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La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN

Cost of living in Houston County, MN

Part of the La Crosse Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,144/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 18,768 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $912 29%
Federal tax $620 20%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $340 11%
Transport $320 10%
State tax $235 7%
Energy $187 6%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Houston County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$821
per month
1 bedroom
$912
per month
2 bedroom
$1,197
per month
3 bedroom
$1,579
per month
4 bedroom
$1,990
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Houston County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$77,087
per year
Individual earnings
$47,956
per year
Per capita
$41,820
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Houston County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$226,300
Annual property tax
$2,633

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Houston County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$124
per month · 15.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$63
per month
Annual total
$2,244
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Houston County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
3.7%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Houston County

State and local tax rates for Minnesota.

State income tax
9.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.9%
Combined sales tax
7.5%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Houston County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
24.4 min
Drive alone
76.5%
Public transit
0.8%
Work from home
11.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Houston County

What it costs to live in Houston County each month.

Single person
$3,144
per month
  • Rent $912
  • Energy $187
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $340
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $620
  • State tax $235
Couple
$4,660
per month
  • Rent $1,197
  • Energy $224
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $563
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $932
  • State tax $400
Family
$7,186
per month
  • Rent $1,579
  • Energy $280
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $855
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $932
  • State tax $400

Frequently asked questions about Houston County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Houston County?

In Houston County, MN, a one-bedroom apartment averages $912 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,197 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,579 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Houston County?

In Houston County, MN, the average household income is $77,087 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $47,956 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Houston County?

The estimated cost of living in Houston County, MN is approximately $3,144 per month for a single person, $4,660 for a couple, $7,186 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Houston County?

The combined sales tax rate in Houston County, MN is 7.54%, which includes the Minnesota state rate of 6.88% plus an average local rate of 0.66%.

Is Houston County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Houston County, MN would need approximately $3,144 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $77,087 per year ($6,424 per month). Houston County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Houston County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Houston County, MN is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 3.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Houston County?

The average home value in Houston County, MN is $226,300, with average annual property taxes of $2,633, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Houston County compare to other areas?

You can compare Houston County, MN with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Houston County is in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metro area.

Other counties in Minnesota

Browse the full list of counties in Minnesota, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Minnesota

Compare Houston County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources