Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lincoln County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lincoln County ranks #2,612 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Nebraska
Lincoln County renters face above-average strain
Lincoln County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio sits above national affordability comfort, with renters dedicating more than one of every six dollars to housing. At $867 monthly rent and $64,342 median household income, local residents experience meaningful affordability pressure.
Above Nebraska average in rental affordability burden
Lincoln County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Nebraska's 14.2% state average, ranking it among the state's less affordable counties for renters. Rents of $867 rank second-highest regionally, straining incomes despite modest local earnings.
High rents with middle-tier income support
Lincoln County's $867 monthly rent ranks second-highest among peers while its $64,342 income sits in the regional middle, creating above-average affordability pressure. Only Lancaster County (at $1,045) charges more for rent, making Lincoln the second-costliest rental market here.
Lincoln County's dual housing cost structure
Renters pay $867 monthly while homeowners spend $992 on mortgages for homes valued at $183,100. Together, housing claims approximately 16% of household income—roughly $10,300 annually—placing significant weight on family budgets across both tenure types.
Lincoln County suits financially prepared relocators
Lincoln County's elevated rents ($867) and affordability burden (16.2%) require careful financial planning, though homes ($183,100) remain moderately priced. If relocating, ensure income stability and compare against lower-cost counties like Knox before committing to this market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lincoln County
Affordability Verdict
Lincoln County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $867/month — about 16.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $867/month rent versus $992/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $125/month cheaper — a 13% 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 $42,514/year. With a median household income of $64,342, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Lincoln County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lincoln County sits 7% more expensive than Howard County ($811/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lincoln County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,501
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lincoln County
Median home value is $183,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,462 vs. your max of $1,501.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Lincoln County, Nebraska?
What is the median rent in Lincoln County?
Is Lincoln County affordable?
How does Lincoln County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Lincoln County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Lincoln County, Nebraska? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Lincoln County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.