Cost of Living in Dakota County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dakota County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dakota County ranks #2,830 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dakota County, Nebraska
Dakota rents outpace state and nation
Dakota County residents spend 17.6% of their median household income on rent, notably higher than Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and above most national benchmarks. With a median income of $71,655 and rent of $1,053 monthly, housing costs impose a real financial squeeze compared to statewide norms.
Among Nebraska's pricier counties
Dakota County ranks among the less affordable counties in Nebraska, with its 17.6% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average. The county's higher rents relative to local income levels signal tighter housing affordability than most of the state experiences.
The region's most expensive rents
Dakota County's median rent of $1,053 is the highest in this comparison—$152 more than Cheyenne County and $352 more than Clay County. This rental premium significantly outpaces the advantages of Dakota's solid $71,655 median income.
Renters face heavier burden than owners
Monthly rent of $1,053 consumes 17.6% of the median income, while homeownership costs $992—nearly as high but spread across a median home value of $168,100. Renters here experience notably tighter affordability than homeowners.
Factor in above-average housing costs
Dakota County's cost of living rises noticeably above statewide averages, particularly for renters. If relocating here, verify your salary reflects the regional rent premium—rents are among Nebraska's highest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dakota County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Dakota County is affordable. The median rent is $1,053/month against a median household income of $71,655, putting rent at 17.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Dakota County is $1,053/month, while owner costs run $992/month. Owning saves approximately $61/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,514/year. With a median household income of $71,655, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Dakota County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Cass County where rent averages $987/month, Dakota County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dakota County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,672
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dakota County
Median home value is $168,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,342 vs. your max of $1,672.
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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