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
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.
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
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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.