Cost of Living in Rock County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rock County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rock County, Minnesota
Rock County's Rental Bargain
Rock County residents dedicate just 12.7% of income to rent, the lowest ratio among these eight counties and well below both Minnesota's 14.5% average and national norms. At $745 per month, median rent ranks among Minnesota's most affordable, even as the county's $70,698 median household income sits modestly below the $74,755 national average.
Minnesota's Rental Affordability Champion
Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio positions it among the state's most affordable counties, outpacing the Minnesota average by 1.8 percentage points. This efficiency reflects a rural economy where housing costs have not inflated to match wages, creating genuine relief for working families.
Rock County Undercuts All Peers
Rock County's $745 rent is the lowest in this regional cluster, beating Renville ($760), Sibley ($858), Roseau ($886), and St. Louis ($970) by substantial margins. Its median home value of $201,600 also offers better value than Rice ($298,500) and Sherburne ($332,700), positioning it as the rural affordability leader.
Housing Takes Minimal Income Share
Renters spend $745 monthly while homeowners pay $906, together claiming just 12-13% of the $70,698 median household income. This leaves working families with meaningful resources for food, healthcare, transportation, and savings—a rare comfort in today's housing market.
Rock County for Maximum Affordability
Searching for Minnesota's most housing-affordable option? Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio and $745 median rent deliver genuine breathing room for renters and buyers alike. Families earning the county's median income of $70,698 stretch dollars further here than anywhere else in this regional comparison.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rock County
Rent Burden
12.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,650
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rock County
Median home value is $201,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,609 vs. your max of $1,650.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rock County, Minnesota?
What is the median rent in Rock County?
Is Rock County affordable?
How does Rock County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Rock County?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Rock County, Minnesota? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCounties with Similar Housing Costs
Compare Mortgage Rates in Rock 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.