Cost of Living in Washington County, Minnesota

$1,637/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$400,900

Median Home Value

79% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,637/mo

79% above state average

Median Home Value

$400,900

42% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

29.0%

% 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 Washington County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Washington County$1,637/mo

Minnesota Average$915/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,637/mo

Median Gross Rent

$400,900

Median Home Value

$1,762/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

29.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Washington County, Minnesota

Washington County rents exceed national standards

Washington's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly outpaces both the national average and Minnesota's 14.5% benchmark. Despite strong median incomes of $114,457, renters here pay $1,637 monthly—79% above the state average rent.

Among Minnesota's pricier rental markets

Washington County ranks as one of Minnesota's more expensive counties for renters, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 2.7 percentage points. This premium reflects the county's proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and strong regional demand.

Significantly pricier than rural alternatives

Washington's $1,637 monthly rent nearly doubles what renters pay in nearby rural counties like Waseca ($819) or Wilkin ($561). Home values tell a similar story: Washington's $400,900 median home price far exceeds surrounding counties, reflecting its suburban desirability.

High incomes offset substantial housing costs

While renters pay 17.2% of income to housing, homeowners allocate roughly 18.5% of income to monthly owner costs ($1,762). Washington's above-average incomes ($114,457) help justify these housing expenses, though affordability remains tighter than state and rural peers.

Washington suits higher earners seeking suburbs

If you're earning well above the national median and value metro-area proximity, Washington County's costs become more manageable despite premium pricing. However, those seeking maximum affordability should compare Washington's 17.2% rent ratio to counties like Wilkin (9.7%) or Watonwan (13.7%).

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

17.2%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,671

per month

Owner Cost Burden

18.5%

of gross income

The median home in Washington County may be a stretch

Median home value is $400,900. Estimated monthly cost: $3,201 vs. your max of $2,671.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.2%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Washington County, Minnesota has a median monthly rent of $1,637/mo and a median home value of $400,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Washington County?

The median gross rent in Washington County is $1,637/mo. This is 79% above state average for Minnesota.

Is Washington County affordable?

Washington County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Washington County's median rent of $1,637/mo is 79% above state average of $915/mo for Minnesota.

What is the median home value in Washington County?

The median home value in Washington County, Minnesota is $400,900. This is 42% above the national median home value of $281,900.