Cost of Living in Steele County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Steele County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Steele County ranks #1,641 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Steele County, Minnesota
Steele meets national affordability benchmark
Steele County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% matches the national standard, making housing costs predictable for renters earning $83,448 median annually. At $1,006 monthly rent, Steele offers solid affordability compared to many U.S. counties, though incomes here run 11.5% above the national median.
Right at Minnesota's state average
Steele County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio exactly mirrors Minnesota's average, positioning it as a typical affordability county within the state. The $1,006 median rent sits just $91 above the state average, reflecting balanced supply and demand in the local rental market.
Middle ground between rural and urban
Steele County's $1,006 rent runs slightly above Stevens ($833) but below Stearns ($1,057), making it a moderate option in this cluster. Its $83,448 median income—the highest among these eight counties—gives residents more breathing room despite moderate housing costs.
Balanced renting and homeownership
Renters spend $1,006 monthly while homeowners invest $1,258 in monthly costs, with a median home value of $234,200. At 14.5% of the $83,448 median household income, Steele residents allocate a reasonable share to housing while maintaining flexibility for savings.
Solid choice for affordability-conscious movers
Steele County delivers competitive rents and above-average wages, making it attractive for renters or first-time homebuyers. Compare it to Stearns if you want lower housing costs or to Wabasha if you prioritize homeownership on a similar budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Steele County
Affordability Verdict
Steele County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,006/month representing approximately 14.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 33.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,006/month rent versus $1,258/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $252/month cheaper — a 20% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,914/year. With a median household income of $83,448, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Steele County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Minnesota, Steele County is less affordable than Stearns County by roughly 5% ($1,006/mo vs $1,057/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Steele County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,947
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Steele County
Median home value is $234,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,870 vs. your max of $1,947.
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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