Cost of Living in Garden County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Garden County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Garden County ranks #109 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Garden County, Nebraska
Garden County faces serious affordability pressure
Garden County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this region and substantially exceeds the national average of 14.2%, placing severe stress on resident households. The median income of just $44,777—40% below the national median—makes Garden the most economically constrained county in this group.
Garden County ranks among Nebraska's least affordable
With an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio far above Nebraska's 14.2% state average, Garden County represents one of the state's most affordability-challenged areas. The combination of low incomes and relatively modest rental costs reveals an underlying wage issue rather than inflated housing prices.
Cheapest rents, lowest incomes in the region
Garden County offers the region's lowest median rent at $675, undercutting even Garfield County ($519), yet its $44,777 median income is dramatically lower than all neighbors. This creates a paradox where the cheapest rents consume the largest share of household budgets due to depressed wages.
Low rents offset by very low incomes
At $44,777 annually, the median household income in Garden County is strained by $675 in monthly rent and $583 in homeownership costs for properties valued at $95,500. Even with the region's lowest rents, housing consumes 18% of gross income—well above the sustainable threshold—due to the severe income deficit.
Garden offers rock-bottom costs, limited opportunity
Garden County appeals to retirees or remote workers seeking minimal housing expenses—rents and home values are the lowest in the region—but local employment prospects are severely limited. Consider Garden only if your income is portable or you're seeking maximum real estate affordability despite broader economic challenges.
Cost of Living Advisory: Garden County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Garden County is affordable. The median rent is $675/month against a median household income of $44,777, putting rent at 18.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Garden County is $675/month, while owner costs run $583/month. Owning saves approximately $92/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,986/year. With a median household income of $44,777, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Garden County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Nemaha County where rent averages $727/month, Garden County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Garden County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,045
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Garden County
Median home value is $95,500. Estimated monthly cost: $762 vs. your max of $1,045.
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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