Cost of Living in St. Louis County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Louis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Louis County ranks #2,489 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Louis County, Minnesota
St. Louis County Faces Affordability Pressure
St. Louis County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is the highest among these eight counties and exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% average by 2.3 percentage points, signaling genuine affordability strain. Median rent of $970 per month modestly exceeds the state's $915 average, while the $69,455 median household income trails the $74,755 national median, squeezing renters from both directions.
St. Louis County Struggles Statewide
St. Louis County ranks among Minnesota's least affordable counties, with the highest rent-to-income ratio in this comparison and below-average household incomes. This positioning reflects an economy dependent on legacy industries, where wage stagnation has not kept pace with housing costs.
St. Louis County's Regional Disadvantage
St. Louis County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds every regional peer—Rock County (12.7%), Renville (13.2%), Sherburne (13.4%), and Sibley (13.5%)—marking it as the outlier in this northern Minnesota cluster. Its $970 median rent and lower median income combine to create the most constrained affordability in the group.
Housing Costs Bite Deeper
Renters allocate $970 monthly while homeowners spend $1,034, consuming 16.8% and 17.9% of the $69,455 median household income respectively. St. Louis County households dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing than any peer, leaving less for other essentials and limiting financial flexibility.
St. Louis County Needs Income Boost
St. Louis County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio signals affordability stress; if you're considering moving here, ensure your income matches or exceeds the $69,455 median to avoid financial strain. Comparing to Rock County (12.7% ratio) or Renville (13.2%), you'll see why northern Minnesota renters face tighter housing markets and should plan accordingly.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Louis County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in St. Louis County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $970/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $970/month rent versus $1,034/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $64/month cheaper — a 6% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,314/year. With a median household income of $69,455, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in St. Louis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
St. Louis County sits 6% more expensive than Benton County ($917/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Louis County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,621
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.9%
of gross income
The median home in St. Louis County may be a stretch
Median home value is $208,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,665 vs. your max of $1,621.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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