Average Rent in Cottonwood County, MN↑ Rents rising 3.1% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in MN
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 11,458
Market Overview
Cottonwood County, MN has rental prices ranging from $640/month to $1,347/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $746/month — 47% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,239/year, spending $746/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Cottonwood County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $933/month, Cottonwood County ranks #73 most expensive of the 75 cities tracked in Minnesota — more affordable than 60% of all US cities in our data.
The Cottonwood County Rental Market
The Cottonwood County, MN area has a population of about 11,458 and 24% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Cottonwood County, MN have risen by $28/month (3.1%) over the past year, from $905 to $933. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Cottonwood County, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,840. The local median household income of $68,239 exceeds that threshold by $38,399, making Cottonwood County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Cottonwood County, MN has an unemployment rate of 6.1%, 2.2 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Cottonwood County, MN Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in MNlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $1,220 | $1,381 | $1,685 | $2,244 | — |
| Duluth | $782 | $896 | $1,140 | $1,538 | — |
| Lake County | $848 | $942 | $1,236 | $1,489 | — |
| Fargo | $694 | $836 | $1,012 | $1,418 | — |
| Rochester | $989 | $1,101 | $1,341 | $1,879 | — |
| St. Cloud | $856 | $883 | $1,151 | $1,510 | — |
Rent or Buy in Cottonwood County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Cottonwood County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Cottonwood County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Cottonwood CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MNSee how Cottonwood County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Cottonwood CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋MN Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections