CountyScore

Cherry County

Nebraska · NE

#34 in Nebraska
72.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Cherry County, Nebraska

Cherry County exceeds national livability benchmark

Cherry County's 72.8 composite score ranks 46% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of American counties. This strong performance is anchored by very low taxes and exceptional stability.

Above average among Nebraska counties

At 72.8, Cherry County exceeds Nebraska's 71.2 state average, ranking it in the top half of state counties. It's competitive with Cedar and Butler counties, the group's other top performers.

Lowest taxes and excellent risk profile

Cherry County offers the state's second-lowest effective tax rate at 1.010% and a risk score of 86.4, reflecting strong economic and environmental stability. Its cost score of 81.1 provides solid housing affordability with median homes at $136,000.

Income and health opportunities limited

Cherry County's income score of 25.0 reflects median household income of just $63,750, and its health score of 72.1 trails some county peers. Those needing robust healthcare systems or earning potential may find constraints.

Excellent for tax-minimizing rural households

Cherry County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and frugal families seeking minimal tax burden and exceptional stability. Its remote location and low-wage character make it best suited for those with income from outside the county.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.9Cost81.1SafetyComing SoonHealth72.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome25Risk86.4WaterComing Soon
🏛73.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡86.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cherry County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alpine County
California
72.8
Median income: $110,781
Modoc County
California
72.8
Median income: $56,648
Chickasaw County
Iowa
72.8
Median income: $73,421
Leslie County
Kentucky
72.8
Median income: $40,176
Benzie County
Michigan
72.8
Median income: $72,603

Deep Dives

Cherry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cherry County

via TaxByCounty

Cherry offers the lowest tax rate

Cherry County's effective tax rate of 1.010% ranks among America's lowest, making it exceptionally affordable for property owners. Homeowners pay just $1,373 annually—nearly 49% below the national median of $2,690.

Nebraska's most tax-friendly county

Cherry County's effective rate of 1.010% ranks at or near the bottom of Nebraska's 93 counties, well below the state average of 1.281%. Few Nebraska residents enjoy lower property tax rates than Cherry County offers.

Lowest rate in the entire region

Cherry County's 1.010% rate edges out Cedar County (1.041%) as the region's most tax-friendly option. Cherry's advantage extends significantly over higher-taxed neighbors like Buffalo and Burt counties.

Median home costs $1,373 yearly

A Cherry County home valued at $136,000 generates just $1,373 in annual property taxes—among the state's lowest bills. Those with mortgages pay $1,357; outright owners pay $1,398.

Review assessment, even at low rates

Even Cherry County's favorable rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments—valuation errors can occur anywhere. A free appeal to the county assessor could identify overvaluations that further reduce your already-low tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherry County

via CostByCounty

Cherry County's affordability squeeze

Cherry County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Nebraska's state average by 2.2 percentage points and significantly exceeds national norms, creating moderate affordability strain. Though the median income of $63,750 sits 15% below the national average, residents face proportionally higher housing costs.

Above-average housing burden

Cherry County ranks among Nebraska's less affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio 2.2 percentage points above the state average. The county's below-median incomes combined with above-average rents create housing stress relative to state peers.

Higher rents, lower incomes

Cherry County's $873 monthly rent is the second-highest in this group, yet its $63,750 median income trails more affluent peers like Cass County ($88,255) by $24,500. This combination of elevated rents and modest earnings creates Cherry County's affordability challenge.

Cherry County housing pressure

Renters earning Cherry County's median $63,750 spend approximately $10,476 annually on housing—16.4% of income—above the healthy 12–15% threshold. Homeowners allocate 14.3% to ownership costs, but the overall housing burden remains elevated relative to income.

