countyscore
64.1
County Score
Safety 90.8Schools 79.2Lawn Care 69.3

County Report Card

About Cuming County, Nebraska

Well Above National Median Scores

Cuming County demonstrates strong livability with a composite score of 64.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it in the upper tier of American counties.

A Strong Contender in Nebraska

The county's score of 64.1 beats the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It stands out as a high-quality option within the state's rural landscape.

Superior Safety and School Systems

Exceptional safety defines the county, which earns a safety score of 90.8. Its school score of 79.2 and healthy tax score of 35.4 further enhance its appeal to residents.

Addressing Critical Water Quality Gaps

A low water score of 5.3 stands out as the county's primary weakness. Environmental risk also tracks lower at 42.7, requiring attention to long-term sustainability.

Premier Rural Living for Families

Cuming County is an excellent fit for families who value safety and quality education above all else. Its effective tax rate of 1.038% is attractive for those looking to maximize their $70,708 median income.

2040608010035.459.490.868.279.268.242.75.346.5Tax35.4Cost59.4Safety90.8Health68.2Schools79.2Income68.2Risk42.7Water5.3Weather46.564.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Cuming County DNA

D+overall

How Cuming County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cuming County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (90.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.4-16.6
Cost
59.4+11.399999999999999
Safety
90.8+35.8
Health
68.2+18.200000000000003
Schools
79.2+25.200000000000003
Income
68.2+17.200000000000003
Risk
42.7
Water
5.3-52.7
Weather
46.5-9.5
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Many homeowners in Cuming 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

$174,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$800/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,708/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.3

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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Maries County
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Nearby counties

Stanton County
Nebraska
67.9
Thurston County
Nebraska
59.3
Wayne County
Nebraska
60.5
Dodge County
Nebraska
42.2
Burt County
Nebraska
64.7
Colfax County
Nebraska
53.9
Monona County
Iowa
59.3
Dakota County
Nebraska
35.8

Deep Dives

Cuming County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cuming County

via TaxByCounty

Cuming offers the lowest regional tax burden

Cuming County's 1.038% effective rate ranks near the national median of 0.84%, placing it in roughly the 50th percentile across U.S. counties. This is genuinely competitive on a national scale, rivaling many lower-tax regions.

Nebraska's most tax-friendly in this survey

At 1.038%, Cuming County ranks among Nebraska's lowest effective rates, well below the statewide average of 1.281%. It stands out as one of the most affordable counties for property owners in the state.

Cuming's rate undercuts all regional peers

Cuming's 1.038% is the lowest across the eight-county survey, roughly one-third lower than Cheyenne (1.741%) and significantly below most neighbors. Only Colfax (1.252%) comes within striking distance.

Annual tax on median home runs $1,815

On Cuming's median home value of $174,900, homeowners face approximately $1,815 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay $2,177, while mortgage-free owners pay $1,619.

Low rates don't mean skip the appeal

Even in favorable tax environments like Cuming, overassessment occurs; some homeowners may find their property valued above recent market sales. Filing a simple appeal costs nothing and can lock in further savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cuming County

via CostByCounty

Cuming offers balanced housing costs

Cuming County residents spend 13.6% of their median household income on rent, matching Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and performing better than national norms. With a median income of $70,708 and rent of $800 monthly, housing costs remain firmly manageable compared to national and state benchmarks.

Right at Nebraska's affordability median

Cuming County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio places it squarely in the middle of Nebraska's housing affordability spectrum. The county represents the statewide norm rather than an outlier, suggesting typical housing cost pressures for the region.

Moderate rent, strong home values

Cuming County's $800 monthly rent sits between Clay's bargain rates and Colfax's mid-range, but its median home value of $174,900 is the highest in this region. This suggests a vibrant homeownership market despite modest rental costs.

Ownership outpaces rental affordability

Monthly rent of $800 consumes 13.6% of the median income, while homeownership costs $791—surprisingly similar despite a much higher median home value of $174,900. This pricing suggests favorable mortgage rates and strong equity potential for Cuming homebuyers.

A solid middle-ground Nebraska county

Cuming County offers neither the bargain rents of Clay nor the premium incomes of Colfax, but delivers steady, predictable housing costs. If you seek stability and moderate affordability, this represents a balanced choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cuming County

via IncomeByCounty

Cuming slightly below national average

Cuming County's median household income of $70,708 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $4,047, or 5.4%. While below the U.S. norm, this positions Cuming in the middle range of American counties rather than at the bottom.

