RentData

Average Rent in Martin County, MN↑ Rents rising 1.4% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in MN

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,864

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

Market Overview

Martin County, MN has rental prices ranging from $640/month to $1,237/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $712/month — 49% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,969/year, spending $712/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Martin County Compares

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

The Martin County Rental Market

The Martin County, MN area has a population of about 19,864 and 28% 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 Martin County, MN have risen by $13/month (1.4%) over the past year, from $920 to $933. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Martin County, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,480. The local median household income of $62,969 exceeds that threshold by $34,489, making Martin County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Martin County, MN has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 0.7 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 FY2025
Studio
$640
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$712
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$933
↑1.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,232
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,237
Affordable
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Martin County
▼

Is Martin 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: $62,969
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 Martin County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Martin 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 Martin County

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Martin County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Martin County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MN

See how Martin County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Martin County

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

📋MN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections