Antelope County's composite score of 73.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier nationally. This strong performance reflects consistent livability across housing, taxes, health, and economic stability.
2 / 5
Above Average in Nebraska
At 73.4, Antelope County ranks above Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it among the stronger counties in the state. Its combination of affordability and low-risk profile makes it a competitive choice within Nebraska.
3 / 5
Champion of Affordability and Risk Management
Antelope County boasts a cost score of 84.5 and the state's lowest effective tax rate at 1.220%, with median home values just $116,900. Its exceptional risk score of 80.6 signals economic stability and resilience, making it one of Nebraska's safest bets financially.
4 / 5
Incomes Remain Below State Norms
The county's income score of 25.0 reflects a median household income of $63,750, which lags behind state and national averages. This suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities, though the low cost of living partially offsets this gap.
5 / 5
Ideal for Conservative Budgeters and Retirees
Antelope County is perfect for fixed-income households, budget-conscious families, and those seeking economic security in a rural setting. Its exceptional housing affordability and stability make it particularly attractive to retirees and those prioritizing financial predictability over earning potential.
Antelope County's composite score of 73.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier nationally. This strong performance reflects consistent livability across housing, taxes, health, and economic stability.
Above Average in Nebraska
At 73.4, Antelope County ranks above Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it among the stronger counties in the state. Its combination of affordability and low-risk profile makes it a competitive choice within Nebraska.
Champion of Affordability and Risk Management
Antelope County boasts a cost score of 84.5 and the state's lowest effective tax rate at 1.220%, with median home values just $116,900. Its exceptional risk score of 80.6 signals economic stability and resilience, making it one of Nebraska's safest bets financially.
Incomes Remain Below State Norms
The county's income score of 25.0 reflects a median household income of $63,750, which lags behind state and national averages. This suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities, though the low cost of living partially offsets this gap.
Ideal for Conservative Budgeters and Retirees
Antelope County is perfect for fixed-income households, budget-conscious families, and those seeking economic security in a rural setting. Its exceptional housing affordability and stability make it particularly attractive to retirees and those prioritizing financial predictability over earning potential.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Antelope County's effective tax rate of 1.220% sits just below the national median of 1.281%, putting it near the 45th percentile across the U.S. The median property tax here is $1,426, well below the national median of $2,690, because homes average $116,900 versus the national $281,900.
Below-average taxes for Nebraska
Antelope County's effective rate of 1.220% runs 0.06 percentage points below Nebraska's 1.281% average, ranking it in the middle-lower tier statewide. The county's median tax of $1,426 falls notably short of the state median of $1,972.
Similar to Boyd, higher than Blaine
Antelope County (1.220% rate) closely mirrors neighboring Boyd County (1.219% rate), but both exceed Blaine County's 1.186% rate. Antelope homes are more valuable than Blaine's, explaining why median taxes are higher despite nearly identical rates.
Median home tax bill under $1,500 yearly
A typical Antelope County home valued at $116,900 generates a property tax of roughly $1,426 per year. Mortgaged homes will see this amount escrow monthly, adding approximately $151 to housing costs when combined with insurance.
Even modest homes deserve tax review
Antelope County's lower home values don't mean assessments are always accurate—rural properties often face valuation errors. Requesting a reassessment if your home's assessed value drifts above comparable recent sales could yield tax savings.
At 14.0% of household income, Antelope County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average and matches Nebraska's state benchmark of 14.2%. The median rent of $746 is notably affordable, especially given that the county's median household income of $63,750 trails the national average by nearly $11,000.
Nebraska's most affordable rental market
Antelope County ranks among Nebraska's best for housing affordability, with rents running $37 below the state median and a 14.0% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. This combination of low rent and acceptable income ratios makes it a standout for budget-conscious renters statewide.
The bargain of the region
Antelope County's $746 monthly rent undercuts most neighbors, including Adams ($853), Arthur ($850), and Banner ($975). Only Boyd County ($650) beats Antelope on price, making Antelope a sweet spot for renters seeking rural Nebraska affordability without sacrificing economic stability.
Balanced rent and ownership costs
Renters here spend $746 monthly while homeowners invest $693—exceptionally aligned and both well below the 20% affordability ceiling. With a median household income of $63,750 annually, both groups dedicate roughly 13-14% of income to housing, leaving healthy margin for savings and other needs.
A hidden gem for cost-conscious movers
Antelope County delivers genuine affordability: renters and homeowners alike enjoy manageable housing costs relative to income, and the market remains stable without the premium prices of metro Nebraska. If rural living and financial breathing room appeal to you, Antelope merits serious consideration.
Antelope County's median household income of $63,750 lags the national median of $74,755 by over $11,000. This represents a meaningful gap that reflects the economic realities of rural Nebraska.
Among Nebraska's lower-earning counties
At $63,750, Antelope County ranks below the state average of $66,880, placing it in the lower tier of Nebraska counties. Its per capita income of $34,013 also trails the state average of $36,101.
Less competitive than nearby counties
Antelope County earns notably less than Adams ($65,680), Arthur ($67,500), and Box Butte ($68,778), though it slightly edges Boyd ($58,984). The county faces tighter income pressure than most adjacent counties.
Housing affordability is a strength
Antelope County's low rent-to-income ratio of 14.0% is among the best in the state, well below the 30% threshold. Median home values of $116,900 are particularly affordable relative to local incomes.
Leverage low housing costs strategically
Antelope County households can take advantage of their exceptional housing affordability to build savings and invest. Even modest income growth, paired with disciplined saving, creates meaningful wealth accumulation over time.
At 79.8 years, Antelope County residents live nearly 3.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, marking a significant health advantage. Only 13.8% report poor or fair health—well below national norms—suggesting sustained success in managing chronic disease and supporting healthy aging.
Among Nebraska's healthiest counties
Antelope County's 79.8-year life expectancy ranks in the top tier statewide, outpacing Nebraska's 77.5-year state average by more than 2 years. This longevity edge persists despite modest primary care provider density, indicating strong community health systems, engaged residents, or beneficial demographic patterns.
Thriving compared to regional peers
Antelope County outlives most adjacent counties: Boone County reaches 79.4 years, but Adams County trails at 76.8, and Boyd County lags at 75.4 years. The county's 13.8% poor/fair health rate—lowest among its measured peers—reflects a genuinely healthier population with better disease management or prevention.
Lower provider access, strong health outcomes
With just 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Antelope County operates lean yet achieves top-tier outcomes—a testament to efficient care coordination or a healthy baseline population. The uninsured rate of 8.4% is marginally higher than state average, and mental health providers number 64 per 100,000, yet residents appear to be thriving despite these constraints.
Protect your health momentum
Antelope County's exceptional longevity depends partly on residents having continuous coverage—8.4% uninsured means roughly one in twelve neighbors lack preventive care access. Explore marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or contact local health offices to ensure all residents maintain the insurance that supports this county's standout health record.
With a composite risk score of 19.47, Antelope County rates as very low nationally and slightly below Nebraska's state average of 25.80. Wildfire risk (58.08) is the notable outlier, while other hazards remain minimal.
Moderate wildfire risk for Nebraska
Antelope County's wildfire score of 58.08 ranks it in the upper range for Nebraska, despite the county's overall very low composite rating. Tornadoes (43.83) pose a moderate secondary threat, positioning the county in the middle of state tornado rankings.
Less risky than Adams, comparable to Arthur
Antelope County's composite score of 19.47 is substantially lower than Adams County (64.31) but similar to nearby Arthur County (0.29) and Box Butte County (20.96). The county's wildfire risk remains its distinguishing feature in the region.
Wildfires and tornadoes lead the list
Wildfire risk (58.08) is Antelope County's primary hazard, followed by tornado risk (43.83)—both above the national median. Flooding (11.36), earthquakes (13.84), and other threats remain well-controlled.
Focus on wildfire and wind coverage
Standard homeowners insurance should cover tornado damage, but verify your wildfire exclusions and consider riders if you're in a wooded area or near grasslands. Ensure your policy includes wind and hail protection, which frequently accompany Antelope County's tornado activity.