countyscore
64.7
County Score
Safety 91.4Water Quality 86Schools 80

County Report Card

About Burt County, Nebraska

Surpassing the National Livability Median

Burt County reaches a composite score of 64.6, placing it high above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds the vast majority of American counties.

Leading the Nebraska Pack

With a score well above the state average of 59.3, Burt County stands out as a top-tier Nebraska destination. It combines rural charm with metrics that outperform most of its state-level peers.

High Safety and Quality Schools

The county boasts an impressive safety score of 91.4 and a strong school score of 80.0. Families benefit from a secure environment and a median gross rent of just $688 per month.

Tax and Income Pressure

The tax score of 15.0 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.454%, which remains a significant burden for local homeowners. Additionally, the income score of 31.1 suggests limited high-wage career opportunities within the county lines.

Ideal for Growing Families

Burt County is a premier choice for families who want safe streets and affordable housing. It rewards those who prioritize community and education over high-stakes corporate climbing.

204060801001569.391.464.48031.179.48643.3Tax15Cost69.3Safety91.4Health64.4Schools80Income31.1Risk79.4Water86Weather43.364.7/100
This county
National avg
6 above average3 below average

Burt County DNA

D+overall

How Burt County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Burt County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Safety (91.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15-37
Cost
69.3+21.299999999999997
Safety
91.4+36.400000000000006
Health
64.4+14.400000000000006
Schools
80+26
Income
31.1-19.9
Risk
79.4+32.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
43.3-12.700000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Burt County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$125,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$688/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$125,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,303/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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Counties with similar scores

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Lewis County
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Magoffin County
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Carbon County
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Monroe County
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Nearby counties

Monona County
Iowa
59.3
Harrison County
Iowa
58.5
Washington County
Nebraska
55.3
Thurston County
Nebraska
59.3
Dodge County
Nebraska
42.2
Cuming County
Nebraska
64.1
Douglas County
Nebraska
29.6
Woodbury County
Iowa
50.9

Deep Dives

Burt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Burt County

via TaxByCounty

Burt taxes exceed U.S. average

Burt County's effective tax rate of 1.454% runs above the national median, with residents paying $1,824 annually versus the national median of $2,690. While the absolute dollar amount is lower due to smaller home values, the rate places Burt in the higher-tax tier nationally.

Second-highest rate in Nebraska

Burt County's effective rate of 1.454% ranks among Nebraska's steepest, exceeding the state average of 1.281% by nearly 2 percentage points. Only a handful of Nebraska counties levy higher tax rates than Burt.

Steeper than most regional peers

Burt County's 1.454% rate outpaces nearby Cedar County (1.041%) and Butler County (1.171%), placing it among the region's most tax-heavy counties. Only Buffalo County (1.451%) comes close in the immediate area.

Median home costs $1,824 annually

A typical Burt County home valued at $125,400 generates $1,824 in yearly property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,915, while those without pay $1,715.

Assessment appeals could yield savings

Given Burt County's elevated tax rate, reviewing your assessment for errors is especially valuable. The county assessor's office accepts appeals at no cost—many homeowners discover overassessments that could reduce their annual bill by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Burt County

via CostByCounty

Burt County beats national affordability

Burt County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio tracks nearly perfectly with Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, while remaining significantly better than struggling rural counties nationwide. Though median incomes run $17,450 below the national average at $57,303, Burt County's low rents keep overall affordability manageable.

Nebraska affordability leader

Burt County ranks among Nebraska's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio just 0.2 percentage points above the state average. The county's combination of low rents and moderate incomes creates genuine opportunity for budget-conscious renters.

Cheapest rents in the region

At $688 monthly, Burt County offers the lowest median rent among its neighbors—26% cheaper than Buffalo County ($911) and 21% cheaper than Cherry County ($873). This rental advantage makes Burt County particularly attractive for cost-conscious movers.

Burt County housing reality

A typical Burt County renter earning $57,303 pays approximately $8,256 annually in housing costs—right at the healthy threshold. Homeowners spend 17.3% of income on ownership, making Burt County accessible across both rental and ownership markets.

Rent affordability hotspot

Burt County delivers some of Nebraska's cheapest rents without sacrificing income stability, making it ideal for renters prioritizing low housing costs. If affordability is your primary concern, Burt County's $688 median rent deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Burt County

via IncomeByCounty

Burt County trails national median

Burt County's median household income of $57,303 falls 23% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting the income challenges facing rural Nebraska counties. Despite this gap, Burt County outperforms many agricultural communities by maintaining relative economic stability. The county's per capita income of $35,034 shows how earnings concentrate among fewer households compared to national patterns.

Middle-of-pack Nebraska county

Burt County earns $9,577 below Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880, placing it slightly below the state average. Among Nebraska's 93 counties, this positions Burt County in the lower-middle range, where many rural northeastern counties cluster. However, the county keeps pace with regional peers better than its national standing suggests.

Comparable to nearby counties

Burt County's $57,303 income positions it between Brown County ($51,538) and Cedar County ($73,977) in the regional income hierarchy. As part of northeastern Nebraska's agricultural corridor, Burt County shares economic pressures with peers like Brown and Cherry counties. Cedar County's $16,674 income advantage demonstrates how proximity to population centers drives earnings differences.

Housing remains affordable

Burt County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume a modest share of household budgets. Median home values of $125,400 remain well within reach for families earning $57,303 annually. This affordability advantage offsets lower income relative to national figures.

Small steps build financial security

Burt County residents earning $57,303 can build wealth through consistent savings habits and employer-sponsored retirement plans available through local businesses. Starting with automatic transfers of even $50 monthly to savings accounts creates meaningful security over time. Local banks and credit unions offer financial literacy programs to help residents optimize household finances.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Burt County

via CrimeByCounty

Burt County Boasts Top-Tier Safety

Burt County features a safety score of 99.8, making it one of the most secure counties in the United States. Its total crime rate of 148.9 per 100K is roughly 16 times lower than the national average.

A Standout Performer in Nebraska

Residents enjoy a crime rate far below the Nebraska state average of 626.7 per 100K. Burt County’s safety score of 99.8 comfortably exceeds the already high state average score of 99.0.

Safer than Neighboring Metro-Edge Counties

Compared to nearby Cass County at 852.3 crimes per 100K, Burt County offers a much quieter environment for families. Its low volume of reported incidents makes it a regional leader in public safety.

Violent Crime is Rare Locally

Property crime accounts for 134.0 per 100K, while violent crime is nearly non-existent at just 14.9 per 100K. For comparison, the national violent crime average is more than 20 times higher at 369.8 per 100K.

Preserving the Peace in Burt County

Maintaining this high level of safety starts with local awareness and neighborly cooperation. Simple steps like securing outbuildings and using deadbolts help preserve Burt County’s peaceful reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Burt County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Rural Foundations in Burt County

Burt County provides education through six public schools organized into three distinct school districts. These schools serve a total of 1,217 students, focusing heavily on elementary and high school levels.

Exceptional Graduation and Solid Scores

The county boasts an impressive 92.1% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 62.0 and per-pupil spending at $10,407, the county demonstrates strong academic returns on its investments.

Local Control Across Three Key Districts

Tekamah-Herman Community Schools is the largest district with 527 students, followed closely by Oakland Craig Public Schools with 416 students. The county contains zero charter schools, maintaining a traditional district-led education model.

The Classic Rural School Experience

All six schools in the county are situated in rural locales, creating a consistent community feel across the region. Enrollment is evenly distributed, from the 297 students at the Elementary School at Tekamah down to 150 students at Northeast Elementary at Lyons.

A Top Choice for Academic Success

Burt County's high graduation rates make it a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Explore homes in Tekamah or Oakland to secure a place in a district that consistently outperforms state and national benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Burt County

via RiskByCounty

Burt County maintains very low overall risk

With a composite risk score of 20.67 and a Very Low rating, Burt County is safer than the national average. The county's risk profile reflects manageable hazard exposure across most natural disaster categories.

Below Nebraska's average risk level

Burt County's score of 20.67 falls below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as one of the safer counties statewide. This below-average risk makes it a relatively secure place to live within the state context.

Comparable to surrounding communities

Burt County's score of 20.67 aligns closely with Cedar County (21.69) and Butler County (24.46), indicating consistent risk profiles across this region. All three counties maintain protective ratings relative to state averages.

Wildfire risk dominates local hazards

Wildfire risk at 78.40 is notably high and represents Burt County's primary concern, though the county's overall composite score remains low. Tornado risk (46.63) is moderate and warrants standard storm shelter planning.

Prioritize wildfire protection measures

Burt County residents should ensure homeowners policies include robust wildfire and windstorm coverage given local conditions. Creating defensible space around structures and maintaining clear gutters are practical steps to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Burt County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Violations Drive Grade A Status

Burt County achieves a Water Quality Grade of A by maintaining zero health violations over a five-year period. This leads to a violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 people, far better than the state average of 110.3. Drinking water systems here are currently operating at peak compliance under federal standards.

Bacteria Leads Impairments in Burt County

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 57.1% of the county's 7 assessed water bodies were listed as impaired. E. coli is the primary cause of concern, though some causes remain officially unknown. This local impairment rate is notably lower than the statewide average of 66.4%.

Organic and Physical Data Driving Research

The county utilizes 11 monitoring sites that have produced ,2600 records over the last five years. Measurements focus on physical attributes, organics, and nutrients to track the footprint of local runoff. This monitoring provides a moderate level of transparency for local environmental conditions.

Limited Live Data for Local Streams

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage data available for Burt County. Without live discharge readings, water managers rely more heavily on historical trends and compliance monitoring. The lack of a primary gauge shifts focus back to the consistently high Grade A drinking water performance.

Stay Vigilant Near Agricultural Runoff

Residents should take pride in their Grade A drinking water but remain aware of E. coli in over half of the assessed streams. Testing private wells for bacteria is a smart precaution, especially for those living near impaired water bodies. Avoid swimming in local creeks immediately following heavy rainfall events.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Burt County

via WeatherByCounty

A Humid Continental Blend

Burt County's average annual temperature of 50.0°F is roughly four degrees cooler than the national median. However, its 30.3 inches of rain makes it wetter than many interior western counties.

Wetter and Warmer than Average

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 49.7°F and significantly wetter than the state's 25.9-inch precipitation average. It represents the more humid eastern edge of Nebraska.

Damp and Chilly Relative to Peers

Burt County is considerably wetter than Cherry or Brown counties, receiving nearly 6 more inches of rain annually. It experiences more intense winter cold than Cass County to the south.

Cold Winters and Steamy Summers

January is quite cold with an average of 21.7°F, paired with 26.3 inches of annual snowfall. July rebounds to 75.6°F with 31 days of extreme heat annually.

Managing Humidity and Cold Snaps

High-quality insulation is vital to combat the 21.7°F January average. Residents should also plan for higher humidity and moisture management given the 30-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Burt County

via SoilByCounty

Entisols dominate Burt County's landscape

Burt County features Entisols with a pH of 6.92, making it slightly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median. This soil taxonomic order represents younger soils that are highly productive for regional agriculture.

Fine-grained silt loam textures

The soil is a dominant silt loam, consisting of 58.1% silt and 28.2% clay. This fine-grained mix offers superior nutrient retention and a smooth, workable surface for large-scale farming.

Superior water capacity benchmarks

Available water capacity is impressive at 0.198 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.172 in/in. With 2.78% organic matter, the soil provides a robust foundation for high-yield harvests.

Well-drained soils for steady growth

The county's soils are classified as well-drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B. This indicates a moderate rate of water transmission, preventing root rot while keeping moisture available for plants.

A gardener's paradise in zone 5b

With a high soil score of 67.3, this area is perfect for fruit trees and hardy vegetables. The high water capacity ensures your garden remains resilient even during the hotter weeks of the Nebraska summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Burt County

via LawnByCounty

Burt County Leads the State

With a high lawn difficulty score of 70.7, Burt County is one of the easiest places in Nebraska to maintain a healthy lawn. This score significantly outperforms both the state average of 54.2 and the national median of 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

The county receives 30.3 inches of annual precipitation, hitting the sweet spot for lawn health without constant supplemental watering. This moisture supports 3,350 growing degree days while 31 heat days keep summer stress manageable.

Rich Silt Loam Foundations

The well-drained silt loam soil provides an excellent base for turf roots to thrive. With a pH of 6.92 and 28.2% clay content, your soil naturally retains the nutrients and moisture necessary for a dense, green carpet.

Short Drought Cycles Help Recovery

Burt County experienced only 7 weeks of drought in the past year, far fewer than many neighboring counties. While 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, the overall resilience of the local environment is very high.

Maximize the Growing Season

Wait until after April 28th to seed your lawn to avoid late spring frosts. Kentucky Bluegrass is the gold standard here, thriving in the local silt loam and benefiting from the long window before the October 10th first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burt County's county score?
Burt County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 64.7 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 Burt County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Burt County ranks #36 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 Burt County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Burt County is $1,824, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Burt County a tax score of 15/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Burt County?
The median household income in Burt County, Nebraska is $57,303 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Burt County earns an income score of 31.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Burt County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Burt County scores 64.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Burt 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 Burt County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.