Mid-range Nebraska income county

Cuming County earns $70,708, slightly above Nebraska's state median of $66,880 by $3,828. The county ranks comfortably in the middle of the state's income distribution, reflecting stable if unremarkable economic performance.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Cuming's $70,708 income trails Colfax ($79,720) but outpaces Custer ($66,310), Dawson ($65,383), and Dakota ($71,655). The county's position reflects moderate economic stability in a mixed rural region.

Solid housing affordability metrics

Cuming's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating renters spend just over one-eighth of income on housing. Combined with median income near the state average, households enjoy reasonable financial breathing room.

Build consistency into your plan

With solid affordability and middle-tier income, Cuming households benefit from disciplined, long-term wealth strategies: automatic retirement contributions, emergency savings of 3–6 months, and regular investment. Consistency matters more than heroic single actions when earnings are moderate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cuming County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Scores in Cuming County

Cuming County boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the region at 166.7 per 100,000 residents. This massive gap from the national average of 2,385.5 gives the county an elite safety score of 99.7.

A Leader in Nebraska Public Safety

Ranking well above the state average safety score of 99.0, Cuming County is a leader in Nebraska public safety. Its total crime rate is nearly four times lower than the state average of 626.7.

Surpassing Neighbors in Security

Cuming County is significantly safer than larger neighbors like Dakota County, which struggles with a rate over 2,200. It even outperforms safe peers like Clay and Colfax counties.

Exceptional Safety Across All Categories

The county reports a violent crime rate of 55.6 and a property crime rate of 111.1 per 100,000. These figures mean the vast majority of residents will never experience a serious crime firsthand.

Vigilance Protects Your Local Community

Security remains a community effort even when numbers are this low. Basic home defense ensures the county continues to lead the state in safety metrics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cuming County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Education in Cuming County

Cuming County operates seven public schools through three districts, serving a total of 1,476 students. The county’s academic structure is evenly distributed among three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. This streamlined system ensures that resources are concentrated on core grade levels throughout the region.

High Performance with Strong Graduation Rates

Cuming County shines with a graduation rate of 92.6%, well above the Nebraska average of 86.9%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,814 and a composite school score of 61.0. These figures indicate that the county is effectively outperforming both state and national academic benchmarks.

West Point Public Schools Anchor the County

West Point Public Schools is the largest provider in the area, educating 728 students across three schools. Wisner-Pilger Public Schools and Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools also serve the region with 437 and 311 students respectively. The county maintains a 100% traditional public school model with no charter schools in operation.

A Rural Network with Small-Town Centers

The county features five rural schools and two town-based campuses, maintaining an average school size of 211 students. West Point Elementary is the largest individual school, enrolling 294 students in the PK-4 range. Smaller environments are common here, as seen at West Point-Beemer Middle School which hosts 187 students.

Discover Academic Excellence in Cuming County

For families seeking high graduation rates and a safe, rural environment, Cuming County is a premier choice. The 92.6% graduation rate and high school scores make this a desirable location for education-focused home buyers. Look for residential opportunities in West Point or Wisner to join these successful school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cuming County

via RiskByCounty

Cuming County's Elevated Risk Level

Cuming County carries a composite risk score of 57.28 with a Relatively Low rating, significantly exceeding the national average for natural disaster risk. Wildfire (86.39), tornado (71.41), and flood (49.20) risks all contribute substantially to this elevated profile.

One of Nebraska's Highest-Risk Counties

At 57.28, Cuming County's composite risk score is more than twice Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. The county's wildfire risk (86.39) is the highest among all hazards recorded and far exceeds regional norms.

Notably Riskier Than Surrounding Areas

Cuming County (57.28) faces substantially higher composite risk than neighboring Colfax County (28.63) and Cheyenne County (27.80), driven primarily by its extreme wildfire exposure. Its tornado risk (71.41) is also among the most severe in the state.

Wildfire, Tornado, and Flood Threats

Cuming County faces three major disaster threats: wildfire risk of 86.39 (among the state's highest), tornado risk of 71.41, and flood risk of 49.20. This multi-hazard exposure requires comprehensive preparation across all three threat categories.

Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Coverage

Cuming County residents must secure coverage for wildfire, tornado/windstorm, and flood risks—a rarer combination requiring careful policy review. Create a defensible space around your home, ensure structural reinforcement against high winds, and consider flood insurance if near low-lying areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cuming County

via WaterByCounty

Persistent Health Violations Impact Cuming

Cuming County receives an 'F' grade with 53 health-based drinking water violations over the last five years. The county's violation rate of 679.1 per 100,000 residents is more than six times the Nebraska state average of 110.3. This signifies major, ongoing challenges in delivering safe drinking water to the community.

