Cost of Living in Chadron, NE

Population 5,207 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023

62
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Chadron a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $153,000. An unemployment rate of 1.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Chadron lies roughly 190 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Fort Collins. Median home values run roughly 72% lower than Fort Collins' $548,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 50
Rent 79

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Chadron

The median home value in Chadron is $153,300 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,044/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,026/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Nebraska's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 62.8°F and lows of 33.9°F. Overall, Chadron has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$153,300
50% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$355,430
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,044/mo
21% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$622
1 BR
$703
2 BR
$907
3 BR
$1,155
4 BR
$1,220
Owner-occupied 61.2%
Renter-occupied 38.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,044
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,658/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
13.4 min
50% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
0.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.7%
Carpooled
13.6%
Walked
9.8%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
0.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.9%
State rate 5.5%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$54,026
28% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,442
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
67% below avg
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Labor Force Participation
66.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.7%
Graduate degree 18.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 26.8
Male median age 26.8
Female median age 26.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
62.8°F
Avg Low
33.9°F
Annual Precip
15.2"
10° 33° 55° 78° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384152607082918979635039
Low °F 131524324252605747332113
Precip" 0.150.290.811.962.712.461.991.271.591.280.400.31

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

95%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
976
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chadron, NE?

Chadron has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.

What is average rent in Chadron, NE?

The median gross rent in Chadron is $1,044 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Chadron?

The median home value in Chadron is $153,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Chadron?

The median household income in Chadron is $54,026 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Chadron, NE?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chadron is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Chadron, NE affordable?

Yes, Chadron is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Chadron?

Chadron has average high temperatures of 62.8°F and average lows of 33.9°F. Annual precipitation is 15.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Chadron at a Glance

Population
5,207
Median Income
$54,026
Home Value
$153,300
Median Rent
$1,044/mo
Unemployment
1.6%
Avg High Temp
62.8°F
Sales Tax
6.9%
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🗺️ County data for Nebraska

Explore county-level cost of living data

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