Arthur County's composite score of 78.7 ranks it in the top tier nationally, nearly 58% above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional performance reflects one of the strongest quality-of-life profiles in the country.
2 / 5
The State's Top Performer
With a score of 78.7, Arthur County significantly outpaces Nebraska's state average of 71.2 and ranks among the very best in the state. It demonstrates that livability excellence is achievable even in rural Nebraska communities.
3 / 5
Exceptional Taxes, Health, and Stability
Arthur County shines across nearly every metric: the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.834%, an outstanding health score of 85.9, and a remarkable risk score of 99.7. These strengths combine to create an exceptionally low-stress, low-cost living environment.
4 / 5
Income Opportunities Remain Limited
Arthur County's income score of 27.4 reflects a median household income of $67,500, which, while reasonable, remains below state averages. The county's strength lies in affordability and stability rather than wage growth or high-earning potential.
5 / 5
Premier Choice for Stability Seekers
Arthur County is unmatched for families, retirees, and remote workers who prioritize financial security, minimal taxes, and excellent health outcomes. Its exceptional risk profile and low cost of living make it a top choice for anyone seeking a stress-free, sustainable lifestyle in rural Nebraska.
Arthur County's composite score of 78.7 ranks it in the top tier nationally, nearly 58% above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional performance reflects one of the strongest quality-of-life profiles in the country.
The State's Top Performer
With a score of 78.7, Arthur County significantly outpaces Nebraska's state average of 71.2 and ranks among the very best in the state. It demonstrates that livability excellence is achievable even in rural Nebraska communities.
Exceptional Taxes, Health, and Stability
Arthur County shines across nearly every metric: the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.834%, an outstanding health score of 85.9, and a remarkable risk score of 99.7. These strengths combine to create an exceptionally low-stress, low-cost living environment.
Income Opportunities Remain Limited
Arthur County's income score of 27.4 reflects a median household income of $67,500, which, while reasonable, remains below state averages. The county's strength lies in affordability and stability rather than wage growth or high-earning potential.
Premier Choice for Stability Seekers
Arthur County is unmatched for families, retirees, and remote workers who prioritize financial security, minimal taxes, and excellent health outcomes. Its exceptional risk profile and low cost of living make it a top choice for anyone seeking a stress-free, sustainable lifestyle in rural Nebraska.
Score breakdown
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🏛78.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Arthur County's effective tax rate of 0.834% is among the lowest in the nation, well below the 1.281% national median and placing it in roughly the 20th percentile nationwide. Despite having homes valued near the national average at $188,800, residents pay just $1,574 in median annual property taxes.
Arthur County taxes bottom-tier in state
At 0.834%, Arthur County's effective tax rate ranks as one of the lowest in Nebraska, significantly below the state average of 1.281%. The median tax of $1,574 is 20% below Nebraska's state median of $1,972, offering rare relief for homeowners.
Arthur dramatically undercuts nearby counties
Arthur County's 0.834% rate is less than half that of neighboring Banner County (1.513%) and Box Butte County (1.488%). Even compared to rural peers like Blaine (1.186%) and Boyd (1.219%), Arthur stands out as a tax haven.
Median home taxes just $1,574 annually
An Arthur County home worth $188,800 carries an annual property tax of approximately $1,574, among the lowest burdens for comparable home values nationally. This translates to roughly $131 monthly in escrow for mortgaged properties.
Low rates don't eliminate assessment risk
Even in low-tax Arthur County, individual properties can be overassessed relative to the market. Homeowners should still compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales—an appeal could reduce your rare tax advantage even further.
Arthur County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio edges above both the national average and Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, signaling modest cost pressure for renters. At $850 monthly rent against a median household income of $67,500, the county sits in the upper third of affordability burden despite moderate wages.
Middle-tier among Nebraska counties
Arthur County's rent burden ranks squarely above Nebraska's state average, placing it among the state's less affordable rental markets. At $850 per month, rents run $67 higher than the state median, though the county's $67,500 median income provides slightly better cushion than many rural Nebraska peers.
