RentData

Average Rent in Jackson County, MN↑ Rents rising 3.1% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in MN

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 9,964

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Jackson County, MN has rental prices ranging from $640/month to $1,315/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $784/month — 44% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $69,955/year, spending $784/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Jackson County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $933/month, Jackson County ranks #73 most expensive of the 75 cities tracked in Minnesota — more affordable than 60% of all US cities in our data.

The Jackson County Rental Market

The Jackson County, MN area has a population of about 9,964 and 19% 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 Jackson 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 Jackson County, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,360. The local median household income of $69,955 exceeds that threshold by $38,595, making Jackson County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Jackson County, MN has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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 FY2025
Studio
$640
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$784
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$933
↑3.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,255
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,315
Affordable
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Is Jackson County, MN Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$37,320/year
Local median income: $69,955
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $933/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MNlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome 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 Jackson County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Jackson County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$933/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $933/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Jackson County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Jackson County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Jackson County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MN

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⚖️Compare Jackson County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections