Cost of Living in Butler County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Butler County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Butler County ranks #59 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Butler County, Nebraska
Butler County's affordability advantage
Butler County residents enjoy a 10.9% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight counties and well below both Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and national norms. The county's robust median income of $82,603, exceeding the national median by 10.5%, creates substantial housing affordability.
Nebraska's most affordable county
Butler County ranks among Nebraska's most housing-affordable markets, with a rent-to-income ratio significantly below the state average. Strong local incomes and moderate rents combine to create the best affordability conditions in this regional peer group.
Balanced costs and strong income
Butler County's $753 rent is competitive with Cedar County ($683) and Chase County ($749), but the county's higher median income of $82,603 makes housing far more manageable. This income advantage—$8,600+ above Cedar County—delivers genuine purchasing power.
Butler County's financial comfort
Renters earning the Butler County median of $82,603 spend approximately $9,036 annually on housing—just 10.9% of income, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses. Homeowners allocate 12.1% to ownership costs, reflecting both manageable payments and reasonable home values.
Affordable comfort zone
Butler County delivers the rare combination of strong local incomes and low housing cost burdens, making it ideal for families seeking financial breathing room. With a 10.9% rent-to-income ratio, Butler County offers genuine affordability without sacrificing community stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Butler County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Butler County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $753/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Butler County pay $753/month on average, compared to $831/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,614/year. With a median household income of $82,603, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Butler County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Butler County is more affordable than Clay County by roughly 7% ($753/mo vs $701/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Butler County
Rent Burden
10.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,927
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Butler County
Median home value is $165,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,323 vs. your max of $1,927.
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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