countyscore
43.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 79.1Income & Jobs 63.8

County Report Card

About Box Butte County, Nebraska

Falling Short of National Medians

Box Butte County scores 43.2 overall, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects specific challenges in infrastructure and social services.

Lags Behind State Performance

The county's score of 43.2 is well below the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It currently ranks in the lower tier of counties across the state for livability.

Water Quality and Reliable Income

Strong water quality (86.0) and a solid income score (63.8) are the county's best features. A median household income of $68,778 provides a stable economic floor for residents.

Tax and Schooling Hurdles

Low scores in taxes (13.2), safety (24.8), and schools (45.2) present major obstacles. The 1.488% effective tax rate is a significant burden given the lower scores in public services.

Suits Those Prioritizing Income

Box Butte County is best for workers in specific industries who value competitive wages and clean water. It requires a trade-off in terms of school quality and tax costs.

Score breakdown

Tax13.2Cost52.6Safety24.8Health60.1Schools45.2Income63.8Risk79.1Water86Weather33
🏛13.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.1
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
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.7
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

Morrill County
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58.7
Scotts Bluff County
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Sioux County
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Sheridan County
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Banner County
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Goshen County
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Deep Dives

Box Butte County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Box Butte County

via TaxByCounty

Box Butte taxes well above national average

Box Butte County's effective tax rate of 1.488% exceeds the national median of 1.281%, placing it in the 68th percentile nationwide. The median property tax of $2,397 falls just 11% below the national median of $2,690, despite homes valued 43% lower than the U.S. average.

Box Butte second-highest taxed in Nebraska

At 1.488%, Box Butte County ranks as Nebraska's second-highest tax county, trailing only Banner County's 1.513%. The median tax of $2,397 far exceeds the state median of $1,972, burdening homeowners 22% more than the typical Nebraskan.

Only Banner County taxes higher nearby

Box Butte County (1.488%) ranks second in regional tax burden, with only Banner County (1.513%) charging more. All other neighbors—Arthur (0.834%), Blaine (1.186%), Boyd (1.219%), Antelope (1.220%), and Boone (1.016%)—have substantially lower rates.

Median home tax $2,397 yearly

A typical Box Butte County home valued at $161,100 results in an annual property tax of approximately $2,397. For mortgaged homeowners, this adds roughly $200 monthly to housing costs when combined with insurance.

High-tax county warrants careful review

With one of Nebraska's highest rates, Box Butte homeowners have much to gain from property tax appeals—even modest overassessments compound significantly. Request a reassessment if your assessed value hasn't been updated recently or exceeds comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Box Butte County

via CostByCounty

Box Butte's rents stay below national average

Box Butte County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio dips comfortably below both the national average and Nebraska's state benchmark of 14.2%, signaling strong affordability. At $771 monthly rent against a median household income of $68,778, the county delivers solid housing value for renters and a healthy income base.

Well below Nebraska's average burden

Box Butte County ranks among Nebraska's more affordable counties, with a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 0.8 percentage points. The combination of $771 rent and $68,778 median income positions Box Butte as a stable, cost-conscious market statewide.

Moderate rent with solid income stability

Box Butte's $771 monthly rent falls between Antelope ($746) and Arthur ($850), while its $68,778 income exceeds most regional peers except Banner and Boone. The county strikes a practical middle ground: affordable rents paired with above-average wages for rural Nebraska.

Homeownership commands premium here

Renters spend $771 monthly (13.4% of income) while homeowners pay $960—a notable $189 jump that reflects either higher home values or stronger mortgage markets. The divergence suggests that renters enjoy clear advantage in Box Butte, while buyers face tighter budgeting.

Attractive for renters, thoughtful for buyers

Box Butte County offers renters genuine affordability with a 13.4% burden ratio and solid local employment at $68,778 median income. If you're planning to buy, factor in the $960 monthly ownership costs; renters will find this county considerably more favorable for relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Box Butte County

via IncomeByCounty

Box Butte moderately below national median

Box Butte County's median household income of $68,778 sits about $5,977 below the national median of $74,755. The county performs above-average for rural Nebraska while still trailing the U.S. average.

Upper-middle earner in Nebraska

At $68,778, Box Butte County exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by nearly $1,900, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier. Its per capita income of $33,834 runs slightly below the state average.

