Cost of Living in Dawson County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dawson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dawson County ranks #1,834 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dawson County, Nebraska
Dawson rents moderately above average
Dawson County residents spend 15.8% of their median household income on rent, slightly above Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and in the middle range nationally. With a median income of $65,383—below the national median of $74,755—but modest rent of $861 monthly, housing costs create moderate pressure for local earners.
Slightly above Nebraska's norm
Dawson County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio places it modestly above Nebraska's state average, ranking it among the more expensive counties but not among the hardest-hit. The county represents mild affordability stress rather than severe constraints.
Mid-range rent, below-average income
Dawson County's $861 monthly rent falls in the middle of this region's range, but its median income of $65,383 is among the lowest surveyed. This combination creates slightly tighter affordability than the statewide average despite modest rents.
Rent and ownership costs balanced
Monthly rent of $861 consumes 15.8% of the median income, while homeownership costs $885—nearly identical despite a median home value of $157,800. Both pathways create roughly equal housing burden for Dawson residents.
Modest affordability pressure, stable options
Dawson County offers moderate housing costs with modest affordability challenges relative to state averages. If relocating, expect to allocate slightly more than the statewide norm to housing, but nothing extreme by national standards.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dawson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Dawson County is affordable. The median rent is $861/month against a median household income of $65,383, putting rent at 15.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $861/month rent versus $885/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $24/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,929/year. With a median household income of $65,383, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Dawson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Dawson County sits 6% less expensive than Cheyenne County ($912/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dawson County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,526
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dawson County
Median home value is $157,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,260 vs. your max of $1,526.
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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