Buffalo County, Nebraska
Income Data
At a Glance
How Buffalo County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Buffalo County, Nebraska
Buffalo County meets national average
Buffalo County's median household income of $74,570 virtually matches the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely at the U.S. average. This rare alignment for a Nebraska county reflects Buffalo County's economic diversity beyond agriculture, driven by Kearney's significant university and healthcare presence. The county demonstrates that rural Nebraska communities can achieve national-level prosperity through diversified employment.
Above Nebraska's median income
Buffalo County exceeds Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880 by $7,690, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties. This outperformance reflects Kearney's role as a regional economic hub with University of Nebraska at Kearney and robust healthcare employers. Buffalo County's strong showing positions it as one of Nebraska's more economically resilient communities.
Regional leader in earnings
Buffalo County's $74,570 income significantly outpaces surrounding counties like Custer and Phelps, establishing it as the economic anchor of south-central Nebraska. Cedar County ($73,977) comes closest, but Buffalo County's diversity of employers—education, healthcare, light manufacturing—provides greater income stability. This competitive advantage attracts workers and families seeking better economic opportunities.
Strong housing affordability
Buffalo County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating households have substantial discretionary income after housing costs. Median home values of $236,800 are reasonable for a county earning $74,570 annually, supporting healthy homeownership rates. Families here enjoy genuine financial breathing room for savings and investment.
Invest your income advantage
Buffalo County residents earning $74,570 are positioned to maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build substantial wealth over time. The county's strong income relative to housing costs creates opportunity for families to allocate 20-30% of income toward savings and long-term investments. Kearney's financial institutions offer sophisticated planning services to help residents reach wealth-building goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.