Cost of Living in Stearns County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stearns County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stearns County ranks #1,572 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stearns County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Stearns County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,057/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Stearns County is $1,057/month, while owner costs run $1,222/month. Renting saves approximately $165/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,371/year. With a median household income of $76,447, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Stearns County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Steele County where rent averages $1,006/month, Stearns County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stearns County
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
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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