CountyScore

Buffalo County

Nebraska · NE

#87 in Nebraska
63.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Buffalo County, Nebraska

Buffalo County scores well above national median

Buffalo County's 63.9 composite score ranks it 28% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper half of U.S. counties. While not top-tier, this score reflects a balanced county with meaningful strengths in health and moderate affordability.

Below Nebraska's average despite strengths

Buffalo County's 63.9 lags the Nebraska state average of 71.2 by 7 points, ranking it in the lower-middle tier among the state's counties. This gap is primarily driven by a low risk score and higher housing costs relative to other Nebraska counties.

Health outcomes and income opportunity shine

Buffalo County stands out with a health score of 74.8 and a respectable income score of 32.1, supported by median household income of $74,570. These strengths make it attractive to working families seeking decent earnings and accessible healthcare.

Risk exposure and housing costs are concerns

The risk score of 34.0 is significantly below state average, suggesting moderate environmental, economic, or safety vulnerabilities. Combined with a median home value of $236,800—the highest among these eight counties—affordability is constrained compared to rural alternatives.

For working families prioritizing income

Buffalo County appeals to dual-income households and professionals seeking better earnings and healthcare access than smaller rural counties. It's less suitable for those chasing bargain housing or maximum stability, but works well for career-focused families.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61.5Cost73.1SafetyComing SoonHealth74.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.1Risk34WaterComing Soon
🏛61.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡34
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 Buffalo County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Mariposa County
California
63.9
Median income: $65,378
Tehama County
California
63.9
Median income: $61,834
Bond County
Illinois
63.9
Median income: $61,603
Barnstable County
Massachusetts
63.9
Median income: $94,452
Bay County
Michigan
63.9
Median income: $60,523

Deep Dives

Buffalo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.