countyscore
67.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 80.6Health 80.3

County Report Card

About Antelope County, Nebraska

Outperforming the National Median

Antelope County boasts a strong composite score of 67.5, easily surpassing the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the more desirable rural counties in the country.

Leading the Nebraska Average

The county's score of 67.5 is significantly higher than the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It stands out as a top performer within the state's rural landscape.

Safety and Environmental Resilience

Exceptional safety and risk scores of 97.5 and 80.6 define the county's appeal. Residents enjoy peace of mind and low exposure to environmental hazards in this secure community.

Tax Burdens and Water Quality

Lower scores in tax (24.8) and water quality (17.1) indicate areas for local focus. While the property tax rate is 1.220%, water infrastructure scores lag behind other local metrics.

Ideal for Families Seeking Security

Antelope County is perfect for families and retirees prioritizing safety and affordability. With a median home value of $116,900, it offers a secure and low-cost lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax24.8Cost73Safety97.5Health80.3Schools66.4Income50.2Risk80.6Water17.1Weather47.1
🏛24.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

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Casey County
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Nearby counties

Wheeler County
Nebraska
74.8
Madison County
Nebraska
52.8
Pierce County
Nebraska
65.4
Boone County
Nebraska
71.2
Knox County
Nebraska
65.3
Holt County
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67.4
Greeley County
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64
Stanton County
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67.9

Deep Dives

Antelope County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Antelope County

via TaxByCounty

Antelope taxes slightly below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Antelope County

via CostByCounty

Antelope's rents stay close to national norm

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Antelope County

via IncomeByCounty

Antelope earns well below national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Antelope County

via CrimeByCounty

Antelope County Achieves Perfect Safety Score

Antelope County earns a perfect 100.0 safety score, reporting zero crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This exceptional data point places it far below the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Leading the Pack in Nebraska

The county's zero-crime report surpasses the Nebraska state average safety score of 99.0. It stands as a model of security compared to the average state crime rate of 626.7 per 100,000 people.

Regional Lows in Antelope County

Neighboring Boone County reports a low rate of 166.8, but Antelope remains even quieter with four reporting agencies documenting no incidents. This high level of safety is a hallmark of the immediate area.

Understanding the Zero Crime Rate

In 2022, Antelope County reported zero violent and property crimes, indicating an extremely peaceful year for law enforcement. While this reflects a very safe community, it is always wise to maintain standard security awareness.

Preserving a Safe Community

Maintaining a 100.0 safety score requires active community engagement and simple home vigilance. Even in the safest areas, locking doors and participating in neighborhood watch programs helps keep crime rates at zero.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Antelope County

via HealthByCounty

Antelope County leads on life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Antelope County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Rural Education in Antelope County

Antelope County manages 8 public schools across three districts, serving a total student body of 985. The landscape consists of four elementary schools and three high schools, reflecting a dedicated focus on core K-12 education. This small-scale system offers a high degree of familiarity for students throughout their academic careers.

Academic Excellence and Competitive Investment

The county earns a high school score of 63.5, significantly outpacing the state average of 59.1. Investing $12,143 per pupil, Antelope County nears the national spending average while maintaining a graduation rate of 87.9%. This combination of competitive funding and high performance marks the county as an educational standout.

Summerland and Neligh-Oakdale Lead the Way

Summerland Public Schools serves the largest share of the county with 437 students, followed closely by Neligh-Oakdale Schools with 351 students. No charter schools operate in the area, meaning 100% of the educational focus remains on these community-driven public districts. Smaller districts like Elgin Public Schools round out the county's academic offerings.

Small School Charm in a Rural Setting

Every school in Antelope County is classified as rural, offering a consistent and quiet learning environment. Summerland Elementary is the largest school with 244 students, though the average school size is just 141 students. This small-school character ensures that individual students receive significant attention from educators.

Invest in a Community That Values Learning

High scores and small class sizes make Antelope County a hidden gem for families looking to relocate. Searching for homes near the Summerland or Neligh-Oakdale districts offers the chance to join a high-performing rural community. Quality education and a close-knit lifestyle are the hallmarks of this Nebraska region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Antelope County

via RiskByCounty

Antelope County sits well below national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Antelope County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Wetter Than Most

At 48.0°F, Antelope County is significantly cooler than the national median temperature. It receives a healthy 28.1 inches of annual precipitation, keeping the landscape greener than counties to the west.

Below the State Average

The county stays cooler than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F. Despite the cooler temps, it exceeds the state's 25.9-inch average precipitation by over two inches.

A Mild Summer Retreat

Antelope experiences only 17 extreme heat days, nearly half the number seen in southern counties like Adams. However, its 21.6°F January average makes it one of the chillier spots in the region.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

The county sees a substantial 35.0 inches of annual snowfall during the cold winter months. Summers are relatively comfortable, with a June-August average of 71.0°F.

Winter Gear is Essential

Invest in a reliable snowblower for the 35 inches of annual snow. Since extreme heat is rare at only 17 days a year, focus your home energy budget on heating rather than cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Antelope County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Prairie Mollisols Support Growth

Antelope County features sandy loam Mollisols, which are classic, fertile grassland soils. The 6.66 pH is slightly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median but remains very close to the state average.

Sandy Loam for Superior Airflow

The composition is 53.9% sand, 30.5% silt, and 14.1% clay. This sandy mix allows for excellent root respiration and prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted.

Solid Organic Foundation

The soil holds 2.64% organic matter, which is higher than the national average but below the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. Available water capacity sits at 0.158 in/in, slightly trailing the state benchmark of 0.172.

Reliable Drainage for Farming

The county's land is well drained and falls into hydrologic group B. This combination offers a perfect middle ground for moderate infiltration and reliable runoff management for local builders.

Cooler Growing in Zone 5a

In hardiness zone 5a, gardeners can find great success with cool-season crops and native prairie perennials. The county's 58.1 soil score suggests a reliable environment for consistent harvests.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Antelope County

via LawnByCounty

Stable growing in Antelope County

Antelope County earns a 56.5 lawn difficulty score, placing it just above the Nebraska state average. This zone 5a climate offers a reliable environment for those willing to manage seasonal dry spells.

Mild summers but shorter seasons

The county averages only 17 extreme heat days, which is half the state average of 34. While 28.1 inches of rain supports growth, the lower 2,869 growing degree days mean a slightly slower growth rate than southern neighbors.

Well-drained sandy loam base

The soil is comprised of 53.9% sand, creating a well-drained sandy loam texture that prevents waterlogging. With an ideal pH of 6.66, the soil is chemical-ready for most standard turfgrass varieties without heavy lime or sulfur treatments.

Facing severe drought pressure

Over 73% of the county currently experiences severe drought, following a year with 39 weeks of water scarcity. Grasses enter dormancy quickly here, so keep mowing heights tall to shade the soil and preserve moisture.

Planting for the 5a zone

Fine fescues are excellent choices for the cooler 5a hardiness zone found here. Plan your seeding projects after May 4 to avoid late spring frosts and ensure the lawn is established before October 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Antelope County's county score?
Antelope County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 67.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Antelope County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Antelope County ranks #21 among all counties in Nebraska on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Antelope County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Antelope County is $1,426, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Antelope County a tax score of 24.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Antelope County?
The median household income in Antelope County, Nebraska is $63,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Antelope County earns an income score of 50.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Antelope County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Antelope County scores 67.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Antelope County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Antelope County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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