Cost of Living in Ramsey County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ramsey County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ramsey County ranks #2,983 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 5%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ramsey County, Minnesota
Ramsey County's rental burden hits national ceiling
Ramsey County residents face a rent-to-income ratio of 19.2%—sharply above the national average of 14.5%—making it the most housing-burdened county in this group. Despite the county's highest median household income of $81,004, the median rent of $1,298 consumes nearly one-fifth of earnings.
Minnesota's rental affordability crisis center
Ramsey County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio vastly exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% state average, revealing acute housing stress in the state's urban core. The median rent of $1,298 towers 42% above the state median of $915.
Rents skyrocket; ownership costs highest
Ramsey's $1,298 monthly rent dwarfs rural peers like Pipestone ($731) and Redwood ($767), nearly doubling costs. Homeowners face $1,536 monthly—again, the highest by far—reflecting median home values of $304,900.
Income barely keeps pace with housing costs
Ramsey County's $81,004 median income is offset by $1,298 rent (19.2% of income) and $1,536 owner costs (22.8% of income). Both ratios exceed recommended affordability thresholds, straining household budgets despite the county's strong income base.
Ramsey demands deep pockets; consider suburbs
Ramsey County's metro amenities come at a steep housing cost—the highest in this entire group. If you're relocating to the Twin Cities, compare Ramsey's tight 19.2% rent ratio against more affordable rural counties to find better value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ramsey County
Affordability Verdict
Ramsey County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,298/month — about 19.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ramsey County pay $1,298/month on average, compared to $1,536/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $51,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $65,829/year. With a median household income of $81,004, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Ramsey County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ramsey County sits 4% more expensive than Wright County ($1,246/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ramsey County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,890
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.8%
of gross income
The median home in Ramsey County may be a stretch
Median home value is $304,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,434 vs. your max of $1,890.
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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