countyscore
69.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.7Safety 97.5Health 82.2

County Report Card

About Arthur County, Nebraska

Exceptional Quality of Life

Arthur County earns a composite score of 67.5, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. This impressive ranking reflects a high standard of living in the Nebraska Sandhills.

Above the State Average

Surpassing the Nebraska state average of 59.3, Arthur County ranks as one of the state's most resilient locations. It offers a unique profile of low risk and moderate taxes.

Safety and Low Environmental Risk

Arthur County features a nearly perfect risk score of 99.7 and a safety score of 97.5. These numbers highlight a community virtually free from natural hazards and crime.

Infrastructure Data and Education

Water quality data is currently unavailable for this rural county, and the school score sits at a moderate 50.6. The community relies on local initiatives to maintain its small-town educational standards.

A Haven for the Risk-Averse

This county is a premier choice for those seeking a quiet life away from environmental and social volatility. It suits individuals who value safety and a modest 0.834% effective tax rate.

2040608010040.862.997.582.250.675.799.736.6Tax40.8Cost62.9Safety97.5Health82.2Schools50.6Income75.7Risk99.7WaterWeather36.669.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Arthur County DNA

C-overall

How Arthur County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Arthur County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (99.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.8-11.200000000000003
Cost
62.9+14.899999999999999
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
82.2+32.2
Schools
50.6
Income
75.7+24.700000000000003
Risk
99.7+52.7
Weather
36.6-19.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Arthur County?

Many homeowners in Arthur County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$750/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,250/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Arthur County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Arthur County

via TaxByCounty

Arthur has Nebraska's lowest tax rate

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.

Income & Jobs in Arthur County

via IncomeByCounty

Arthur slightly below the national mark

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.

Safety in Arthur County

via CrimeByCounty

Arthur County Reports No Crime Incidents

Arthur County holds a perfect 100.0 safety score, with zero reported crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This performance is a stark contrast to the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety in the Cornhusker State

With a safety score of 100.0, Arthur County exceeds the Nebraska average of 99.0. It remains one of the most secure counties in the state, far outperforming the state average crime rate of 626.7.

Quiet Trends Across the Region

Like neighboring Blaine County, Arthur reports no criminal activity across two local reporting agencies. This trend highlights the incredibly low-risk nature of life in these rural Nebraska districts.

No Violent or Property Crimes Recorded

Data from 2022 shows zero violent and zero property crimes for Arthur County. Residents enjoy a rare level of physical and material security according to the latest law enforcement reporting.

Vigilance Keeps Arthur County Safe

A perfect safety score is a point of pride, but continued awareness is key to long-term security. Basic measures like porch lights and checking on neighbors help preserve this exceptionally safe environment.

Weather & Climate in Arthur County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and Cool High Plains

Arthur County's 48.8°F average temperature falls below the national median. The county is notably dry, receiving only 20.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Drier Than the Nebraska Average

The county receives over 5 inches less moisture than the Nebraska state average of 25.9 inches. Its annual temperature of 48.8°F also tracks slightly cooler than the state average.

Intense Sun and Arid Air

Arthur faces 38 days of extreme heat, significantly more than the 17 days recorded in eastern Antelope County. Its 32.9 inches of snow is typical for the central Sandhills.

Vast Temperature Swings

Summers feature 38 days over 90°F, yet the winter average remains a chilly 27.1°F. This creates a volatile environment where residents manage both 32.9 inches of snow and summer heat.

Plan for Arid Extremes

Water conservation is vital during the dry summers where temperatures frequently spike. Ensure your HVAC system is rated for both the 38 heat days and the 25.8°F January nights.

Soil Quality in Arthur County

via SoilByCounty

Sandhills Foundation with Neutral pH

Arthur County features an average pH of 6.75, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the soil character reflects the unique Sandhills geography.

Coarse Texture with High Sand Content

This soil is dominated by 59.5% sand, with very low silt and clay at 7.7% and 5.6% respectively. Such a coarse mix leads to rapid infiltration and very low nutrient retention.

Extraordinary Organic Matter Levels

The soil boasts a massive 20.82% organic matter, dwarfing the state average of 3.32%. However, the low available water capacity of 0.106 in/in means the soil struggles to hold onto moisture for long periods.

Adapting to Minimal Hydrologic Data

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unavailable for this area. Gardeners should monitor local moisture levels closely, as the high sand content typically suggests rapid drainage patterns.

Unique Growing in Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone and 59.9 soil score provide a unique environment for native grasses and drought-resistant plants. Despite the sand, the high organic matter offers a great start for a customized home garden.

Lawn Care in Arthur County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher turf tasks in Arthur

Maintaining a lawn in Arthur County is more challenging than the national average, reflected in a lawn score of 44.4. The combination of low rainfall and high heat in this 5b zone requires significant effort.

High heat and low rainfall

The county sees 38 extreme heat days per year, pushing many grass types to their limits. With only 20.6 inches of annual precipitation, consistent watering is mandatory to keep lawns from thinning out.

High sand content challenges

The soil contains 59.5% sand and only 5.6% clay, making it difficult for the ground to retain water. Though the pH is a healthy 6.75, the lack of heavy soil structure means nutrients leach away quickly.

Nearly year-round drought stress

The county suffered through 46 weeks of drought over the past year, and 14.4% remains in severe drought. Prioritizing drought-tolerant species like Buffalograss can help maintain cover during these extended dry periods.

A narrow window for success

The growing window starts after May 9 and closes relatively early with a first frost around October 3. Hardy, drought-resistant cool-season blends are your best bet for this demanding Nebraska climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arthur County's county score?
Arthur County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 69.1 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 Arthur County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Arthur County ranks #12 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 Arthur County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Arthur County is $1,733, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Arthur County a tax score of 40.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Arthur County?
The median household income in Arthur County, Nebraska is $76,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Arthur County earns an income score of 75.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Arthur County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Arthur County scores 69.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Arthur 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 Arthur County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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