Buffalo County, Nebraska

Income Data

+11% vs. Nebraska average
$74,570
Median Household Income
$37,873
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$74,570
+11% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,873
-4% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Nebraska
#18 / 93
by median household income

How Buffalo County Compares

Buffalo County$74,570
Nebraska Average$66,880
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$74,570
Median Household Income
$37,873
Per Capita Income
$236,800
Median Home Value
31.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Buffalo County, Nebraska?
The median household income in Buffalo County, Nebraska is $74,570, 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 Buffalo County?
The per capita income in Buffalo County is $37,873, 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 $74,570.
How does Buffalo County compare to the Nebraska average?
Buffalo County's median household income of $74,570 is higher than the Nebraska state average of $66,880. The per capita income is $37,873, compared to the state average of $36,101.
What is the per capita income in Buffalo County, Nebraska?
The per capita income in Buffalo County, Nebraska is $37,873, 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.
Why is Buffalo County income higher than the Nebraska average?
Buffalo County's median household income of $74,570 is higher than the Nebraska average of $66,880. This difference of $7,690 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Buffalo County rank for income in Nebraska?
Buffalo County ranks #18 out of 93 counties in Nebraska by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $74,570 and per capita income of $37,873, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $74,570 per year

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Income Adequacy

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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.