Cost of Living in Red Willow County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Red Willow County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Red Willow County ranks #584 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Red Willow County, Nebraska
Red Willow's rent burden tops national norm
Red Willow County residents spend 15.6% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average of roughly 14%. While the county's median household income of $60,000 lags the national median of $74,755, housing costs here consume a slightly larger share of household budgets than typical.
Mid-pack affordability among Nebraska peers
Red Willow's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% ranks above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. The $778 median monthly rent falls just under the state average of $783, yet income levels pull the affordability ratio upward.
Pricier rents than Rock County counterpart
Red Willow's $778 monthly rent is notably higher than neighboring Rock County's $608, though both counties share similar income levels around $57,500–$60,000. When stacked against Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio, Red Willow's 15.6% reveals a meaningful affordability gap between nearby communities.
Rent and ownership costs split the burden
Red Willow households allocate roughly $778 monthly to rent or $758 to ownership, both well-balanced against a $60,000 median annual income. Combined housing expenses—whether rental or mortgage-based—consume approximately 15–16% of household earnings, leaving modest room for other expenses.
Consider Red Willow for measured affordability
If you're weighing Nebraska moves, Red Willow offers stable employment and modestly priced homes at $143,500 median value, though renters may find better rates in neighboring Rock County. Compare your income needs carefully: while ownership costs are competitive, the rental market trends slightly higher than state norms.
Cost of Living Advisory: Red Willow County
Affordability Verdict
Red Willow County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $778/month representing approximately 15.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $778/month rent versus $758/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $20/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,486/year. With a median household income of $60,000, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Red Willow County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Red Willow County sits 7% more expensive than Nemaha County ($727/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Red Willow County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,400
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Red Willow County
Median home value is $143,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,146 vs. your max of $1,400.
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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