RentData

Average Rent in Pope County, MN Rents falling 3.1% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 11,363

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

Market Overview

Pope County, MN has rental prices ranging from $702/month to $1,358/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $781/month — 44% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,205/year, spending $781/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Pope County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,024/month, Pope County ranks #19 most expensive of the 75 cities tracked in Minnesota — pricier than 67% of all US cities in our data.

The Pope County Rental Market

The Pope County, MN area has a population of about 11,363 and 17% 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 Pope County, MN have fallen by $33/month (3.1%) over the past year, from $1,057 to $1,024. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Pope County, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,240. The local median household income of $72,205 exceeds that threshold by $40,965, making Pope County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Pope County, MN has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 0.3 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
$702
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$781
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,024
3.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,234
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,358
Affordable
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Is Pope 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
$40,960/year
Local median income: $72,205
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,024/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 Pope County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Pope County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,024/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,024/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Pope County

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Pope County

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💵Rent Affordability in Pope County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋MN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections