Income Needed to Buy a Home in Nebraska (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $103,660/year (#21 least affordable of 51 US states)
Nebraska ranks #21 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $276,500 requires a household income of about $103,660. That's $27,284 more than the median household actually earns ($76,376) — a shortfall of 36% of typical income.
Nebraska's affordability ratio of 1.36 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 6.3% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 20.2% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 1.43% adds $330 per month — and homeowners insurance is a real burden here at $6,587/year ($549/month), well above what most states pay. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,419.
Nebraska monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $276,500 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $248,850 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,540 |
| Monthly property tax (1.43% rate) | $330 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $549 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,419 |
| Required household income | $103,660 |
| Median household income | $76,376 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Nebraska compares
- New Mexico — similar affordability (ratio 1.33, requires $90,306)
- North Carolina — similar affordability (ratio 1.33, requires $98,305)
- Connecticut — similar affordability (ratio 1.39, requires $133,329)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Nebraska in 2026?
About $103,660 per year to afford the median-priced home of $276,500, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Nebraska household earns $76,376.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Nebraska?
Roughly $2,419 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Nebraska affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $27,284 (36%), ranking Nebraska #21 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.