countyscore
67.3
County Score
Health 85.1Safety 81.5Disaster Risk 78.3

County Report Card

About Cedar County, Nebraska

A Top-Performing Rural Gem

Cedar County’s composite score of 67.3 is far above the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the most livable rural counties in the United States.

Leading the Nebraska State Rankings

The county easily beats the Nebraska average score of 59.3. Its combination of affordability and safety sets it apart from both its urban and rural neighbors.

Health, Wealth, and Low Costs

The county shines with a health score of 85.1 and an income score of 75.4. Residents enjoy great value, with a cost score of 73.3 and a median gross rent of only $683.

Water and Infrastructure Needs

The primary weakness is a water score of 18.0, indicating significant need for environmental or utility improvements. The tax score of 35.1 also shows there is room to improve the local fiscal burden.

Ideal for Thrifty Families

Cedar County is perfect for those seeking high health standards and strong incomes without the high prices of a city. It is a standout choice for anyone prioritizing cost-efficiency and community safety.

2040608010035.173.381.585.163.775.478.31843.6Tax35.1Cost73.3Safety81.5Health85.1Schools63.7Income75.4Risk78.3Water18Weather43.667.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Cedar County DNA

C-overall

How Cedar County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cedar County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (85.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.1-16.9
Cost
73.3+25.299999999999997
Safety
81.5+26.5
Health
85.1+35.099999999999994
Schools
63.7+9.700000000000003
Income
75.4+24.400000000000006
Risk
78.3+31.299999999999997
Water
18-40
Weather
43.6-12.399999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Cedar County?

Many homeowners in Cedar 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

$175,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$683/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$175,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,977/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.0

per 100K

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
Compare Cedar County with Ouray County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Ouray County
Colorado
Median income: $84,556
67.3
Martin County
Kentucky
Median income: $46,185
67.3
Deuel County
South Dakota
Median income: $79,556
67.3
Pickett County
Tennessee
Median income: $44,591
67.3
Osage County
Missouri
Median income: $75,355
67.2
Perry County
Alabama
Median income: $34,368
67.4
Pope County
Illinois
Median income: $62,500
67.4
Casey County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,689
67.4

Nearby counties

Yankton County
South Dakota
42.9
Clay County
South Dakota
37.1
Dixon County
Nebraska
63.6
Pierce County
Nebraska
65.4
Wayne County
Nebraska
60.5
Union County
South Dakota
51.5
Knox County
Nebraska
65.3
Bon Homme County
South Dakota
61.9

Deep Dives

Cedar County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Cedar County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Ratings for Cedar County

Cedar County maintains a high safety score of 99.3, far exceeding the typical American community. Its total crime rate of 441.8 per 100K is less than one-fifth of the national average.

Strong Rankings Among Nebraska Counties

The county performs well within Nebraska, holding a safety score higher than the state average of 99.0. Its crime rate of 441.8 per 100K is also notably lower than the state average of 626.7.

A Comparison Across North Nebraska

Cedar County is safer than neighboring Cherry County at 1059.8 per 100K but sees more activity than Burt County at 148.9 per 100K. It occupies a secure middle ground of safety among rural Nebraska peers.

A Look at Violent and Property Rates

Violent crime sits at 107.5 per 100K, which is slightly above the Nebraska average of 96.4 but still much lower than the national 369.8. Property crime makes up the remaining 334.3 per 100K of local incidents.

Bolstering Local Security Efforts

Residents can bolster local safety by ensuring all residential and farm properties are well-lit at night. Engaging in community-led safety programs helps maintain Cedar County's status as a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cedar County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Rural Schooling for 1,200 Students

Cedar County maintains 10 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 1,262 students. The county offers a balanced infrastructure with four elementary, two middle, and four high schools.

Solid Performance and Balanced Spending

The graduation rate of 87.9% is slightly above the national and state averages. The county spends $10,400 per pupil, nearly matching the Nebraska state average of $10,521 while maintaining a school score of 59.8.

Laurel-Concord-Coleridge and Hartington Newcastle

Laurel-Concord-Coleridge is the largest district with 415 students, closely followed by Hartington Newcastle Public Schools with 400 students. The county operates exclusively through traditional districts with no charter schools present.

The Heart of Rural Nebraska Education

All 10 schools in the county are classified as rural, providing a consistent, community-focused educational experience. Schools are generally small, averaging 126 students, with Hartington-Newcastle Elementary being the largest at 236 students.

A Stable Environment for Your Family

Cedar County offers a stable, high-quality public education system in a traditional rural setting. Families moving here can find homes in small, safe communities where schools serve as the central social and academic hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Cedar County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Violations Exceed State Average

Cedar County faces a critical Water Quality Grade of F, recording 11 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 153.4 per 100,000 people is significantly higher than the Nebraska average of 110.3. This data signals urgent issues within the county's drinking water infrastructure.

