CountyScore

Cedar County

Nebraska · NE

#14 in Nebraska
75.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Cedar County, Nebraska

Cedar County ranks among best in nation

Cedar County's 75.4 composite score ranks it 51% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 25% of American counties for livability. This exceptional performance makes it one of the most desirable rural counties nationally.

Nebraska's second-strongest performer

At 75.4, Cedar County ranks second among these eight Nebraska counties and above the state average of 71.2. Only Butler County scores higher, making Cedar one of the state's most livable communities.

Low taxes and exceptional affordability

Cedar County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 1.041% and outstanding cost scores of 84.5, with median rent just $683/month and homes at $175,500. This combination of low taxes and affordability is rarely found together.

Income growth opportunities remain modest

Cedar County's income score of 31.7 reflects limited earnings potential, with median household income at $73,977. Residents seeking significant wage growth may need to relocate for career advancement.

Perfect for tax-conscious, frugal families

Cedar County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing tax efficiency and housing affordability over earnings. Its exceptional tax burden and cost profile make it one of Nebraska's best values.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73Cost84.5SafetyComing SoonHealth79.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.7Risk78.3WaterComing Soon
🏛73
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.3
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 Cedar County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Dallas County
Arkansas
75.4
Median income: $44,694
Perry County
Arkansas
75.4
Median income: $60,078
Nemaha County
Kansas
75.4
Median income: $77,375
Jackson Parish
Louisiana
75.4
Median income: $43,345
Grant County
Minnesota
75.4
Median income: $72,957

Deep Dives

Cedar County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cedar County

via TaxByCounty

Cedar County offers low-tax advantage

Cedar County's effective tax rate of 1.041% sits well below the national median, making it one of America's more affordable counties for property taxes. Homeowners pay $1,827 annually versus the national median of $2,690—a 32% savings.

Among Nebraska's most affordable

Cedar County's effective rate of 1.041% ranks in the lower tier of Nebraska counties, beating the state average of 1.281%. This makes Cedar one of the state's best destinations for tax-conscious homeowners.

Lowest taxes in the region

Cedar County's 1.041% rate undercuts nearly all neighbors, competing only with Cherry County (1.010%) for the region's lowest taxes. Cedar offers substantial relief compared to higher-taxed counties like Buffalo and Burt.

Median home costs $1,827 annually

A Cedar County home valued at $175,500 generates $1,827 in yearly property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $1,818; outright owners pay $1,834.

Even low taxes warrant review

Cedar County's already-low rate doesn't mean overassessments don't exist—any county can have valuation errors. A free appeal to the county assessor could reduce even a modest tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cedar County

via CostByCounty

Cedar County: affordable and balanced

Cedar County's 11.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Nebraska's best and significantly outperforms national affordability benchmarks. With a median household income of $73,977—just slightly below the national median—Cedar County delivers genuine affordability without income sacrifice.

Top-tier Nebraska affordability

Cedar County ranks among Nebraska's most affordable housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio 3.1 percentage points below the state average. The county's low rents and solid incomes create exceptional value for cost-conscious households.

Lowest rents, strong earnings

Cedar County's $683 monthly rent is the absolute lowest among these eight counties—22% cheaper than Cass County ($987) and 13% cheaper than Cherry County ($873). The median income of $73,977 ensures residents can afford these low rents while maintaining financial stability.

Cedar County's rent advantage

Renters earning Cedar County's median $73,977 spend approximately $8,196 annually on housing—just 11.1% of income—well below healthy affordability thresholds. Homeowners allocate 12.6% to ownership costs, making Cedar County one of the most balanced housing markets.

Best rent value in the region

Cedar County combines the region's lowest rents with solid middle-class incomes, making it a top choice for renters prioritizing value. With $683 monthly rent and strong local stability, Cedar County offers unmatched affordability in this peer group.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cedar County

via IncomeByCounty

Cedar County near national income

Cedar County's median household income of $73,977 falls just slightly below the national median of $74,755 by $778, positioning it right at the American average. This near-parity is exceptional for a rural Nebraska county, reflecting the presence of regional employers and agricultural strength. Cedar County demonstrates that rural communities can maintain national-level income through economic diversification.

Above Nebraska's income average

Cedar County exceeds Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880 by $7,097, ranking it in the upper half of Nebraska's 93 counties. This solid performance reflects Cedar County's role as a regional commerce hub with stable manufacturing and agricultural sectors. The county maintains stronger economic footing than most of rural Nebraska.

Regional income leader

Cedar County's $73,977 income exceeds most surrounding counties including Brown ($51,538), Burt ($57,303), and Cherry ($63,750), establishing it as the economic anchor of northeast Nebraska. Only Buffalo County ($74,570) comes close, and Cedar County's more rural character makes its income achievement more remarkable. Strong agricultural productivity and small business vitality drive the county's competitive earnings.

Excellent housing affordability

Cedar County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.1% is exceptionally favorable, allowing residents substantial discretionary income beyond housing costs. Median home values of $175,500 are easily affordable for families earning $73,977 annually, creating strong conditions for homeownership and equity building. The county offers rare combination of reasonable housing costs and solid income.

Strong foundation for investing

Cedar County residents earning $73,977 with housing consuming just 11.1% of income can aggressively build wealth through retirement account contributions, real estate investment, and business development. The county's strong income position and low housing ratios create ideal circumstances for saving 15-25% of household earnings. Local financial institutions and advisors can help residents structure long-term wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cedar County

via HealthByCounty

Cedar County leads in longevity

At 80.2 years, Cedar County residents live 1.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 13.7% poor or fair health rate sits just above the national average of 13.5%, suggesting good overall health despite minor reported health concerns.

Nebraska's longevity champion

Cedar County's 80.2-year life expectancy is the highest among the eight counties studied and significantly exceeds Nebraska's 77.5-year state average by 2.7 years. This achievement reflects strong community health practices and outcomes management.

Cedar sets the regional standard

Cedar County's 80.2-year life expectancy far surpasses neighboring Burt County's 75.4 years and most peer counties in the region. Despite having just 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Cedar's longevity advantage suggests that provider density alone doesn't determine population health outcomes.

Good coverage, tight provider access

Cedar County's 7.3% uninsured rate sits below Nebraska's 8.1% average, ensuring most residents have insurance protection. However, at 12 mental health providers and 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Cedar faces significant provider constraints that may delay care despite good insurance penetration.

Protect your health in Cedar County

With 92.7% of Cedar County residents insured, coverage is within reach for you too. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid and marketplace options—insurance ensures you can see Cedar County's limited providers without financial hardship.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cedar County

via RiskByCounty

Cedar County maintains very low risk standing

Cedar County's composite risk score of 21.69 with a Very Low rating places it safely below the national average. The county's protected status reflects moderate exposures across its hazard spectrum.

Below Nebraska's average risk level

At 21.69, Cedar County scores below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it one of the safer counties statewide. This protective positioning provides residents with above-average security relative to state peers.

Consistent with regional safety profile

Cedar County's 21.69 score closely aligns with Burt County (20.67) and Butler County (24.46), reflecting a safe corridor across this region. All three counties maintain below-state-average risk profiles.

Wildfire leads Cedar County hazards

Wildfire risk (71.18) is Cedar County's primary concern, substantially elevated compared to other hazards in the county. Tornado risk (42.78) represents a secondary threat requiring standard storm preparedness measures.

Wildfire prevention is the priority

Cedar County homeowners should prioritize wildfire coverage within standard homeowners policies and take defensible-space precautions around their properties. Creating a 30-foot cleared zone around structures and using fire-resistant materials significantly reduces vulnerability.

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.