Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Pope County

Is it better to rent or buy in Pope County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

← Back to Pope County Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$75,248
$929/mo

Median in area: $929

$256,662

Median in area: $256,662

$51,332

If you Rent

🔑
$1,215 /mo
Base Rent$929
Est. Utilities$286
% of Income19.4%
Pre-tax Residual$5,056

If you Buy

🏠
$1,932 /mo
P&I (7.19%)$1,392
Taxes & Ins$254
Est. Utilities$286
% of Income30.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,338

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Pope County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyKandiyohi County, MN
$926/mo
countySwift County, MN
$907/mo
countyStearns County, MN
$1,076/mo
countyStevens County, MN
$962/mo
countyDouglas County, MN
$903/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Pope County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Pope County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,215, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,932 per month (a difference of $717).

How much do utilities cost in Pope County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Pope County is approximately $286. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Pope County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Pope County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $48,600 per year.