countyscore
55.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.4Schools 76.3Health 63.4

County Report Card

About Cherry County, Nebraska

Above the National Average

Cherry County scores 55.4 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This demonstrates a reliable quality of life in one of the nation's largest counties by land area.

Trailing the State Average

The county's score of 55.4 is slightly below the Nebraska state average of 59.3. While it offers unique benefits, it faces specific regional challenges that lower its comparative ranking.

Resilient and Low Risk

Cherry County is extremely resilient, boasting a risk score of 86.4. Residents also benefit from a strong school score of 76.3 and a relatively low 1.010% effective tax rate.

Water Infrastructure Deficits

The water score is a notable low point at 17.8, suggesting significant issues with water quality or access. Safety also ranks lower than some rural neighbors with a score of 53.2.

A Match for Independent Spirits

This county is best for those who love the Sandhills and value a stable, low-tax environment with good schools. It suits independent-minded people who are comfortable with the trade-offs of deep rural living.

2040608010037.553.153.263.476.350.286.417.836.8Tax37.5Cost53.1Safety53.2Health63.4Schools76.3Income50.2Risk86.4Water17.8Weather36.855.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Cherry County DNA

Foverall

How Cherry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cherry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (86.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (17.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.5-14.5
Cost
53.1
Safety
53.2
Health
63.4+13.399999999999999
Schools
76.3+22.299999999999997
Income
50.2
Risk
86.4+39.400000000000006
Water
17.8-40.2
Weather
36.8-19.200000000000003
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Many homeowners in Cherry 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

$136,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$873/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$136,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,750/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.3

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
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Nearby counties

Todd County
South Dakota
50.5
Hooker County
Nebraska
66.7
Thomas County
Nebraska
78.9
Bennett County
South Dakota
43
Brown County
Nebraska
60.7
Grant County
Nebraska
69.6
Sheridan County
Nebraska
57.3
McPherson County
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68.3

Deep Dives

Cherry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Cherry County

via CrimeByCounty

Cherry County Remains Safer than Average

Cherry County reports a total crime rate of 1059.8 per 100K, which remains well below the national average of 2,385.5. Despite being higher than some neighbors, the county earns a strong safety score of 98.3.

Assessing Safety within Nebraska

The county’s safety score of 98.3 is slightly below the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 1059.8 per 100K is higher than the state average of 626.7, reflecting more frequent reported activity.

Comparing Cherry to Brown County

Compared to neighboring Brown County, which has a rate of 74.4 per 100K, Cherry County has a significantly higher rate of reported crime. However, it still maintains a profile that is much safer than the national landscape.

Breakdown of Local Crime Categories

Violent crime is recorded at 347.2 per 100K, which is high for the state but still under the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 712.6 per 100K, roughly one-third of the national rate.

Practical Safety Steps for Residents

Given the higher local rates compared to the state average, investing in home security systems is a wise choice. Proper lighting and alarm systems provide peace of mind in this vast geographic area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cherry County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide-Ranging District with Eight Schools

Cherry County operates eight public schools across two districts, serving 781 students in the heart of the Sandhills. The network includes four elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

High Graduation and Strong State Scores

Cherry County's 91.2% graduation rate is significantly higher than the national 87.0% average. The county's school score of 63.6 and per-pupil spending of $11,352 indicate a strong commitment to quality education.

Valentine Community Schools Dominates

Valentine Community Schools is the primary district, managing 623 students across five schools. The remaining students attend Cody-Kilgore Public Schools, and there are zero charter schools in the region.

A Mix of Town and Sandhills Rural

Schools are split between five rural and three town-based locales, with an average size of just 98 students. Valentine Elementary is the largest at 279 students, while Cody-Kilgore High School offers an extremely small environment for 51 students.

Quality Education in a Vast Landscape

With graduation rates exceeding 91%, Cherry County is a great choice for families who want high academic standards in a rural setting. Look for homes in the Valentine area to be close to the county's largest and most diverse schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Cherry County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rate Impacts Drinking Water Grade

Cherry County holds a Water Quality Grade of F with 5 health violations reported in five years. Its violation rate of 155.7 per 100,000 people is significantly higher than the state average of 110.3. This data suggests that drinking water systems in the county require significant attention.

Mercury and E. Coli Impair Large Watershed

The 2022 assessment shows that 73.7% of the county's 19 water bodies are impaired. Top causes include E. coli, high temperatures, and mercury found in fish tissue. This impairment rate is nearly 10 points higher than the Nebraska state average of 66.4%.

