Stearns County, Minnesota
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Stearns County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Stearns County
Income Verdict
Stearns County has a median household income of $76,447 and per capita income of $37,806 — a gap of $38,641, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $1,057/month and a median household income of $76,447, rent consumes approximately 16.6% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $76,447 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $37,806 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Stearns County earns approximately 0.9% above the Minnesota state median household income of $75,757, positioning it favorably within the state.
Data Story
About Household Income in Stearns County, Minnesota
Stearns earns above the national average
At $76,447, Stearns County's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,692. This places the county in the upper-middle income tier nationally, reflecting a stable economy anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing jobs.
Above average in Minnesota
Stearns ranks above Minnesota's state average of $75,757, making it one of the more prosperous counties in the region. The county's median income is driven by strong employment in the St. Cloud metro area and its surrounding communities.
Competitive with nearby counties
Stearns' $76,447 median income trails Steele County ($83,448) but exceeds Stevens ($71,060), Swift ($62,601), and Todd ($63,039). Among central Minnesota peers, Stearns holds solid middle ground with consistent wage growth across diverse industries.
Housing costs stay manageable here
With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.6%, Stearns residents spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing—well below the national threshold where affordability becomes strained. A median home value of $256,500 reflects a balanced market where homeownership remains achievable for middle-income households.
Build your financial future now
Stearns' stable income levels create opportunity for retirement savings and wealth building—start by automating monthly contributions to retirement accounts and investment funds. Even modest amounts invested consistently can compound significantly over a career, especially in a county with steady employment prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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County median: $76,447 per year
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Income Adequacy
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.