Cost of Living in Kearney County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kearney County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kearney County ranks #465 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kearney County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Kearney County is affordable. The median rent is $787/month against a median household income of $79,167, putting rent at 11.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Kearney County pay $787/month on average, compared to $1,081/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 27%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,329/year. With a median household income of $79,167, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Kearney County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Kearney County is more affordable than Boone County by roughly 7% ($787/mo vs $734/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kearney County
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
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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