countyscore
58.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.4Safety 89.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Chase County, Nebraska

Strong Stability in Chase County

Chase County earns a composite score of 58.4, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a stable and high-quality living environment.

Competitive with Nebraska Peers

The county’s score sits just below the Nebraska average of 59.3. This puts it in the middle tier of Nebraska counties, offering a balanced but typical state experience.

Safety and Resilience Lead

Exceptional safety with a score of 89.7 and a risk score of 93.4 define the local lifestyle. Clean water is another major asset, reflected in a high score of 86.0.

School and Tax Weaknesses

The school score of 43.4 suggests local education metrics could be improved. Residents also face tax pressure, with a score of 25.3 and an effective tax rate of 1.206%.

Best for Quiet Rural Living

Chase County is ideal for individuals who prioritize safety, environmental stability, and clean water. It suits those who want a predictable, secure life far from the risks of urban centers.

2040608010025.359.389.757.443.447.493.48635.3Tax25.3Cost59.3Safety89.7Health57.4Schools43.4Income47.4Risk93.4Water86Weather35.358.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Chase County DNA

Foverall

How Chase County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Chase County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (93.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (25.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.3-26.7
Cost
59.3+11.299999999999997
Safety
89.7+34.7
Health
57.4
Schools
43.4-10.600000000000001
Income
47.4
Risk
93.4+46.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
35.3-20.700000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Chase County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$178,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$749/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$178,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,782/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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Nearby counties

Dundy County
Nebraska
73.1
Perkins County
Nebraska
60.5
Phillips County
Colorado
60
Hayes County
Nebraska
65.8
Yuma County
Colorado
55.2
Sedgwick County
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Hitchcock County
Nebraska
60.5
Cheyenne County
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54.9

Deep Dives

Chase County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chase County

via TaxByCounty

Chase taxes run slightly high

Chase County's effective tax rate of 1.206% exceeds the national median, with homeowners paying $2,156 annually compared to $2,690 nationally. While above the U.S. average rate, the absolute dollar amount remains reasonable due to lower home values.

Slightly above Nebraska average

Chase County's effective rate of 1.206% runs marginally above Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of state counties. The county sits just below the state norm.

Mid-range among nearby counties

Chase County's 1.206% rate positions it between lower-taxed peers like Cedar County (1.041%) and higher-taxed neighbors like Buffalo County (1.451%). Chase offers moderate tax burden within the region.

Median home costs $2,156 yearly

A Chase County home valued at $178,700 generates $2,156 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,527, while those without pay $1,891.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Chase County homeowners should review their assessments for potential overvaluations, especially given recent market shifts. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor could uncover errors that reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chase County

via CostByCounty

Chase County at Nebraska averages

Chase County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits essentially at Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, though the county's median income of $62,782 runs 16% below the national median. Despite lower earnings, Chase County maintains solid affordability through moderate housing costs.

Nebraska median affordability

Chase County's rent-to-income ratio matches Nebraska's state average, placing it squarely in the affordability middle. The county represents a typical Nebraska housing experience—reasonable costs for moderate incomes.

Balanced costs and income

Chase County's $749 monthly rent sits between lower-cost neighbors (Burt at $688) and higher-cost peers (Buffalo at $911), while its $62,782 income remains solidly in the county group's middle. This balance reflects Chase County's steady, unremarkable affordability.

Chase County housing proportions

A typical Chase County household earning $62,782 dedicates approximately $8,981 annually to rent—14.3% of income—right at sustainable levels. Homeowners allocate 16.9% to ownership costs, maintaining healthy financial ratios across both markets.

Steady affordability middle ground

Chase County works well for households earning $55,000–$70,000 seeking balanced housing costs without major income compromises. The county's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio mirrors state norms, making it a reliable choice for middle-income Nebraska families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chase County

via IncomeByCounty

Chase County trails national income

Chase County's median household income of $62,782 falls 16% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic pressures common to agricultural counties. However, the gap is smaller than many rural Nebraska communities, suggesting Chase County maintains relative economic resilience. Per capita income of $36,913 indicates earning concentration among fewer households than national patterns.

Below Nebraska average income

Chase County earns $4,098 below Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880, placing it in the middle range of Nebraska's 93 counties. While below average, Chase County performs better than many rural agricultural counties in the state. The county maintains reasonable economic footing within Nebraska's income distribution.

