RentData

Average Rent in Saline County, NE↑ Rents rising 9.3% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 14,642

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

Market Overview

Saline County, NE has rental prices ranging from $731/month to $1,594/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $803/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $77,027/year, spending $803/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Saline County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,050/month, Saline County ranks #19 most expensive of the 89 cities tracked in Nebraska — pricier than 56% of all US cities in our data.

The Saline County Rental Market

The Saline County, NE area has a population of about 14,642 and 26% 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 Saline County, NE have risen by $89/month (9.3%) over the past year, from $961 to $1,050. 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 Saline County, NE without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,120. The local median household income of $77,027 exceeds that threshold by $44,907, making Saline County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Saline 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
$731
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$803
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,050
↑9.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,454
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,594
Affordable
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Is Saline 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
$42,000/year
Local median income: $77,027
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,050/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 Saline County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Saline County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,050/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: $1,050/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Saline 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 Saline County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Saline County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NE

See how Saline County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Saline County

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

📋NE Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections