Cheyenne County's composite score of 65.7 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 63rd percentile nationally. This county is a solid performer on the livability scale, though its position reflects the strength of Nebraska's overall quality of life relative to the nation.
2 / 5
Slightly below Nebraska's median
Among Nebraska's 93 counties, Cheyenne ranks below the state average of 71.2, indicating there are stronger opportunities elsewhere in the state. Still, a 65.7 score keeps it competitive and livable by regional standards.
3 / 5
Housing affordability and health stand out
Cheyenne County excels in housing costs (78.8), where the median home value of $129,100 and monthly rent of $912 are approachable for most households. The health score of 73.4 reflects solid access to medical resources and wellness indicators for the region.
4 / 5
Income levels lag behind state peers
The income score of 21.0 is notably low, with a median household income of $57,594 falling well short of wealthier Nebraska counties. The tax burden, while not extreme at 1.741%, represents a relative weakness compared to counties with stronger tax scores.
5 / 5
A fit for cost-conscious families
Cheyenne County works best for budget-minded households prioritizing affordable housing and reasonable living costs over high wages. Retirees and those teleworking with fixed income may find particular value here, though job seekers should research local employment carefully.
Cheyenne County's composite score of 65.7 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 63rd percentile nationally. This county is a solid performer on the livability scale, though its position reflects the strength of Nebraska's overall quality of life relative to the nation.
Slightly below Nebraska's median
Among Nebraska's 93 counties, Cheyenne ranks below the state average of 71.2, indicating there are stronger opportunities elsewhere in the state. Still, a 65.7 score keeps it competitive and livable by regional standards.
Housing affordability and health stand out
Cheyenne County excels in housing costs (78.8), where the median home value of $129,100 and monthly rent of $912 are approachable for most households. The health score of 73.4 reflects solid access to medical resources and wellness indicators for the region.
Income levels lag behind state peers
The income score of 21.0 is notably low, with a median household income of $57,594 falling well short of wealthier Nebraska counties. The tax burden, while not extreme at 1.741%, represents a relative weakness compared to counties with stronger tax scores.
A fit for cost-conscious families
Cheyenne County works best for budget-minded households prioritizing affordable housing and reasonable living costs over high wages. Retirees and those teleworking with fixed income may find particular value here, though job seekers should research local employment carefully.
Score breakdown
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🏛53.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.741%, Cheyenne County's effective property tax rate sits well above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile nationally. This means homeowners here pay substantially more in property taxes than most Americans, even though home values are well below the national median.
Among the highest in Nebraska
Cheyenne ranks in the upper tier of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a 1.741% effective rate that exceeds the state average of 1.281% by nearly 36%. Only a handful of Nebraska counties impose higher property tax burdens on their residents.
Cheyenne taxes outpace most regional peers
Cheyenne's 1.741% rate towers over nearby Laramie County and other High Plains neighbors, which typically range from 0.8% to 1.3%. Among the eight-county region we tracked, only Dakota County (1.594%) comes close to Cheyenne's burden.
Expect $2,248 annually on median home
A typical Cheyenne County home valued at $129,100 generates a $2,248 annual property tax bill at the current rate. Owners with mortgages typically see $2,640 in total tax liability, while those without mortgages pay $1,858.
Many Cheyenne homeowners are overassessed
Property tax appeals in Cheyenne County have succeeded at meaningful rates, suggesting that some assessed values may exceed actual market value. If you believe your home is overvalued, filing an appeal with your county assessor's office could reduce your annual tax burden.
Cheyenne County residents spend 19.0% of their median household income on rent, well above the national average of roughly 14-15% and the Nebraska state average of 14.2%. With a median household income of $57,594—significantly below the national median of $74,755—housing costs eat a larger share of paychecks here than in most of the country.
Among Nebraska's least affordable counties
Cheyenne County ranks as one of Nebraska's less affordable housing markets, with its 19.0% rent-to-income ratio placing it well above the state average. The gap signals that while housing costs are moderate in absolute terms ($912/month), local incomes are the real constraint.
Pricier than surrounding areas
Cheyenne County's median rent of $912 exceeds nearby Clay County ($701) and Colfax County ($902), putting it among the higher-rent counties in the region. Despite having lower median incomes than several neighbors, residents here pay more for comparable housing.
Rent dominates, ownership costs moderate
Monthly rent averages $912 while homeownership costs $864, but the real squeeze comes from income: the median household earns just $57,594 annually, meaning renters devote 19% of gross income to housing. First-time homebuyers looking at the median home value of $129,100 might find ownership more feasible than the current rental market.
Consider this if you're relocating here
If you're moving to Cheyenne County, budget conservatively—housing costs take a bigger slice of income than statewide norms. Compare your expected salary against the $57,594 median to ensure housing remains truly affordable before committing.
Cheyenne County's median household income of $57,594 lags 23% behind the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the bottom tier nationally for household earnings, signaling economic challenges relative to most U.S. counties.
Bottom third in Nebraska earnings
Cheyenne County ranks among Nebraska's lower-income counties, falling $9,286 below the state median of $66,880. Only a handful of Nebraska counties earn less, making Cheyenne one of the state's most economically constrained regions.
Lagging rural Nebraska peers
Cheyenne's $57,594 income significantly trails adjacent Colfax County ($79,720) and Dawson County ($65,383). The gap suggests economic divergence across the panhandle, with Cheyenne facing steeper income headwinds than neighboring counties.
Housing remains affordable here
At 19.0%, Cheyenne's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating renters spend less than one-fifth of income on housing. However, the county's lower median income means households have less discretionary spending for other essentials and savings.
Build financial security intentionally
With median incomes below state and national averages, Cheyenne households benefit most from disciplined budgeting and low-cost investment strategies like employer 401(k)s or index funds. Starting small—even $50 monthly—compounds significantly over time and builds resilience against economic volatility.
At 75.2 years, Cheyenne County's life expectancy falls 4.5 years short of the U.S. average of 79.7 years. The county's 15.2% poor/fair health rate tracks near national levels, suggesting underlying health challenges that impact longevity.
Below Nebraska's health average
Cheyenne County ranks below Nebraska's 77.5-year state average, placing it in the lower tier of Nebraska counties for life expectancy. Its 7.6% uninsured rate performs slightly better than the state average of 8.1%.
Primary care access is strong here
Cheyenne County offers 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above neighbors like Clay County (33 per 100K) and Custer County (57 per 100K). Mental health access is robust at 136 providers per 100,000, supporting both physical and behavioral health.
Healthcare access in daily life
With 7.6% of residents uninsured, most Cheyenne County residents have coverage for preventive and emergency care. Strong primary care availability means most residents can access a regular provider without long travel times.
Find your health insurance fit
If you're among the 7.6% uninsured in Cheyenne County, explore coverage options through the Healthcare.gov marketplace or contact a local navigator. Even short coverage gaps can compound health risks—today is the day to secure your care.
With a composite risk score of 27.80 and a Very Low rating, Cheyenne County sits slightly above the national average for natural disaster risk. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazards, with wildfire emerging as the most significant threat at 43.38.
Among Nebraska's Safest Counties
Cheyenne County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Nebraska, with a score of 27.80 compared to the state average of 25.80. The county's risk profile is well below several neighboring counties, though wildfire and tornado risks warrant attention.
Compared to Neighboring Counties
Cheyenne County's composite risk of 27.80 is significantly lower than nearby Laramie County in Wyoming and other regional counterparts. Its tornado risk (35.37) is moderate compared to the state, while its wildfire risk (43.38) aligns with broader Great Plains patterns.
Wildfire and Tornado Threats
Wildfire risk (43.38) poses the greatest natural disaster threat to Cheyenne County, followed by tornado risk (35.37). While flood risk remains relatively low at 27.74, residents should prepare for severe convective weather and grass fires, particularly during dry seasons.
Insurance for Wyoming Border County
Residents should prioritize windstorm and fire insurance given the county's wildfire exposure. Consider reviewing coverage limits annually, especially if you're near grasslands or have vegetation near your home that could fuel wildfires.