CountyScore

Adams County

Nebraska · NE

#83 in Nebraska
65.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Adams County, Nebraska

Adams County: Above the National Median

With a composite score of 65.5, Adams County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 31%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This score reflects a county that delivers solid livability across multiple dimensions, even as some individual measures show room for growth.

Slightly Below Nebraska's Average

Adams County ranks just below Nebraska's state average composite score of 71.2, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 93 counties. While not a top performer statewide, it remains competitive with most Nebraska communities.

Housing Affordability and Good Health

Adams County excels in cost-of-living, with a cost score of 78.5 and median home values of $185,800—well below national averages. Its health score of 74.7 indicates strong healthcare access and outcomes, supported by reasonable housing costs that free up household budgets.

Income Growth Lags Behind

The county's income score of 26.3 is its weakest dimension, with a median household income of $65,680 trailing state and national benchmarks. The risk score of 35.7 also suggests exposure to economic volatility or other challenges that warrant attention from prospective residents and policymakers.

A Solid Choice for Budget-Conscious Families

Adams County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing and accessible healthcare over high earning potential. It's an practical option for those seeking stability in a mid-sized Nebraska county, though job seekers may want to explore income-growth opportunities before committing.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax61.9Cost78.5SafetyComing SoonHealth74.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.3Risk35.7WaterComing Soon
🏛61.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡35.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Adams County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
65.5
Median income: $77,722
La Paz County
Arizona
65.5
Median income: $49,506
Mississippi County
Arkansas
65.5
Median income: $53,428
Bulloch County
Georgia
65.5
Median income: $56,832
Marshall County
Illinois
65.5
Median income: $69,818

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams taxes run above the national average

At 1.437%, Adams County's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.281%, placing it in roughly the 65th percentile nationwide. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,670 annually, slightly below the national median of $2,690, because homes are valued lower than the U.S. average of $281,900.

Higher taxes than most Nebraska counties

Adams County ranks among the higher-tax counties in Nebraska, with an effective rate of 1.437% compared to the state average of 1.281%. The county's median property tax of $2,670 also exceeds the state median of $1,972, placing it in the top quartile statewide.

More expensive than surrounding rural counties

Adams County taxes are notably steeper than neighboring Blaine County (1.186% rate, $1,211 median tax) and Boone County (1.016% rate, $1,673 median tax). Only Banner County nearby approaches Adams' tax burden, with a 1.513% rate and $2,516 median tax.

Median home costs $2,670 per year to tax

The typical Adams County home valued at $185,800 generates an annual property tax bill of approximately $2,670. If your home is financed with a mortgage, lenders typically require an escrow account, raising your monthly costs by about $104 to cover taxes and insurance.

Many Adams homeowners may be overassessed

Studies show that 15-20% of homeowners nationally are overassessed on their properties and never appeal. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales nearby, requesting a reassessment review could lower your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adams County

via CostByCounty

Adams rents bite harder than average

Adams County renters spend 15.6% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average of about 14% and putting housing costs firmly in the "cost-burdened" category. The median household here earns $65,680—roughly $9,000 less than the U.S. median—while rents average $853 per month, the highest gap between income and housing costs among comparable counties.

Above average for Nebraska

Adams County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it as more costly than most Nebraska counties and notably higher than the state average of 14.2%. At $853 monthly, Adams rents run $70 above the state median, making it one of Nebraska's pricier rental markets despite moderate home prices.

Pricier than surrounding counties

Adams County renters face steeper costs than nearby Antelope County ($746) and Blaine County ($786), though they pay less than Banner County ($975). Among peers with similar population and geography, Adams stands out for the disconnect between modest wages and elevated rental demand.

Rent and mortgage split the burden

Renters spend $853 monthly while homeowners carry $956 in mortgage costs—nearly identical burdens that collectively consume significant income. With a median income of $65,680 annually ($5,473 monthly), both housing groups stretch toward the 20% affordability threshold, leaving limited room for other expenses.

