countyscore
61.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.6Safety 93.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Brown County, Nebraska

A High Performer in America's Heartland

Brown County earns a composite score of 60.7, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in a competitive position for quality of life across the United States.

Outperforming the Nebraska Average

The county's overall score sits comfortably above the Nebraska state average of 59.3. This indicates a strong local performance compared to its regional peers.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

The county excels in safety with a score of 93.4 and shows incredible resilience with a risk score of 97.6. High-quality water, scoring 86.0, further enhances the local living standard.

Economic Hurdles for Local Households

Economic growth remains a challenge, reflected in a low income score of 17.7 and a median household income of $51,538. The tax score of 32.5 also suggests a relatively heavy property tax burden for the region.

Safe Haven for Rural Resilience

This county is a perfect match for retirees or remote workers who prioritize extreme safety and environmental stability over high-earning corporate clusters. It offers peace of mind through low crime and disaster risk.

204060801002959.393.46156.120.797.68641.2Tax29Cost59.3Safety93.4Health61Schools56.1Income20.7Risk97.6Water86Weather41.261.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Brown County DNA

Doverall

How Brown County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Brown County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (97.6/100) but notably weak in Income (20.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
29-23
Cost
59.3+11.299999999999997
Safety
93.4+38.400000000000006
Health
61+11
Schools
56.1
Income
20.7-30.3
Risk
97.6+50.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
41.2-14.799999999999997
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Brown County?

Many homeowners in Brown County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$876/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,676/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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Sioux County
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Hamilton County
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Johnson County
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Mineral County
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Nearby counties

Rock County
Nebraska
71.1
Keya Paha County
Nebraska
64
Blaine County
Nebraska
64.8
Loup County
Nebraska
83.9
Thomas County
Nebraska
76.5
Todd County
South Dakota
51
Cherry County
Nebraska
55.8
Holt County
Nebraska
67.6

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Brown County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

Brown County is exceptionally safe, with a total crime rate of just 74.4 per 100K residents. This is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5, earning the county a nearly perfect safety score of 99.9.

Outperforming Nebraska Safety Averages

With its 99.9 safety score, Brown County outperforms the Nebraska state average of 99.0. It ranks as one of the safest jurisdictions in the state, falling well below the state average crime rate of 626.7 per 100K.

A Regional Leader in Public Safety

Compared to nearby Cherry County, which reports 1059.8 crimes per 100K, Brown County maintains a significantly lower footprint of reported incidents. Its ultra-low crime rate sets it apart even within a region known for high safety standards.

Balanced and Minimal Crime Metrics

The local crime profile is split evenly between violent and property crime, each sitting at 37.2 per 100K. These figures are drastically lower than national norms, where violent crime alone averages 369.8 per 100K.

Maintain Your Secure Environment

While risks remain minimal, residents can maintain this safe environment through active community watch efforts. Basic security measures like outdoor lighting ensure Brown County stays one of the most secure places in America.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

Brown County's Temperate Continental Climate

Brown County maintains an annual average temperature of 50.7°F, sitting slightly below the national median of approximately 54°F. This temperature profile places it firmly within the temperate continental zone, marked by distinct and varying seasons.

Warmer and Drier than State Averages

The county's average of 50.7°F is exactly one degree warmer than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. Precipitation levels reach 24.7 inches annually, slightly trailing the state average of 25.9 inches.

A Milder Neighbor in the North

Compared to neighboring Cherry County at 48.4°F, Brown County experiences a noticeably milder overall climate. However, its 40.2 inches of annual snowfall is significantly higher than many of its southern and western neighbors.

Icy Winters and Sharp Summer Heat

Winter temperatures drop to an average of 28.3°F, supported by 40.2 inches of snow. Summers are hot and persistent, featuring 38 days of extreme heat where temperatures meet or exceed 90°F.

Preparing for Significant Snow and Heat

Residents should prioritize heavy-duty snow removal equipment to handle the 40-inch annual average. High-efficiency cooling systems are essential for the five-week span of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral acidity in Brown County soils

Brown County features a pH of 6.62, which sits very close to the national median of 6.5 and slightly below the state average of 6.79. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this near-neutral balance provides a stable environment for most regional plant species.

Sandy textures define the landscape

The soil is heavily sand-based, consisting of 75.4% sand and only 8.2% clay. This high-sand profile ensures excellent aeration and easy workability but may require more frequent watering to maintain moisture.

Rich organic matter meets low water storage

Organic matter content stands at 3.30%, nearly matching the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity of 0.118 in/in is significantly lower than the state benchmark of 0.172 in/in.

Rapid drainage in the local terrain

While specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, the 75.4% sand content suggests naturally fast-moving water. This physical profile requires careful irrigation management to prevent nutrient leaching during heavy rains.

Gardening in hardiness zone 5b

Gardeners in zone 5b can leverage the 3.30% organic matter to support resilient native grasses and shrubs. The soil favors drought-tolerant species that thrive in sandy conditions and rapid-draining environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

A Favorable Start in Brown County

Brown County earns a 57.5 lawn difficulty score, making it easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0 and the Nebraska average of 54.2. This Zone 5b region offers a relatively hospitable environment for homeowners despite its northern latitude.

Managing the Heat and Sun

With 38 extreme heat days per year, your lawn faces more stress than the state average of 34. The 24.7 inches of annual rainfall is below the 30-inch ideal, so you will need a consistent irrigation schedule to support the 3,246 growing degree days.

Sandy Grounds Require Nutrient Care

The soil here is 75.4% sand, which promotes fast drainage but may struggle to hold onto fertilizers. A near-perfect pH of 6.62 means you have an ideal chemical foundation, though you should focus on adding organic matter to improve water retention.

Battling Persistent Dry Spells

The county spent 29 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry today. To protect your turf, water deeply and infrequently to encourage roots to grow deeper into the sandy profile.

Time Your Seeding for Success

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are excellent choices for this Zone 5b climate. Aim to seed after the May 6th last frost or in early September to give your lawn time to establish before the October 8th first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 61.2 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 Brown County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Brown County ranks #49 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 Brown County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $1,250, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 29/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, Nebraska is $54,676 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 20.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Brown County scores 61.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Brown 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 Brown County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.