Cost of Living in Watonwan County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Watonwan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Watonwan County ranks #1,234 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Watonwan County, Minnesota
Watonwan offers genuine affordability
At 13.7%, Watonwan's rent-to-income ratio undercuts Minnesota's 14.5% state average and remains well below the national benchmark. Renters spend $807 monthly while earning $70,593 in median household income—providing comfortable housing cost burden statewide.
Solid affordability ranking among Minnesota counties
Watonwan ranks among Minnesota's more affordable housing markets with a 13.7% rent-to-income ratio and monthly rents of $807. The county's rental costs run $108 below the state average, making it genuinely accessible for working families.
Moderate pricing in a rural region
Watonwan's $807 rent sits between Wilkin County's bargain $561 and Waseca's $819, offering middle-ground pricing in Minnesota's southern corridor. Home values ($151,600) are among the region's most affordable, competing favorably with Yellow Medicine and rural peers.
Balanced housing costs across all income levels
Renters dedicate 13.7% of income to rent, while homeowners spend roughly 15.1% on monthly owner costs ($888). This equilibrium demonstrates Watonwan's genuine affordability across both rental and ownership pathways.
Watonwan works for budget-conscious families
Relocating to Watonwan delivers one of Minnesota's most affordable housing markets: 13.7% rent ratios and median homes under $152,000. If cost of living is your priority, Watonwan's sub-$810 rents and low home values beat 80% of Minnesota counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Watonwan County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Watonwan County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $807/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Watonwan County is $807/month, while owner costs run $888/month. Renting saves approximately $81/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,057/year. With a median household income of $70,593, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Watonwan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sibley County where rent averages $858/month, Watonwan County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Watonwan County
Rent Burden
13.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,647
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Watonwan County
Median home value is $151,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,210 vs. your max of $1,647.
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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