Mid-pack among regional counties

Box Butte County earns more than Antelope ($63,750) and Boyd ($58,984) but trails Banner ($71,250) and Boone ($71,367). It holds a stable competitive position in the regional income landscape.

Strong housing cost control

Box Butte County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% is among the best in the comparison, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $161,100 pair well with local earning power.

Build security through smart planning

Box Butte County residents earning $68,778 can aggressively save for retirement while maintaining low housing burdens. Financial diversification, including stocks, bonds, and real estate investment, accelerates long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Box Butte County

via CrimeByCounty

Box Butte Stays Below National Average

Box Butte County holds a 97.1 safety score, with a total crime rate of 1,864.9 per 100,000 residents. This remains lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5, indicating a relatively safe environment.

Box Butte Crime vs Nebraska Averages

The county's crime rate of 1,864.9 is higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. This puts Box Butte slightly below the statewide average safety score of 99.0.

Regional Activity in Box Butte County

Box Butte sees more reported crime than neighboring Banner County, which reports a rate of 746.3. Three reporting agencies track these figures to help local law enforcement manage safety effectively.

Property Crime is the Main Concern

Property crimes make up 1,475.2 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to 389.7 for violent crimes. Residents should be aware that theft and burglary are the most common risks reported in the area.

Securing Your Home in Box Butte

A safety score of 97.1 shows the area is generally secure, though property crime requires attention. Using smart home technology and secure locks can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Box Butte County

via HealthByCounty

Box Butte County trails life expectancy badly

At 76.0 years, Box Butte County residents live substantially shorter lives than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a rare miss that signals serious underlying health challenges. With 15.1% reporting poor or fair health and 10.9% uninsured, the county faces a compounding crisis of disease burden and coverage gaps.

One of Nebraska's shortest lifespans

Box Butte County's 76.0-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom statewide, trailing Nebraska's 77.5-year average by a full year and-a-half. The county's 10.9% uninsured rate—highest among measured Nebraska counties—likely contributes to delayed care and preventable disease burden.

Significantly worse health than peers

Box Butte County's 76.0-year life expectancy falls well short of neighbors like Boone County (79.4 years) and Antelope County (79.8 years), placing it at the region's bottom. The 10.9% uninsured rate compounds the problem—three times higher than Boone County's 6.1%—indicating both health vulnerability and coverage barriers.

Crisis of coverage and provider access

Box Butte County's 10.9% uninsured rate—roughly one in nine residents without coverage—is the state's worst, leaving thousands vulnerable to delayed or forgone care. With only 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county struggles with both access and affordability, though mental health providers at 215 per 100,000 suggest some behavioral health capacity.

Close the coverage gap now

Box Butte County's 10.9% uninsured rate is a public health emergency—one in nine residents lacks access to preventive care and treatment, driving shorter lifespans and higher disease burden. Immediately visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or contact local health offices to find affordable marketplace plans, Medicaid expansion options, and employer coverage that can reverse this crisis.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Box Butte County

via SchoolsByCounty

Box Butte County's Diverse School Layout

Box Butte County provides seven public schools for its 1,740 students, spread across two active districts. The landscape includes three elementary schools, a middle school, and two high schools to serve a wide range of age groups. This mix provides a steady academic pipeline for families in the region.

Focused Spending for a Local Workforce

The county operates with a school score of 53.3 and a graduation rate of 83.5%, slightly below national benchmarks. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $8,498, reflecting a leaner budget compared to the state average of $10,521. These metrics highlight an area where public schools are essential, practical community pillars.

Alliance Public Schools Takes the Lead

Alliance Public Schools is the primary district, educating 1,345 students across five specialized schools. Hemingford Public Schools serves the remainder of the county with two schools and 395 students. The absence of charter schools means these two districts are the heartbeat of the local educational community.

Town-Centered Education in a Rural County

Five of the county's schools are located in town settings, anchored by the 434-student Alliance High School. With an average school size of 249, the environment feels more collegiate than the state's smaller rural districts. Students move through a system of specialized buildings, from Emerson Elementary (PK-2) to Grandview (3-5).

Settle Near Alliance’s Top Campus

Living in Box Butte County offers the advantages of town-based schools with a rural backdrop. Families often find the specialized elementary and middle schools in Alliance to be a great fit for early childhood development. Explore the local market to find a home that puts you close to these essential educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Box Butte County

via RiskByCounty

Box Butte County sits below national average

With a composite risk score of 20.96, Box Butte County rates as very low nationally and below Nebraska's state average of 25.80. Wildfire and earthquake risks are the notable features of an otherwise low-threat profile.

