Cost of Living in Saline County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Saline County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Saline County ranks #1,958 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Saline County, Nebraska
Saline County outearns and stays affordable
Saline County's median household income of $77,027 exceeds the national median of $74,755, yet residents maintain a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio—well below typical national affordability thresholds. This combination of above-average earning power and controlled housing costs creates genuine economic breathing room.
Sweet spot for Nebraska affordability
Saline County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% ranks second-best statewide, undercutting Nebraska's state average of 14.2% by a meaningful margin. With above-state-average income and moderate rent of $833 monthly, Saline represents the rare county that marries prosperity with affordability.
More income, smarter housing costs
Saline's $77,027 median income dwarfs Rock County ($57,500) and Red Willow ($60,000), yet rents remain reasonable at $833—only $50 above the state average. This income advantage transforms housing costs into a smaller slice of the household pie.
High earners, moderate housing burden
Saline households earn $77,027 annually and dedicate $833 to rent or $840 to ownership, consuming just 13% of income for housing. This efficiency leaves $5,600+ monthly for all other expenses—substantially more than lower-income counties despite similar absolute rent levels.
Saline: prosperity and affordability unite
Consider Saline if you seek Nebraska's sweet spot: strong household incomes, reasonable housing costs, and a healthy median home value of $180,700. You'll enjoy both financial security and housing affordability—a rare pairing in today's market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Saline County
Affordability Verdict
Saline County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $833/month representing approximately 13.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $833/month rent versus $840/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $7/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,000/year. With a median household income of $77,027, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Saline County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nebraska, Saline County is less affordable than York County by roughly 6% ($833/mo vs $885/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Saline County
Rent Burden
13.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,797
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Saline County
Median home value is $180,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,443 vs. your max of $1,797.
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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