Cost of Living in Johnson County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Johnson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Johnson County ranks #385 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Johnson County, Nebraska
Johnson County rents strain tighter than U.S. average
Johnson County residents spend 15.7% of their income on rent, exceeding the national baseline but tracking close to affordability red flags. With a median household income of $59,457—nearly $15,000 below the U.S. median—renters here face tighter budgets than most Americans.
Above Nebraska's affordability middle line
Johnson County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it among less affordable counties statewide. Median rent of $777 aligns nearly perfectly with the state average, yet lower local incomes push the affordability burden higher.
Comparable costs, tighter incomes than peers
Johnson County's $777 monthly rent matches nearby counties like Keith County ($772) and Kearney County ($787), but Johnson earns significantly less than Kearney's $79,167 median household income. This income disadvantage makes Johnson renters work harder for similar housing.
Where Johnson County dollars go
Renters spend $777 monthly while homeowners pay $691 on mortgages, with a median home value of $131,500. Together, housing consumes roughly 16% of household income—meaning the average Johnson County family dedicates about $9,300 annually to keep a roof overhead.
Johnson County for budget-conscious newcomers
If you're relocating to Nebraska seeking low homeownership costs, Johnson County's $131,500 median home value and $691 monthly mortgage payments rank among the state's most affordable. Compare this option directly against higher-income counties like Kearney to weigh lifestyle flexibility against long-term earning potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Johnson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Johnson County is affordable. The median rent is $777/month against a median household income of $59,457, putting rent at 15.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Johnson County is $777/month, while owner costs run $691/month. Owning saves approximately $86/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,614/year. With a median household income of $59,457, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Johnson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Johnson County is more affordable than Logan County by roughly 7% ($777/mo vs $725/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Johnson County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,387
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Johnson County
Median home value is $131,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,050 vs. your max of $1,387.
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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