countyscore
66.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.6Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Blaine County, Nebraska

Strong Standing in Rural America

Blaine County's composite score of 66.4 puts it well ahead of the 50.0 national median. This reflects a very high quality of life for its residents.

Outperforming the Nebraska Average

The county exceeds the Nebraska state average score of 59.3 by a healthy margin. It represents the high-end of livability for sparsely populated counties in the region.

Unmatched Safety and Stability

With a safety score of 97.5 and a risk score of 99.6, Blaine County is one of the most stable places in the country. Home values remain accessible at a median of $102,100.

Income and Schooling Scores

The income score of 42.9 and school score of 51.9 suggest limited economic and educational variety. Median household income is $61,250, trailing behind the state's wealthier districts.

Perfect for Affordable, Quiet Living

Blaine County suits retirees or remote workers who prioritize extreme safety and low housing costs. It offers a peaceful lifestyle with a low 1.186% effective tax rate.

2040608010026.272.997.572.251.942.999.68637.6Tax26.2Cost72.9Safety97.5Health72.2Schools51.9Income42.9Risk99.6Water86Weather37.666.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Blaine County DNA

D+overall

How Blaine County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Blaine County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (99.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (26.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
26.2-25.8
Cost
72.9+24.900000000000006
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
72.2+22.200000000000003
Schools
51.9
Income
42.9-8.100000000000001
Risk
99.6+52.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
37.6-18.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$102,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$786/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$102,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,250/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Shelby County
Iowa
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Yellow Medicine County
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Median income: $71,573
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Kingsbury County
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Hale County
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Pickens County
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Pulaski County
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Median income: $59,956
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Kossuth County
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Ohio County
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Median income: $57,867
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Nearby counties

Thomas County
Nebraska
78.9
Logan County
Nebraska
67.9
Loup County
Nebraska
81.7
Brown County
Nebraska
60.7
Custer County
Nebraska
58.3
Garfield County
Nebraska
69.3
Rock County
Nebraska
71.8
McPherson County
Nebraska
68.3

Deep Dives

Blaine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Blaine County

via TaxByCounty

Blaine County below national tax average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Blaine County

via CostByCounty

Blaine's rents bite, incomes run thin

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blaine County

via IncomeByCounty

Blaine significantly lags national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Blaine County

via CrimeByCounty

Blaine County Hits Perfect Safety Mark

Blaine County reports a perfect 100.0 safety score, with zero total crimes recorded per 100,000 residents. This puts the county in an elite tier far below the national crime average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Nebraska Public Safety

The county's perfect score exceeds the Nebraska state average safety score of 99.0. It is a standout performer compared to the state's average crime rate of 626.7 per 100,000 people.

Safety Consistency in the Heart of Nebraska

Blaine County mirrors the zero-crime reports of neighbors like Arthur County, showing regional peace and quiet. Two local reporting agencies confirm this absence of criminal activity for the 2022 period.

Zero Crimes Across All Categories

Law enforcement data for 2022 shows zero property crimes and zero violent crimes in Blaine County. This total lack of reported incidents translates to an exceptionally high level of daily safety for residents.

Keep Blaine County Secure

While crime is currently non-existent in the data, maintaining home security basics is always a smart investment. Simple acts like locking vehicles and home entries help ensure this perfect safety score continues.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Blaine County

via SchoolsByCounty

Blaine County's Highly Specialized High School

Blaine County hosts a singular public high school serving a small, dedicated student body of 35 students. This rural education point provides essential secondary schooling for the sparsely populated region. It operates as a vital community hub for local families.

Top-Tier Funding and Outstanding Scores

Blaine County boasts an impressive school score of 66.3, far exceeding both state and national medians. This performance is backed by a massive per-pupil expenditure of $16,578, which is among the highest in the state. While the graduation rate is 75.0%, the high composite score reflects exceptional resource allocation.

Sandhills Public Schools Service

The High School at Dunning is part of the Sandhills Public Schools system, which manages all public education for the county's students. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring that all 16,578 dollars spent per student stay within the traditional public system. This ensures a stable and well-funded environment for every learner.

Deeply Rural and Intimate Classrooms

With only one school in a rural setting, the educational experience in Blaine County is defined by its intimacy. The High School at Dunning enrolls just 35 students across grades 7 through 12. This creates an unparalleled student-to-teacher ratio where learning is deeply personal.

