Blaine County's composite score of 76.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 53%, ranking it among the nation's more livable counties. Consistent strength across affordability, health, and risk resilience drives its impressive standing.
2 / 5
Well Above Nebraska's Average
At 76.5, Blaine County significantly outperforms Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the state's upper tier of livability. Its balanced profile demonstrates effective community management across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.
3 / 5
Unbeatable Affordability and Resilience
Blaine County's cost score of 84.7 is among the highest in this group, with a median home value of just $102,100 and rent at $786/month. Combined with an exceptional risk score of 99.6 and health score of 83.1, it offers exceptional financial security and healthcare access.
4 / 5
Income Growth Opportunities Scarce
Blaine County's income score of 23.4, the lowest in this group, reflects a median household income of $61,250 and limited wage-earning potential. The rural setting and small population base may constrain career advancement for ambitious professionals.
5 / 5
Perfect for Affordable, Secure Rural Living
Blaine County is ideal for retirees, fixed-income households, and remote workers prioritizing maximum affordability and stability over earning growth. Its ultra-low housing costs and exceptional economic resilience make it one of Nebraska's safest bets for financial peace of mind.
Blaine County's composite score of 76.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 53%, ranking it among the nation's more livable counties. Consistent strength across affordability, health, and risk resilience drives its impressive standing.
Well Above Nebraska's Average
At 76.5, Blaine County significantly outperforms Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the state's upper tier of livability. Its balanced profile demonstrates effective community management across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.
Unbeatable Affordability and Resilience
Blaine County's cost score of 84.7 is among the highest in this group, with a median home value of just $102,100 and rent at $786/month. Combined with an exceptional risk score of 99.6 and health score of 83.1, it offers exceptional financial security and healthcare access.
Income Growth Opportunities Scarce
Blaine County's income score of 23.4, the lowest in this group, reflects a median household income of $61,250 and limited wage-earning potential. The rural setting and small population base may constrain career advancement for ambitious professionals.
Perfect for Affordable, Secure Rural Living
Blaine County is ideal for retirees, fixed-income households, and remote workers prioritizing maximum affordability and stability over earning growth. Its ultra-low housing costs and exceptional economic resilience make it one of Nebraska's safest bets for financial peace of mind.
Score breakdown
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🏛68.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Blaine County's effective tax rate of 1.186% sits below the national median of 1.281%, placing it in roughly the 40th percentile nationally. The median property tax is just $1,211, significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, thanks to home values averaging only $102,100 versus the U.S. norm of $281,900.
Blaine among lowest-tax Nebraska counties
At 1.186%, Blaine County's effective rate ranks in the bottom half of Nebraska counties, running 0.095 percentage points below the state average of 1.281%. The $1,211 median tax represents just 61% of Nebraska's $1,972 state median.
Lowest taxes in the rural northwest region
Blaine County's 1.186% rate is the lowest among its regional peers, falling short of Boyd (1.219%), Antelope (1.220%), and well below Banner (1.513%) and Box Butte (1.488%). Only Arthur County (0.834%) undercuts Blaine in the broader region.
Median home taxes $1,211 annually
A typical Blaine County home valued at $102,100 results in an annual property tax of about $1,211, among the state's lowest tax burdens. Mortgaged homeowners will see roughly $101 escrow monthly for property taxes alone.
Low values require careful assessments
Blaine County's modest home values can mask assessment errors—even small overvaluations on lower-priced homes sting proportionally. Reviewing your assessed value against recent local sales is worth your time, even in a low-tax county.
Blaine County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio tops both the national average and Nebraska's state benchmark of 14.2%, driven by below-median wages and modest rents. At just $61,250 median household income—the lowest among these eight counties—renters stretch $786 monthly rent across a strained budget.
Above-average affordability stress
Blaine County ranks among Nebraska's more challenging rental markets, with a 15.4% rent-to-income ratio and the state's lowest median household income in this peer group. The $786 monthly rent is close to the state average, but the shallow income base creates disproportionate housing burden for county residents.