Eighteen Sites Monitor Microbiological Health

A broad network of 18 monitoring sites has recorded 7,299 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical, nutrient, and microbiological factors across the county's vast landscape. This footprint is vital for tracking the high percentage of impaired water bodies.

Niobrara River Flow Slightly Below Average

The Niobrara River near Sparks is currently flowing at 621 cfs, which is 78% of its long-term mean. This gauge monitors a massive 7,150-square-mile drainage area that defines much of the local environment. While flow is steady, it is currently below the historical expected levels.

Test Taps and Verify Fish Safety

With a Grade F drinking water rating and mercury impairment in the watershed, residents should be cautious. It is advisable to test home tap water for contaminants and follow all mercury-related fish consumption advisories. The large number of impaired water bodies makes personal water awareness essential.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cherry County

via WeatherByCounty

The Great Plains Continental Heart

Cherry County averages 48.4°F annually, sitting well below the national median of 54°F. Its vast landscape receives 21.8 inches of precipitation, typical of the high plains.

Cooler and Drier than Average

Cherry County is over a degree cooler than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F. It also receives about 4 inches less precipitation annually than the state average of 25.9 inches.

The Cool Giant of the Sandhills

At 48.4°F, Cherry is cooler than neighboring Brown County and much drier than eastern counties like Burt. It experiences more snow but less extreme heat than Chase County to the south.

Snowy Winters and Sunny Summers

The county receives a significant 33.3 inches of annual snowfall, with a January average of 24.8°F. July warms to 74.1°F, bringing 36 days of extreme heat each year.

Self-Reliance for Extreme Weather

Due to the county's size and 33 inches of snow, residents should keep emergency kits and winter gear in all vehicles. Reliable cooling is necessary to manage the five weeks of 90-degree summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cherry County

via SoilByCounty

The Sandhills' near-perfect pH balance

Cherry County features a pH of 6.58, almost exactly matching the national median of 6.5. This neutral chemistry provides a perfectly balanced environment for a wide range of native plant life.

Dominant sand with minimal clay

This is the sandiest soil in the group, boasting an incredible 68.9% sand and only 6.8% clay. This texture ensures maximum aeration but significantly limits the soil's ability to hold onto water.

State-leading organic matter levels

The soil contains a massive 8.02% organic matter, dwarfing the state average of 3.32%. However, the water capacity is low at 0.110 in/in, meaning plants must be highly efficient with the moisture they find.

Rapid filtration in the Sandhills

While official drainage classes are missing, the 68.9% sand content indicates very rapid drainage. This profile allows water to move swiftly into the underlying aquifer, defining the unique local ecosystem.

Leveraging high organic matter in zone 5a

The 8.02% organic matter provides a huge boost for any gardener willing to manage the sandy texture. Focus on native prairie plants and deep-rooted species that can reach moisture deep beneath the surface.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cherry County

via LawnByCounty

Cherry County's Uphill Battle

Cherry County faces significant lawn care hurdles with a difficulty score of 48.2. In this Zone 5a region, the combination of cold winters and limited rainfall makes consistent green turf difficult to maintain without specialized care.

Short Growing Seasons

With 36 extreme heat days and only 21.8 inches of rain, the climate requires frequent intervention. The 2,861 growing degree days represent a shorter, cooler growing window compared to the rest of Nebraska.

Very Sandy Soil Challenges

The soil is 68.9% sand, meaning water and nutrients leach away rapidly. The pH of 6.58 is excellent, but you will need to apply fertilizer in smaller, more frequent doses to keep your lawn fed in these porous conditions.

Extended Drought Vulnerability

A staggering 45 weeks of drought over the past year have left Cherry County lawns in a vulnerable state. All of the county is currently abnormally dry, so consider drought-tolerant species to reduce your water dependency.

Choosing for Cold and Drought

Fine Fescue is a top choice for its ability to handle both the Zone 5a cold and sandy soils. Ensure you finish all seeding work by October 1st, as the first frost typically arrives early in this northern county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherry County's county score?
Cherry County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Cherry County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Cherry County ranks #67 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 Cherry County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Cherry County is $1,373, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Cherry County a tax score of 37.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherry County?
The median household income in Cherry County, Nebraska is $63,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cherry County earns an income score of 50.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cherry County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Cherry County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Cherry 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 Cherry 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.