Cost of Living in Dodge County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dodge County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dodge County ranks #2,357 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dodge County, Nebraska
Dodge faces affordability pressure vs. nation
Dodge County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio tops Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and exceeds national norms, signaling housing strain despite decent wages. The median household income of $71,294 falls slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet median rent of $985 is notably high, creating a squeeze for renters. Dodge's urban center (Fremont area) drives up costs relative to income in ways many Nebraska counties avoid.
Dodge ranks among Nebraska's least affordable
At 16.6%, Dodge County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average by 2.4 percentage points, placing it among Nebraska's pricier rental markets. Median rent of $985 runs 25.8% higher than the state average of $783, reflecting Dodge's more urbanized economy and demand pressures. Only a handful of Nebraska counties approach Dodge's affordability challenge for renters.
Dodge rents dominate the regional landscape
At $985 monthly, Dodge's median rent far exceeds neighboring Deuel ($827), Dixon ($661), and Fillmore ($667)—often by $150 to $300 per month. Even Douglas County (the Omaha area, typically pricier) sits at $1,162, but Dodge renters actually earn less than Douglas households while paying nearly as much rent. Dodge's housing costs create a distinctly tight affordability situation in its region.
Dodge renters spend one-sixth on housing
Dodge households earning $71,294 annually ($5,941/month) allocate $985 to rent, consuming 16.6% of gross income and leaving just 83.4% for all other needs. Homeowners fare better at 16.3% of income ($967 monthly), though median home values of $188,100 demand either substantial down payments or higher mortgages over time. The rental market presents the steeper affordability challenge for Dodge households.
Dodge: urban amenities, premium housing costs
If you're drawn to Dodge's urban services and job market, expect to allocate roughly one-sixth of income to housing—higher than most Nebraska peers. Homebuyers should budget $967 monthly for ownership at median values of $188,100, feasible for local incomes but requiring discipline. Renters evaluating relocation should compare Dodge's $985 rents carefully against more affordable nearby counties like Dixon or Franklin.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dodge County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Dodge County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $985/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dodge County pay $985/month on average, compared to $967/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,443/year. With a median household income of $71,294, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Dodge County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Dodge County is more affordable than Brown County by roughly 6% ($985/mo vs $932/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dodge County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,664
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dodge County
Median home value is $188,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,502 vs. your max of $1,664.
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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