countyscore
70.4
County Score
Safety 92.3Income & Jobs 86.2Schools 85.8

County Report Card

About Butler County, Nebraska

An Elite National Ranking

Butler County delivers an exceptional composite score of 70.4, placing it among the highest-scoring counties in the nation. It represents the gold standard for livability compared to the 50.0 national median.

A Nebraska State Leader

The county far exceeds the Nebraska average of 59.3, marking it as one of the state's most desirable locations. It consistently outperforms neighboring counties across almost every metric.

Strong Schools and High Incomes

Butler County excels with an income score of 86.2 and a school score of 85.8. Safety is another major highlight, where it achieves a nearly perfect score of 92.3.

High Taxes and Water Concerns

Despite its many strengths, the tax score of 26.9 reflects a heavy tax burden with a 1.171% effective rate. The water score of 36.0 also suggests room for improvement in environmental infrastructure.

Perfect for Prosperous Families

This county is a top choice for families seeking a rare combination of high income, top-tier schools, and safe neighborhoods. It offers a premier lifestyle for those who can manage its higher tax profile.

Score breakdown

Tax26.9Cost62.8Safety92.3Health85.2Schools85.8Income86.2Risk75.6Water36Weather43.1
🏛26.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.3
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

Colfax County
Nebraska
53.9
Polk County
Nebraska
68.3
Platte County
Nebraska
44
Seward County
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Saunders County
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Dodge County
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York County
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Lancaster County
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Deep Dives

Butler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Butler County

via TaxByCounty

Butler taxes below national median

Butler County's effective tax rate of 1.171% falls below the national median, with homeowners paying $1,941 annually compared to the national median of $2,690. This makes Butler County roughly 28% more affordable than the typical U.S. county.

Moderate taxes for Nebraska

Butler County's effective rate of 1.171% sits just below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 93 counties. This offers residents tax burden slightly lighter than the state norm.

Mid-range among regional counties

Butler County's 1.171% rate falls between lower-taxed neighbors like Cedar County (1.041%) and higher-taxed peers like Burt County (1.454%). Butler offers a balanced tax environment within the region.

Median home costs $1,941 annually

A Butler County home at the median value of $165,700 generates $1,941 in yearly property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,172, while those without mortgages pay $1,779.

Review your assessment for errors

Many Butler County homeowners are likely overassessed relative to true market value. The county assessor's office offers free assessment appeals—if you believe your valuation is inflated, filing a challenge could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Butler County

via CostByCounty

Butler County's affordability advantage

Butler County residents enjoy a 10.9% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight counties and well below both Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and national norms. The county's robust median income of $82,603, exceeding the national median by 10.5%, creates substantial housing affordability.

Nebraska's most affordable county

Butler County ranks among Nebraska's most housing-affordable markets, with a rent-to-income ratio significantly below the state average. Strong local incomes and moderate rents combine to create the best affordability conditions in this regional peer group.

Balanced costs and strong income

Butler County's $753 rent is competitive with Cedar County ($683) and Chase County ($749), but the county's higher median income of $82,603 makes housing far more manageable. This income advantage—$8,600+ above Cedar County—delivers genuine purchasing power.

Butler County's financial comfort

Renters earning the Butler County median of $82,603 spend approximately $9,036 annually on housing—just 10.9% of income, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses. Homeowners allocate 12.1% to ownership costs, reflecting both manageable payments and reasonable home values.

Affordable comfort zone

Butler County delivers the rare combination of strong local incomes and low housing cost burdens, making it ideal for families seeking financial breathing room. With a 10.9% rent-to-income ratio, Butler County offers genuine affordability without sacrificing community stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Butler County

via IncomeByCounty

Butler County leads Nebraska income

Butler County's median household income of $82,603 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 10%, establishing it as one of Nebraska's highest-earning counties. This exceptional performance places Butler County in the top quartile nationally, a remarkable achievement for a rural Midwestern county. The county's per capita income of $44,445 is also significantly above national averages.

Nebraska's top income performers

Butler County significantly exceeds Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880, earning $15,723 more and ranking it among the state's economic leaders. Only a handful of Nebraska counties—primarily those with major population centers—match Butler County's income performance. This outstanding position reflects the county's strong agricultural sector, processing industries, and manufacturing base.

Economic powerhouse of region

Butler County's $82,603 income ranks well above neighboring Cass County ($88,255) and significantly surpasses most surrounding counties like Burt ($57,303) and Chase ($62,782). The county's strong agricultural productivity and food processing facilities drive higher wages than typical rural Nebraska. This economic strength attracts and retains skilled workers seeking rural prosperity.

Exceptional housing affordability

Butler County's rent-to-income ratio of just 10.9% is exceptionally low, allowing households to allocate far more resources toward savings and quality of life. Median home values of $165,700 are easily affordable for families earning $82,603 annually, creating substantial equity-building opportunities. Residents enjoy rare combination of strong income and affordable housing.

Maximize exceptional opportunity

Butler County residents earning $82,603 with housing costs consuming just 10.9% of income have exceptional capacity to invest, save for college, and build generational wealth. This financial position allows families to contribute maximally to retirement accounts, diversify investments, and weather economic downturns. Local financial advisors can help structure comprehensive wealth-building plans leveraging this rare income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Butler County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Butler County

Butler County is remarkably safe, recording a total crime rate of just 119.4 per 100K. This results in an elite safety score of 99.8, placing the county well above the national safety curve.

Exceeding Statewide Safety Benchmarks

The county’s safety profile is superior to the Nebraska average safety score of 99.0. With a total crime rate of 119.4, Butler County tracks significantly better than the state average of 626.7 per 100K.

Leading the Region in Low Crime

Butler County remains safer than nearby Cedar County, which has a total crime rate of 441.8 per 100K. It stands as a bastion of security in the eastern Nebraska landscape.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime

The data shows 95.5 property crimes and 23.9 violent crimes per 100K residents. These numbers are extremely low compared to the national property crime rate of 2,015.7 per 100K.

Proactive Security for Homeowners

Even in a high-safety zone, residents should remain proactive about home security systems. Visible deterrents like signage and perimeter lighting can discourage opportunistic theft and maintain the county's high safety rank.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Butler County

via HealthByCounty

Butler County excels in health outcomes

At 79.1 years, Butler County residents live just 2 months short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 12.8% poor or fair health rate ranks below the national average of 13.5%, placing Butler among the healthier U.S. counties.

Above Nebraska's health standard

Butler County's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by 1.6 years. The county's 12.8% poor or fair health rate also outperforms the state, signaling strong community health management.

Butler leads regional health metrics

Butler's 79.1-year life expectancy and 12.8% poor or fair health rate rank among the best in central Nebraska, surpassing nearby Burt County's 75.4 years and 15.2% rate. Primary care provider density of 71 per 100,000 residents ensures accessible routine medical care across the county.

Strong coverage, limited mental health access

Only 7.1% of Butler County residents lack health insurance—the best rate among peer counties and well below Nebraska's 8.1% average. However, mental health provider capacity at 12 per 100,000 residents remains a constraint for those seeking behavioral health services.

Keep your family covered

Butler County's low uninsured rate shows what strong coverage looks like—but if you're among the 7%, now is the time to act. Explore options at healthcare.gov or contact a local enrollment counselor to find a plan that protects your health and finances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Butler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education Across Six Campuses

Butler County supports 973 students within six public schools across two primary districts. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools and two high schools, ensuring a strong start and finish for local students.

Elite Performance and High Investment

The county achieves a stellar 93.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Nebraska average of 86.9%. This success is backed by a school score of 65.4 and per-pupil spending of $11,714, which is well above the state average.

David City Leads Local Enrollment

David City Public Schools serves as the largest district with 676 students across three schools. The remaining students are served by East Butler Public Schools, with no charter schools operating in the county.

Town Amenities Meet Rural Quiet

The county offers a blend of two town-based schools and four rural campuses, with an average school size of 162 students. David City Secondary School is the largest campus with 308 students, while Bellwood Elementary offers a tiny, personal environment for just 91 children.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Butler County is an ideal place to raise a family. Look for real estate near David City to benefit from an education system that is clearly delivering results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Butler County

via RiskByCounty

Butler County maintains protective risk profile

At 24.46, Butler County's composite risk score reflects Very Low risk—safer than the national average across multiple hazards. The county's rating indicates manageable natural disaster exposure for residents.

