Cost of Living in Harlan County, Nebraska

$708/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$147,200
Median Home Value
10% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$708/mo
10% below state average
Median Home Value
$147,200
48% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
19.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Harlan County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Harlan County$708/mo
Nebraska Average$783/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$708/mo
Median Gross Rent
$147,200
Median Home Value
$690/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
19.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Harlan County, Nebraska

Harlan County offers accessible rents

Renters in Harlan County spend 12.0% of their income on housing—well below the national median household income threshold and competitive with national affordability standards. This puts Harlan County firmly in the affordable housing category for rural Nebraska.

Better than state average affordability

At 12.0%, Harlan County's rent-to-income ratio beats Nebraska's statewide average of 14.2%, making it one of the state's more accessible counties for renters. Despite having a median income of $70,536—below the state median—Harlan's low rent of $708 per month keeps housing costs manageable.

Competitive with nearby counties

Harlan County's 12.0% rent-to-income ratio matches Hamilton County (11.7%) and beats Holt County (12.9%), making it one of the most balanced housing markets in the region. Homebuyers benefit from notably lower median home values ($147,200) compared to Hamilton County ($238,700).

Rent and ownership in Harlan County

A typical Harlan County renter earning $70,536 annually pays $708 per month in rent—12% of their income. Homeowners face similar costs with a median monthly payment of just $690, making homeownership nearly equivalent to renting in this county.

Budget-conscious buyers should explore Harlan

Harlan County delivers strong housing affordability for both renters and homebuyers, with homes averaging $147,200 and rents under $750 per month. If you're comparing south-central Nebraska counties, Harlan deserves serious consideration for its balanced costs and lower entry price to homeownership.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Harlan County

$

Rent Burden

12.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,646

per month

Owner Cost Burden

11.7%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Harlan County

Median home value is $147,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,175 vs. your max of $1,646.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio12.0%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Harlan County, Nebraska?
Harlan County, Nebraska has a median monthly rent of $708/mo and a median home value of $147,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 19.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Harlan County?
The median gross rent in Harlan County is $708/mo. This is 10% below state average for Nebraska.
Is Harlan County affordable?
Harlan County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 19.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Harlan County's rent compare to the state average?
Harlan County's median rent of $708/mo is 10% below state average of $783/mo for Nebraska.
What is the median home value in Harlan County?
The median home value in Harlan County, Nebraska is $147,200. This is 48% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.