Chase County

Nebraska · NE

#48 in Nebraska
71.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Chase County, Nebraska

Chase County scores solidly above national median

Chase County's 71.5 composite score ranks it 43% above the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the upper half of American counties. Its performance reflects strong affordability and low-risk conditions.

Right at Nebraska's state average

Chase County scores 71.5, essentially matching Nebraska's 71.2 state average, making it a representative example of a solid Nebraska county. It ranks in the middle tier among these eight counties.

Stability and affordability are standouts

Chase County's risk score of 93.4 is among the best in the group, indicating exceptional stability and low vulnerability. Its cost score of 81.6 pairs nicely with median rent at $749/month and homes at $178,700.

Limited income and modest health access

Chase County's income score of 24.4 and health score of 69.8 are both below the group average, with median household income at $62,782. Those seeking robust healthcare or higher earnings may find limitations.

Suits those valuing stability over advancement

Chase County appeals to risk-averse retirees, conservative savers, and families prioritizing community stability over income growth. It's an excellent choice for those seeking an economically resilient small town with low costs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.3Cost81.6SafetyComing SoonHealth69.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.4Risk93.4WaterComing Soon
🏛68.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠81.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼24.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
69.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
93.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Chase County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

Health in Chase County

via HealthByCounty

Chase County faces health headwinds

At 77.4 years, Chase County residents live 1.5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 17.6% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of 13.5%, signaling above-average health challenges across the population.

Among Nebraska's lower performers

Chase County's 77.4-year life expectancy matches Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years almost exactly, but its 17.6% poor or fair health rate ranks notably above the state norm. This gap suggests higher rates of chronic disease and health struggles despite average longevity.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Cedar County to the north achieves 80.2 years while Chase manages just 77.4 years—a significant 2.8-year gap in the same region. Chase also faces provider shortages with just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among the lowest statewide.

Highest uninsured rate in study

Chase County's 11.2% uninsured rate far exceeds Nebraska's 8.1% average, leaving more than one in ten residents vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. Provider access is critically tight: just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, and mental health provider data is unavailable—suggesting severe behavioral health access gaps.

Coverage is urgent in Chase County

With 11% of Chase County uninsured and few providers available, having health insurance is your lifeline to care. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov today to enroll in Medicaid or a marketplace plan—don't delay protecting yourself and your family.

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.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.