Cost of Living in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Yellow Medicine County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Yellow Medicine County ranks #191 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota
Yellow Medicine delivers exceptional affordability
At 11.5%, Yellow Medicine's rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Minnesota's 14.5% state average and ranks among the nation's most affordable areas. Monthly rents of just $688 run 25% below the state average, making this rural county genuinely accessible.
Top-tier affordability across Minnesota
Yellow Medicine ranks among Minnesota's most affordable counties with an 11.5% rent-to-income ratio and monthly rents of $688. The county's sub-$690 rental costs and stable local wages create rare housing value in today's market.
Among the region's best-priced options
Yellow Medicine's $688 monthly rent ranks among the lowest in this group, trailing only Wilkin's exceptional $561. Home values at $148,200 also undercut most regional peers, making Yellow Medicine a compelling affordability choice.
Minimal housing burden for working families
Renters spend just 11.5% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate roughly 15.1% to monthly owner costs ($904). Yellow Medicine demonstrates true affordability across both rental and ownership markets.
Yellow Medicine maximizes housing value
Relocating to Yellow Medicine gives you Minnesota's best value proposition: 11.5% rent ratios, $688 monthly rents, and sub-$150K home prices. If budget breathing room matters, Yellow Medicine's affordability edge rivals all but Wilkin County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Yellow Medicine County
Affordability Verdict
Yellow Medicine County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $688/month — about 11.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Yellow Medicine County is $688/month, while owner costs run $904/month. Renting saves approximately $216/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,743/year. With a median household income of $71,573, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Yellow Medicine County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clearwater County where rent averages $740/month, Yellow Medicine County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Yellow Medicine County
Rent Burden
11.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,670
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Yellow Medicine County
Median home value is $148,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,183 vs. your max of $1,670.
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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