Cost of Living in Garfield County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Garfield County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Garfield County ranks #85 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Garfield County, Nebraska
Garfield offers exceptional rental affordability
Garfield County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in America and dramatically undercuts the national average of 14.2%, making it exceptionally affordable for renters. With a median income of $68,611—only 8% below the national median—residents enjoy genuine housing security.
Garfield is Nebraska's affordability leader
Garfield County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this entire eight-county group and substantially beats Nebraska's state average of 14.2%. This exceptional affordability reflects modest local rents paired with respectable incomes, creating genuine housing security for residents.
Lowest rents in the region by far
Garfield County's median rent of $519 is dramatically lower than every neighbor in this group, with the next-lowest (Greeley at $643) running 24% higher. The combination of rock-bottom rents and decent incomes creates the region's best housing affordability story.
Rent is a non-issue; homeownership is the trade
Garfield's $68,611 median income easily absorbs the $519 monthly rent—just 9% of gross earnings—leaving ample room in household budgets. Homeownership costs $843 monthly for properties valued at $144,900, making buying slightly costlier than renting but still accessible to most residents.
Garfield is Nebraska's affordability gem
If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Garfield County delivers—the lowest rents in this region consume just 9% of income, freeing resources for savings or quality of life. Remote workers or those with portable income will find exceptional value here, with genuine affordability paired with reasonable incomes.
Cost of Living Advisory: Garfield County
Affordability Verdict
Garfield County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $519/month representing approximately 9.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Garfield County is $519/month, while owner costs run $843/month. Renting saves approximately $324/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $20,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,129/year. With a median household income of $68,611, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Garfield County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hooker County where rent averages $581/month, Garfield County is approximately 11% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Garfield County
Rent Burden
9.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,601
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Garfield County
Median home value is $144,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,157 vs. your max of $1,601.
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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