IncomeBy County

Brown County, Nebraska

Income Data

-23% vs. Nebraska average
$51,538
Median Household Income
$37,034
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,538
-23% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,034
-6% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
51.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Nebraska
#91 / 93
by median household income

How Brown County Compares

Brown County$51,538
Nebraska Average$66,880
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,538
Median Household Income
$37,034
Per Capita Income
$100,200
Median Home Value
51.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Brown County, Nebraska

Brown County lags national income

Brown County's median household income of $51,538 falls 31% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower tier of U.S. counties. The gap reflects economic challenges common to rural Nebraska communities that depend on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing. Closing this income gap requires targeted workforce development and business attraction.

Below average for Nebraska

Brown County ranks below Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880, earning $15,342 less than the statewide average. This positions the county in the lower third of Nebraska's 93 counties, indicating income challenges within the state's rural northeast. However, per capita income of $37,034 remains solid relative to state average of $36,101.

Peers in rural Nebraska struggle

Brown County's income sits between Cherry County ($63,750) and Cedar County ($73,977), reflecting the income diversity across rural northeastern Nebraska. Like its neighbors, Brown County faces the economic pressures of agricultural dependence and limited urban employment centers. Cedar County earns $22,000 more per household, suggesting geographic proximity doesn't guarantee income parity.

Housing costs manageable here

At 21.7%, Brown County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the standard 30% affordability threshold but remains reasonable for rural areas with median home values of $100,200. The median household income of $51,538 provides modest but stable housing affordability compared to counties with higher home prices. Most households can afford homeownership without severe budget strain.

Build wealth through planning

Brown County residents earning $51,538 annually can strengthen their financial future by building emergency savings and exploring retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. Even modest monthly investments—as little as $100—compound significantly over time. Local credit unions and financial advisors can help families develop wealth-building strategies suited to rural Nebraska's economic realities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Brown County, Nebraska?
The median household income in Brown County, Nebraska is $51,538, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Brown County?
The per capita income in Brown County is $37,034, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $51,538.
How does Brown County compare to the Nebraska average?
Brown County's median household income of $51,538 is lower than the Nebraska state average of $66,880. The per capita income is $37,034, compared to the state average of $36,101.
What is the per capita income in Brown County, Nebraska?
The per capita income in Brown County, Nebraska is $37,034, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Brown County a low-income area in Nebraska?
Brown County's median household income of $51,538 is below the Nebraska average of $66,880. The per capita income of $37,034 is also comparable to the state average of $36,101. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Brown County rank for income in Nebraska?
Brown County ranks #91 out of 93 counties in Nebraska by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,538 and per capita income of $37,034, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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Your income is above the Brown County median

County median: $51,538 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-23%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Brown County MedianAbout equal
vs. Nebraska Average▼ 23% below
vs. National Median▼ 31% below

Income Adequacy

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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Texas
$51,528
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Randolph County
Alabama
$51,551
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Cherokee County
North Carolina
$51,496
+0%
Franklin County
Alabama
$51,493
+0%
Mason County
Kentucky
$51,473
+0%
Prentiss County
Mississippi
$51,466
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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