Average Rent in Buffalo County, NE↑ Rents rising 6.4% YoY🔺 12th priciest in NE
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 50,323
Market Overview
Buffalo County, NE has rental prices ranging from $899/month to $1,834/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $904/month — 35% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $74,570/year, spending $904/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Buffalo County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,097/month, Buffalo County ranks #12 most expensive of the 89 cities tracked in Nebraska — pricier than 64% of all US cities in our data.
The Buffalo County Rental Market
The Buffalo County, NE area has a population of about 50,323 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Buffalo County, NE have risen by $66/month (6.4%) over the past year, from $1,031 to $1,097. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Buffalo County, NE without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $36,160. The local median household income of $74,570 exceeds that threshold by $38,410, making Buffalo County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Buffalo County, NE has an unemployment rate of 2.5%, 1.4 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is Buffalo County, NE Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in NElargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $948 | $1,009 | $1,230 | $1,703 | — |
| Hall County | $902 | $972 | $1,210 | $1,505 | — |
| Dodge County | $874 | $923 | $1,207 | $1,438 | — |
| Scotts Bluff County | $712 | $782 | $1,023 | $1,294 | — |
| Madison County | $753 | $866 | $1,082 | $1,400 | — |
| Platte County | $825 | $871 | $1,139 | $1,491 | — |
Rent or Buy in Buffalo County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Buffalo County data
Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.
Living in Buffalo County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Buffalo CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in NESee how Buffalo County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Buffalo CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋NE Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections