Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Buffalo County, Nebraska
Buffalo County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,097 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $936 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.10 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,097
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 13% less than in Nebraska
- Typical rent
- $936
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 13% less than in Nebraska
- Wage needed
- $21.10
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 9% less than in Nebraska
Only here
Renting in Buffalo County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Howard County, the typical rent is $777: 17% less than in Buffalo County ($936).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Buffalo County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Buffalo County was $1,574 a month in September 2026: 4.6% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $899 | $17.29 | $35,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $904 | $17.38 | $36,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,097 | $21.10 | $43,880 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,432 | $27.54 | $57,280 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,834 | $35.27 | $73,360 |
HUD area: Buffalo County, NE. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 24 ZIP codes in Buffalo County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 68812 to $1,290 in 68870. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,097).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 68812 | Buffalo County, NE | $830 | $840 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68836 | Buffalo County, NE | $820 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,690 |
| 68836 | Dawson County, NE | $820 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,690 |
| 68836 | Phelps County, NE | $820 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,690 |
| 68840 | Buffalo County, NE | $870 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,770 |
| 68840 | Kearney County, NE | $870 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,770 |
| 68845 | Buffalo County, NE | $870 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,770 |
| 68845 | Kearney County, NE | $870 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,770 |
| 68845 | Phelps County, NE | $870 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,770 |
| 68847 | Buffalo County, NE | $970 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $1,970 |
| 68847 | Kearney County, NE | $970 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $1,970 |
| 68849 | Buffalo County, NE | $870 | $870 | $1,060 | $1,380 | $1,770 |
| 68858 | Buffalo County, NE | $830 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
| 68858 | Custer County, NE | $830 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
| 68858 | Dawson County, NE | $830 | $830 | $1,010 | $1,340 | $1,700 |
| 68861 | Buffalo County, NE | $840 | $850 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,720 |
| 68866 | Buffalo County, NE | $830 | $840 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,700 |
| 68866 | Custer County, NE | $830 | $840 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,700 |
| 68869 | Buffalo County, NE | $850 | $890 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,810 |
| 68869 | Hall County, NE | $850 | $890 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,810 |
| 68869 | Sherman County, NE | $850 | $890 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,810 |
| 68870 | Buffalo County, NE | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,290 | $1,680 | $2,160 |
| 68876 | Buffalo County, NE | $970 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $1,970 |
| 68876 | Hall County, NE | $970 | $970 | $1,180 | $1,540 | $1,970 |
- 68812 · Buffalo County, NE $1,010$1,330
- 68836 · Buffalo County, NE $1,010$1,340
- 68836 · Dawson County, NE $1,010$1,340
- 68836 · Phelps County, NE $1,010$1,340
- 68840 · Buffalo County, NE $1,060$1,380
- 68840 · Kearney County, NE $1,060$1,380
- 68845 · Buffalo County, NE $1,060$1,380
- 68845 · Kearney County, NE $1,060$1,380
- 68845 · Phelps County, NE $1,060$1,380
- 68847 · Buffalo County, NE $1,180$1,540
- 68847 · Kearney County, NE $1,180$1,540
- 68849 · Buffalo County, NE $1,060$1,380
- 68858 · Buffalo County, NE $1,010$1,340
- 68858 · Custer County, NE $1,010$1,340
- 68858 · Dawson County, NE $1,010$1,340
- 68861 · Buffalo County, NE $1,030$1,350
- 68866 · Buffalo County, NE $1,010$1,330
- 68866 · Custer County, NE $1,010$1,330
- 68869 · Buffalo County, NE $1,100$1,380
- 68869 · Hall County, NE $1,100$1,380
- 68869 · Sherman County, NE $1,100$1,380
- 68870 · Buffalo County, NE $1,290$1,680
- 68876 · Buffalo County, NE $1,180$1,540
- 68876 · Hall County, NE $1,180$1,540
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Buffalo County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Nebraska, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,715 households rent in Buffalo County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Buffalo 41%
- Nebraska 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Buffalo County
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Buffalo County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 8
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 4
810 homes in all; 780 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Kearney Manor and Scattered Sites Public housing 2715 Avenue I, Kearney 68847 185 homes, 172 low-income · Run by Kearney Housing Agency · Average payment: $492 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (308) 234-3000
- Prairie View HUD-assisted 301 E 8th St, Kearney 68847 77 low-income homes · For families · (402) 333-7373
- Stoneridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 716 E 56th St, Kearney 68847 80 homes, 70 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Emerson Place HUD-assisted 600 E 23rd St, Kearney 68847 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (308) 237-3221
