RentData

Average Rent in Lake County, MN Rents falling 35.0% YoY🔻 Cheapest in MN

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 10,911

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Lake County, MN has rental prices ranging from $484/month to $995/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $592/month — 58% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $75,621/year, spending $592/month on a 1-bedroom represents 9% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lake County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $734/month, Lake County ranks #75 most expensive of the 75 cities tracked in Minnesota — more affordable than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Lake County Rental Market

The Lake County, MN area has a population of about 10,911 and 16% 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 Lake County, MN have fallen by $396/month (35.0%) over the past year, from $1,130 to $734. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lake County, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $23,680. The local median household income of $75,621 exceeds that threshold by $51,941, making Lake County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lake County, MN has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 0.2 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 FY2021
Studio
$484
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$592
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$734
35.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$992
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$995
Affordable
🔔
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Is Lake 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
$29,360/year
Local median income: $75,621
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $734/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
Fargo$694$836$1,012$1,418
Rochester$989$1,101$1,341$1,879
St. Cloud$856$883$1,151$1,510
La Crosse$821$912$1,197$1,579

Rent or Buy in Lake County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lake County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$734/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: $734/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Lake 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 Lake County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lake County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MN

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⚖️Compare Lake County

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

📋MN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections