countyscore
67.5
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.

Score breakdown

Tax50.2Cost52.2Safety97.5Health82.2Schools50.6Income60.2Risk99.7WaterComing SoonWeather36.6
🏛50.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.4
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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Compare Arthur County with Antelope County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Antelope County
Nebraska
Median income: $63,750
67.5
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Median income: $45,194
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Perry County
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Gallatin County
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Pope County
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Casey County
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Johnson County
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Boyd County
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Median income: $58,984
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Nearby counties

Grant County
Nebraska
69.6
Keith County
Nebraska
52.4
McPherson County
Nebraska
68.3
Hooker County
Nebraska
66.7
Garden County
Nebraska
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Deuel County
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61.2
Perkins County
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60.5
Thomas County
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78.9

Deep Dives

Arthur County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Arthur County

via CostByCounty

Arthur County rents climb above U.S. norms

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Arthur County

via HealthByCounty

Arthur County's health data remains limited

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Arthur County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Single-District System

Arthur County operates a highly centralized education system with just two public schools serving a total of 120 students. This single-district model covers elementary and high school levels, ensuring a streamlined transition for local children. The entire county relies on this one essential infrastructure for its educational needs.

Robust Funding for a Growing Community

Despite a smaller 75.0% graduation rate, the county invests a substantial $13,218 per pupil, exceeding both the state average and the national benchmark. This investment results in a respectable school score of 59.1, which matches the Nebraska state average. The high per-pupil spending reflects a commitment to maintaining quality resources for every student.

Arthur County Schools at the Center

Arthur County Schools is the sole district in the county, managing 100% of the public enrollment. There are no charter schools, which keeps all local educational resources focused on the traditional public system. This centralization creates a unified community identity around the local schoolhouse.

The Definition of Personalized Learning

Education in Arthur County is exclusively rural, with an average school size of only 60 students. Arthur County Elementary School is the largest facility with 63 students, followed by the high school with 57. Families here experience a truly personalized education where every teacher knows every student's name.

Discover the Benefits of Rural Schools

Families seeking a lifestyle where the school is the heart of the community will find much to love in Arthur County. The high per-pupil investment ensures that even in a small setting, students have the financial backing they need to succeed. Explore local real estate to find a home in a district where every child is a priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Arthur County

via RiskByCounty

Arthur County has Nebraska's lowest risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arthur County's county score?
Arthur 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 Arthur County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Arthur County ranks #22 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 $1,574, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Arthur County a tax score of 50.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Arthur County?
The median household income in Arthur County, Nebraska is $67,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Arthur County earns an income score of 60.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Arthur County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Arthur County scores 67.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 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.

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.