countyscore
53.9
County Score
Safety 86.9Income & Jobs 83.5Disaster Risk 71.4

County Report Card

About Colfax County, Nebraska

Slightly Above the National Median

Colfax County earns a 53.9 composite score, edging out the national median of 50.0. It maintains a competitive profile when compared to counties nationwide.

Falling Behind the State Average

While competitive nationally, the county sits below the Nebraska state average of 59.3. This suggests that while it is stable, other Nebraska counties offer higher measured livability.

Exceptional Safety and Strong Incomes

Colfax shines with a safety score of 86.9 and an income score of 83.5. Residents benefit from a robust median household income of $79,720 and a low environmental risk score of 71.4.

Struggles in Education and Health

The county faces hurdles in schools and healthcare, with scores of 39.7 and 48.6 respectively. Improving local education outcomes remains a primary challenge for the community.

Best for Safety-Conscious High Earners

Colfax County is perfect for professionals seeking high wages and low crime in an affordable market. With home values at $128,800, it offers significant financial advantages to those less focused on school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax23.2Cost50.4Safety86.9Health48.6Schools39.7Income83.5Risk71.4Water44.9Weather46
🏛23.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.3
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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Nearby counties

Butler County
Nebraska
70.4
Stanton County
Nebraska
67.9
Platte County
Nebraska
44
Dodge County
Nebraska
42.2
Cuming County
Nebraska
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Polk County
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Madison County
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Saunders County
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Deep Dives

Colfax County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Colfax County

via TaxByCounty

Colfax taxes stay below U.S. median

Colfax County's 1.252% effective rate exceeds the national median of 0.84% but sits well below many high-tax regions nationally, placing it around the 55th percentile. This is a relatively modest burden compared to counties in the Northeast and Midwest.

Below Nebraska's statewide average

At 1.252%, Colfax ranks slightly below Nebraska's 1.281% statewide average, putting it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 93 counties. This positions Colfax as one of Nebraska's more tax-friendly counties.

Colfax offers competitive property tax rates

Colfax's 1.252% rate is among the lowest in the eight-county region, trailing only Cuming County (1.038%). It undercuts regional neighbors like Cheyenne (1.741%) and Dakota (1.594%) by significant margins.

Median annual tax bill hits $1,612

On a median Colfax home valued at $128,800, homeowners pay roughly $1,612 annually in property taxes. Mortgage payers typically see $1,665 in total liability, while those mortgage-free pay $1,584.

Verify your assessment before paying more

Even low-tax counties can have assessment errors; Colfax homeowners should confirm their assessed value matches recent comparable sales. A simple appeal review often reveals opportunities to reduce or stabilize your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Colfax County

via CostByCounty

Colfax balances income and housing well

Colfax County residents spend 13.6% of their median household income on rent, slightly below Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and competitive with national affordability standards. With the highest median income in this region at $79,720—well above the national median of $74,755—Colfax offers strong earning potential to offset its $902 monthly rent.

Solid affordability, strong incomes

Colfax County ranks comfortably in the middle of Nebraska's housing affordability scale, with a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio that matches the state average. The county's standout feature is its income level, the highest among the counties surveyed here.

Mid-range rent with highest local pay

Colfax County's $902 monthly rent falls between Clay County's bargain rate and Cheyenne's premium, but residents earn more here ($79,720) than in any surrounding county. This income advantage makes housing costs feel lighter despite moderate rents.

Strong incomes support both options

Rent of $902 takes only 13.6% of the $79,720 median income, while homeownership costs $764—remarkably affordable for a median home value of $128,800. Colfax residents enjoy substantial housing choice without the burden seen in lower-income counties.

Relocate for good pay and fair housing

Colfax County's combination of above-average income and reasonable housing costs makes it an attractive relocation target. Whether renting or buying, your paycheck will stretch further here than in many Nebraska alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Colfax County

via IncomeByCounty

Colfax substantially exceeds national norm

Colfax County's median household income of $79,720 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by $4,965, or 6.6%. This strong performance places Colfax well above the typical U.S. county, reflecting a relatively prosperous local economy.

Nebraska's top income earners

Colfax County ranks among the state's highest-earning counties at $79,720, exceeding Nebraska's median by $12,840. The county stands in elite company statewide, representing one of Nebraska's most economically vibrant regions.

Clear income leader in region

Colfax's $79,720 income significantly outearns adjacent Cheyenne ($57,594), Cuming ($70,708), and Dawson ($65,383) counties. This advantage suggests stronger local industries or more skilled-wage jobs concentrated in Colfax.

Housing affordable relative to earnings

Colfax's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% sits comfortably below the 30% threshold, meaning renters spend roughly one-seventh of income on housing. High income combined with reasonable housing costs provides substantial financial flexibility and savings capacity.

Maximize your above-average position

Colfax households earning above state and national medians are well-positioned to pursue aggressive wealth strategies—maxing out retirement accounts, diversifying investments, or building real estate portfolios. Your income advantage compounds when reinvested consistently over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Colfax County

via CrimeByCounty

Colfax County Maintains High Safety Marks

Colfax County reports a total crime rate of 293.5 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents results in an impressive safety score of 99.5.

Leading State Safety Standards

The county is safer than the state average, maintaining a safety score of 99.5 compared to Nebraska's 99.0 average. Its total crime rate sits at less than half of the 626.7 state average.

Comparing Colfax to Nearby Counties

Colfax is safer than neighboring Dakota and Dawson counties, which both have rates exceeding 1,000 per 100,000. It closely mirrors the low-crime profile seen in nearby Cuming County.

Low Risk for Violent and Property Offenses

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 28.4 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 265.1. These figures are far below national averages, indicating a very low risk for residents.

Simple Steps to Preserve Local Safety

Most local crime involves property, making home security systems a wise investment. Maintaining awareness helps preserve the exceptionally low crime levels currently enjoyed by the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Colfax County

via HealthByCounty

Colfax County's exceptional life expectancy

Colfax County residents live 82.0 years on average—2.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 79.7 years. However, this longevity contrast is complicated by a notably high 21.7% poor/fair health rate, suggesting chronic conditions that extend into old age.

Nebraska's longest-living county

Colfax County's 82.0-year life expectancy ranks highest in Nebraska, surpassing the state average of 77.5 years by 4.5 years. Yet its 14.7% uninsured rate nearly doubles the state average of 8.1%, raising equity concerns.

Primary care data gaps complicate picture

Primary care provider data for Colfax County is not available, making direct comparison difficult—though mental health access is limited at just 19 providers per 100,000 compared to neighbors like Cuming (90). Residents may struggle to find behavioral health support locally.

A paradox of coverage and care

With 14.7% of residents uninsured—the highest rate among these eight counties—many Colfax residents face barriers to preventive care despite the county's overall longevity. The high poor/fair health rate suggests chronic disease burden that uninsured status may worsen.

Close the coverage gap now

If you're among the 14.7% uninsured in Colfax County, enrollment through Healthcare.gov or community health centers is urgent. Insurance access can reduce delays in managing the chronic conditions affecting so many residents.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Colfax County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Options in Colfax County

Colfax County supports 14 public schools across three districts, catering to a total enrollment of 2,701 students. The system includes a broad mix of six elementary schools, two middle schools, four high schools, and two alternative facilities. This infrastructure balances larger town centers with smaller outlying rural campuses.

Navigating Challenges in Graduation Outcomes

The county faces academic headwinds with a graduation rate of 78.3%, falling below both the state average of 86.9% and the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is currently $8,461, which is lower than the Nebraska state average of $10,521. Despite these figures, the school score of 50.5 remains slightly above the national median of 50.

Schuyler Community Schools Leads Enrollment

Schuyler Community Schools is the dominant district, serving 1,984 students across eight different facilities. Leigh Community Schools and Clarkson Public Schools provide more intimate alternatives, serving 276 and 224 students respectively. All 14 schools in the county are traditional public institutions, with no charter options currently available.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

The county offers a mix of eight rural schools and six town-based campuses, creating a varied educational atmosphere. Schuyler Central High School is the largest facility with 623 students, nearly matching the size of Schuyler Elementary at 621. Overall, the average school size is 193 students, though rural campuses like Leigh Elementary offer even smaller cohorts.

Find Your Place in a Growing Community

With a wide range of school sizes and locations, Colfax County offers options for every type of family. While graduation rates are currently lower than the state average, the large investments in Schuyler Community Schools provide a central hub for student life. Search for homes near Schuyler or Leigh to find the right fit for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Colfax County

via RiskByCounty

Colfax County's Low Risk Profile

Colfax County has a composite risk score of 28.63 and a Very Low rating, placing it near the national average for natural disaster exposure. While wildfire (57.06) and tornado (55.98) risks are notable, the overall profile suggests relatively manageable disaster risk.

