RentData

Average Rent in Rock County, NE Rents rising 4.0% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in NE

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,335

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Rock 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 $57,500/year, spending $691/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Rock County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $907/month, Rock County ranks #87 most expensive of the 88 cities tracked in Nebraska — more affordable than 71% of all US cities in our data.

The Rock County Rental Market

The Rock County, NE area has a population of about 1,335 and 24% 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 Rock 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 Rock 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 $57,500 exceeds that threshold by $29,860, making Rock County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Rock County, NE has an unemployment rate of 2.2%, 1.7 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 FY2025
Studio
$622
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$691
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$907
4.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,129
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,204
Affordable
🔔
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Is Rock 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
$36,280/year
Local median income: $57,500
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $907/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in NElargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome 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 Rock County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Rock County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$907/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $907/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Rock 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 Rock County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Rock County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NE

See how Rock County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Rock County

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

📋NE Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections