Cost of Living in Douglas County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Douglas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Douglas County ranks #3,066 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Douglas County, Nebraska
Douglas faces highest affordability strain
Douglas County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among Nebraska counties and well above both the national average and state average of 14.2%, reflecting Omaha's metro pressures. Despite the highest median household income in this group at $79,081—above the national median of $74,755—renters still spend $1,162 monthly on housing, outpacing wage growth. Douglas stands as Nebraska's affordability challenge, even for relatively well-compensated households.
Douglas County: Nebraska's costliest market
Douglas ranks last among Nebraska counties for rental affordability, with a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio and median rents of $1,162—48.4% above the state average. Higher wages ($79,081) provide some cushion that smaller counties lack, but housing cost growth has clearly outpaced income growth in the Omaha metro. Douglas renters face the steepest affordability wall in the state.
Douglas dominates regional housing costs
Douglas's $1,162 monthly rent towers over all neighboring counties: nearly $200 more than Deuel, over $500 more than Dixon, and $177 more than Dodge County. Even Douglas County's higher household incomes ($79,081) cannot fully offset the rent premium, and the gap widens further when comparing homeownership costs. Douglas represents Omaha's metro price reality—substantially costlier than rural and small-town Nebraska.
Douglas housing consumes one-fifth of income
A Douglas household earning $79,081 annually ($6,591/month) devotes $1,162 to rent—17.6% of gross income—leaving 82.4% for utilities, food, transportation, and savings. For homeowners, the burden is steeper: $1,495 monthly represents 22.7% of income, making the median home value of $245,800 a substantial commitment. Douglas renters face tighter affordability than homeowners, a reversal of patterns in smaller counties.
Douglas offers metro opportunities, metro costs
Relocating to Douglas County (Omaha area) means accepting Nebraska's highest housing costs: $1,162 for rent or $1,495 for ownership, consuming 18–23% of income. The trade-off includes stronger job markets, urban services, and higher wages ($79,081) compared to rural counties. Compare Douglas carefully against lower-cost alternatives like Dixon or Fillmore if housing affordability is your priority; choose Douglas if urban opportunity justifies the premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Douglas County
Affordability Verdict
Douglas County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,162/month representing approximately 17.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,162/month rent versus $1,495/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $333/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $46,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $64,071/year. With a median household income of $79,081, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Douglas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Douglas County sits 10% more expensive than Dakota County ($1,053/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,845
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.7%
of gross income
The median home in Douglas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $245,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,962 vs. your max of $1,845.
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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