countyscore
56
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.2Health 87.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Banner County, Nebraska

Banner County Beats National Median

Banner County achieves a composite score of 56.0, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It maintains a solid standing for a high-income rural area.

Slightly Below the State Benchmark

While it beats the national average, the county's score of 56.0 is slightly lower than the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It faces stiff competition from higher-scoring neighbors in the Panhandle.

Health and Financial Security

Banner County shines with an 87.4 health score and a 99.2 risk score. High household incomes of $71,250 provide residents with significant financial stability.

High Taxes and Living Costs

The tax score of 12.3 is the primary weakness, driven by a 1.513% effective tax rate. Monthly rents average $975, which is higher than many neighboring rural counties.

Best for High-Earning Rural Families

Banner County is ideal for high-income earners who want a healthy, safe environment and don't mind a higher tax bill. It offers a rare combination of rural peace and strong health outcomes.

Score breakdown

Tax12.3Cost43.3Safety68.2Health87.4Schools51.6Income69.4Risk99.2Water86Weather33.1
🏛12.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.8
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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Nearby counties

Scotts Bluff County
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37
Kimball County
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52.3
Laramie County
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40.1
Goshen County
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Morrill County
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Box Butte County
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Deep Dives

Banner County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Banner County

via TaxByCounty

Banner County taxes rank among highest

Banner County's effective tax rate of 1.513% exceeds the national median of 1.281%, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally. The median property tax is $2,516, just below the national median of $2,690, despite homes valued 41% lower than the U.S. average.

Banner highest-taxed county in Nebraska

At 1.513%, Banner County carries Nebraska's highest effective tax rate, nearly 0.23 percentage points above the state average of 1.281%. The $2,516 median tax far exceeds Nebraska's $1,972 state median, costing families 27% more than the typical Nebraska homeowner.

Banner significantly outpaces regional peers

Banner County's 1.513% rate vastly exceeds Arthur County (0.834%), Box Butte County (1.488%), and all other neighboring counties. Only Box Butte approaches Banner's burden, but Banner still leads by 25 basis points, making it the region's highest-tax location.

Median home tax $2,516 per year

The typical Banner County home valued at $166,300 generates a $2,516 annual property tax bill. With a mortgage, this amount will be escrowed monthly, adding roughly $210 to your housing costs before insurance.

High-tax county, high appeal potential

Banner County's steep rates make property tax appeals especially worthwhile—savings compound faster at higher tax rates. If your assessed value hasn't been reviewed recently or seems out of line with comparable sales, requesting a reassessment could yield substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Banner County

via CostByCounty

Banner's rents rank among Nebraska's highest

Banner County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio stands notably above both the national average and Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it in the cost-burdened category. At $975 monthly, Banner rents are the region's steepest despite a median household income of $71,250—suggesting strong local demand or limited supply.

Nebraska's priciest rental market

Banner County leads Nebraska in rent burden with a 16.4% ratio and a median rent of $975—$192 above the state median. This outlier status suggests Banner's economy drives rental demand beyond what peers experience, making it Nebraska's least affordable county for renters.

Significantly pricier than surrounding areas

Banner County renters pay $975 monthly—roughly $130 more than Adams ($853), $225 more than Arthur ($850), and $325 more than Antelope ($746). This premium reflects either concentrated economic growth, tourism appeal, or supply constraints that distinguish Banner from the broader rural Nebraska rental landscape.

Rent dominates household budgets

Renters spend $975 monthly while homeowners invest $793, creating a stark 16.4% rent burden against the $71,250 median income. This imbalance—where renters pay significantly more than mortgage-holders—suggests either high demand for rentals or ownership advantages that skew the housing market toward buyers.

Budget carefully if Banner is your target

Banner County's $975 rent is a serious consideration: even at the county's $71,250 median income, renters consume 16%+ of earnings on housing. If Banner's economy or amenities draw you, ensure your income exceeds local medians; otherwise, neighboring counties offer equivalent opportunity at lower cost.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Banner County

via IncomeByCounty

Banner closes the income gap well

Banner County's median household income of $71,250 stands just $3,505 below the national median of $74,755, making it one of Nebraska's strongest earners. The county rivals many urban areas in income performance.

Top earner in Nebraska

At $71,250, Banner County surpasses the state average of $66,880 by over $4,300, ranking among Nebraska's highest-earning counties. Its per capita income of $36,650 also exceeds the state average.

