countyscore
41.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 72.2Health 65.6

County Report Card

About Cheyenne County, Nebraska

Falling Short of the National Median

Cheyenne County earns a composite score of 41.4, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a lower overall ranking compared to many peers across the United States.

Trailing the Nebraska State Average

The county's overall score of 41.4 significantly lags behind the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It ranks among the lower-scoring counties within the state's diverse landscape.

Excellent Water and Environmental Stability

Cheyenne excels in basic infrastructure and safety from disaster, posting a high water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 72.2. These figures suggest a high level of resilience to environmental hazards.

Navigating High Taxes and Low Safety

Tax burden remains a significant hurdle with a low tax score of 6.3 and an effective rate of 1.741%. Additionally, the safety score of 28.6 highlights a need for improvement in local security metrics.

A Haven for Environmental Resilience

This county best suits individuals who prioritize high-quality water and low environmental risk over tax savings. The affordable home value of $129,100 appeals to budget-conscious buyers looking for stability.

Score breakdown

Tax6.3Cost42.7Safety28.6Health65.6Schools55.3Income31.9Risk72.2Water86Weather34.7
🏛6.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

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Burke County
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Athens County
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Nearby counties

Logan County
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38
Deuel County
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61.2
Sedgwick County
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Kimball County
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Morrill County
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Garden County
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Phillips County
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Banner County
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Deep Dives

Cheyenne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cheyenne County

via TaxByCounty

Cheyenne's taxes run 35% higher than U.S. norm

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cheyenne County

via CostByCounty

Cheyenne rents strain household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cheyenne County

via IncomeByCounty

Cheyenne falls short of national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cheyenne County

via CrimeByCounty

Cheyenne County Stays Below National Crime Levels

Cheyenne County’s total crime rate of 1,717.8 per 100,000 residents remains well below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a robust safety score of 97.3 out of 100.

Local Crime Rates Exceed State Average

Despite being safer than the U.S. average, Cheyenne lags behind the typical Nebraska community. Its total crime rate is nearly triple the state average of 626.7 per 100,000 residents.

Comparing Safety Across Neighboring Counties

Cheyenne faces higher crime pressure than rural neighbors like Clay or Cuming counties. However, it maintains a significantly lower total crime rate than Dakota County's 2,266.7 per 100,000.

Violent vs Property Crime in Cheyenne

The local profile consists of 495.3 violent incidents and 1,222.5 property crimes per 100,000 people. While the violent rate exceeds the national mark of 369.8, property crimes remain considerably lower than the U.S. figure of 2,015.7.

Keeping Your Cheyenne County Home Secure

High safety scores offer peace of mind, but residents should still practice basic vigilance. Standard security measures help maintain the county's relative safety compared to national norms.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cheyenne County

via HealthByCounty

Cheyenne County lags on life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cheyenne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Educational Foundation in Cheyenne County

Cheyenne County manages a focused education network consisting of 9 public schools across three distinct districts. This infrastructure supports a total enrollment of 1,484 students with a mix of four elementary, two middle, and three high schools. The county maintains a small-town educational feel with no charter schools in operation.

Strong Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a graduation rate of 88.1%, which outperforms both the Nebraska state average of 86.9% and the national benchmark of 87%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,416 sits below the national average of $13,000, the school score of 55.6 indicates performance above the national median of 50. This demonstrates a high level of academic efficiency given the local investment levels.

Sidney Public Schools Leads the Region

Sidney Public Schools serves as the county's primary educational anchor, educating 1,276 students across six different schools. Other local options include Potter-Dix Public Schools and Leyton Public Schools, which serve 166 and 133 students respectively. Every school in the county is a traditional public institution, as there are currently no charter schools available.

Town-Centered Schools with an Intimate Feel

Education here happens in cozy settings, with an average school size of just 165 students. Six schools are located in town settings while three remain rural, including Sidney High School, which is the largest at 349 students. Small-scale learning is the norm, as seen at Leyton and Potter-Dix facilities which maintain smaller cohorts.

