Average Rent in Garden County, NE↑ Rents rising 4.0% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in NE
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,620
Market Overview
Garden County, NE has rental prices ranging from $622/month to $1,204/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $691/month — 51% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $44,777/year, spending $691/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Garden County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $907/month, Garden County ranks #87 most expensive of the 88 cities tracked in Nebraska — more affordable than 71% of all US cities in our data.
The Garden County Rental Market
The Garden County, NE area has a population of about 1,620 and 22% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Garden County, NE have risen by $35/month (4.0%) over the past year, from $872 to $907. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Garden County, NE without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $27,640. The local median household income of $44,777 exceeds that threshold by $17,137, making Garden County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Garden County, NE has an unemployment rate of 2.6%, 1.3 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 FY2025Is Garden 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 | $815 | $910 | $1,125 | $1,576 | — |
| Hall County | $770 | $911 | $1,123 | $1,426 | — |
| Buffalo County | $651 | $778 | $941 | $1,254 | — |
| Dodge County | $690 | $767 | $1,006 | $1,212 | — |
| Scotts Bluff County | $645 | $759 | $940 | $1,317 | — |
| Madison County | $636 | $707 | $928 | $1,192 | — |
Rent or Buy in Garden County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Garden County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Garden County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Garden CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in NESee how Garden County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Garden CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋NE Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections