1st Advantage MortgageGage County households have a median income of $67,247 and median rent of $774 a month (ACS 2020 to 2024). Those figures describe the county, not you: compare at least three written offers by APR and total cost, and confirm the lender's license before you apply.
On this page
- Gage County at a glance
- Work, industries and travel time in Gage County
- Income in Gage County compared with Nebraska
- Housing costs in Gage County
- Gage County towns compared
- Regional comparison for Gage County
- People and households in Gage County
- Before borrowing in Gage County
- A Gage County household budget, worked through
- Checklist for Gage County applicants
- Checking a lender's license in Nebraska
- More guides for Gage County
- Frequently asked questions
Gage County at a glance
The latest five-year Census estimate puts Gage County's population at 21,629; only 14 of Nebraska's 93 county-level areas are larger. It covers 851 square miles of land, or about 25 people per square mile. No metropolitan area includes Gage County in the 2023 federal delineation, so its numbers stand on their own rather than as part of a metro. Of the 13 Census places inside Gage County, Beatrice leads by population with about 12,225; 12 of the 13 are incorporated.
Work, industries and travel time in Gage County
By the Census industry count, 25% of employed Gage County residents work in education and health care and 14% in manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out: 14% of workers here, versus 10% statewide. The survey's unemployment rate for Gage County averages 1.5% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 3.0%). Long commutes are the exception here: 14% of workers spend 45 minutes or longer getting to work. 8.3% of households have no vehicle.
| Top industries | Gage County share | +/- vs Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 24.6% | +0.2 pts |
| Manufacturing | 14.5% | +4.1 pts |
| Retail trade | 11.9% | +1.3 pts |
| Construction | 8.1% | +1.1 pts |
| Public administration | 7.3% | +2.9 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 6.4% | +0.4 pts |
Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Gage County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.
Income in Gage County compared with Nebraska
The median household income in Gage County is $67,247; statewide it is $76,475, so Gage County runs 12% below Nebraska as a whole.
| Income band | Share in Gage County | Difference from Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 25.1% | +4.4 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 44.0% | +2.0 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 25.8% | -2.1 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 5.1% | -4.3 pts |
Some 25% of households here live on less than $35,000 a year; 31% have six-figure incomes. The poverty rate is 12.6%, 2 points higher than the state's 10.6%. Income from any regular source can count, including Social Security, pensions and disability benefits, as long as you can document it.
Housing costs in Gage County
A typical Gage County rental runs $774 a month including utilities, which is 28% below Nebraska. By the Census definition, 37% of Gage County renters are cost-burdened. Home values center on $174,000, or 2.6 years of median income. 74% of Gage County households own their home and 26% rent. Half the housing stock was built before 1961.
| Housing | Gage County | Nebraska statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $774/mo | $1,072/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $174,000 | $238,600 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 74% | 67% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 37% | 45% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 19% | 22% | n/a |
| Vacant units | 10% | 8% | n/a |
Because most Gage County households own, home repairs are a frequent reason to borrow. An unsecured personal loan leaves the house out of the deal, while a HELOC uses it as collateral.
Gage County towns compared
Here are the 13 most populous of the county's 13 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 75% of Gage County residents live in one of the 13. Incomes vary by place: $90,774 at the median in Adams, $57,090 in Wymore. Median rent ranges from $675 in Wymore to $1,075 in Cortland. Live in one of these Gage County communities, or between them? This is your local guide.
