Cost of Living in Saunders County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Saunders County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Saunders County ranks #709 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Saunders County, Nebraska
Saunders balances strong income and housing
Saunders County's median household income of $89,395 significantly outpaces the national average of $74,755, while its 12.5% rent-to-income ratio beats national affordability norms. Residents enjoy above-average earning power coupled with controlled housing burden—a rare advantage.
Top-tier affordability with top-tier income
Saunders County ranks among Nebraska's best for affordability with a 12.5% rent-to-income ratio, besting the state average of 14.2%. At $89,395 median income—the state's second-highest after Sarpy—Saunders delivers both prosperity and housing relief.
Prosperity without the Omaha premium
Saunders's $89,395 income nearly matches Sarpy's $101,402, yet monthly rents ($930) remain $354 cheaper than Sarpy's $1,284. Home values at $241,100 split the difference between rural and metro, offering a balanced alternative to both extremes.
Smart earnings, smart housing allocation
Saunders households earn $89,395 annually and dedicate $930 to rent or $1,239 to ownership, consuming just 12.5% and 16.6% of income respectively. This efficiency leaves over $6,700 monthly for other essentials—among the best in the state.
Saunders: Nebraska's balanced option
If you want strong income potential without Sarpy's metro prices, Saunders County delivers: high household earnings, controlled housing costs, and reasonable home values around $241,100. You'll find both financial security and housing relief in this transitional county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Saunders County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Saunders County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $930/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $930/month rent versus $1,239/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $309/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,100/year. With a median household income of $89,395, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Saunders County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Saunders County sits 6% less expensive than Dodge County ($985/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Saunders County
Rent Burden
12.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,086
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Saunders County
Median home value is $241,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,925 vs. your max of $2,086.
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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