RentData

Average Rent in Madison County, NE↑ Rents rising 9.1% YoY🔺 13th priciest in NE

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 35,535

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Madison County, NE has rental prices ranging from $753/month to $1,665/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $866/month — 38% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,637/year, spending $866/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Madison County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,082/month, Madison County ranks #13 most expensive of the 89 cities tracked in Nebraska — pricier than 62% of all US cities in our data.

The Madison County Rental Market

The Madison County, NE area has a population of about 35,535 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Madison County, NE have risen by $90/month (9.1%) over the past year, from $992 to $1,082. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Madison County, NE without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $34,640. The local median household income of $64,637 exceeds that threshold by $29,997, making Madison County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Madison County, NE has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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 FY2027
Studio
$753
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$866
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,082
↑9.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,400
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,665
Average
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Is Madison County, NE Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$43,280/year
Local median income: $64,637
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,082/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in NElargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Lincoln$948$1,009$1,230$1,703—
Hall County$902$972$1,210$1,505—
Buffalo County$899$904$1,097$1,432—
Dodge County$874$923$1,207$1,438—
Scotts Bluff County$712$782$1,023$1,294—
Platte County$825$871$1,139$1,491—

Rent or Buy in Madison County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Madison County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,082/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,082/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Madison County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Madison County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Madison County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NE

See how Madison County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Madison County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋NE Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections