Cost of Living in Niobrara County, Wyoming
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Niobrara County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Niobrara County ranks #1,411 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Niobrara County, Wyoming
Niobrara County: Rural Affordability, Low Wages
Niobrara County's rent-to-income ratio of 19% reflects the harsh reality of rural Wyoming: low housing costs ($775/month rent) paired with notably low median household income of just $48,987, nearly 35% below the national average. This county demonstrates how rural affordability can mask underlying economic fragility.
Second-Most Strained in Wyoming
Niobrara County's 19% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-highest among Wyoming's eight surveyed counties, trailing only Johnson County's crisis-level 20.3%. Despite the lowest rents in the survey, Niobrara's weak income base pushes residents into significant housing cost burden.
Lowest Rents, Lowest Incomes
Niobrara's median rent of $775/month is Wyoming's lowest, running 17% below the state average, yet median household income of $48,987 is the lowest in the survey—a 34% gap below state median earnings. This imbalance explains why low rent doesn't translate to affordability.
Niobrara's Economic Strain
Renters pay $775 monthly while homeowners carry $674—ownership costs are the second-lowest in the survey—yet median household income of $48,987 forces families to allocate 19% to rent. That leaves Niobrara households with limited cushion for savings, healthcare, and unexpected expenses despite rock-bottom rents.
Niobrara County: Proceed With Income Caution
Cheap rent alone doesn't make a county affordable; Niobrara's low wages ($48,987 median) mean housing cost burden rivals more expensive counties with better jobs. Only relocate here if you have remote income or a specific job opportunity; otherwise, compare to counties like Lincoln or Platte where wages offer real relief.
Cost of Living Advisory: Niobrara County
Affordability Verdict
Niobrara County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $775/month representing approximately 19.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Niobrara County pay $775/month on average, compared to $674/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,886/year. With a median household income of $48,987, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Niobrara County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wyoming, Niobrara County is more affordable than Weston County by roughly 12% ($775/mo vs $694/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Niobrara County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,143
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.5%
of gross income
The median home in Niobrara County may be a stretch
Median home value is $194,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,550 vs. your max of $1,143.
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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