Cost of Living in Dawes County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dawes County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dawes County ranks #2,633 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dawes County, Nebraska
Dawes faces Nebraska's toughest affordability
Dawes County residents spend 22.4% of their median household income on rent—the highest ratio among all Nebraska counties surveyed and far above the national average. With the lowest median income in this region at $54,381 and rent of $1,014 monthly, housing costs impose severe financial strain compared to national and state standards.
Nebraska's least affordable county
Dawes County's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as the state's most financially strained housing market, nearly 8 percentage points above Nebraska's state average. This exceptional burden reflects both limited local income and relatively high regional rents.
Lowest pay, highest housing pressure
Dawes County combines the region's lowest median income ($54,381) with the second-highest rent ($1,014), creating the harshest affordability squeeze in this comparison. The $1,053 rent in Dakota County is higher, but Dawes residents earn $17,000 less annually.
Housing dominates household budgets
Monthly rent of $1,014 consumes 22.4% of the median income, compared to $925 for homeownership on a median home value of $146,500. Even homeownership is less affordable here than renting is in most other Nebraska counties.
Relocation requires significant salary increase
Dawes County's housing costs are among Nebraska's highest while local incomes rank lowest, creating genuine affordability challenges. Only relocate here if your new job salary significantly exceeds the county's $54,381 median—otherwise, housing will strain your budget severely.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dawes County
Affordability Verdict
Dawes County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,014/month representing approximately 22.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dawes County pay $1,014/month on average, compared to $925/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,643/year. With a median household income of $54,381, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Dawes County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Dawes County sits 6% more expensive than Washington County ($958/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dawes County
Rent Burden
22.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,269
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dawes County
Median home value is $146,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,170 vs. your max of $1,269.
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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