month on average, compared to $1,085/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,500/year. With a median household income of $69,136, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Polk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Polk County sits 6% less expensive than Meeker County ($894/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Polk County, Minnesota?
What is the median rent in Polk County?
Is Polk County affordable?
How does Polk County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Polk County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Polk County, Minnesota? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Polk County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.