Colfax County's composite score of 69.2 stands 38 points above the national median of 50.0, landing in the 70th percentile nationally. This places it clearly in the upper half of American counties for overall livability.
2 / 5
Slightly below state median
At 69.2, Colfax County trails Nebraska's average of 71.2, but remains solidly competitive within the state's 93 counties. It's a respectable performer by regional benchmarks.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and solid incomes
Colfax County leads with a tax score of 67.1 and an effective rate of just 1.252%, paired with a median household income of $79,720 that ranks above many rural peers. The affordability score of 80.5 keeps housing accessible despite these stronger earnings.
4 / 5
Health and emergency risk need attention
The health score of 66.8 is the county's weakest dimension, suggesting room for improvement in healthcare access or wellness outcomes. Limited safety and school data prevents a complete picture, but monitoring these areas is advisable.
5 / 5
Best for income-conscious balanced seekers
Colfax County suits households wanting above-average incomes without sacrificing rural affordability or tax efficiency. Young professionals and families with stable employment in the region will find a well-rounded lifestyle here.
Colfax County's composite score of 69.2 stands 38 points above the national median of 50.0, landing in the 70th percentile nationally. This places it clearly in the upper half of American counties for overall livability.
Slightly below state median
At 69.2, Colfax County trails Nebraska's average of 71.2, but remains solidly competitive within the state's 93 counties. It's a respectable performer by regional benchmarks.
Tax efficiency and solid incomes
Colfax County leads with a tax score of 67.1 and an effective rate of just 1.252%, paired with a median household income of $79,720 that ranks above many rural peers. The affordability score of 80.5 keeps housing accessible despite these stronger earnings.
Health and emergency risk need attention
The health score of 66.8 is the county's weakest dimension, suggesting room for improvement in healthcare access or wellness outcomes. Limited safety and school data prevents a complete picture, but monitoring these areas is advisable.
Best for income-conscious balanced seekers
Colfax County suits households wanting above-average incomes without sacrificing rural affordability or tax efficiency. Young professionals and families with stable employment in the region will find a well-rounded lifestyle here.
Score breakdown
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🏛67.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.