Special Interest
Housing in Dakota County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Dakota County averages $1,069/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Nebraska median of $1,072 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 25% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Dakota County FMR Area are $855 for a studio, $994 for 1‑bedroom, $1,240 for 2‑bedroom, $1,489 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,642 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $171 increase for a 2-bedroom in Dakota County shows a 16% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Dakota County was 3.2% in 2024, compared to Nebraska at 2.8% and the national rate of 4.0%.
