Cost of Living in Pawnee County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pawnee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pawnee County ranks #407 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pawnee County, Nebraska
Pawnee rents affordable, but income is lower
Pawnee County renters spend 13.5% of their income on housing, just slightly above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%. However, the median household income of $54,926 is significantly below the national average of $74,755, meaning housing affordability is relative to lower earnings.
Budget-friendly county with economic challenge
Pawnee ranks among Nebraska's most affordable counties for rent at 13.5% of income, but its median household income is the lowest in this eight-county comparison. The trade-off: cheap housing in a county facing economic pressures.
Cheapest rent, but income lags the region
Pawnee's $616 median rent ties Nuckolls as the lowest here, and both beat every other county in the comparison. Yet Pawnee's $54,926 median income trails all neighbors, meaning the affordability advantage is driven more by lower incomes than lower costs.
Affordability masks limited earning potential
Pawnee households earn just $54,926 annually and spend $616 on rent or $586 on mortgages—proportionally affordable at 13-14% of income. However, this lower earning power leaves less total income for savings, healthcare, and other expenses after housing is covered.
Pawnee suits seekers of true affordability
If rock-bottom housing costs are your goal, Pawnee's $616 rent and $74,800 median home values are unbeatable in this region. Be aware that lower housing costs reflect broader economic conditions; job opportunities and wages may be more limited than nearby counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pawnee County
Affordability Verdict
Pawnee County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $616/month representing approximately 13.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 19.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Pawnee County pay $616/month on average, compared to $586/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,114/year. With a median household income of $54,926, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Pawnee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Pawnee County sits 8% less expensive than Fillmore County ($667/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pawnee County
Rent Burden
13.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,282
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pawnee County
Median home value is $74,800. Estimated monthly cost: $597 vs. your max of $1,282.
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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