CountyScore

Brown County

Nebraska · NE

#39 in Nebraska
72.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Brown County, Nebraska

Brown County outpaces national average

Brown County's composite score of 72.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of American counties for livability. This 45% advantage over the national baseline reflects strong affordability and low-risk conditions that benefit residents across income levels.

Slightly above average in Nebraska

At 72.5, Brown County ranks above Nebraska's state average of 71.2, positioning it as a solid performer among the state's 93 counties. This modest edge reflects consistent strength across multiple livability dimensions.

Affordability and stability anchor Brown County

Brown County excels in cost (81.3) with a median home value of just $100,200 and rent averaging $932/month, making it highly accessible. Its exceptional risk score of 97.6 indicates exceptional stability and low environmental or economic volatility.

Income levels lag significantly

The county's income score of 17.0 is a notable weak point, with median household income at $51,538—roughly 41% below the national median. This income gap is the primary factor preventing Brown County from ranking higher nationally despite its affordability strength.

Best for budget-conscious retirees

Brown County suits individuals and families prioritizing low cost of living and stability over high earnings potential. It's an excellent fit for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or anyone seeking small-town life with minimal financial strain.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax71.9Cost81.3SafetyComing SoonHealth71.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome17Risk97.6WaterComing Soon
🏛71.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡97.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Brown County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Wrangell City and Borough
Alaska
72.5
Median income: $64,545
Prowers County
Colorado
72.5
Median income: $57,601
Benewah County
Idaho
72.5
Median income: $56,553
White County
Indiana
72.5
Median income: $66,143
Kossuth County
Iowa
72.5
Median income: $65,656

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County taxes rank low nationally

Brown County's effective tax rate of 1.080% falls well below the national median, making it more affordable than most U.S. counties. At this rate, homeowners pay roughly 40% less in property taxes compared to the national median of $2,690 annually.

Below average for Nebraska

Brown County ranks in the lower half of Nebraska counties with an effective rate of 1.080%, compared to the state average of 1.281%. This makes Brown one of the state's more tax-friendly counties for property owners.

Competitive within the region

Brown County's rate of 1.080% undercuts nearby Cedar County (1.041%) and Cherry County (1.010%), but beats several neighbors. Among regional peers, Brown County offers moderate property tax relief.

Median home costs $1,082 yearly

A typical Brown County home valued at $100,200 generates $1,082 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with mortgages, that figure drops to $1,051; those without pay $1,121.

You might be overpaying taxes

Many Brown County homeowners are likely overassessed on their property valuations. If your tax bill seems high, consider filing an appeal with the county assessor's office—it's free and could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Brown County's rent crunch

Brown County residents spend 21.7% of their income on rent, well above the national average and significantly higher than Nebraska's state average of 14.2%. At a median household income of $51,538—roughly 31% below the national median of $74,755—renters here face tighter housing affordability than most Americans.

Least affordable county in Nebraska

Brown County ranks among Nebraska's least affordable housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 7.5 percentage points. The $932 monthly median rent is 19% higher than Nebraska's average, creating particular strain for a county with below-average incomes.

Pricier than surrounding counties

Brown County's $932 rent exceeds neighboring Burt County ($688) by 35% and Cedar County ($683) by 36%, despite comparable or lower local incomes. This makes Brown County one of the region's most expensive rental markets relative to what residents earn.

Where Brown County income goes

A typical Brown County renter earning $51,538 annually spends about $11,184 per year on housing, leaving less for other essentials. Homeowners fare slightly better at 10.2% of income toward ownership costs, but the county's overall housing burden remains significantly above healthy thresholds.

Consider neighboring alternatives

If you're eyeing Brown County, neighboring Burt and Cedar counties offer substantially lower rents—up to 36% cheaper—with similar or better employment prospects. A move of just 30 miles could free up thousands annually in housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown County lags national income

Brown County's median household income of $51,538 falls 31% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower tier of U.S. counties. The gap reflects economic challenges common to rural Nebraska communities that depend on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing. Closing this income gap requires targeted workforce development and business attraction.

Below average for Nebraska

Brown County ranks below Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880, earning $15,342 less than the statewide average. This positions the county in the lower third of Nebraska's 93 counties, indicating income challenges within the state's rural northeast. However, per capita income of $37,034 remains solid relative to state average of $36,101.

Peers in rural Nebraska struggle

Brown County's income sits between Cherry County ($63,750) and Cedar County ($73,977), reflecting the income diversity across rural northeastern Nebraska. Like its neighbors, Brown County faces the economic pressures of agricultural dependence and limited urban employment centers. Cedar County earns $22,000 more per household, suggesting geographic proximity doesn't guarantee income parity.

Housing costs manageable here

At 21.7%, Brown County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the standard 30% affordability threshold but remains reasonable for rural areas with median home values of $100,200. The median household income of $51,538 provides modest but stable housing affordability compared to counties with higher home prices. Most households can afford homeownership without severe budget strain.

Build wealth through planning

Brown County residents earning $51,538 annually can strengthen their financial future by building emergency savings and exploring retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. Even modest monthly investments—as little as $100—compound significantly over time. Local credit unions and financial advisors can help families develop wealth-building strategies suited to rural Nebraska's economic realities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Brown County

via HealthByCounty

Brown County lags in life expectancy

At 75.6 years, Brown County residents live nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.0% poor or fair health rate sits above the national average of 13.5%, suggesting persistent health challenges in the community.

Below Nebraska's health benchmark

Brown County's 75.6-year life expectancy trails Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by nearly 2 years. This places Brown County among the lower-performing counties statewide for longevity metrics.

Neighboring counties fare better overall

Cherry County to the north reaches 77.2 years, while Cedar County achieves 80.2 years—outpacing Brown County by 4-5 years. Brown County's primary care provider density of 103 per 100,000 residents actually exceeds most rural neighbors, suggesting provider availability isn't the sole driver of health outcomes.

Uninsured rate tops state average

One in ten Brown County residents—10.0%—lack health insurance, compared to Nebraska's 8.1% average. Limited mental health provider capacity at 70 per 100,000 residents may compound healthcare access challenges for those seeking behavioral health support.

Finding affordable health coverage

If you're among the 10% of uninsured Brown County residents, help is available. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage options tailored to your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown County's disaster risk is exceptionally low

With a composite risk score of 2.39, Brown County ranks as Very Low risk—well below the national average. This exceptional safety profile means residents face minimal exposure to major natural hazards compared to most American counties.

Safest county in Nebraska by far

Brown County's composite score of 2.39 is dramatically lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it the safest county in the state. This protective position reflects the county's geographic isolation from major flood zones and tornado corridors.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Brown County's risk score of 2.39 is substantially lower than nearby Cherry County (13.58) and Cedar County (21.69). The county benefits from a unique geographic position that shields it from hazards affecting neighboring communities.

Wildfire presents the primary concern

Wildfire risk at 58.49 is Brown County's most significant hazard, though still manageable with basic preparedness. Tornado risk (19.34) and earthquake risk (10.91) remain secondary concerns that warrant standard home safety planning.

Standard coverage provides adequate protection

While Brown County's overall risk is exceptionally low, homeowners should maintain comprehensive property insurance including windstorm coverage for wildfires. Standard homeowners policies typically provide sufficient protection given the county's favorable risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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