Moderately Safe in Nebraska

Colfax County's score of 28.63 is slightly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, but remains among the safer counties statewide. The county's composite score masks significant tornado and wildfire threats concentrated in particular risk categories.

Balanced Compared to Regional Peers

Colfax County (28.63) ranks safer than Clay County (56.04) and similarly to Cheyenne County (27.80), indicating variable risk across the region. Its tornado and wildfire scores are elevated relative to regional neighbors, though flood risk remains low.

Wildfire and Tornado Focus Areas

Wildfire risk (57.06) and tornado risk (55.98) represent the primary hazards facing Colfax County residents, both well above state averages. Flood risk is minimal (31.77), allowing residents to concentrate preparation efforts on convective storms and fire season readiness.

Prepare for Wind and Fire Threats

Colfax County residents should secure comprehensive windstorm and fire insurance, as these hazards dominate the county's risk landscape. Maintaining a fire-resistant perimeter around your property and installing storm-resistant features can meaningfully reduce vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Colfax County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Continental Climate

Colfax County averages 49.5°F annually, aligning closely with the typical climate profile of the American Midwest. The area receives 28.6 inches of precipitation, which is higher than the national median for interior states.

Mirroring the Nebraska State Average

The county's 49.5°F average is almost identical to the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. However, its 28.6 inches of precipitation makes it wetter than the state average of 25.9 inches.

Eastern Nebraska Moisture Levels

With 29.6 inches of annual snowfall, Colfax sees more winter accumulation than counties in the southern tier. It shares a similar precipitation profile with other eastern Nebraska counties that benefit from Missouri Valley moisture.

Frigid Winters and Sunny Summers

Winters are notably cold with a January average of 22.1°F and 29.6 inches of total snow. Summers are warm and pleasant, though residents still face 24 days above 90°F each year.

Winterize Your Home Early

Cold winters averaging 24.8°F require excellent home insulation and reliable heating systems. Outdoor planning should account for the 24 extreme heat days during the July peak.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Colfax County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils for Versatile Growing

Colfax County soil maintains an average pH of 6.97, which is very close to the state average of 6.79. This near-neutral chemistry provides an ideal environment for most standard garden crops and field grains.

Silt and Clay Balance

The soil composition is 48.4% silt and 23.6% clay, balanced by 28.0% sand. This mix creates a soil that retains moisture effectively while providing enough structure to support healthy root development.

Consistent Moisture Storage

The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is higher than the Nebraska average of 0.172, providing a buffer against drought. However, organic matter at 2.41% is slightly lower than the state average, suggesting benefits from regular mulching.

Navigating Higher Silt Content

Because silt makes up nearly half of the soil, water moves steadily but can cause surface crusting after heavy rains. Proper soil management here focuses on protecting the surface layer to maintain infiltration rates.

Garden Success in Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b is perfect for cool-season crops like peas and potatoes that appreciate the high water capacity of these soils. With a respectable soil score of 61.6, the land is well-suited for both commercial farming and home gardening.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Colfax County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Central Nebraska

Colfax County maintains a lawn difficulty score of 56.3, placing it slightly above both the national median and the state average of 54.2. This hardiness zone 5b region offers a balanced environment for homeowners seeking a lush green space.

Manageable Heat and Adequate Rain

The county experiences only 24 extreme heat days per year, which is 10 days fewer than the state average of 34. Combined with 28.6 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns face less thermal stress than many neighboring counties.

Perfectly Balanced Soil pH Levels

The soil pH in Colfax County stands at 6.97, resting precisely at the top end of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A clay content of 23.6% provides a stable foundation that balances water retention with root aeration.

Monitoring Moisture During Dry Periods

While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the region has avoided severe drought conditions over the last 33 weeks. Regular mulching of grass clippings can help return moisture and nutrients to the soil during these dry periods.

Spring Seeding for Resilient Lawns

Standard cool-season blends like Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass perform well in zone 5b. Plan your seeding or sodding projects for late April once the frost risk passes on April 27th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colfax County's county score?
Colfax County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 53.9 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 Colfax County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Colfax County ranks #71 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 Colfax County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Colfax County is $1,612, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Colfax County a tax score of 23.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colfax County?
The median household income in Colfax County, Nebraska is $79,720 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colfax County earns an income score of 83.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colfax County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Colfax County scores 53.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Colfax 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 Colfax County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.