RentData

Average Rent in Saunders County, NE↑ Rents rising 5.9% YoY🔺 6th priciest in NE

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 22,761

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

Market Overview

Saunders County, NE has rental prices ranging from $931/month to $1,863/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,014/month — 28% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $89,395/year, spending $1,014/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Saunders County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,153/month, Saunders County ranks #6 most expensive of the 89 cities tracked in Nebraska — pricier than 70% of all US cities in our data.

The Saunders County Rental Market

The Saunders County, NE area has a population of about 22,761 and 18% 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 Saunders County, NE have risen by $64/month (5.9%) over the past year, from $1,089 to $1,153. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Saunders County, NE without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $40,560. The local median household income of $89,395 exceeds that threshold by $48,835, making Saunders County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Saunders County, NE has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, 1.6 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
$931
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,014
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,153
↑5.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,546
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,863
Affordable
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Is Saunders 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
$46,120/year
Local median income: $89,395
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,153/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 Saunders County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Saunders County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,153/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,153/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Saunders 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 Saunders County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Saunders County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NE

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⚖️Compare Saunders County

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

📋NE Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections