Cost of Living in Scott County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scott County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Scott County ranks #2,021 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scott County, Minnesota
Scott County: Prosperity with Price Tag
Scott County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio modestly exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% average, but its wealthy $120,247 median household income—61% higher than the $74,755 national median—absorbs housing costs gracefully. At $1,485 per month, median rent is Minnesota's highest, yet remains manageable for households earning substantially above national norms.
Minnesota's Wealthiest County Cluster
Scott County ranks among Minnesota's most affluent counties, with a median household income that dwarfs the state average and enables premium housing costs to feel sustainable. Its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio, while slightly above state average, reflects a prosperous exurban economy where wages outpace housing inflation.
Scott County's Affluent Positioning
Scott County's $1,485 rent and $393,500 median home value significantly exceed all regional peers, including Sherburne County ($1,151 rent, $332,700 homes) and Rice County ($1,046 rent, $298,500 homes). Only the wealthiest households—those earning Scott's $120,247 median—can comfortably shoulder these costs in this eight-county comparison.
Wealth Makes Expensive Housing Work
Renters pay $1,485 monthly while homeowners carry $1,922, consuming 14.8% and 19.2% of the $120,247 median household income respectively. Scott County households spend more on housing in absolute dollars than any peer, but their incomes are proportionally so much higher that affordability ratios remain acceptable.
Scott County for High-Income Professionals
Earning $120,000 or more? Scott County offers the Twin Cities' most desirable exurban lifestyle with high-quality schools and booming employers. Compare its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio to rural counties where wages stagnate, and you'll see that prosperity here doesn't sacrifice affordability for those at the county's income level.
Cost of Living Advisory: Scott County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Scott County is affordable. The median rent is $1,485/month against a median household income of $120,247, putting rent at 14.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Scott County is $1,485/month, while owner costs run $1,922/month. Renting saves approximately $437/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $59,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $82,371/year. With a median household income of $120,247, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Scott County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Scott County is more affordable than Anoka County by roughly 6% ($1,485/mo vs $1,396/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scott County
Rent Burden
14.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,806
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.2%
of gross income
The median home in Scott County may be a stretch
Median home value is $393,500. Estimated monthly cost: $3,141 vs. your max of $2,806.
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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