Cost of Living in Box Butte County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How Box Butte County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Box Butte County ranks #2,266 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Box Butte County, Nebraska
Box Butte's rents stay below national average
Box Butte County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio dips comfortably below both the national average and Nebraska's state benchmark of 14.2%, signaling strong affordability. At $771 monthly rent against a median household income of $68,778, the county delivers solid housing value for renters and a healthy income base.
Well below Nebraska's average burden
Box Butte County ranks among Nebraska's more affordable counties, with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 0.8 percentage points. The combination of $771 rent and $68,778 median income positions Box Butte as a stable, cost-conscious market statewide.
Moderate rent with solid income stability
Box Butte's $771 monthly rent falls between Antelope ($746) and Arthur ($850), while its $68,778 income exceeds most regional peers except Banner and Boone. The county strikes a practical middle ground: affordable rents paired with above-average wages for rural Nebraska.
Homeownership commands premium here
Renters spend $771 monthly (13.4% of income) while homeowners pay $960—a notable $189 jump that reflects either higher home values or stronger mortgage markets. The divergence suggests that renters enjoy clear advantage in Box Butte, while buyers face tighter budgeting.
Attractive for renters, thoughtful for buyers
Box Butte County offers renters genuine affordability with a 13.4% burden ratio and solid local employment at $68,778 median income. If you're planning to buy, factor in the $960 monthly ownership costs; renters will find this county considerably more favorable for relocation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Box Butte County
Affordability Verdict
Box Butte County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $771/month — about 13.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Box Butte County is $771/month, while owner costs run $960/month. Renting saves approximately $189/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,143/year. With a median household income of $68,778, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Box Butte County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Box Butte County sits 7% less expensive than Deuel County ($827/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Box Butte County
Rent Burden
13.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,605
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Box Butte County
Median home value is $161,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,286 vs. your max of $1,605.
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). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
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