Cost of Living in Brown County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brown County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Brown County ranks #527 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brown County, Nebraska
Brown County's rent crunch
Brown County residents spend 21.7% of their income on rent, well above the national average and significantly higher than Nebraska's state average of 14.2%. At a median household income of $51,538—roughly 31% below the national median of $74,755—renters here face tighter housing affordability than most Americans.
Least affordable county in Nebraska
Brown County ranks among Nebraska's least affordable housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 7.5 percentage points. The $932 monthly median rent is 19% higher than Nebraska's average, creating particular strain for a county with below-average incomes.
Pricier than surrounding counties
Brown County's $932 rent exceeds neighboring Burt County ($688) by 35% and Cedar County ($683) by 36%, despite comparable or lower local incomes. This makes Brown County one of the region's most expensive rental markets relative to what residents earn.
Where Brown County income goes
A typical Brown County renter earning $51,538 annually spends about $11,184 per year on housing, leaving less for other essentials. Homeowners fare slightly better at 10.2% of income toward ownership costs, but the county's overall housing burden remains significantly above healthy thresholds.
Consider neighboring alternatives
If you're eyeing Brown County, neighboring Burt and Cedar counties offer substantially lower rents—up to 36% cheaper—with similar or better employment prospects. A move of just 30 miles could free up thousands annually in housing costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Brown County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Brown County is affordable. The median rent is $932/month against a median household income of $51,538, putting rent at 21.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Brown County is $932/month, while owner costs run $677/month. Owning saves approximately $255/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,014/year. With a median household income of $51,538, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 38.0% of renter households in Brown County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Brown County is less affordable than Dodge County by roughly 5% ($932/mo vs $985/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brown County
Rent Burden
21.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,203
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Brown County
Median home value is $100,200. Estimated monthly cost: $800 vs. your max of $1,203.
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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