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Cost of Living in Stearns County, MN

Population 160,865 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,068
Median home value$273,400
Median household income$77,066

The median rent in Stearns County, MN is $1,068/month, 17% lower than the Minnesota median and 24% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $273,400, 18% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $77,066 a year, 13% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 16.6%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $42,720/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 3.5×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,382/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Stearns County vs. Minnesota vs. U.S.

Stearns CountyMinnesotaU.S.
Median rent$1,068$1,280$1,413
Median home value$273,400$329,300$332,700
Median household income$77,066$89,062$80,734
Homeownership rate67.9%72.2%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher28.8%39.4%35.7%
Poverty rate12.9%9.3%12.5%
Unemployment rate4.1%4.1%5.2%
Work from home10.6%17.6%15.1%
Median age35.138.838.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Stearns County, MN?

The median gross rent in Stearns County, MN is $1,068 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Stearns County, MN?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $42,720 a year in gross income.

Is Stearns County, MN expensive to live in?

Rent there is 24% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.5 times the median household income.

Other counties in Minnesota

Hennepin County, MNRent $1,487 · Income $97,653Ramsey County, MNRent $1,329 · Income $81,568Dakota County, MNRent $1,548 · Income $106,318Anoka County, MNRent $1,464 · Income $101,869Washington County, MNRent $1,710 · Income $115,345St. Louis County, MNRent $1,013 · Income $70,069

Counties with a similar cost of living

Lee County, TXRent $1,067 · Income $76,371Monroe County, MIRent $1,059 · Income $77,335Lincoln County, MERent $1,055 · Income $76,875Elmore County, ALRent $1,071 · Income $78,243St. Clair County, ALRent $1,084 · Income $77,463Portage County, OHRent $1,064 · Income $75,766

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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