Cost of Living in Waseca County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Waseca County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Waseca County ranks #1,347 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Waseca County, Minnesota
Waseca rents remain below national benchmarks
At 13.1%, Waseca's rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard and undercuts Minnesota's state average of 14.5%. Renters here spend roughly $819 monthly on housing while earning a median household income of $75,052—nearly matching the U.S. median of $74,755.
More affordable than most Minnesota counties
Waseca ranks among Minnesota's more affordable housing markets, with renters paying $96 less per month than the state average of $915. The county's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio places it solidly in the affordable tier statewide.
Competitive with nearby rural counties
Waseca's $819 monthly rent sits between Watonwan County ($807) and Winona County ($866), offering moderate pricing in Minnesota's south-central region. Home values at $213,200 are reasonable for the area, positioning Waseca as a middle-ground option among rural neighbors.
Renters and buyers both find value
Renters dedicate 13.1% of income to monthly rent, while homeowners spend roughly 18.2% on mortgage and owner costs ($1,139 monthly). Together, these figures show Waseca's housing is genuinely affordable across both rental and ownership markets.
Consider Waseca for balanced affordability
If you're relocating to Minnesota and value lower housing costs without sacrificing income potential, Waseca delivers solid fundamentals: sub-14% rent ratios and median incomes near the national average. Compare Waseca's $819 rents to pricier neighbors like Washington County ($1,637) to see the savings potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Waseca County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Waseca County is affordable. The median rent is $819/month against a median household income of $75,052, putting rent at 13.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Waseca County is $819/month, while owner costs run $1,139/month. Renting saves approximately $320/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,814/year. With a median household income of $75,052, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Waseca County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Murray County where rent averages $768/month, Waseca County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Waseca County
Rent Burden
13.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,751
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Waseca County
Median home value is $213,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,702 vs. your max of $1,751.
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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