Cost of Living in Stearns County, Minnesota

$1,057/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$256,500

Median Home Value

16% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,057/mo

16% above state average

Median Home Value

$256,500

9% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Stearns County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Stearns County$1,057/mo

Minnesota Average$915/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,057/mo

Median Gross Rent

$256,500

Median Home Value

$1,222/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Stearns County, Minnesota

Stearns rents bite harder than national norm

Stearns County residents spend 16.6% of income on rent, outpacing the national average and signaling tighter affordability than most U.S. counties. While the median household income of $76,447 exceeds the national median of $74,755, the $1,057 monthly rent takes a larger bite, suggesting housing costs have risen faster than wages here.

Above average strain in Minnesota

At 16.6%, Stearns County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Minnesota's state average of 14.5%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. The median rent of $1,057 also runs $142 above the state average, indicating stronger housing demand or limited supply in the area.

Pricier than surrounding counties

Stearns County's $1,057 rent outpaces nearby Steele County ($1,006) and significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Stevens County ($833), making it the priciest rental market in this cluster. However, median home values of $256,500 remain well below metro-adjacent counties, offering a middle ground for homebuyers.

Housing consumes 16.6% of income

Renters pay $1,057 monthly while homeowners carry $1,222 in monthly costs, with the median home valued at $256,500. Together, these figures reveal that Stearns residents allocate roughly one-sixth of their $76,447 median income to housing, leaving limited cushion for other expenses.

Job-rich but housing-tight market

If you're considering Stearns County, weigh the higher housing costs against strong local employment opportunities. Compare this rent-to-income ratio to neighboring Steele or Stevens counties if affordability is your priority.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Stearns County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

16.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,784

per month

Owner Cost Burden

19.2%

of gross income

The median home in Stearns County may be a stretch

Median home value is $256,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,048 vs. your max of $1,784.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Stearns County, Minnesota?

Stearns County, Minnesota has a median monthly rent of $1,057/mo and a median home value of $256,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Stearns County?

The median gross rent in Stearns County is $1,057/mo. This is 16% above state average for Minnesota.

Is Stearns County affordable?

Stearns County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Stearns County's rent compare to the state average?

Stearns County's median rent of $1,057/mo is 16% above state average of $915/mo for Minnesota.

What is the median home value in Stearns County?

The median home value in Stearns County, Minnesota is $256,500. This is 9% below the national median home value of $281,900.