RentData

Average Rent in Mille Lacs County, MN Rents falling 3.1% YoY🔺 9th priciest in MN

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 26,912

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

Market Overview

Mille Lacs County, MN has rental prices ranging from $830/month to $1,840/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $835/month — 40% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $71,455/year, spending $835/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Mille Lacs County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,096/month, Mille Lacs County ranks #9 most expensive of the 75 cities tracked in Minnesota — pricier than 75% of all US cities in our data.

The Mille Lacs County Rental Market

The Mille Lacs County, MN area has a population of about 26,912 and 22% 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 Mille Lacs County, MN have fallen by $35/month (3.1%) over the past year, from $1,131 to $1,096. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Mille Lacs County, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,400. The local median household income of $71,455 exceeds that threshold by $38,055, making Mille Lacs County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Mille Lacs County, MN has an unemployment rate of 5.7%, 1.8 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
$830
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$835
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,096
3.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,334
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,840
Average
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Is Mille Lacs 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
$43,840/year
Local median income: $71,455
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,096/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 Mille Lacs County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Mille Lacs County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,096/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,096/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Mille Lacs 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 Mille Lacs County

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💵Rent Affordability in Mille Lacs County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋MN Tenant Rights

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