Modest rent, but incomes can't keep pace
At $786 monthly, Blaine's rent sits between Antelope ($746) and Arthur ($850), but the county's $61,250 income—lowest in the region—means renters carry heavier proportional burden than peers. Compared to Boyd County (similar income, lower rent at $650), Blaine residents face measurably greater affordability pressure.
Homeownership looks more affordable here
Renters spend $786 monthly (15.4% of income) while homeowners pay just $630—a remarkable $156 monthly difference that reflects significant ownership advantage. This gap suggests that building equity through homeownership offers Blaine residents crucial relief compared to renting.
Consider ownership if income permits
Blaine County presents a puzzle: rents burden residents more than state average, but mortgages run surprisingly affordable at $630 monthly. If you're relocating with stable employment, pursuing homeownership here could unlock substantial savings; renting, however, demands careful income planning.
Blaine County's median household income of $61,250 falls nearly $13,500 below the national median of $74,755. This represents one of the largest income gaps among Nebraska's counties.
Among Nebraska's lowest earners
At $61,250, Blaine County ranks well below the state average of $66,880, placing it in the lower tier statewide. However, its per capita income of $41,319 significantly exceeds the state average, suggesting unequal income distribution.
Lowest earner in its region
Blaine County's $61,250 median trails all comparison counties, falling behind even Boyd ($58,984) in household income. The county faces tighter economic constraints than its neighbors.
Housing very affordable
Blaine County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% is manageable and below the 30% threshold, providing budget relief. Median home values of just $102,100 make homeownership exceptionally accessible.
Build wealth through home equity
Blaine County residents can leverage affordable housing to build equity quickly; a $102,100 home remains achievable on local incomes. Pairing homeownership with emergency savings and modest investments creates long-term financial stability.
Life expectancy data for Blaine County is not available, but 16.0% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate among its measured regional peers and notably above U.S. averages. This elevated rate signals concentrated chronic disease or health challenges requiring focused intervention.
Highest poor health rate in the region
Blaine County's 16.0% poor/fair health rate ranks among the poorest in Nebraska, substantially above the state median observed across measured counties. The 7.3% uninsured rate is below state average, yet coverage alone hasn't prevented the county's health challenges.
Struggling compared to nearby counties
Blaine County's 16.0% poor/fair health rate far exceeds Banner County (13.3%) and Arthur County (14.8%), making it the health laggard of the immediate region. Its 7.3% uninsured rate matches state norms, suggesting the problem lies not in coverage gaps but in care quality, health behaviors, or underlying population vulnerability.
Puzzling health deficit despite coverage
Blaine County's 7.3% uninsured rate is near the state average, yet the county's 16.0% poor/fair health rate remains the highest regionally—indicating insurance alone isn't solving health problems. Provider data is unavailable, so whether low provider density compounds these challenges remains unclear.
Strengthen coverage for all residents
With 7.3% of Blaine County uninsured, closing that gap is urgent—those without coverage miss screenings and treatments that could improve the county's struggling health statistics. Encourage neighbors to explore healthcare.gov during open enrollment and contact local health offices to find affordable plans that address the county's evident health burden.
With a composite risk score of 0.45, Blaine County ranks as very low nationally and significantly below Nebraska's state average of 25.80. Natural hazards are extremely limited across all threat types.
Third-lowest risk in Nebraska
Blaine County's score of 0.45 ranks it among the state's safest counties, surpassed only by Arthur County (0.29) and Banner County (0.80). The county's balanced, minimal hazard profile is exemplary.
Safe as its northwestern peers
Blaine County's score of 0.45 is comparable to Arthur County (0.29) and Banner County (0.80), and substantially lower than Box Butte County (20.96). Northwestern Nebraska remains one of the nation's lowest-risk regions.
Wildfire is the only material risk
Wildfire (50.76) is Blaine County's dominant hazard, though still moderate nationally. Tornado (10.18), flood (1.59), and earthquake (2.35) risks are all negligible.
Standard insurance covers Blaine County
Blaine County's exceptionally low natural disaster risk means standard homeowners coverage provides adequate protection. Verify your policy includes wildfire coverage if you manage grassland or timberland; otherwise, minimal specialized disaster insurance is necessary.