RentData

Average Rent in Otoe County, NE↑ Rents rising 8.2% YoY🔺 10th priciest in NE

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 16,075

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

Market Overview

Otoe County, NE has rental prices ranging from $805/month to $1,513/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $850/month — 39% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $81,430/year, spending $850/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Otoe County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,112/month, Otoe County ranks #10 most expensive of the 89 cities tracked in Nebraska — pricier than 66% of all US cities in our data.

The Otoe County Rental Market

The Otoe County, NE area has a population of about 16,075 and 20% 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 Otoe County, NE have risen by $84/month (8.2%) over the past year, from $1,028 to $1,112. 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 Otoe County, NE without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $34,000. The local median household income of $81,430 exceeds that threshold by $47,430, making Otoe County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Otoe County, NE has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.8 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 FY2027
Studio
$805
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$850
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,112
↑8.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,464
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,513
Affordable
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Is Otoe 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
$44,480/year
Local median income: $81,430
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,112/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—
Madison County$753$866$1,082$1,400—

Rent or Buy in Otoe County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Otoe County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,112/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,112/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Otoe 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 Otoe County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Otoe County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NE

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⚖️Compare Otoe County

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

📋NE Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections