Cost of Living in Pope County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pope County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pope County ranks #239 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pope County, Minnesota
Pope County exceeds national affordability standards
Pope County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% sits comfortably below the national average of 14.5%, delivering above-average housing affordability. With a median household income of $72,205 and median rent of $851, renters keep housing costs lean relative to income.
Better than Minnesota's average on rentals
Pope County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Minnesota's 14.5% state average, ranking among the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $851 runs $64 below the state median of $915.
Reasonable rents; steepest home values
Pope's $851 rent aligns with regional peers like Polk ($843), but its median home value of $242,800 is the highest in this comparison group. Homeowners pay $1,085 monthly, comparable to Polk but steeper than rural alternatives.
Renters enjoy lean housing ratios
On Pope's median income of $72,205, renters spend just 14.1% ($851 monthly) on housing, below both national and state averages. Homeowners allocate 18.1% ($1,085) to owner costs, making the rental market notably more accessible.
Pope County appeals to renters and prudent buyers
Pope's 14.1% rent ratio beats national averages, making it attractive for renters seeking affordability. Prospective homebuyers should factor in the county's elevated home values ($242,800) against cheaper alternatives like Pipestone ($126,700).
Cost of Living Advisory: Pope County
Affordability Verdict
Pope County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $851/month — about 14.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $851/month rent versus $1,085/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $234/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,500/year. With a median household income of $72,205, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Pope County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Pope County sits 7% more expensive than Wabasha County ($798/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pope County
Rent Burden
14.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,685
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
The median home in Pope County may be a stretch
Median home value is $242,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,938 vs. your max of $1,685.
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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