Establish Your Roots Near Top-Performing Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and small class sizes will find Cheyenne County a compelling choice. With performance metrics exceeding state averages, the local schools provide a strong incentive for home buyers. Explore residential options in Sidney or the surrounding rural areas to secure a spot in these efficient districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cheyenne County

via RiskByCounty

Cheyenne County's Risk Score

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cheyenne County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool and Semiarid High Plains Climate

Cheyenne County maintains an annual average temperature of 49.0°F, which sits notably lower than the national median. The region is significantly drier than much of the country, recording only 18.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler than the Nebraska Average

The county's 49.0°F average temperature falls below the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. This reflects the higher elevation and western position of the county compared to the warmer eastern plains.

High Elevation Weather Patterns

Cheyenne County experiences a rugged climate with 35.1 inches of annual snowfall, which is significantly higher than counties further east. Its 18.3 inches of rain also makes it one of the drier agricultural zones in the state.

Sharp Seasonal Contrasts and High Heat

Despite a cool annual average, the county faces 42 extreme heat days over 90°F annually. Winters are chilly with a 28.5°F average, while summers peak with a July average of 74.0°F.

Prepare for Snow and Sun

Residents must maintain high-performance HVAC systems to handle 42 days of extreme summer heat. Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is also essential to manage the 35.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cheyenne County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Loam and Mollisol Base

Cheyenne County is defined by Mollisols, the deep, dark soils typical of the American grasslands. Its dominant loam texture pairs with an average pH of 7.17, which is notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5.

Sand-Heavy Loam for Easy Working

The soil mix contains 53.9% sand, 30.1% silt, and 14.0% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the soil is easy to work and allows for rapid water infiltration, though it holds less water than denser clay soils.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter sits at 1.80%, which falls below both the national average of 2.0% and the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. The available water capacity of 0.165 in/in suggests plants need consistent moisture management to thrive here.

Well Drained for Stable Foundations

Classified as well-drained, this soil belongs to hydrologic group C, indicating a moderate to high rate of runoff when saturated. These conditions are generally favorable for building and road construction but may require irrigation for thirsty crops.

Success in Zone 5b

Located in hardiness zone 5b, this soil is perfect for hardy grains and drought-tolerant perennials. Gardeners should focus on building up organic matter with compost to improve the current 1.80% level and support a wider variety of vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cheyenne County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate for Cheyenne Lawns

Cheyenne County earns a lawn difficulty score of 34.9, which is significantly more difficult than the Nebraska state average of 54.2. Maintaining a lawn in this hardiness zone 5b environment requires significantly more effort than the national median score of 50.0.

Arid Conditions and Intense Summer Heat

The county receives just 18.3 inches of annual precipitation, falling well below the 30-50 inches ideal for most lawn grasses. With 42 extreme heat days over 90°F annually, your mowing schedule must adapt to high-stress summer peaks.

Working with Sandy Loam Soils

The soil is a well-drained loam with a high sand content of 53.9% and a slightly alkaline pH of 7.17. While the drainage is excellent, the soil pH sits just above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, potentially requiring sulfur amendments to improve nutrient uptake.

Navigating a Year of Severe Drought

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought or worse. To conserve water, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering cycles during the early morning hours.

Planting for Success in the Panhandle

Drought-tolerant species like Buffalograss or Fine Fescue are best suited for this arid 5b climate. Aim to start your lawn project after the last spring frost on May 9th to ensure your new grass establishes before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheyenne County's county score?
Cheyenne County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 41.4 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 Cheyenne County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Cheyenne County ranks #84 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 Cheyenne County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Cheyenne County is $2,248, with an effective tax rate of 1.74%. This earns Cheyenne County a tax score of 6.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cheyenne County?
The median household income in Cheyenne County, Nebraska is $57,594 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cheyenne County earns an income score of 31.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cheyenne County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Cheyenne County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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