Shop around before committing

Cherry County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter budgets; renters should carefully compare nearby Cedar County ($683 rent) and Burt County ($688 rent) before relocating. A modest move could reduce housing costs by 15–22% while maintaining similar regional employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherry County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherry County below national median

Cherry County's median household income of $63,750 trails the national median of $74,755 by 15%, reflecting economic challenges common to rural ranching communities. However, the gap reflects Cherry County's rural character rather than economic failure—many ranching counties nationwide show similar patterns. The county's per capita income of $33,287 is below state average, suggesting income concentration among fewer earning households.

Below Nebraska's state average

Cherry County earns $3,130 below Nebraska's state median household income of $66,880, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties. Among rural Nebraska's ranch-dependent counties, Cherry County's performance is typical but reflects limited economic diversification. However, the county maintains earnings stability through strong ranching traditions and natural resource management.

Comparable to similar counties

Cherry County's $63,750 income places it near Chase County ($62,782) and above Brown County ($51,538), reflecting the income variation across Nebraska's ranching region. As one of Nebraska's largest and most rural counties, Cherry County faces geographic isolation challenges that limit employment opportunities. However, the county's income remains solid within Nebraska's rural hierarchy.

Housing costs reasonable here

Cherry County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% remains manageable, allowing households to allocate income toward other needs and savings. Median home values of $136,000 are well within reach for families earning $63,750 annually, supporting accessible rural homeownership. The county's housing affordability provides financial breathing room despite moderate income levels.

Invest in your future

Cherry County residents earning $63,750 can strengthen financial stability through participation in employer retirement plans and regular savings habits appropriate to ranching-based household budgets. Even modest monthly contributions to savings and investment accounts build meaningful security over time. Agricultural credit unions and financial advisors offer services tailored to farming and ranching family needs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cherry County

via HealthByCounty

Cherry County trails national health

At 77.2 years, Cherry County residents live 1.7 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 18.4% poor or fair health rate is notably higher than the national average of 13.5%, indicating significant population health challenges.

Below Nebraska's state benchmark

Cherry County's 77.2-year life expectancy falls just below Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years, while its 18.4% poor or fair health rate ranks among the highest statewide. These metrics reflect persistent health inequities requiring targeted intervention.

Worst health outcomes in region

Cherry County's 77.2-year life expectancy and 18.4% poor or fair health rate significantly lag neighboring Cedar County's 80.2 years and 13.7% rate—a troubling 3-year gap. Cherry's primary care provider density of 73 per 100,000 residents is reasonable, yet health outcomes remain poor, suggesting barriers beyond provider availability.

Reasonable coverage, persistent health struggles

Cherry County's 7.8% uninsured rate sits below Nebraska's 8.1% average, so insurance access isn't driving poor outcomes. Despite 73 primary care and 55 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county's high poor or fair health rate suggests underlying social determinants—poverty, education, or healthcare quality—require broader community focus.

Insurance alone isn't enough

Most Cherry County residents have insurance, yet health outcomes lag—coverage is necessary but not sufficient. If you're among the 7.8% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to enroll; if insured, ensure you're using preventive care and addressing chronic conditions with your provider.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherry County

via RiskByCounty

Cherry County maintains very low overall risk

With a composite risk score of 13.58, Cherry County carries Very Low risk and ranks well below the national average. The county's protective position reflects manageable natural disaster exposure across most hazard categories.

Well below Nebraska's state average

Cherry County's 13.58 score is substantially lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as one of the state's safest counties. This below-average risk provides residents with comparative security within the state context.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Cherry County's 13.58 score is lower than Brown County (2.39) and Cedar County (21.69), placing it among the region's more protected communities. The county benefits from geographic isolation that shields it from major hazard corridors.

Wildfire risk dominates local hazards

Wildfire risk at 88.36 is notably elevated and Cherry County's most significant concern, substantially above state averages. Earthquake risk (22.04) is elevated compared to other county hazards, while tornado (26.27) and flood (14.98) risks remain moderate.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage

Cherry County homeowners should ensure comprehensive policies explicitly cover wildfire damage and earthquake exposure, given these county-specific threats. Maintaining defensible space around structures and securing a home's foundation against seismic activity are prudent protective steps.

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.