Cost of Living in Blaine County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Blaine County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Blaine County ranks #192 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Blaine County, Nebraska
Blaine's rents bite, incomes run thin
Blaine County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio tops both the national average and Nebraska's state benchmark of 14.2%, driven by below-median wages and modest rents. At just $61,250 median household income—the lowest among these eight counties—renters stretch $786 monthly rent across a strained budget.
Above-average affordability stress
Blaine County ranks among Nebraska's more challenging rental markets, with a 15.4% rent-to-income ratio and the state's lowest median household income in this peer group. The $786 monthly rent is close to the state average, but the shallow income base creates disproportionate housing burden for county residents.
Modest rent, but incomes can't keep pace
At $786 monthly, Blaine's rent sits between Antelope ($746) and Arthur ($850), but the county's $61,250 income—lowest in the region—means renters carry heavier proportional burden than peers. Compared to Boyd County (similar income, lower rent at $650), Blaine residents face measurably greater affordability pressure.
Homeownership looks more affordable here
Renters spend $786 monthly (15.4% of income) while homeowners pay just $630—a remarkable $156 monthly difference that reflects significant ownership advantage. This gap suggests that building equity through homeownership offers Blaine residents crucial relief compared to renting.
Consider ownership if income permits
Blaine County presents a puzzle: rents burden residents more than state average, but mortgages run surprisingly affordable at $630 monthly. If you're relocating with stable employment, pursuing homeownership here could unlock substantial savings; renting, however, demands careful income planning.
Cost of Living Advisory: Blaine County
Affordability Verdict
Blaine County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $786/month representing approximately 15.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 15.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $786/month rent versus $630/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $156/month cheaper — a 20% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,000/year. With a median household income of $61,250, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 15.0% of renter households in Blaine County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Blaine County sits 7% more expensive than Boone County ($734/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Blaine County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,429
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Blaine County
Median home value is $102,100. Estimated monthly cost: $815 vs. your max of $1,429.
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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