Cost of living in Dawson County, NE
Population 24,020 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Dawson County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Dawson County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Dawson County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Dawson County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Dawson County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Dawson County
State and local tax rates for Nebraska.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Dawson County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Dawson County
What it costs to live in Dawson County each month.
- Rent $831
- Energy $185
- Water $50
- Groceries $320
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $504
- State tax $143
- Rent $920
- Energy $222
- Water $60
- Groceries $530
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $740
- State tax $263
- Rent $1,161
- Energy $278
- Water $70
- Groceries $805
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $740
- State tax $263
Frequently asked questions about Dawson County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Dawson County?
In Dawson County, NE, a one-bedroom apartment averages $831 per month, a two-bedroom averages $920 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,161 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Dawson County?
In Dawson County, NE, the average household income is $65,383 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $40,851 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Dawson County?
The estimated cost of living in Dawson County, NE is approximately $2,833 per month for a single person, $4,019 for a couple, $6,387 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Dawson County?
The combined sales tax rate in Dawson County, NE is 7.00%, which includes the Nebraska state rate of 5.50% plus an average local rate of 1.50%.
Is Dawson County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Dawson County, NE would need approximately $2,833 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $65,383 per year ($5,449 per month). Dawson County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Dawson County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Dawson County, NE is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.5% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Dawson County?
The average home value in Dawson County, NE is $157,800, with average annual property taxes of $1,989, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Dawson County compare to other areas?
You can compare Dawson County, NE with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Dawson County is in the Lexington, NE metro area.
Other counties in Nebraska
Browse the full list of counties in Nebraska, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP