countyscore
67.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.6Safety 93.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Boyd County, Nebraska

Boyd County Excels Nationally

Boyd County's composite score of 67.6 is far superior to the national median of 50.0. It is one of the highest-rated rural counties in the region.

Well Above the Nebraska Average

The county's score of 67.6 easily beats the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It demonstrates that rural living can offer high levels of stability and safety.

Ultra-Safe and Highly Affordable

Boyd County features a safety score of 93.6 and a cost score of 83.3. With a median rent of only $650 and home values at $104,000, it is exceptionally affordable.

Lower Wages and Health Scores

An income score of 35.5 and a health score of 62.2 show room for growth. The median household income of $58,984 is on the lower end for the state.

A Budget-Friendly Safety Haven

Boyd County is the ultimate choice for those who want a low cost of living in a safe, low-risk environment. It is particularly well-suited for retirees and those with fixed incomes.

Score breakdown

Tax24.8Cost83.3Safety93.6Health62.2Schools65.8Income35.5Risk96.6Water86Weather37
🏛24.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.2
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 Boyd County with Gallatin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Gallatin County
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Median income: $54,626
67.6
Antelope County
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Median income: $63,750
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Arthur County
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Roane County
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Johnson County
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Garfield County
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Powder River County
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Perry County
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Nearby counties

Charles Mix County
South Dakota
55.3
Holt County
Nebraska
67.4
Gregory County
South Dakota
61.9
Knox County
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Bon Homme County
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Douglas County
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Rock County
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71.8
Hutchinson County
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65.7

Deep Dives

Boyd County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boyd County

via TaxByCounty

Boyd County near the national average

Boyd County's effective tax rate of 1.219% sits just below the national median of 1.281%, placing it in the 45th percentile nationally. The median property tax is $1,268, 53% below the national median of $2,690, because homes average $104,000 compared to the U.S. average of $281,900.

Boyd below-average for Nebraska taxes

At 1.219%, Boyd County's effective rate ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, sitting 0.062 percentage points below Nebraska's 1.281% average. The $1,268 median tax is 36% below the state median of $1,972, offering rural families significant savings.

Boyd taxes nearly identical to Antelope

Boyd County (1.219% rate) mirrors neighboring Antelope County (1.220%) almost perfectly in effective tax rate, though Antelope homes are worth slightly more. Both counties significantly undercut regional peers like Banner (1.513%) and Box Butte (1.488%).

Median home tax $1,268 yearly

The typical Boyd County home valued at $104,000 generates an annual property tax of approximately $1,268, among Nebraska's lowest. This translates to roughly $106 monthly in escrow for mortgaged properties—excellent value for rural homeowners.

Rural properties often face unfair assessments

Boyd County's low home values can make assessment errors harder to spot, but overvaluations still hurt—requesting a reassessment is free and simple. Compare your assessed value to recent sales of similar properties in the county to ensure fairness.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boyd County

via CostByCounty

Boyd County: the rent bargain of Nebraska

Boyd County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio sits below both the national average and Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, despite the county's lowest median household income of $58,984 among peers. At just $650 monthly—the region's cheapest rent—Boyd delivers exceptional value for cost-conscious renters.

Nebraska's most budget-friendly rentals

Boyd County ranks as Nebraska's most affordable county for renters, combining the state's lowest rent ($650 monthly) with a 13.2% burden ratio that beats the state average. Though income trails peers, Boyd's ultra-low rents create genuine affordability for working households.

Clearly the regional rent leader

Boyd County's $650 monthly rent runs $96 below Antelope ($746), $136 below Blaine ($786), and $325 below Banner ($975)—the region's clear bargain leader. The county's $58,984 income is the lowest locally, yet renters still enjoy a comfortable 13.2% burden ratio thanks to dramatic rent savings.

Renters and homeowners find similar relief

Renters spend $650 monthly while homeowners invest $671—nearly identical and remarkably balanced against the $58,984 median income. Both housing types consume just 13.2-13.6% of earnings, an unusual alignment that suggests a stable, truly affordable local market.

Maximum affordability, minimum budget impact

Boyd County is Nebraska's ultimate affordable housing destination: rents hit just $650 monthly with a 13.2% burden ratio that leaves room for savings even at the county's below-average income. If you prioritize cost of living above all else, Boyd delivers unmatched value for rural Nebraska relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boyd County

via IncomeByCounty

Boyd faces significant income gap

Boyd County's median household income of $58,984 lags the national median of $74,755 by over $15,700. This represents one of the steepest income shortfalls among Nebraska counties.

Lowest earning in this group

At $58,984, Boyd County ranks well below Nebraska's state average of $66,880, placing it among the state's lowest-earning counties. Its per capita income of $36,652 exceeds the state average, indicating income concentration.

Struggles economically vs peers

Boyd County earns substantially less than all comparison counties except Blaine ($61,250), which it slightly trails. The county faces the tightest income constraints in this regional group.

Housing remains very affordable

Boyd County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% is competitive and well below the 30% benchmark, providing budget flexibility. Median home values of just $104,000 make homeownership highly accessible.

Harness affordability for growth

Boyd County residents can build substantial home equity quickly given the low median home value of $104,000 relative to local incomes. Prioritizing debt reduction and emergency savings creates a strong financial foundation for long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boyd County

via CrimeByCounty

Boyd County Reaches Near-Perfect Safety

Boyd County earns a remarkable 99.9 safety score, reporting a total crime rate of just 56.6 per 100,000 residents. This is an extremely low figure compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Nebraska Security

Boyd County's safety score of 99.9 sits well above the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 56.6 is roughly ten times lower than the state average of 626.7.

Safe Streets in the Boyd County Region

While neighboring Antelope County reports zero crimes, Boyd's rate of 56.6 remains one of the lowest in the state. Two reporting agencies provide the data that confirms this high level of public safety.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported

Boyd County reported zero violent crimes in 2022, with property crime accounting for the total rate of 56.6. This means that residents experience virtually no risk of violent incidents based on recent data.

Keep Boyd County's Crime Rate Low

With a safety score of 99.9, Boyd County is an exceptionally safe place to call home. Simple habits like locking up valuables and checking in with neighbors help preserve this peaceful community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boyd County

via HealthByCounty

Boyd County's life expectancy is among lowest

At 75.4 years, Boyd County residents live nearly a full year shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, marking significant health disadvantage. With 15.3% reporting poor or fair health and 8.8% uninsured, the county faces overlapping health crises of chronic disease and coverage gaps.

Bottom-tier longevity statewide

Boyd County's 75.4-year life expectancy is the shortest among measured Nebraska counties, ranking far below the state average of 77.5 years. The county's 8.8% uninsured rate is above state average, contributing to the health disadvantage through delayed preventive care and treatment.

Struggling region with concentrated pain

Boyd County's 75.4-year life expectancy represents the region's worst outcome, falling 4 years short of Antelope County's 79.8 years and nearly 4 years behind Boone County's 79.4. The 8.8% uninsured rate, while not as dire as Box Butte County's 10.9%, still leaves nearly one in eleven neighbors without coverage for preventive care.

Limited providers, elevated uninsured rate

Boyd County's 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provide modest access compared to regional leaders, and the 8.8% uninsured rate means substantial portions of the population avoid seeking care. Mental health provider data is unavailable, yet the short life expectancy suggests unmet behavioral health needs alongside limited physical health capacity.

Urgent: expand coverage and care access

Boyd County's 8.8% uninsured rate—and shortest lifespan in the state—demand immediate action to close coverage gaps and connect residents to available providers. Visit healthcare.gov or call local health departments to enroll uninsured neighbors in marketplace plans, Medicaid, or employer coverage; every person covered strengthens the county's health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boyd County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Boyd County

Boyd County operates four public schools within a single district to serve its 333 students. This compact system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This structure provides a cohesive community environment where students grow up together through the grades.

Strong Graduation Rates and Stable Investment

Boyd County prides itself on a 90.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0%. The county spends $9,275 per pupil and maintains a school score of 58.4, nearly matching the Nebraska state average of 59.1. Families here benefit from a system that produces strong results with efficient funding.

A Unified Boyd County Schools District

Boyd County Schools is the sole provider of education for the county, managing all four local schools. Because there are no charter schools, the entire 333-student population remains concentrated in this unified public system. This ensures that every child in the county has access to the same high-quality public resources.

A Small-Scale Rural Learning Experience

Education in Boyd County is exclusively rural, featuring small campuses where the average size is only 83 students. Boyd County Middle School is the largest in the district with 105 students, followed by the high school with 95. This small-school character fosters a tight-knit atmosphere and allows for close mentorship from teachers.