Eighty Percent of Water Bodies Impaired

Of the 10 water bodies assessed in Cedar County, 80.0% are officially impaired according to 2022 data. Top causes include E. coli, Selenium, and Chlorophyll-a, which often indicates nutrient pollution. This level of impairment is nearly 14 points higher than the state average.

Microbiological Monitoring at Sixteen Local Sites

Cedar County maintains 16 monitoring sites that have produced 7,976 measurements recently. The data collection focuses on physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics. This robust monitoring is essential for tracking the high levels of bacteria and selenium reported in the watershed.

Bow Creek Discharge Drops to 39% Capacity

Bow Creek near Wynot is currently discharging at 65 cfs, which is only 39% of its typical long-term mean. This low flow affects a 460-square-mile drainage area and can exacerbate nutrient concentration. Reduced water volume makes it harder for the ecosystem to dilute contaminants effectively.

Urgent Need for Tap Water Testing

Because Cedar County exceeds the state average for violations and has an 80% watershed impairment rate, home filtration is strongly recommended. Residents should be particularly concerned about Selenium and bacteria in their water supply. Regular testing of private and public taps is necessary to ensure safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cedar County

via WeatherByCounty

Cedar County's Cool Northern Climate

Cedar County averages 47.8°F annually, making it one of the cooler counties in the region compared to the 54°F national median. It receives 29.6 inches of precipitation, balancing cold with moisture.

Cooler and Snowier than Average

The county is nearly two degrees cooler than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. It also exceeds the state precipitation average by nearly four inches annually.

Colder than Eastern Nebraska Peers

Cedar is significantly cooler and snowier than Burt or Cass counties. Its 35.3 inches of annual snow is nearly double the amount seen in some southern Nebraska regions.

Harsh Winters and Brief Heat

Winter is the dominant season, with a Dec-Feb average of only 22.8°F and 35.3 inches of snow. Summers are milder than elsewhere, with only 22 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Heavy Winter Gear is Required

Residents must prepare for long, cold winters with professional-grade heating and snow removal tools. The moderate summer heat means lower cooling costs compared to the rest of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cedar County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Entisols in northern Nebraska

Cedar County's Entisols have a pH of 7.10, which is more alkaline than the national 6.5 median. This slightly basic profile influences how plants absorb minerals from the silt-heavy ground.

Balanced silt loam composition

The land is primarily silt loam, consisting of 48.0% silt and 28.4% sand. With 23.6% clay, the soil offers a balanced texture that supports roots while maintaining its shape.

Strong water retention for crops

Water capacity is strong at 0.182 in/in, beating the state average of 0.172. Organic matter content measures 2.30%, providing necessary biological fuel for local agricultural productivity.

Somewhat excessively drained terrain

These soils are somewhat excessively drained and fall into Hydrologic Group D. This suggests water moves through the profile very quickly, which can be an advantage for construction but may require extra irrigation.

Cold-hardy crops for zone 5a

Gardeners in zone 5a can take advantage of the high water capacity to cultivate robust crops. Brassicas and root vegetables are particularly well-suited for this alkaline, silt-rich environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cedar County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Mowing in Cedar County

Cedar County presents more challenges than the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 52.2. Being in Zone 5a, your lawn must survive colder winters and more frequent drought cycles than other parts of Nebraska.

Cooler Temps but Dry Air

The county enjoys only 22 extreme heat days, but the 29.6 inches of rain is often offset by high evaporation rates. You will need to manage 2,959 growing degree days, which is lower than the state average and results in a slightly slower growth rate.

Fast-Draining Silt Loam

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves through the silt loam quickly. With a pH of 7.10, your soil is slightly alkaline, so choosing acid-forming fertilizers can help keep nutrients available for your grass.

Severe Drought Alert

Cedar County is facing a significant drought challenge, with 94.2% of the area in severe drought (D2+). Lawns here endured 39 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation and dormant-season care essential.

Hardy Grasses for Zone 5a

Select cold-hardy varieties like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass to survive the Zone 5a winters. Plan to seed after April 30th and expect growth to slow down significantly as the first frost approaches on October 5th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cedar County's county score?
Cedar County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 67.3 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 Cedar County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Cedar County ranks #24 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 Cedar County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Cedar County is $1,827, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Cedar County a tax score of 35.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cedar County?
The median household income in Cedar County, Nebraska is $73,977 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cedar County earns an income score of 75.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cedar County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Cedar County scores 67.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Cedar 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 Cedar 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.