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
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.
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
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.