Cost of Living in Renville County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Renville County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Renville County ranks #831 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Renville County, Minnesota
Renville Beats National Affordability
Renville County residents spend just 13.2% of their income on rent, well below the national average and meaningfully better than the 14.5% state benchmark. At $760 per month, median rent here is substantially lower than Minnesota's $915 state average, even as median household income sits at $69,086—slightly below the national median of $74,755.
Among Minnesota's Most Affordable
Renville County ranks among the state's most affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio that undercuts Minnesota's average by 1.3 percentage points. This positioning reflects both modest rental costs and a working-class income base that stretches housing dollars further than many urban and suburban peers.
Southwest Minnesota's Sweet Spot
Renville's $760 rent is competitive with nearby Rock County ($745) and undercuts Sibley County ($858) and Roseau County ($886). Neighboring communities offer similar affordability profiles, making this region a collective refuge for budget-conscious renters in greater Minnesota.
Rent and Ownership Costs Aligned
Renters spend $760 monthly while homeowners carry $863 in costs, a narrow gap reflecting modest home values of $151,900. Together, these housing expenses claim roughly 13% of household income, leaving room for other living costs in a county where the median household earns $69,086 annually.
Consider Renville for Rural Comfort
If you're priced out of Minnesota's metro corridors, Renville County delivers genuine affordability without sacrificing rural amenities. Compare its 13.2% rent-to-income ratio to costlier neighbors like Rice County (15.2%) or St. Louis County (16.8%), and you'll see why rural Minnesota still offers breathing room for working families.
Cost of Living Advisory: Renville County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Renville County is affordable. The median rent is $760/month against a median household income of $69,086, putting rent at 13.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $760/month rent versus $863/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $103/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,986/year. With a median household income of $69,086, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Renville County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Renville County sits 8% more expensive than Wadena County ($706/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Renville County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,612
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Renville County
Median home value is $151,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,213 vs. your max of $1,612.
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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