Cuming Watersheds Show Moderate Health

Exactly 50% of the six assessed water bodies in Cuming County meet federal standards, while the other half are impaired. This 2022 assessment identifies E. coli as a primary pollutant affecting local streams. The county’s impairment rate is better than the statewide average of 66.4%.

Active Testing Focused on Nutrients

Six monitoring sites have generated 1,885 measurements in Cuming County over the past five years. Testing primarily tracks nutrients and inorganic compounds, which are critical for understanding agricultural impacts on water. This consistent monitoring provides essential data for managing the 50% impairment rate.

Elkhorn River Running Below Typical Levels

The Elkhorn River at West Point is currently flowing at 603 cfs, which is only 54% of its long-term mean. This significantly low flow indicates drier than normal conditions for this 4,676 square mile drainage area. Reduced river volume can worsen the concentration of bacteria and other pollutants.

Urgent Need for Water Filtration

Given the 'F' grade and 53 health violations, residents should strongly consider high-quality water filtration for drinking and cooking. Low flows in the Elkhorn River mean residents should also be cautious of recreational bacteria levels during the summer. Regular testing is vital to ensure your household is not affected by the county's high violation rate.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cuming County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wet and Cool Climate Profile

Cuming County is cooler and wetter than many parts of the country, with an annual average of 48.8°F. It records a robust 30.8 inches of precipitation, placing it in the upper tier for rainfall in the Great Plains.

Wetter Than the State Average

Cuming County's 30.8 inches of annual precipitation significantly exceeds the Nebraska state average of 25.9 inches. Its annual temperature of 48.8°F is slightly cooler than the statewide average of 49.7°F.

Northeastern Nebraska’s Snow and Rain

The county receives 28.9 inches of snow, consistent with its northeastern neighbors. It is one of the wettest counties in the region, receiving nearly five inches more precipitation than the state average.

Coldest Januarys in the Region

Winter temperatures dip to a January average of 20.5°F, among the coldest in the state. Summers are moderate by comparison, featuring only 21 days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Manage Moisture and Intense Cold

High precipitation levels require reliable basement waterproofing and drainage systems for homeowners. Residents should also invest in heavy winter gear to withstand January averages of 20.5°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cuming County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Perfect pH for Nebraska

Cuming County soils average a pH of 6.81, nearly identical to the state average of 6.79 and just above the national median. This balanced pH allows for maximum nutrient availability for most common agricultural crops.

Stable Silt-Loam Characteristics

The soil is comprised of 47.9% silt, 27.8% sand, and 22.4% clay. This provides a stable texture that is less prone to the erosion of sandy soils while retaining better drainage than pure clay.

High Water Capacity potential

Available water capacity stands at 0.185 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.172. While the 2.65% organic matter is below the state mark, it remains healthy and productive for a wide variety of plants.

Reliable Subsurface Hydrology

The balance of clay and silt ensures that moisture is stored deep in the root zone rather than draining away too quickly. This helps maintain crop health during the late summer months when rainfall typically decreases.

Productive Gardening in Zone 5b

In hardiness zone 5b, gardeners can expect great results with corn, beans, and squash in this reliable soil. A soil score of 62.3 indicates high-quality land that responds very well to standard organic fertilizers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cuming County

via LawnByCounty

Premier Lawn Conditions in Cuming County

Cuming County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 69.3, making it one of the easiest places in Nebraska to maintain a lawn. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 54.2, signaling ideal environmental conditions for turf.

Plentiful Rain and Cooler Summers

The county receives 30.8 inches of annual precipitation, hitting the ideal benchmark for lawn health. With only 21 extreme heat days per year, Cuming County lawns avoid the heavy scorching common in other parts of the state.

Stable Soil for Lush Growth

The soil pH is a near-perfect 6.81, ensuring that your grass can easily access essential nutrients. The 22.4% clay and 27.8% sand mixture creates a versatile texture that supports strong root structures.

Strong Resistance to Drought Cycles

Cuming County has experienced only 15 weeks in drought over the past year, showing high resilience compared to the rest of the state. Even during current abnormally dry conditions, minimal supplemental watering is usually enough to keep grass green.

Ideal Timing for New Turf

Kentucky Bluegrass is a top choice for this zone 5b climate and high-moisture profile. The best time to start your lawn is shortly after the last frost on April 28th to take advantage of the spring rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cuming County's county score?
Cuming County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 64.1 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 Cuming County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Cuming County ranks #38 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 Cuming County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Cuming County is $1,815, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Cuming County a tax score of 35.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cuming County?
The median household income in Cuming County, Nebraska is $70,708 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cuming County earns an income score of 68.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cuming County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Cuming County scores 64.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Cuming 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 Cuming 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.