A Community Committed to Student Success

With a 90% graduation rate, Boyd County is an excellent choice for families seeking a successful and intimate school system. Moving here allows your children to be part of a single, unified district that knows every student personally. Look for properties in Butte or Spencer to be at the heart of this high-achieving rural district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boyd County

via RiskByCounty

Boyd County has exceptionally low risk

With a composite risk score of 3.40, Boyd County ranks as very low nationally and significantly below Nebraska's state average of 25.80. Natural disaster threats are genuinely minimal across all hazard categories.

Among Nebraska's safest counties

Boyd County's composite score of 3.40 is the fourth-lowest in Nebraska, with only Arthur County (0.29), Banner County (0.80), and Blaine County (0.45) rating lower. The county benefits from a balanced, minimal hazard profile.

Safe corner of northeastern Nebraska

Boyd County's score of 3.40 is lower than most statewide peers and substantially below higher-risk counties like Antelope (19.47) and Box Butte (20.96). Northeastern Nebraska's risk profile is genuinely favorable.

Wildfire is the only notable threat

Wildfire risk (52.35) is Boyd County's primary hazard, though still moderate nationally. Tornado (14.38), flood (6.04), and earthquake (3.40) risks all remain negligible.

Standard coverage protects Boyd County

Boyd County's exceptionally low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance is sufficient for most residents. Confirm wildfire exclusions with your insurer if you own wooded or grassland property; otherwise, Boyd County requires minimal specialized disaster protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boyd County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold Winters, Wet Summers

Boyd County averages 47.6°F annually, falling significantly below the national median. It receives 27.4 inches of precipitation, making it one of the wetter counties in the region.

Cooler and Wetter than Nebraska

The county sits two degrees below the state average temperature of 49.7°F. However, it exceeds the state's average 25.9 inches of precipitation by 1.5 inches.

The Chilly Northern Edge

Boyd's 23.0°F winter average makes it one of the coldest counties in this group. It receives 36.1 inches of snow, which is more than central counties like Boone.

Biting Cold and Snow

January is harsh with a 20.6°F average, contributing to 36.1 inches of annual snow. Summers are warm and humid, with 32 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Winterproof Your Home

Top-tier home insulation and heating systems are necessary for the 23.0°F winter average. Prepare for a month of extreme heat by ensuring cooling systems are serviced before July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boyd County

via SoilByCounty

Loamy Fine Sand Mollisols

Boyd County is home to Mollisols with a loamy fine sand texture and a 6.95 pH. This near-neutral pH is very close to the state average and slightly higher than the national median.

Balanced Texture with Notable Clay

The soil is 42.0% sand, 36.6% silt, and 21.1% clay. The higher clay percentage compared to its neighbors helps with nutrient retention and provides better structure.

Standard Organic and Water Levels

The organic matter content is 2.25%, which is above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in suggests moderate ability to sustain plants through dry periods.

Somewhat Excessive Drainage Patterns

Classified as somewhat excessively drained and part of hydrologic group A, water moves through this soil rapidly. This is beneficial for preventing saturated soils but necessitates efficient irrigation systems.

Vibrant Growing in Zone 5a

The 5a hardiness zone supports a variety of hardy grains and native shrubs. A soil score of 47.3 combined with decent clay content makes this a great place to experiment with a diverse garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boyd County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher turf in Boyd County

Boyd County's lawn difficulty score of 47.2 is lower than the state average, indicating a more taxing environment for grass. Those in this 5a zone must deal with more environmental stress than most Nebraska residents.

Average heat but decent rain

Boyd County receives a healthy 27.4 inches of precipitation, which is better than many neighboring counties. However, the 32 extreme heat days and 2,911 growing degree days require careful summer monitoring.

Sandy soil with excessive drainage

The soil is classified as loamy fine sand, which is somewhat excessively drained. With 21.1% clay and a near-perfect pH of 6.95, the soil is chemically sound but physically poor at holding onto water.

A full year of drought

The county has spent all 53 of the last weeks in some level of drought, with 24% currently in severe drought. To build resilience, aerate your soil annually to ensure what little water falls can reach the roots.

Seeding for the northern plains

Start your lawn projects after May 8 to avoid the last spring frost. The first fall frost typically arrives by October 6, giving you a standard window to establish hardy cool-season grasses.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boyd County's county score?
Boyd County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 67.6 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 Boyd County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Boyd County ranks #20 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 Boyd County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Boyd County is $1,268, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Boyd County a tax score of 24.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boyd County?
The median household income in Boyd County, Nebraska is $58,984 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boyd County earns an income score of 35.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boyd County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Boyd County scores 67.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Boyd 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 Boyd 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.