Leads most neighboring counties

Banner County outearns all peers in this cohort except Boone ($71,367), which edges it by just $117. The county's strong wage base reflects robust agricultural and small-business sectors.

Housing costs are elevated here

Banner County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% is slightly higher than peers, though still well below the 30% benchmark. Median home values of $166,300 remain accessible for local wage earners.

Invest aggressively, plan ahead

Banner County households earning $71,250 have strong capacity for diversified investments and retirement contributions. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize 401(k) matches, HSAs, and investment accounts while maintaining local real estate gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Banner County

via CrimeByCounty

Banner County Outperforms National Averages

Banner County earns a strong 98.8 safety score, with a total crime rate of 746.3 per 100,000 people. This is less than one-third of the national average rate of 2,385.5, marking it as a very safe community.

Comparing Banner to Statewide Data

The county's crime rate of 746.3 is slightly higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. This results in a safety score of 98.8, which is just a fraction below the state average of 99.0.

Regional Context for Banner County

Banner County shows more activity than neighboring Arthur County, which reported zero crimes. However, its rate of 746.3 remains low enough to maintain its status as a high-safety jurisdiction in the region.

A Close Look at Crime Types

Property crimes occur at a rate of 447.8 per 100,000, while violent crimes are reported at 298.5. Most incidents in Banner County involve property rather than direct physical confrontation.

Smart Security for Your Property

With property crime as the leading category, simple home security like deadbolts and cameras provides effective protection. Maintaining these habits ensures that Banner County remains a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Banner County

via HealthByCounty

Banner County's health profile incomplete

Life expectancy for Banner County is not available, preventing direct comparison to the U.S. average of 76.4 years. However, 13.3% of residents report poor or fair health—notably better than U.S. norms—suggesting a relatively healthy population despite data gaps.

Strong health outcomes in sparse county

Banner County's 13.3% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best observed in Nebraska, sitting well below the state's 77.5-year life expectancy proxy and outperforming many larger counties. The 6.4% uninsured rate trails the state average of 8.1%, indicating superior health insurance coverage.

Healthiest outcomes in the region

Banner County's 13.3% poor/fair health rate beats nearby Arthur County (14.8%) and Blaine County (16.0%), signaling better chronic disease management or baseline health status across the sparsely populated northwest. The 6.4% uninsured rate is the lowest in the immediate region, reflecting strong community health infrastructure.

Excellent coverage, unknown provider access

Banner County's 6.4% uninsured rate is a standout strength, meaning most residents have insurance for preventive care and treatment. Primary care and mental health provider data are unavailable, so actual care accessibility in this remote area remains uncertain despite strong coverage levels.

Sustain your uninsured rate advantage

At 6.4% uninsured, Banner County leads Nebraska in coverage—a rare achievement in rural America that residents should protect during annual open enrollment. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to renew plans and help neighbors find affordable coverage, keeping this advantage strong.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Banner County

via SchoolsByCounty

Banner County's Integrated School System

Banner County features a tightly integrated system of three public schools serving a total of 151 students within a single district. This structure includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, providing a clear path for students throughout their youth. The entire county shares a single, focused educational campus.

High Investment and Strong Academic Scores

Banner County allocates $14,755 per pupil, significantly outspending the national average of $13,000 and the state average of $10,521. This heavy investment contributes to a strong school score of 62.4, which is well above the state and national medians. Although the graduation rate is currently 75.0%, the high score suggests a high-quality educational environment.

A Unified Public District

Banner County Public Schools is the exclusive provider of education in the area, serving all 151 local students. With 0% charter school presence, the community's resources and attention are fully invested in the public district. This creates a cohesive environment for families who value consistency in their children's schooling.

Quiet Rural Learning Environments

All schools in Banner County are located in rural locales, offering students a peaceful and focused setting. The average school size is just 50 students, with Banner County High School serving 41 and the middle school serving 32. This small-scale environment allows for highly individualized instruction and close peer relationships.

Make a Home in a Dedicated District

For buyers seeking a location with high per-pupil spending and an above-average school score, Banner County is a compelling choice. Living here means your children will attend schools where the community investment is deeply felt. Explore the local area to find a home where small class sizes are the standard.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Banner County

via RiskByCounty

Banner County is one of the safest

With a composite risk score of 0.80, Banner County ranks as very low nationally and well below Nebraska's state average of 25.80. Natural disaster risk is exceptionally mild across all hazard categories.

Second-lowest composite risk in state

Banner County's score of 0.80 places it among Nebraska's safest counties, just slightly above Arthur County (0.29). The county's hazard profile is balanced and minimal across the board.

Safe corner of northwestern Nebraska

Banner County's score of 0.80 is lower than Box Butte County (20.96) and comparable to Arthur County (0.29) and Blaine County (0.45). The region consistently demonstrates exceptionally low natural disaster risk.

Wildfire is the primary consideration

Wildfire risk (42.14) is Banner County's most notable hazard, though still moderate nationally. Tornado (7.57), flood (0.89), and earthquake (3.12) risks remain negligible.

Basic coverage meets your needs

Banner County's minimal natural disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance is sufficient for most properties. Landowners with significant vegetation should confirm wildfire coverage is included; otherwise, Banner County residents face genuinely low protection costs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Banner County

via WeatherByCounty

High Altitude and Heavy Snow

Banner County is significantly cooler and drier than the national median, averaging 47.4°F. It receives a sparse 16.5 inches of total precipitation, much of it as snow.

The Dry End of Nebraska

Banner is one of the driest counties in the state, receiving nearly 10 inches less moisture than the Nebraska average. It is also over 2 degrees cooler than the state mean.

The Snow Peak of the Region

At 46.6 inches of snow, Banner is much snowier than central counties like Adams. It shares the high-plains aridity of neighbor Box Butte, seeing only 16.5 inches of moisture.

Extreme Snow and Summer Heat

The county faces a massive 46.6 inches of snow each year, despite a winter average of 28.0°F. Summers remain volatile with 38 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Prepare for Snow and Drought

Residents must maintain heavy-duty snow removal equipment for the 46.6-inch seasonal load. Drought-resistant landscaping is a necessity given the low 16.5-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Banner County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in the High Plains

Banner County soils have an average pH of 7.14, making them significantly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. This characteristic affects which nutrients are most available to local plant life.

Sand-Heavy Soil Composition

The ground is composed of 57.3% sand, 27.4% silt, and 12.5% clay. This creates a light texture that is easy to till but may require supplemental fertilization due to low clay presence.

Lean Organic Levels in the West

Organic matter sits at a lean 1.69%, which is below both the state and national averages. The available water capacity of 0.160 in/in is just under the Nebraska average of 0.172, requiring careful water management.

Observing Local Water Flow

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not available for this county's dominant soil types. Given the 57.3% sand content, residents should expect relatively fast water movement through the soil profile.

Hardy Options for Zone 5a

Gardeners in zone 5a should focus on alkaline-tolerant species like sunflowers and certain berry bushes. Even with a lower soil score of 41.4, a well-mulched garden can thrive in this High Plains environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Banner County

via LawnByCounty

Severe challenges for Banner lawns

Banner County is one of the most difficult places for lawns, scoring a low 32.8 on the difficulty index. High altitude and arid conditions in this 5a zone make traditional green turf a luxury.

Arid climate limits growth

Receiving just 16.5 inches of rain per year—well below the 30-inch ideal—natural grass growth is stunted. With 38 heat days and limited growing degree days, the climate favors native prairie over manicured lawns.

Alkaline and sandy soil

The soil pH of 7.14 is slightly alkaline, which may require sulfur applications to help grass absorb iron. Because the soil is 57.3% sand, water passes through the root zone rapidly, increasing the need for irrigation.

Persistent severe drought conditions

The entire county is currently in severe drought, a condition that has persisted for 53 consecutive weeks. Water conservation is critical here, making xeric-style landscaping or native grasses the most practical options.

Short seasons and late frosts

The last spring frost often waits until May 24, leaving a very short season before the first fall frost on September 20. Focus on rapid-establishing, cold-hardy varieties to make the most of the brief summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Banner County's county score?
Banner County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 56 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 Banner County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Banner County ranks #65 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 Banner County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Banner County is $2,516, with an effective tax rate of 1.51%. This earns Banner County a tax score of 12.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Banner County?
The median household income in Banner County, Nebraska is $71,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Banner County earns an income score of 69.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Banner County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Banner County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Banner 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 Banner 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.