IncomeBy County

Valley County, Nebraska

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-12% vs. Nebraska average
$58,902
Median Household Income
$38,033
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$58,902
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$38,033
-4% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
48.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Nebraska
#76 / 93
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Valley County Compares

Valley County$58,902
Nebraska Average$66,880
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$58,902
Median Household Income
$38,033
Per Capita Income
$122,200
Median Home Value
48.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Valley County

Income Verdict

Valley County has a median household income of $58,902 and per capita income of $38,033 — a gap of $20,869, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $616/month and a median household income of $58,902, rent consumes approximately 12.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $58,902, residents of Valley County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $38,033 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Valley County earns approximately 11.9% below the Nebraska state median household income of $66,880.

Data Story

About Household Income in Valley County, Nebraska

Valley earnings lag national benchmark

Valley County's median household income of $58,902 trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,853, or 21%. This gap reflects the rural employment constraints typical of sparsely populated Sandhills regions.

Below Nebraska's state median

Valley's $58,902 falls short of Nebraska's median of $66,880 by $7,978, placing it in the lower-middle range of county performance. The shortfall suggests limited economic diversification beyond agriculture and ranching.

Similar to other western counties

Valley ($58,902) nearly matches Sheridan ($56,900) and outpaces Sioux ($54,076), reflecting typical Sandhills economic patterns. All three share dependence on agriculture with few alternative employment centers nearby.

Housing costs remarkably low

Valley's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the best here, demonstrating exceptional housing affordability. The median home value of $122,200 remains moderate, giving households meaningful purchasing power and financial breathing room.

Leverage low cost of living

Valley County's advantage lies in its extraordinarily low cost of living relative to income—a powerful wealth-building tool. Use housing savings to fund emergency reserves, participate in employer retirement matching, and explore long-term investment strategies suited to rural economies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Valley County, Nebraska?
The median household income in Valley County, Nebraska is $58,902, 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 Valley County?
The per capita income in Valley County is $38,033, 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 $58,902.
How does Valley County compare to the Nebraska average?
Valley County's median household income of $58,902 is lower than the Nebraska state average of $66,880. The per capita income is $38,033, compared to the state average of $36,101.
What is the per capita income in Valley County, Nebraska?
The per capita income in Valley County, Nebraska is $38,033, 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 Valley County a low-income area in Nebraska?
Valley County's median household income of $58,902 is below the Nebraska average of $66,880. The per capita income of $38,033 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 Valley County rank for income in Nebraska?
Valley County ranks #76 out of 93 counties in Nebraska by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $58,902 and per capita income of $38,033, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Valley County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Valley County median

County median: $58,902 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-21%

vs. Valley County MedianAbout equal
vs. Nebraska Average▼ 12% below
vs. National Median▼ 21% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent8.0x

Your monthly income ($4,909) vs. median rent ($616/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Taos County
New Mexico
$58,908
+0%
Greeley County
Nebraska
$58,894
+0%
Kanawha County
West Virginia
$58,887
+0%
Brown County
Kansas
$58,886
+0%
Yell County
Arkansas
$58,870
+0%
Dade County
Georgia
$58,936
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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