CountyScore

Butler County

Nebraska · NE

#20 in Nebraska
74
County Score

County Report Card

About Butler County, Nebraska

Butler County ranks among top livability counties

Butler County's 74.0 composite score sits 48% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties for livability. This performance reflects a rare combination of affordability, income, and health across its dimensions.

Nebraska's leading performer in this group

At 74.0, Butler County exceeds Nebraska's 71.2 state average and ranks highest among these eight counties. It represents a balanced, well-rounded Nebraska community excelling across multiple dimensions.

Income, health, and affordability all strong

Butler County scores 37.3 on income (the highest in this group, with $82,603 median household income), 79.3 on health, and 82.3 on cost. This trifecta of strengths makes it one of Nebraska's most balanced counties for quality of life.

Risk and tax burden slightly elevated

Butler County's risk score of 75.6 lags the best performers, suggesting moderate vulnerability to environmental or economic shocks. Its tax score of 69.3 is also middling, indicating a 1.171% effective tax rate that's not the lowest in the state.

Best all-around choice for most families

Butler County suits families seeking a genuine balance: decent income opportunities, strong health access, low housing costs, and community stability. It's Nebraska's most versatile county in this group, working well for young professionals, growing families, and retirees alike.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.3Cost82.3SafetyComing SoonHealth79.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome37.3Risk75.6WaterComing Soon
🏛69.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.6
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 Butler County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bibb County
Alabama
74
Median income: $51,215
Crenshaw County
Alabama
74
Median income: $49,040
Fremont County
Idaho
74
Median income: $72,767
Metcalfe County
Kentucky
74
Median income: $48,572
Trimble County
Kentucky
74
Median income: $67,813

Deep Dives

Butler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.