Middle tier in region

Chase County's $62,782 income places it between Brown County ($51,538) and Cedar County ($73,977) in the regional earnings hierarchy. As part of southwestern Nebraska's ranch and grain country, Chase County faces similar agricultural economic pressures as Cherry and Butler counties. However, the county's income remains solid for its rural character and economic base.

Affordable housing supports families

Chase County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, allowing households meaningful discretionary income. Median home values of $178,700 are reasonable for families earning $62,782 annually, supporting accessible homeownership. The county offers good housing affordability relative to income earned.

Build savings habit gradually

Chase County residents earning $62,782 can build financial security through consistent retirement contributions and modest investment strategies tailored to agricultural and ranching lifestyles. Starting with automatic payroll deductions of 5-10% of income establishes disciplined saving habits. Local agricultural extension services and financial institutions offer planning resources suited to the county's rural economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chase County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Peace of Mind in Chase County

Chase County is exceptionally safe, with a safety score of 99.7 and a total crime rate of 216.0 per 100K. This crime rate is roughly 90% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Rankings in the State

The county’s safety score of 99.7 ranks it above the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 216.0 per 100K is significantly lower than the state's average of 626.7.

Safer than Western Nebraska Peers

Chase County is far safer than Cherry County to the north, which has a crime rate of 1059.8 per 100K. It remains one of the most peaceful areas in the western part of the state.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime occurs at a rate of 189.0 per 100K, while violent crime is very low at 27.0. These figures suggest that residents are highly unlikely to encounter serious criminal activity in their daily lives.

Habits for a Safer Household

To keep Chase County safe, homeowners should continue to prioritize simple security habits like locking doors and windows. Community awareness remains the best defense against the rare local incident.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Chase County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in Chase County

Chase County provides public education through four schools across two districts, serving a total of 748 students. This small-scale system includes one elementary, one middle, and two high schools.

Opportunities for Academic Growth

The county faces challenges with an 81.9% graduation rate, which is currently below the state average of 86.9%. Education is funded at $8,618 per pupil, a figure lower than both the state and national spending benchmarks.

Chase County Schools Managed Locally

Chase County Schools is the larger of the two districts, educating 625 students across two campuses. Wauneta-Palisade Public Schools serves the remaining 230 students, and no charter schools exist in the county.

Purely Rural, Small-Scale Classrooms

All education in Chase County happens in a rural locale, with an average school size of 187 students. Enrollment ranges from the 317 students at Chase County Elementary down to just 52 students at Wauneta Palisade Middle School.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Community

If you are seeking a school system where your child won't get lost in the crowd, Chase County's small enrollments are worth considering. Explore the local market to find homes near these intimate, rural learning centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chase County

via RiskByCounty

Chase County is Nebraska's safest region

With a composite risk score of 6.68, Chase County ranks as Very Low risk and stands among the safest counties nationwide. This exceptional rating reflects minimal exposure to significant natural disasters.

Far below state average—exceptionally protected

Chase County's 6.68 score is dramatically lower than Nebraska's 25.80 average, making it the safest county in the state by a substantial margin. Residents enjoy significantly reduced disaster exposure compared to all other Nebraska counties.

Substantially safer than surrounding counties

Chase County's 6.68 score is far lower than all adjacent counties, including Cherry County (13.58) and Brown County (2.39). Chase County's geographic position provides exceptional natural protection against multiple hazard types.

Tornado and wildfire pose minimal threats

Both tornado (25.29) and wildfire (25.10) risks are well below state averages, while flood risk (3.66) and earthquake risk (9.26) remain remarkably low. Chase County faces virtually no significant natural disaster exposure.

Standard insurance provides full protection

Chase County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance policies to address the county's minimal risk profile. The county's exceptional safety allows property owners to allocate resources toward other priorities with confidence.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Chase County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record for Chase County

Chase County earns a Water Quality Grade of A, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This perfect 0.0 violation rate is much better than the Nebraska state average of 110.3. Drinking water systems here are providing a highly reliable signal for residents.

Most Assessed Streams Face Impairment

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 62.5% of the county's 8 assessed water bodies were listed as impaired. E. coli and high water temperatures are the primary concerns for these local streams. This impairment rate is slightly lower than the Nebraska average of 66.4%.

Specialized Monitoring for Cyanotoxins and Toxins

Three monitoring sites have recorded 1,762 measurements over the last five years. Beyond physical data, these sites are specifically tracking cyanotoxins and phytotoxins in the water. This specialized monitoring helps detect harmful algal blooms before they become a public health risk.

No Live Streamflow Data Currently Available

Chase County does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage providing live discharge data. Local water management relies on periodic physical measurements from its three monitoring sites instead. The focus remains on maintaining the excellent Grade A drinking water performance.

Safe Taps but Monitor Algal Blooms

While tap water is safe with a Grade A, the monitoring of cyanotoxins suggests a risk of harmful algal blooms in local streams. Residents should avoid letting pets swim in water that appears stagnant or green. Despite the high watershed impairment, drinking water remains a strong point for the county.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chase County

via WeatherByCounty

A Dry and Hectic Climate

Chase County averages 50.7°F annually but is characterized by its arid profile, receiving only 18.8 inches of precipitation. This is significantly drier than the national median.

High Heat and Low Moisture

The county is warmer than the state average of 49.7°F and much drier than the state's 25.9-inch precipitation mark. It faces the most extreme heat days of any county in this group.

Drier than the Sandhills Neighbors

Chase is much drier than Cherry or Brown, receiving about 3 to 6 inches less moisture annually. It also experiences 51 heat days, far outpacing the 36-38 days seen in the north.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

Summers are punishing with 51 days reaching at least 90°F and a July average of 76.0°F. Conversely, winters are milder than the state average, staying at 29.2°F with 24.9 inches of snow.

Heat Safety and Irrigation Planning

The 51 days of extreme heat require robust air conditioning and hydration planning. With only 18.8 inches of rain, water conservation and irrigation are critical for any outdoor activity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chase County

via SoilByCounty

High-pH Mollisols of western Nebraska

Chase County's Mollisols feature a pH of 7.08, sitting comfortably above the national median of 6.5. This alkaline profile is typical of the western plains where lime content is naturally higher in the earth.

Gritty silt loam textures

The texture is silt loam, but it carries a significant 46.8% sand component alongside 38.8% silt. This creates a gritty but productive mix that is easier to manage than heavier clay soils.

Matching the state water average

Available water capacity is 0.169 in/in, nearly matching the Nebraska state average of 0.172. Organic matter is 1.98%, reflecting the more arid climate compared to the state's eastern counties.

Surprising drainage challenges in lowlands

Despite high sand content, these soils are classified as very poorly drained in certain areas and fall into Hydrologic Group B/D. Local topography can lead to significant water pooling in low-lying spots.

Native gardening in zone 5b

This soil is excellent for native prairie wildflowers and drought-resistant shrubs that thrive in alkaline conditions. Gardeners should use mulch to help boost the 1.98% organic matter and retain moisture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chase County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in Chase County

Chase County is a challenging environment for lawns, with a difficulty score of 47.8, which is below the national and state averages. The arid climate and intense heat make maintaining a traditional green lawn a labor-intensive task.

Intense Heat and Low Rainfall

With 51 extreme heat days—significantly higher than the state average of 34—lawns here face extreme stress. The meager 18.8 inches of annual rainfall is far below the 30-inch ideal, making heavy irrigation a requirement.

Poorly Drained Silt Loam

While the silt loam texture is good, the soil is classified as very poorly drained, which can lead to root rot if over-irrigated. A pH of 7.08 is slightly alkaline, so you may need to add sulfur to lower it into the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Navigating Severe Dryness

Nearly 60% of the county is currently in severe drought (D2+), following 22 weeks of drought conditions this past year. For the best chance of survival, prioritize watering late at night or early in the morning to minimize evaporation loss.

Resilient Turf Selections

Buffalograss is a great native alternative to traditional turf in this dry Zone 5b climate. If you prefer standard grass, seed Tall Fescue after May 7th to ensure it has the best start before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chase County's county score?
Chase County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 58.5 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 Chase County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Chase County ranks #61 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 Chase County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Chase County is $2,156, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Chase County a tax score of 25.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chase County?
The median household income in Chase County, Nebraska is $62,782 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chase County earns an income score of 47.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chase County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Chase County scores 58.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Chase 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 Chase 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.