Moderate wildfire, elevated earthquake risk

Box Butte County's wildfire risk (61.32) ranks it among Nebraska's highest, while earthquake risk (32.57) is the state's most significant. Together, these hazards elevate the county's profile despite low tornado and flood risks.

Higher risk than western neighbors

Box Butte County's score of 20.96 exceeds Arthur County (0.29), Banner County (0.80), and Blaine County (0.45), reflecting its location in a more active seismic and wildfire zone. It remains substantially lower than central county risks like Boone (43.35) and Adams (64.31).

Wildfire and earthquakes lead hazards

Wildfire risk (61.32) is Box Butte County's dominant threat, complemented by elevated earthquake risk (32.57)—the highest in Nebraska. Tornado (31.11) and flood (5.85) risks are relatively minor.

Address wildfire and seismic coverage

Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire; verify your coverage or add a rider if your property is near grassland or timber. Earthquake insurance is separate from standard homeowners coverage and recommended given Box Butte County's statewide-high seismic activity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Box Butte County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold, Arid High Plains

Box Butte is one of the coolest and driest counties, averaging 47.4°F with only 16.4 inches of precipitation. This is well below national medians for both temperature and moisture.

One of Nebraska's Coldest

At 47.4°F, Box Butte is over two degrees cooler than the state average. It is also nearly 10 inches drier than the typical Nebraska county.

Panhandle Snow and Sun

The county shares a heavy 45.4-inch snow profile with neighbor Banner County. It also experiences 38 extreme heat days, showing the dramatic swings of the western plains.

A Land of Snow Extremes

Winters are defined by 45.4 inches of snow and a 26.3°F average temperature. Summers are dry but hot, featuring 38 days that top 90°F.

Winter Resilience is Key

Heavy-duty snow removal is a must for the 45.4-inch annual accumulation. Given the very low 16.4 inches of precipitation, drought-tolerant plants are the only reliable choice for landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Box Butte County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Fine Sandy Loams

Box Butte County features Mollisols with a fine sandy loam texture and a pH of 7.17. This is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5, reflecting its position in the semi-arid west.

High Sand and Moderate Silt

The soil composition is 61.5% sand and 21.7% silt, providing a very gritty texture. The low 11.3% clay content means the soil does not get easily waterlogged or sticky.

Rich Organic Matter Reserves

At 4.34%, the organic matter here is significantly higher than the state average of 3.32%. However, the water capacity of 0.142 in/in is lower than the state average, meaning the soil dries out quickly.

Excellent Infiltration Characteristics

The soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group A, the highest infiltration category. This allows for excellent drainage but requires careful nutrient management to prevent leaching.

Western Success in Zone 5a

The 5a hardiness zone is perfect for potatoes and sugar beets, which thrive in this county's sandy loam. With a 50.3 soil score, the high organic matter gives you a fantastic head start for a home plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Box Butte County

via LawnByCounty

High difficulty in the Panhandle

Box Butte County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 33.7. The 5a hardiness zone and arid climate require a dedicated approach to keep any turf species healthy.

Extreme heat and dry air

The county endures 38 extreme heat days annually and receives just 16.4 inches of rain. This combination creates a high-evaporation environment where traditional lawns struggle without daily managed irrigation.

Alkaline sandy loam challenges

Soil pH sits at 7.17, which is slightly above the ideal range and can lead to nutrient lockout. The fine sandy loam texture provides good drainage, but requires regular organic amendments to boost its water-holding capacity.

Perpetual drought conditions

Box Butte has faced 53 consecutive weeks of drought, with 100% of the county currently in severe drought. To maintain grass here, homeowners must rely on drought-tolerant species like Sheep Fescue or native blends.

Navigating the frost window

Wait until after May 11 to begin spring planting to avoid late-season cold snaps. With the first frost arriving by October 3, your primary growth window is short but intense.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Box Butte County's county score?
Box Butte County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 43.2 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 Box Butte County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Box Butte County ranks #82 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 Box Butte County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Box Butte County is $2,397, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Box Butte County a tax score of 13.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Box Butte County?
The median household income in Box Butte County, Nebraska is $68,778 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Box Butte County earns an income score of 63.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Box Butte County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Box Butte County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Box Butte 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 Box Butte County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.