Cost of Living in Madison County, Nebraska

$851/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$196,000

Median Home Value

9% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$851/mo

9% above state average

Median Home Value

$196,000

30% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

25.0%

% 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 Madison County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Madison County$851/mo

Nebraska Average$783/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$851/mo

Median Gross Rent

$196,000

Median Home Value

$975/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

25.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio15.8%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Madison County, Nebraska has a median monthly rent of $851/mo and a median home value of $196,000. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 25.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Madison County?

The median gross rent in Madison County is $851/mo. This is 9% above state average for Nebraska.

Is Madison County affordable?

Madison County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Madison County's median rent of $851/mo is 9% above state average of $783/mo for Nebraska.

What is the median home value in Madison County?

The median home value in Madison County, Nebraska is $196,000. This is 30% below the national median home value of $281,900.