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 $738/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the North Dakota median of $954 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 30% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Steele County FMR Area are $697 for a studio, $702 for 1‑bedroom, $873 for 2‑bedroom, $1,214 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,464 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $135 increase for a 2-bedroom in Steele County shows a 18% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Steele County was 3.1% in 2024, compared to North Dakota at 2.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
