Cost of Living in Otoe County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Otoe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Otoe County ranks #1,676 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Otoe County, Nebraska
Otoe's rent burden sits just below state average
Otoe County renters spend 13.3% of their income on housing, slightly below Nebraska's 14.2% average and closer to the national affordability standard. With a median income of $81,430—above the national average of $74,755—households here have above-average earning power to manage housing costs.
Balanced affordability ranking in Nebraska
Otoe County ranks in the middle tier of Nebraska counties for rental affordability, with a 13.3% rent-to-income ratio that reflects moderate housing pressure. Its $905 monthly rent is notably higher than the state average of $783, though incomes are also proportionally stronger.
Higher rents, but stronger incomes balance it
Otoe's $905 median rent is the second-highest in this region, behind only Platte County ($867 rounded—actually $935 for owner costs), but its median household income of $81,430 is the highest here. This strong earning power helps offset the steeper housing costs.
Renters and owners split costs fairly evenly
Otoe households earn $81,430 annually and split nearly evenly between rental ($905/month) and ownership ($909/month) costs. Both renter and homeowner housing burdens sit around 13%, leaving ample income for other priorities.
Otoe offers earning potential with moderate costs
If you're seeking a Nebraska county with strong job market signals (reflected in higher incomes) and reasonable housing affordability, Otoe delivers both. Your housing costs will be moderate relative to your earning power, especially for homeowners.
Cost of Living Advisory: Otoe County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Otoe County is affordable. The median rent is $905/month against a median household income of $81,430, putting rent at 13.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Otoe County pay $905/month on average, compared to $909/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 0%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,957/year. With a median household income of $81,430, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 18.0% of renter households in Otoe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Otoe County sits 6% more expensive than Adams County ($853/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Otoe County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,900
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Otoe County
Median home value is $185,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,477 vs. your max of $1,900.
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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