Special Interest
Housing in Steele County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Steele County averages $1,061/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Minnesota median of $1,280 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 34% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Steele County FMR Area are $852 for a studio, $942 for 1‑bedroom, $1,236 for 2‑bedroom, $1,677 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,965 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $175 increase for a 2-bedroom in Steele County shows a 16% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Steele County was 3.3% in 2024, compared to Minnesota at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
