countyscore
38.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 76.7Health 71.4Water Quality 67.1

County Report Card

About Buffalo County, Nebraska

Struggling to Meet National Medians

Buffalo County scores 38.6 on the composite index, which falls well below the national median of 50.0. This gap suggests the area faces more systemic livability challenges than typical U.S. counties.

Falling Behind the State Average

The county trails the Nebraska state average of 59.3 by more than 20 points. While it serves as a regional hub, its metrics suggest a lower overall livability compared to many state neighbors.

A Region of Strong Earnings

Prosperity shines in the income dimension with a score of 76.7 and a median household income of $74,570. Healthcare access also remains a strong point, reflected in a health score of 71.4.

Tax Burdens and Rising Costs

Affordability is a major concern, as the tax score of 15.2 and cost score of 28.3 indicate high local expenses. Residents pay an effective tax rate of 1.451%, which is relatively high for the region.

Best for Urban-Minded Professionals

This county suits ambitious professionals who value high income and medical infrastructure over low costs. It is less ideal for those looking for the traditional low-tax, high-safety rural Nebraska experience.

Score breakdown

Tax15.2Cost28.3Safety29.6Health71.4Schools37.3Income76.7Risk34Water67.1Weather42.4
🏛15.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡34
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.8
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

Kearney County
Nebraska
61.6
Phelps County
Nebraska
64.7
Sherman County
Nebraska
61.2
Hall County
Nebraska
35.5
Adams County
Nebraska
39.8
Dawson County
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47.6
Howard County
Nebraska
65.4
Franklin County
Nebraska
68.2

Deep Dives

Buffalo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Buffalo County

via TaxByCounty

Buffalo taxes exceed national median

Buffalo County's effective tax rate of 1.451% places it above the national median, with homeowners paying $3,435 annually—28% more than the national median of $2,690. This positions Buffalo in the higher tier of U.S. counties for property tax burden.

Among Nebraska's highest-taxed counties

Buffalo County ranks in the top tier of Nebraska counties with an effective rate of 1.451%, significantly above the state average of 1.281%. This makes Buffalo one of the state's pricier counties for property tax obligations.

Higher taxes than nearby Cass County

Buffalo County's rate of 1.451% edges slightly above Cass County (1.434%) but significantly exceeds regional peers like Cedar County (1.041%). Buffalo homeowners shoulder some of the region's steepest tax bills.

Median home generates $3,435 taxes

Buffalo County homeowners with a median-valued property at $236,800 pay $3,435 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $3,515, while outright owners pay $3,312.

High taxes warrant assessment review

Buffalo County's elevated tax rate makes assessment appeals particularly worthwhile—overassessments here could cost hundreds more than in lower-taxed counties. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and could significantly reduce your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Buffalo County

via CostByCounty

Buffalo County matches national norms

Buffalo County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% sits just slightly above Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and remains well below the national benchmark. With a median household income of $74,570—virtually identical to the national median of $74,755—this county offers fairly balanced housing affordability.

Middle-of-the-road affordability

Buffalo County ranks solidly in Nebraska's affordability middle, with housing costs that track closely to state averages. The county's income levels help offset rental costs, making it more accessible than struggling rural neighbors.

Higher costs, higher incomes

Buffalo County's $911 rent is notably higher than Cedar County ($683) and Burt County ($688), but its $74,570 median income significantly exceeds these neighbors. This income advantage makes Buffalo County's relatively pricier housing more manageable than raw numbers suggest.

Buffalo County housing balance

Renters here spend roughly $10,932 annually on housing—about 14.7% of a typical $74,570 income—while homeowners allocate 19.9% toward ownership costs. The gap reflects Buffalo County's higher home values ($236,800 median), which appeal to established families with stronger finances.

Affordability for mid-income earners

Buffalo County works well for households earning $70,000–$85,000, offering rental and ownership options without severe affordability stress. The county's balanced income-to-housing ratio makes it an attractive Nebraska base for regional workers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Buffalo County

via IncomeByCounty

Buffalo County meets national average

Buffalo County's median household income of $74,570 virtually matches the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely at the U.S. average. This rare alignment for a Nebraska county reflects Buffalo County's economic diversity beyond agriculture, driven by Kearney's significant university and healthcare presence. The county demonstrates that rural Nebraska communities can achieve national-level prosperity through diversified employment.

Above Nebraska's median income

Buffalo County exceeds Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880 by $7,690, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties. This outperformance reflects Kearney's role as a regional economic hub with University of Nebraska at Kearney and robust healthcare employers. Buffalo County's strong showing positions it as one of Nebraska's more economically resilient communities.

Regional leader in earnings

Buffalo County's $74,570 income significantly outpaces surrounding counties like Custer and Phelps, establishing it as the economic anchor of south-central Nebraska. Cedar County ($73,977) comes closest, but Buffalo County's diversity of employers—education, healthcare, light manufacturing—provides greater income stability. This competitive advantage attracts workers and families seeking better economic opportunities.

Strong housing affordability

Buffalo County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating households have substantial discretionary income after housing costs. Median home values of $236,800 are reasonable for a county earning $74,570 annually, supporting healthy homeownership rates. Families here enjoy genuine financial breathing room for savings and investment.

Invest your income advantage

Buffalo County residents earning $74,570 are positioned to maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build substantial wealth over time. The county's strong income relative to housing costs creates opportunity for families to allocate 20-30% of income toward savings and long-term investments. Kearney's financial institutions offer sophisticated planning services to help residents reach wealth-building goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Buffalo County

via CrimeByCounty

Solid Safety Scores in Buffalo County

Buffalo County reports a total crime rate of 1680.5 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite being more active than some rural neighbors, it maintains a strong safety score of 97.3.

Contextualizing Safety in a Regional Hub

The county sits below the state average safety score of 99.0, reflecting its role as a regional hub with higher population density. Its crime rate of 1680.5 is significantly higher than the Nebraska average of 626.7 per 100K.

Buffalo Compared to Nearby Counties

Buffalo County sees more activity than nearby Butler County, which reports a crime rate of only 119.4 per 100K. This difference often stems from the urban-rural divide and the volume of commercial traffic along the Interstate 80 corridor.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime drives most local statistics at 1387.1 per 100K, while violent crime accounts for 293.4 per 100K. Both categories remain below national averages, indicating that residents face lower risks than the typical American.

Vigilance Against Property Theft

Since property crime is the primary concern here, smart locks and motion-sensing cameras are effective tools for homeowners. Staying vigilant about vehicle security helps keep these local numbers on a downward trend.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Buffalo County

via HealthByCounty

Buffalo County defies rural health trends

With a life expectancy of 79.9 years, Buffalo County residents live nearly a full year longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Yet the county's 17.7% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 13.5%, revealing a paradox of longer lives with more reported health struggles.

Above-average longevity in Nebraska

Buffalo County's 79.9-year life expectancy ranks well above Nebraska's 77.5-year state average, placing it among the healthier counties statewide. This 2.4-year advantage suggests strong community health management despite higher reported health challenges.

Buffalo's advantage in mental health care

Buffalo County stands out with 470 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding neighboring Brown County's 70 and state peers. This exceptional access to behavioral health services likely supports both preventive care and treatment outcomes across the county.

Below-average uninsured rate here

Just 7.9% of Buffalo County residents lack health insurance, outperforming Nebraska's 8.1% average and many neighboring counties. Primary care providers number 87 per 100,000 residents, offering solid access to routine medical care despite the county's larger population.

Protect your family's health today

With nearly 8% of Buffalo County residents uninsured, even one unexpected illness can strain finances. Explore coverage options at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find a plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Buffalo County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Extensive School Network

Buffalo County manages a large education system with 28 public schools across eight different districts. This network serves 8,510 students and includes 16 elementary schools and 9 high schools to accommodate the growing population.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

Students here achieve an 87.2% graduation rate, slightly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Despite this success, the county operates efficiently with a $7,010 per-pupil expenditure, which is significantly lower than the $13,000 national benchmark.

Kearney Public Schools Anchors the Region

Kearney Public Schools is the largest district by far, educating 6,152 students across 15 schools. While no charter schools exist in the county, the district offers diverse options including an alternative school and the large Kearney Education Center for preschool.

From Urban Centers to Rural Outposts

The county features a mix of 12 town-based and 16 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 315 students per campus. Kearney High School serves as a massive regional hub with 1,629 students, contrasting with the smaller, more personal rural campuses in the outlying districts.

Find Your Future in a Growing District

With high graduation rates and a variety of school sizes, Buffalo County is a top choice for families. Whether you prefer a neighborhood near the bustling Kearney High or a quiet rural setting, school quality is a key driver for home values here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Buffalo County

via RiskByCounty

Buffalo County faces moderately elevated risk

Buffalo County's composite risk score of 66.00 places it in the Relatively Low category, significantly higher than most U.S. counties. This reflects a combination of hazards that demand proactive preparation from residents.

