RentData

Average Rent in Pennington County, MN Rents falling 1.8% YoY🔺 11th priciest in MN

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 13,877

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

Market Overview

Pennington County, MN has rental prices ranging from $741/month to $1,559/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $823/month — 41% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,561/year, spending $823/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Pennington County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,080/month, Pennington County ranks #11 most expensive of the 75 cities tracked in Minnesota — pricier than 73% of all US cities in our data.

The Pennington County Rental Market

The Pennington County, MN area has a population of about 13,877 and 29% 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 Pennington County, MN have fallen by $20/month (1.8%) over the past year, from $1,100 to $1,080. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Pennington County, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,920. The local median household income of $72,561 exceeds that threshold by $39,641, making Pennington County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Pennington 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
$741
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$823
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,080
1.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,371
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,559
Affordable
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Is Pennington 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
$43,200/year
Local median income: $72,561
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,080/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 Pennington County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Pennington County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,080/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,080/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Pennington 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 Pennington County

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💵Rent Affordability in Pennington County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋MN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections