Cost of Living in Keya Paha County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Keya Paha County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Keya Paha County ranks #264 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Keya Paha County, Nebraska
Keya Paha County faces the highest rent burden
Keya Paha County residents spend 17.3% of their income on rent—among the least affordable ratios in the nation. With median household income of $60,313 and median rent of $867, this rural county demands an outsized housing commitment.
Nebraska's rental affordability crisis county
Keya Paha County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of Nebraska's least affordable for renters, far exceeding the state average of 14.2%. Limited rental supply and modest local incomes converge to create genuine affordability hardship.
Highest rents, middling incomes challenge renters
Keya Paha County's $867 monthly rent ranks highest among peers while incomes remain below average, creating the worst rent-to-income position regionally. This combination directly explains why local renters face the region's toughest affordability squeeze.
Keya Paha's housing dominates budgets
Renters pay $867 monthly while homeowners enjoy cheaper mortgages at $550 on homes valued at $108,800. This split reveals a rental market that strains incomes significantly while homeownership remains relatively affordable—a concerning gap for renters without assets.
Keya Paha requires intentional financial planning
Keya Paha County's high rents demand careful consideration: at 17.3% of income, renters here face genuine affordability stress despite low home values. If relocating, prioritize homeownership pathways or explore higher-income opportunities elsewhere in Nebraska before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Keya Paha County
Affordability Verdict
Keya Paha County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $867/month representing approximately 17.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $867/month rent versus $550/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $317/month cheaper — a 37% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,571/year. With a median household income of $60,313, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Keya Paha County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Keya Paha County is more affordable than Howard County by roughly 7% ($867/mo vs $811/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Keya Paha County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,407
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Keya Paha County
Median home value is $108,800. Estimated monthly cost: $869 vs. your max of $1,407.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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