- Kearney Plaza Townhomes HUD-assisted 65 Villa Dr, Kearney 68845 50 low-income homes · For families · (308) 236-6112
- Centennial Park HUD-assisted 1000 4th Ave, Kearney 68845 50 homes, 49 low-income · For families · (308) 236-6617
- Colony Acres Public housing 413 1st St, Gibbon 68840 40 low-income homes · Run by Gibbon Housing Agency · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (308) 234-3000
- Village at Kearney Tax credit (LIHTC) 88 La Crosse Dr, Kearney 68845 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Platte Valley HUD-assisted 2007 W 38th St, Kearney 68845 30 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (712) 258-3251
- Village Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 2730 W La Platte Rd, Kearney 68845 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Cimarron Court HUD-assisted 1011 6th Ave, Kearney 68845 26 low-income homes · For older adults · (308) 234-2190
- Stoneridge Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 716 E 56th St, Kearney 68847 24 low-income homes · In service since 2010
- ST. Lukes Countryside Villa HUD-assisted 2300 E 32nd St, Kearney 68847 22 homes, 21 low-income · For older adults · (308) 236-9395
- Grand Manor Public housing 1001 Grand Ave, Ravenna 68869 20 homes, 19 low-income · Run by Ravenna Housing Authority · Average payment: $434 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (308) 452-4233
- Shelton Pioneer Apts Public housing 306 C St, Shelton 68876 20 homes, 19 low-income · Run by Shelton Housing Authority · Average payment: $385 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (308) 647-6673
- Kearney Plaza Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2815 W La Platte Rd, Kearney 68845 16 low-income homes · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Sibley Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1005 Avenue E, Kearney 68847 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1996
- Judy Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 La Crosse Dr, Kearney 68845 18 homes, 15 low-income · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Autumn Village HUD-assisted 1712 E 39th St, Kearney 68847 15 low-income homes · For older adults · (308) 234-3000
- The Village at Kearney II Tax credit (LIHTC) 88 La Crosse Dr, Kearney 68845 4 low-income homes · In service since 2008
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Buffalo County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Buffalo County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,250 | $37,050 | $59,300 |
| 2 people | $25,400 | $42,350 | $67,750 |
| 3 people | $28,600 | $47,650 | $76,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,900 | $84,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $61,400 | $98,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,600 | $105,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,850 | $111,750 |
Area median income: $105,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Buffalo County, NE. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $809 – $989
- 1 bedroom $814 – $994
- 2 bedrooms $987 – $1,207
- 3 bedrooms $1,289 – $1,575
- 4 bedrooms $1,651 – $2,017
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Kearney Housing Agency Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 153 vouchers · 172 public housing units (308) 234-3000 Kearney Housing Agency: director@kearneyhousingagency.com
- Gibbon Housing Agency Public housing · 40 public housing units (308) 234-3000 Gibbon Housing Agency: director@kearneyhousingagency.com
- Shelton Housing Authority Public housing · 19 public housing units (308) 647-6673 Shelton Housing Authority: director@sheltonhousing.org
- Ravenna Housing Authority Public housing · 19 public housing units (308) 452-4233 Ravenna Housing Authority: rentrooms@grandmanor.info
Housing agencies in Nebraska Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Nebraska
What Nebraska law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1 month of rent
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1416(1)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 14 days
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1416(2)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 7 calendar days
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1431(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1437(1)-(2)
- Only a court order can remove youNeb. Rev. Stat. §76-1436
- Protection from retaliationNeb. Rev. Stat. §76-1439(1)-(2)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Buffalo County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Buffalo County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Buffalo County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Nebraska, the average home bill was $110 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,194
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,097
- Security deposit
- $1,097
- Total
- $2,194
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Buffalo County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $899; 1 bedroom: $904; 2 bedrooms: $1,097; 3 bedrooms: $1,432; 4 bedrooms: $1,834. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Buffalo County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,097) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.10 an hour full time, or $43,880 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Buffalo County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,900 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Buffalo County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $987 and $1,207 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Buffalo County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 68812 to $1,290 in 68870. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Buffalo County?
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Buffalo County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Buffalo County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Buffalo County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Nebraska, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).