Cost of Living in Rock County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rock County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rock County ranks #39 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rock County, Nebraska
Rock County leads the affordability race
Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average of roughly 14%, delivering genuine housing relief across all income brackets. With median rent at just $608 monthly and a $57,500 median household income, residents here enjoy some of the nation's tightest housing-cost burdens.
Best affordability in all of Nebraska
Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio stands 1.5 points below Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, making it the clear winner for budget-conscious renters. At $608 monthly, rents run $175 cheaper than the state average, an exceptional advantage in rural Nebraska.
Lowest rent in the region by far
Rock County's $608 monthly rent dramatically undercuts Richardson County ($692), Red Willow ($778), and every other peer in this analysis. Despite the lowest income level at $57,500, Rock County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% proves that careful local pricing can defeat earnings differences.
Economy rents anchor tight budgets
Rock County households allocate just $608 to rent or $628 to mortgage against a $57,500 annual income, representing roughly 12–13% of earnings. This leaves substantial room for utilities, food, childcare, and emergency savings—a luxury uncommon in rural communities.
Rock County awaits the budget-conscious
If housing affordability is your north star, Rock County is Nebraska's destination—rents and mortgages are the state's cheapest, with median home values at just $124,400. Homebuyers and renters alike will find unmatched breathing room in their household budgets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rock County
Affordability Verdict
Rock County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $608/month representing approximately 12.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Rock County is $608/month, while owner costs run $628/month. Renting saves approximately $20/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,914/year. With a median household income of $57,500, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Rock County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jefferson County where rent averages $659/month, Rock County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rock County
Rent Burden
12.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,342
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rock County
Median home value is $124,400. Estimated monthly cost: $993 vs. your max of $1,342.
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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