Cost of Living in Madison County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Madison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Madison County ranks #1,309 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Madison County, Nebraska
Madison County's rents rise above state and national norms
At 15.8%, Madison County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the Nebraska average (14.2%) and represents meaningful housing pressure on residents. With a median household income of $64,637 and median rent of $851 per month, housing costs eat deeper into paychecks here than in most of the state.
Madison County faces above-average affordability challenges
Madison County ranks among Nebraska's least affordable counties, with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio that significantly exceeds the state average of 14.2%. The $851 monthly rent is the highest among peer rural counties, straining household budgets across the county.
Madison County rents strain compared to neighbors
Madison County's $851 rent stands out—Logan ($725), Loup ($650), McPherson ($653), and Merrick ($772) all offer cheaper options. Higher median home values ($196,000) also suggest Madison's housing market commands a regional premium that stresses affordability.
Nearly 16% of income flows to rent alone
Renters spend $851 monthly while homeowners pay $975, both consuming an above-average share of the $64,637 median household income. At 15.8% of income devoted to rent, Madison County residents have less cushion for other expenses than most Nebraska neighbors.
Madison requires careful budget alignment before moving
Madison County's combination of higher rents and median home values ($196,000) means affordability here depends on above-average income. Compare Madison's 15.8% rent burden to neighboring counties—you may find better value just a few miles away.
Cost of Living Advisory: Madison County
Affordability Verdict
Madison County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $851/month representing approximately 15.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $851/month rent versus $975/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $124/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,786/year. With a median household income of $64,637, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Madison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Madison County is less affordable than Colfax County by roughly 6% ($851/mo vs $902/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,508
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.1%
of gross income
The median home in Madison County may be a stretch
Median home value is $196,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,565 vs. your max of $1,508.
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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