Consider affordability before relocating

If you're eyeing Adams County, compare your rent expectations against the 15.6% benchmark: households earning under $65,000 will likely feel housing squeeze. Exploring nearby Antelope or Blaine counties could unlock modest savings while keeping you in rural Nebraska's social fabric.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams trails the national income bar

Adams County's median household income of $65,680 falls about $9,075 below the national median of $74,755. While this puts the county below the U.S. average, it remains competitive within rural Nebraska's economic landscape.

Middle of the Nebraska pack

At $65,680, Adams County earns slightly below Nebraska's state average of $66,880, placing it near the middle tier of the state's counties. The county's per capita income of $36,480 edges above the state average of $36,101.

Stronger than nearby rural peers

Adams County outearns Antelope County ($63,750) and Boyd County ($58,984) but trails Banner County ($71,250) and Boone County ($71,367). Among its regional cohort, Adams holds solid mid-tier ground.

Rents remain manageable here

At 15.6%, Adams County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability benchmark, meaning housing costs don't strain household budgets. Median home values of $185,800 align well with local earning power.

Build long-term financial security

Adams County households earning $65,680 have solid ground to invest for retirement and education. Local financial advisors can help residents leverage low housing costs into wealth-building strategies like homeownership and investment accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Adams County

via HealthByCounty

Adams County trails U.S. life expectancy

At 76.8 years, Adams County residents live slightly shorter lives than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a narrow gap that masks underlying health challenges. With 14.9% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county sits close to national patterns, suggesting room for improvement in chronic disease management and preventive care.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Adams County's 76.8-year life expectancy ranks below Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years, placing it in the lower half of the state's 93 counties. The county's 14.9% poor/fair health rate is consistent with its life expectancy lag, indicating persistent health challenges compared to better-performing Nebraska peers.

Outperformed by several neighbors

Antelope County (79.8 years) and Boone County (79.4 years) significantly outlive Adams County residents, suggesting neighboring communities benefit from better healthcare access or healthier lifestyle patterns. Adams County's 90 primary care providers per 100,000 residents tops most regional peers, yet life expectancy gains haven't followed—a sign that provider supply alone doesn't guarantee better outcomes.

Strong primary care access, but gaps remain

With 90 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Adams County offers robust access to preventive medicine, and the uninsured rate of 8.0% is nearly equal to the state average. However, mental health providers at 434 per 100,000 suggest significant behavioral health infrastructure—yet if residents aren't using these services, the health payoff stays limited.

Keep coverage steady this open season

Eight percent of Adams County adults lack health insurance, meaning they're missing preventive screenings and primary care that might extend life expectancy. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local health departments to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid options, and employer coverage during open enrollment—each choice strengthens your access to the providers already in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adams County

via RiskByCounty

Adams County faces above-average tornado risk

With a composite risk score of 64.31, Adams County ranks as relatively low nationally but well above Nebraska's state average of 25.80. Tornadoes are the primary driver, scoring 79.58—a significant threat that demands preparation and awareness.

Highest tornado risk in Nebraska

Adams County's tornado risk of 79.58 is the most severe in the state, making it Nebraska's most tornado-prone county. This exceptional ranking reflects the county's location in a geographic zone particularly vulnerable to severe spring and early summer storms.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Adams County's composite score of 64.31 dwarfs neighboring Boone County (43.35) and distant Antelope County (19.47). Its tornado risk of 79.58 stands alone—the next highest county threat in the region is significantly lower.

Tornadoes dominate Adams County threats

Tornadoes (79.58) and wildfire (42.72) are your primary hazards; tornado risk is nearly double the wildfire concern. Flooding (32.76) and earthquakes (24.65) present minor threats but warrant basic preparedness measures.

Prioritize tornado and wind protection

With tornado risk nearly four times the state average, comprehensive homeowners insurance and a reinforced safe room or basement shelter are essential investments. Consider additional coverage for hail and wind damage, which often accompany severe thunderstorms in Adams County.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.