A High-Investment Opportunity for Families

Blaine County offers some of the highest per-pupil spending in Nebraska, making it a unique destination for education-focused buyers. If you value a small-town atmosphere where the school score exceeds the state average, this is the place to be. Look for homes in the Dunning area to access this well-funded high school.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Blaine County

via RiskByCounty

Blaine County poses minimal disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Blaine County

via WaterByCounty

Blaine County Maintains Top Tier Water Safety

Blaine County holds a water quality grade of A, reporting zero health violations over the past five years. This is a significant achievement when compared to the Nebraska average violation rate of 110.3. The county's public water systems consistently uphold the highest standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Impairment Levels Exceed State Averages

Assessments from 2022 indicate that 72.7% of the county's 22 monitored water bodies are impaired. This is notably higher than the state average of 66.4%, with E. coli and mercury in fish tissue cited as primary causes. High water temperatures also contribute to the failure of these 16 water bodies.

Comprehensive Monitoring via Single Site

A single monitoring site in Blaine County has generated 705 measurements over the last five years. Data collection spans nutrients, physical characteristics, and inorganic non-metals, providing a robust profile of local water chemistry. This intensive data gathering helps track the health of the North Loup River system.

North Loup River Flows Near Historical Means

The USGS gauge at Brewster reports a current discharge of 410 cfs, which is 86% of its long-term mean. This river drains an area of 1,890 square miles and is a vital artery for the region. While flow is slightly below typical levels, it remains within a healthy operational range.

Protecting Clean Water Amid Watershed Stress

Residents should take pride in their 'A' rated drinking water while remaining cautious about mercury levels in local fish. Because E. coli is a prevalent issue in the watershed, those using surface water for recreation should check for local advisories. Consistent river monitoring helps ensure that slightly lower flow levels do not concentrate these existing contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Blaine County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Central Plains Climate

Blaine County's 48.7°F average temperature sits well below the national median. This region experiences a true four-season climate with significant temperature variation.

Tracking Below the State Mean

The county is one degree cooler than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. While precipitation data is limited for this area, its temperature profile aligns with the central Sandhills.

Summer Heat Matches Neighbors

Blaine records 35 extreme heat days, nearly identical to the 34 days seen in Adams County. Its winter average of 26.4°F is slightly harsher than its southern neighbors.

Hot Summers, Cold Winters

Summer temperatures average 71.3°F but include 35 days that peak over 90°F. January is the coldest month, averaging a biting 24.9°F.

Prepare for Temperature Extremes

With 35 days of intense heat, reliable air conditioning is a must for summer safety. Proper home insulation is also critical to handle the 26.4°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Blaine County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Sands of the Heart

Blaine County's soil pH of 6.52 is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This creates a versatile chemical environment despite the area's predominantly sandy physical structure.

An Exceptionally Sandy Profile

At 82.6% sand, this is one of the sandiest counties in the state, with only 7.8% silt and 6.1% clay. This texture offers almost no resistance to root growth but holds very few nutrients.

Low Water Retention Potential

The available water capacity is low at 0.104 in/in compared to the state average of 0.172. While the 2.48% organic matter is healthy compared to the national average, the sandy texture makes irrigation essential.

Managing Rapid Moisture Loss

While official drainage classes are not listed, the 82.6% sand content implies very rapid drainage. Landowners must prioritize soil stabilization to prevent erosion in this porous landscape.

Zone 5a Gardening Strategies

The zone 5a climate and 48.7 soil score favor native prairie plants and deep-rooted species. Consider using raised beds with added compost to boost the productivity of this sandy soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Blaine County

via LawnByCounty

Managing turf in the Sandhills

Blaine County scores a 56.9 for lawn difficulty, which is slightly better than the Nebraska state average of 54.2. In this 5a zone, success depends on mastering the high sand content typical of the region.

Heat and growth cycles

The county experiences 35 extreme heat days, slightly higher than the state average. While specific rainfall data is limited, the 2,878 growing degree days suggest a standard mid-latitude growing pace for cool-season grasses.

Extremely sandy soil profiles

With a staggering 82.6% sand content, the soil is incredibly porous and holds very little moisture. The pH of 6.52 is ideal, but frequent, light fertilization is necessary since the sand does not hold nutrients well.

Avoiding the severe drought trap

Blaine County faced 39 weeks of drought last year, though currently, no areas are in severe drought status. Deep-rooted grasses can help navigate these dry spells, as the sandy soil dries out from the top down very quickly.

Seeding for the long term

Aim to seed after May 9 to avoid the risk of late spring freezes. Since the first frost arrives by October 2, early fall seeding in August is the best strategy to ensure survival through the winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blaine County's county score?
Blaine County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 66.5 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 Blaine County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Blaine County ranks #26 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 Blaine County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Blaine County is $1,211, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Blaine County a tax score of 26.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blaine County?
The median household income in Blaine County, Nebraska is $61,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blaine County earns an income score of 42.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blaine County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Blaine County scores 66.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Blaine 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 Blaine County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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