Cost of Living in Red Lake County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Red Lake County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Red Lake County ranks #22 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Red Lake County, Minnesota
Red Lake County sets national affordability bar
Red Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 9.7% is exceptionally low—nearly 5 percentage points below the national average of 14.5%—making it one of the nation's most affordable rental markets. With median household income of $77,500 and median rent of just $628, housing remains a minor budget item.
Minnesota's rental affordability champion
Red Lake County's 9.7% rent-to-income ratio crushes Minnesota's 14.5% state average by a decisive margin. The $628 median rent is 31% cheaper than the state median of $915.
Unmatched affordability across all metrics
Red Lake's $628 rent is the lowest among all eight counties—$103 cheaper than Pipestone's second-place $731. Similarly, owner costs of $901 beat most peers, rivaling Pipestone for overall housing affordability.
Housing costs shrink to minimal burden
At $77,500 median income, Red Lake renters spend just 9.7% ($628 monthly) on housing, leaving maximum budget flexibility. Homeowners allocate 14.0% ($901), making ownership nearly as accessible as renting—a rare combination.
Red Lake: housing affordability perfected
Red Lake County offers the nation's most favorable rent-to-income ratio at 9.7%—exceptional value for any relocation. If housing costs drive your move, Red Lake's $628 rent and $901 owner costs deliver unmatched affordability in Minnesota.
Cost of Living Advisory: Red Lake County
Affordability Verdict
Red Lake County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $628/month — about 9.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Red Lake County pay $628/month on average, compared to $901/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 30%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,614/year. With a median household income of $77,500, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Red Lake County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Red Lake County sits 8% less expensive than Mahnomen County ($685/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Red Lake County
Rent Burden
9.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,808
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Red Lake County
Median home value is $157,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,255 vs. your max of $1,808.
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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