Cost of Living in Swift County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Swift County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Swift County ranks #255 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Swift County, Minnesota
Swift strains on lower incomes
Swift County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and significantly above the national average, placing housing affordability under stress. Despite the $900 monthly rent being moderate, the $62,601 median household income—16% below national average—means housing costs consume an outsized portion of residents' earnings.
Most strained in Minnesota sample
Swift County's 17.3% ratio exceeds Minnesota's 14.5% average by nearly 3 percentage points, making it the least affordable county in this eight-county cluster. The combination of below-state-average income ($62,601 vs. state context) and mid-range rents ($900) creates genuine affordability challenges for local renters.
Tight margins despite modest rents
Swift County's $900 rent sits between Stevens ($833) and Stearns ($1,057), but the lower $62,601 income makes the burden proportionally heavier here. Among rural neighbors, only Wadena County ($56,882 income) faces worse affordability pressures.
Income challenges drive affordability gap
Renters spend $900 monthly while homeowners invest $761, with a median home value of $147,100—the lowest in this group. At 17.3% of a $62,601 income, Swift residents dedicate a concerning share to rent, leaving little margin for emergencies or savings.
Consider employment prospects carefully
Swift County's low housing costs won't offset income constraints unless you're relocating for higher-wage work. Compare carefully with higher-income counties like Steele or Stearns before committing to a move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Swift County
Affordability Verdict
Swift County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $900/month representing approximately 17.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 32.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Swift County pay $900/month on average, compared to $761/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,614/year. With a median household income of $62,601, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Swift County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Mower County where rent averages $848/month, Swift County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Swift County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,461
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Swift County
Median home value is $147,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,174 vs. your max of $1,461.
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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