Cost of Living in Kearney County, Nebraska

$787/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$218,300

Median Home Value

1% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$787/mo

1% above state average

Median Home Value

$218,300

23% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

21.0%

% 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 Kearney County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Kearney County$787/mo

Nebraska Average$783/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$787/mo

Median Gross Rent

$218,300

Median Home Value

$1,081/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

21.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Kearney County, Nebraska

Kearney County achieves rare affordability balance

Kearney County residents spend just 11.9% of their income on rent—one of the most comfortable affordability ratios in the nation. With a median household income of $79,167, nearly $5,000 above the U.S. average, renters here enjoy substantial breathing room in their budgets.

Nebraska's affordability champion for renters

Kearney County's 11.9% rent-to-income ratio sits well below Nebraska's 14.2% state average, making it one of the most affordable counties statewide. This strong position reflects both reasonable rents ($787/month) and above-average incomes that give renters genuine housing security.

Higher income, similar rents set Kearney apart

Kearney County's $787 rent matches adjacent counties but its $79,167 median income significantly outpaces Johnson County ($59,457) and Keith County ($58,132). This income advantage makes Kearney renters the most financially comfortable in the region.

Kearney's housing divides nearly even

Renters pay $787 monthly while homeowners invest $1,081 in mortgages on a median home value of $218,300. Housing consumes about 14% of household income across both tenure types—allowing families to allocate meaningful resources toward savings and other needs.

Kearney County rewards higher earners

If relocating with above-average income, Kearney County offers exceptional affordability with homes valued at $218,300 and strong rental availability at $787/month. You'll find your housing costs consume 12-14% of income—below national and state averages—freeing capital for quality of life investments.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Kearney County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

11.9%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,847

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.4%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Kearney County

Median home value is $218,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,743 vs. your max of $1,847.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio11.9%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kearney County, Nebraska?

Kearney County, Nebraska has a median monthly rent of $787/mo and a median home value of $218,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 21.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Kearney County?

The median gross rent in Kearney County is $787/mo. This is 1% above state average for Nebraska.

Is Kearney County affordable?

Kearney County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 21.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Kearney County's rent compare to the state average?

Kearney County's median rent of $787/mo is 1% above state average of $783/mo for Nebraska.

What is the median home value in Kearney County?

The median home value in Kearney County, Nebraska is $218,300. This is 23% below the national median home value of $281,900.