Cost of Living in Nemaha County, Kansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Nemaha County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Nemaha County ranks #36 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Nemaha County, Kansas
Nemaha County: affordable by national standards
With a rent-to-income ratio of 11.3%, Nemaha County sits comfortably within the healthy housing affordability zone and beats the national average. Median household income of $77,375 exceeds the national average by nearly $2,600, while median rent at $726/month keeps housing costs modest relative to earnings.
Top quartile affordability in Kansas
Nemaha County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio stands well above the Kansas state average of 14.7%, securing it among the state's most affordable counties for renters. The county's median income of $77,375 is also one of the stronger earnings figures in Kansas, amplifying housing affordability even further.
Nemaha County leads the neighborhood
At $726/month, Nemaha's median rent is competitive with Osage County ($810) but higher than bargain markets like Morton ($637) and Osborne ($591). However, Nemaha commands a significant homeownership advantage: a median home value of $196,100 reflects community stability and equity potential that rival any neighbor in this region.
Renters win; homeowners invest
Renters spend 11.3% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate 11.8% ($762 monthly), creating nearly identical affordability for both pathways. With median home values at $196,100—higher than most peers—homebuyers here are building equity in a county where incomes support the purchase price.
Strong income, accessible housing, proven value
Nemaha County attracts families balancing affordability with long-term stability: above-average income, near-bottom-quartile rent burden, and homes appreciating in value. If you're trading up from cheaper but stagnant markets, Nemaha offers the rare combination of affordability and investment potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Nemaha County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Nemaha County is affordable. The median rent is $726/month against a median household income of $77,375, putting rent at 11.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Nemaha County is $726/month, while owner costs run $762/month. Renting saves approximately $36/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,657/year. With a median household income of $77,375, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Nemaha County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kansas, Nemaha County is more affordable than Brown County by roughly 8% ($726/mo vs $675/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Nemaha County
Rent Burden
11.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,805
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Nemaha County
Median home value is $196,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,566 vs. your max of $1,805.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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