Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Stearns County vs Hennepin County

How do Stearns County and Hennepin County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$919
Stearns County (1BR)
$1,405
Hennepin County (1BR)
−35%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
Stearns County
$919/mo 1BR
Population: 158,622
County
Hennepin County
$1,405/mo 1BR
Population: 1,270,787

A 1-bedroom in Stearns County is 35% cheaper than Hennepin County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($919 vs $1,405). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Stearns County Hennepin County Difference
Studio $874 $1,242 −$368 (-30%)
1 Bedroom $919 $1,405 −$486 (-35%)
2 Bedroom $1,206 $1,709 −$503 (-29%)
3 Bedroom $1,604 $2,262 −$658 (-29%)
4 Bedroom $1,873 $2,531 −$658 (-26%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Stearns County is 4% below the US average. Hennepin County is 47% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).