Cost of Living in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scotts Bluff County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Scotts Bluff County ranks #2,755 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska
Scotts Bluff struggles with affordability
Scotts Bluff County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio is the worst in this analysis and significantly exceeds national affordability benchmarks of roughly 14%. With a $60,960 median income and $889 monthly rent, residents here dedicate an unusually large share of earnings to housing.
Most unaffordable county in Nebraska
Scotts Bluff County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% stands 3.3 points above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, making it the state's least affordable option. Monthly rents of $889 substantially exceed the state average of $783, straining modest local incomes.
Rent problem amid rural Nebraska
Scotts Bluff's $889 monthly rent runs $281 higher than Rock County ($608) and $211 higher than Richardson ($692), despite comparable incomes around $57,500–$60,000. This mismatch creates the state's worst affordability crisis, leaving residents with little budget flexibility.
Housing swallows Scotts Bluff budgets
Scotts Bluff households earn $60,960 annually but allocate $889 to rent or $974 to ownership—consuming 17.5% and 19.2% of income respectively. These percentages are the highest among peer counties, leaving families with limited resources for food, healthcare, and savings.
Scotts Bluff demands income caution
Relocating to Scotts Bluff requires careful budget planning—housing costs consume an outsized share of income here, the state's worst ratio at 17.5%. Unless your household income exceeds $70,000, consider neighboring counties like Rock or Richardson for significantly better affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Scotts Bluff County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Scotts Bluff County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $889/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Scotts Bluff County is $889/month, while owner costs run $974/month. Renting saves approximately $85/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,743/year. With a median household income of $60,960, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Scotts Bluff County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Saline County where rent averages $833/month, Scotts Bluff County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scotts Bluff County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,422
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Scotts Bluff County
Median home value is $161,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,289 vs. your max of $1,422.
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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