| Name | Kind | Pop. | Income | Rent | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beatrice | city | 12,225 | $57,264 | $758 | 4 mi |
| Wymore | city | 1,320 | $57,090 | $675 | 9 mi |
| Adams | village | 580 | $90,774 | $886 | 17 mi |
| Cortland | village | 547 | $74,583 | $1,075 | 17 mi |
| Blue Springs | city | 328 | $38,750 | n/a | 8 mi |
| Clatonia | village | 326 | $60,208 | $944 | 17 mi |
| Odell | village | 211 | $66,250 | $592 | 15 mi |
| Pickrell | village | 180 | $70,000 | $613 | 9 mi |
| Barneston | village | 117 | $49,583 | n/a | 15 mi |
| Filley | village | 110 | $51,667 | n/a | 8 mi |
| Virginia | village | 76 | $87,500 | n/a | 10 mi |
| Holmesville | CDP | 61 | $72,083 | n/a | 4 mi |
| Liberty | village | 51 | $52,917 | n/a | 16 mi |
Regional comparison for Gage County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (24 to 37 miles). Saline County leads the group on income ($79,910), Johnson County trails ($57,632), and Gage County out-earns 3 of the six. Some neighbors are in Kansas. Lender licensing is state by state, so a loan for a Gage County resident follows Nebraska rules.
| Adjacent area | How far | HH income (median) | Rent (median) | Owner share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gage County | - | $67,247 | $774/mo | 74% |
| Johnson County, NE | 24 mi | $57,632 | $779/mo | 67% |
| Pawnee County, NE | 25 mi | $62,188 | $706/mo | 80% |
| Jefferson County, NE | 25 mi | $59,044 | $662/mo | 75% |
| Saline County, NE | 30 mi | $79,910 | $914/mo | 76% |
| Marshall County, KS | 34 mi | $68,419 | $690/mo | 80% |
| Lancaster County, NE | 37 mi | $74,793 | $1,085/mo | 59% |
People and households in Gage County
Degree holders: 23% of adults over 25. About 5% go without health insurance.
| Indicator | Gage County | All of Nebraska | U.S. county median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 42.6 | 37.2 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 23.1% | 34.6% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 6.5% | 7.8% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 5.1% | 7.2% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 8.3% | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 5.5% | 11.0% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 12.6% | 10.6% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 1.5% | 3.0% | 4.4% |
| Trip time | Share |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 49.4% |
| 15 to 29 min | 23.5% |
| 30 to 44 min | 12.8% |
| 45 to 59 min | 8.5% |
| 60+ min | 5.7% |
Before borrowing in Gage County
Where the Gage County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:
- Combining balances. It helps when total cost falls and the cards stay paid down (consolidation).
- Know your credit. Review all three bureau reports for free (AnnualCreditReport.com).
- Paperwork. ID, proof of income and a bank account are the basics (requirements).
A Gage County household budget, worked through
Lenders compare monthly debt payments with gross monthly income, the debt-to-income ratio. For a Gage County household at the medians it works out like this; treat it as an illustration only.
- Monthly gross at the median, Gage County: $5,604
- 14% goes to median rent ($774)
- At 36%, room after rent is $1,243 a month
Two-income households and single earners in Gage County land in very different places on this math, so run it for your own budget.
Checklist for Gage County applicants
A short checklist for Gage County borrowers:
- Borrow the amount the job needs; extra cash adds interest.
- Prequalify with soft pulls where offered, then compare in writing.
- Look the lender up with the state regulator first.
- Pick the shortest term whose payment still fits.
Checking a lender's license in Nebraska
Gage County borrowers fall under statewide rules, enforced by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. Statewide data and rules: Nebraska guide.
More guides for Gage County
The Nebraska guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical Gage County household make?
About $67,247 a year at the median (ACS 2020-24), 12% below the Nebraska median.
How much is rent in Gage County?
Median gross rent, utilities included, is $774 a month; 37% of renters spend 30% or more of income on it.
Should Gage County homeowners use home equity instead?
Maybe, but weigh the risk: 74% of Gage County homes are owner-occupied, and a home-equity loan or line is secured by the house while a personal loan usually is not.
Which towns does the Gage County guide cover?
Every community in the county, unincorporated areas included. The largest of its 13 Census places: Beatrice, Wymore, Adams, Cortland, Blue Springs.
Can Gage County residents use the questionnaire?
Yes. It asks the same questions in every Nebraska county, lists every requirement up front and does not affect your credit score.