Cost of Living in Fairbury, NE
Population 3,905 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fairbury is a smaller Nebraska community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $51,782 and housing costs ($91,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 1.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 55 miles southwest of Lincoln, Fairbury is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 63% lower than Lincoln's $248,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairbury
The median home value in Fairbury is $90,800 — 70% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $666/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,782/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.2%, 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%. Overall, Fairbury has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.
Fairbury has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fairbury, NE?
Fairbury has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fairbury, NE?
The median gross rent in Fairbury is $666 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairbury?
The median home value in Fairbury is $90,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fairbury?
The median household income in Fairbury is $51,782 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairbury, NE?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairbury is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Fairbury, NE affordable?
Yes, Fairbury is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.
Fairbury at a Glance
- Population
- 3,905
- Median Income
- $51,782
- Home Value
- $90,800
- Median Rent
- $666/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nebraska Rankings
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