Among Nebraska's higher-risk counties

At 66.00, Buffalo County's composite score exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80 by nearly 160 percent. The county ranks among the state's most hazard-exposed communities.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Buffalo County's score of 66.00 substantially exceeds Cass County (31.04), Burt County (20.67), and Butler County (24.46). Its elevated exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards distinguishes it as a higher-risk region within central Nebraska.

Trio of threats demand active planning

Wildfire (74.33), tornado (71.98), and flood (50.83) risks all exceed state averages, creating a compounded hazard environment. These three overlapping threats make Buffalo County one of Nebraska's most disaster-exposed areas.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Buffalo County residents should prioritize flood insurance, windstorm/tornado coverage, and wildfire protection in addition to standard homeowners policies. Given the county's elevated multi-hazard exposure, detailed property assessment and reinforced structural improvements are strongly recommended.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Buffalo County

via WeatherByCounty

Buffalo County Mirrors National Interior Patterns

Buffalo County averages 49.8°F annually, which is cooler than the national median of 54°F. Its precipitation of 25.1 inches reflects the typical semi-arid transition found in the Great Plains.

A Benchmark for Nebraska Weather

The county sits almost exactly at the state average temperature of 49.7°F. Its annual precipitation of 25.1 inches is also nearly identical to the state benchmark of 25.9 inches.

Consistent with Central Nebraska Peers

Buffalo County is slightly cooler than Brown County to the north but maintains more consistent moisture levels. Its 23.7 inches of snowfall is more moderate than the heavier accumulations seen in the northern Sandhills.

Moderate Snow and Strong Summer Sun

Summers bring 31 days of extreme heat over 90°F, while winter temperatures average 26.5°F. The county receives 23.7 inches of snow, providing a distinct but manageable winter season.

Balanced Seasonal Planning for Residents

Homeowners should ensure HVAC systems are serviced for both the freezing winter lows and the month-long heat peak. Standard winter vehicle prep is usually sufficient for the moderate 23-inch snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Buffalo County

via SoilByCounty

Productive and balanced soil chemistry

Buffalo County maintains an average pH of 6.87, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile helps unlock essential nutrients for the county's diverse agricultural operations.

A versatile sand and silt mix

The soil composition is remarkably balanced with 41.5% sand and 41.7% silt. This blend prevents the heavy compaction often found in clay-heavy soils while maintaining better structure than pure sand.

Excellent water capacity for crops

The soil provides an available water capacity of 0.187 in/in, which beats the state average of 0.172 in/in. Although organic matter is lower than the state average at 2.06%, the water retention supports strong growing potential.

Reliable moisture for deep roots

While official drainage classes are not provided, the high silt content suggests the land holds moisture effectively. The physical makeup offers a stable foundation that resists rapid drying during the summer months.

Thriving in central Nebraska's zone 5b

Traditional Nebraska staples like corn and soybeans flourish in this soil-climate combination. Local gardeners should prioritize deep-rooted perennials that can take full advantage of the county's superior water storage.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Buffalo County

via LawnByCounty

Buffalo County Meets the State Standard

Buffalo County scores a 53.8 for lawn difficulty, placing it almost exactly at the state average of 54.2. In this Zone 5b climate, maintaining a lush lawn is slightly easier than the national median but requires attention to moisture levels.

Balanced Heat and Growth Potential

The county sees 31 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly lower than the state average and helps prevent turf scorch. You will need to supplement the 25.1 inches of annual precipitation to reach the 30-inch minimum required for optimal growth.

Solid Foundation with Balanced pH

A soil pH of 6.87 is nearly ideal for nutrient uptake, requiring minimal chemical adjustment. With 41.5% sand and 16.8% clay, your soil provides a decent balance, though localized drainage and texture data are limited.

Surviving Thirty Weeks of Drought

Buffalo County endured 30 weeks of drought conditions over the past year, with the entire county currently classified as abnormally dry. Implement a smart irrigation system or use rain barrels to navigate these recurring dry periods effectively.

Planting Around the Frost Cycle

The best window for seeding opens after the May 4th last frost and ends before the first frost on October 10th. Cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue are recommended here for their durability against both summer heat and winter cold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buffalo County's county score?
Buffalo County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 38.6 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 Buffalo County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Buffalo County ranks #88 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 Buffalo County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Buffalo County is $3,435, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Buffalo County a tax score of 15.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Buffalo County?
The median household income in Buffalo County, Nebraska is $74,570 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Buffalo County earns an income score of 76.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Buffalo County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Buffalo County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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.