Slightly below Nebraska's state average

Butler County's 24.46 score sits just under Nebraska's average of 25.80, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This position reflects relatively balanced and controlled hazard exposure.

Part of a low-risk regional cluster

Butler County's 24.46 score closely mirrors Cedar County (21.69) and Burt County (20.67), creating a protective corridor across this region. All three neighboring counties share below-state-average risk profiles.

Tornado and wildfire require attention

Tornado risk (50.57) and wildfire risk (66.22) are the primary hazards in Butler County, though both remain manageable with standard precautions. Flood risk (20.93) is comparatively low and poses minimal concern.

Standard coverage with storm focus

Butler County homeowners should maintain comprehensive policies with windstorm and tornado coverage to address the county's primary threats. A reinforced safe room or designated shelter space is a practical investment given tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Butler County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Mid-Latitude Climate Patterns

Butler County averages 49.5°F annually, placing it below the national median of 54°F. It experiences a classic mid-latitude climate with moderate rainfall totaling 29.3 inches.

Stable Temperatures with Extra Moisture

The county's average temperature of 49.5°F is effectively tied with the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. It is notably wetter than the state as a whole, receiving about 3.4 inches more rain annually.

Consistent with East-Central Neighbors

Butler County's climate is similar to Buffalo County but features higher precipitation levels and more snowfall. It is slightly cooler than Cass County, which sits further southeast.

Sharp Winters and Hot July Days

Winter temperatures average 25.0°F with a substantial 28.1 inches of snowfall each year. Summers are hot, averaging 72.7°F with 29 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Winter Readiness and Summer Cooling

Prepare for nearly 30 inches of snow by maintaining reliable shovels or blowers. Energy-efficient cooling is recommended for the month-long stretch of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Butler County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral pH for optimal growth

Butler County features a pH of 6.69, which is slightly lower than the state average of 6.79 but remains near the ideal neutral range. This chemistry is perfect for the biological processes required for healthy plant development.

Heavy silt and clay foundations

The soil contains 50.1% silt and 22.5% clay, providing a heavy, moisture-rich texture. With only 26.4% sand, this land focuses more on stability and nutrient storage than rapid drainage.

Exceptional moisture storage potential

The available water capacity is high at 0.194 in/in, easily outperforming the state's 0.172 benchmark. Organic matter stands at 2.39%, providing a functional biological base for local growers.

Moisture retention in heavy soils

Though specific drainage classes are unavailable, the high silt and clay percentages indicate a soil that stays moist for longer periods. This profile is highly beneficial during dry spells but may require careful management in wet springs.

Productive vegetable gardens in zone 5b

The county's 67.1 soil score reflects high-quality growing conditions for a variety of crops. Residents should feel encouraged to plant diverse vegetables that thrive in silty, moisture-retentive earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Butler County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Butler County

Butler County earns a 65.3 lawn difficulty score, indicating that lawn care is significantly easier here than in most of the country. Homeowners in this Zone 5b region enjoy better conditions than the average Nebraskan.

Moderate Heat and Reliable Rain

Annual precipitation of 29.3 inches is nearly perfect for lawn health, often requiring only minimal irrigation during peak summer. With only 29 extreme heat days, turf stays cooler than the Nebraska state average of 34 days.

Balanced Soil for Nutrient Health

A soil pH of 6.69 sits right in the ideal range for grass, ensuring that fertilizers are highly effective. The mix of 22.5% clay and 26.4% sand provides a stable foundation that holds moisture well without becoming waterlogged.

Managing Frequent Dry Periods

The county faced 21 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Mulching your grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain moisture and nitrogen during these drier weeks.

Best Grasses for Zone 5b

Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal choices for the local climate. Time your planting for late April or early May to capitalize on the growing season before the October 11th first frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butler County's county score?
Butler County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 70.4 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 Butler County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Butler County ranks #8 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 Butler County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Butler County is $1,941, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Butler County a tax score of 26.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butler County?
The median household income in Butler County, Nebraska is $82,603 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butler County earns an income score of 86.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butler County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Butler County scores 70.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Butler 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 Butler 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.