Pricier than most nearby counties
Arthur County renters pay $850 monthly—more than Antelope ($746), Blaine ($786), and Boyd ($650), though less than Adams ($853) and Banner ($975). The county stands among the region's pricier rentals despite solid employment opportunities and home values near $189,000.
Balanced dual burden on earnings
Renters spend $850 monthly while homeowners pay $814—nearly identical loads that together consume about 15-16% of the $67,500 median household income. This alignment suggests a stable local market where both renter and owner households face comparable affordability pressures.
Weigh Arthur against neighboring alternatives
Arthur County offers solid income stability but with slightly higher housing costs than immediate neighbors like Antelope or Boyd. If you prioritize lower rent payments, exploring those adjacent counties could yield meaningful savings; if you value community stability and moderate home values, Arthur remains competitive.
Arthur County's median household income of $67,500 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $7,255. The county performs better than most Nebraska peers but still lags the broader U.S. average.
Above average in Nebraska
At $67,500, Arthur County surpasses Nebraska's state average of $66,880, ranking in the upper half of state counties. Its per capita income of $31,870 runs slightly below the state average, reflecting a concentration of income in fewer households.
Competitive with regional peers
Arthur County earns more than Antelope ($63,750) and Boyd ($58,984) but less than Banner ($71,250) and Boone ($71,367). It holds solid mid-to-upper-middle ground among neighboring rural counties.
Reasonable housing burden
Arthur County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving households with manageable housing costs. Median home values of $188,800 reflect a healthy local real estate market.
Opportunities for financial growth
Arthur County residents earning $67,500 can invest in retirement accounts, home equity, and education savings. Working with a financial planner to balance mortgage payoff with long-term wealth building accelerates financial security.
Life expectancy data for Arthur County is not currently available, limiting comparison to the U.S. average of 76.4 years. However, 14.8% of residents report poor or fair health—in line with national benchmarks—suggesting underlying chronic disease patterns similar to many American counties.
Small county, incomplete health picture
Arthur County's 14.8% poor/fair health rate sits slightly below Nebraska's observed average across data-rich counties, but missing life expectancy figures prevent a full statewide comparison. The county's 6.5% uninsured rate—among the lowest in the state—indicates strong insurance penetration despite limited population density.
Comparable health status among sparse communities
Arthur County's poor/fair health rate of 14.8% aligns with nearby Banner County (13.3%) and Blaine County (16.0%), suggesting similar underlying health conditions across Nebraska's sparsely populated northwestern region. The county's 6.5% uninsured rate matches Banner County's coverage levels, indicating shared strengths in health insurance access.
Limited data, low uninsured rate
Provider density data for Arthur County is not available, making it impossible to assess primary care or mental health provider access. The strong 6.5% uninsured rate suggests residents have insurance, yet without knowing provider supply, barriers to actual care remain unclear.
Maintain your coverage advantage
Arthur County's notably low uninsured rate of 6.5% is a community strength—keep it strong by reviewing your coverage during open enrollment at healthcare.gov. Contact local health offices or navigate the marketplace to ensure continuous access to care, especially in rural areas where provider distance may already be a challenge.
With a composite risk score of just 0.29, Arthur County is among the safest places in the nation and far below Nebraska's state average of 25.80. Natural disaster risk is genuinely minimal across all hazard types.
Bottom of Nebraska's risk rankings
Arthur County's composite score of 0.29 is the lowest in Nebraska, reflecting exceptional safety across all natural hazard categories. Even wildfire risk (57.92)—the county's highest individual score—ranks only moderately when viewed statewide.
Safest county in a safe region
Arthur County's score of 0.29 is lower than every neighbor, including Blaine County (0.45), Banner County (0.80), and Box Butte County (20.96). The county represents the far western plains' genuinely exceptional low-risk profile.
Wildfire is only notable threat
Wildfire risk (57.92) is Arthur County's single material concern, though it remains moderate by national standards. Tornado (6.33), flood (0.51), and earthquake (1.27) risks are all negligible.
Standard homeowners insurance suffices
Arthur County's exceptionally low risk profile means standard homeowners coverage is adequate for most residents. If you own wooded or grassland property, verify wildfire coverage with your insurer; otherwise, Arthur County requires minimal specialized disaster protection.