CountyScore

Custer County

Nebraska · NE

#51 in Nebraska
71.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Custer County, Nebraska

A model for rural livability

Custer County's composite score of 71.2 beats the national median of 50.0 by 21 points, ranking it in the 73rd percentile nationally. It's a genuinely attractive county for those seeking quality of life outside metropolitan areas.

Meets Nebraska's exact average

At 71.2, Custer County matches Nebraska's state average precisely, making it a representative example of the state's overall livability. It ranks solidly within the middle-to-upper tier of the state's 93 counties.

Health outcomes and stable risk profile

Custer County's health score of 75.8 is the highest in this cohort, reflecting strong healthcare access and wellness indicators across the community. The risk score of 72.0 and tax score of 69.9 suggest economic stability and manageable tax burdens.

Income growth remains limited

The income score of 26.7 with a median household income of $66,310 is the county's main constraint, limiting earning potential for growing families. Wage opportunities should be researched before relocating.

Ideal for health-conscious rural families

Custer County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing excellent health outcomes, stable living conditions, and authentic small-town character. Those willing to accept moderate incomes in exchange for community health and stability will find it exceptionally rewarding.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax69.9Cost79.8SafetyComing SoonHealth75.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.7Risk72WaterComing Soon
🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡72
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Custer County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alamosa County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $51,445
Grand County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $84,558
Bingham County
Idaho
71.2
Median income: $76,842
Hamilton County
Illinois
71.2
Median income: $61,520
Hancock County
Indiana
71.2
Median income: $91,326

Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Custer County

via TaxByCounty

Custer's rate stays below U.S. median

Custer County's 1.152% effective rate sits above the national median of 0.84%, placing it around the 55th percentile nationally. While moderate compared to high-tax coastal states, it reflects Nebraska's somewhat higher overall tax burden.

Below average for Nebraska

At 1.152%, Custer ranks below Nebraska's 1.281% statewide average, positioning it in the more tax-friendly portion of the state's 93 counties. It's solidly mid-range among peers statewide.

Custer remains moderate among peers

Custer's 1.152% rate sits in the middle range of the eight-county group, below high-tax Dakota (1.594%) and Cheyenne (1.741%), but above low-tax Cuming (1.038%). It's a typical rural Nebraska burden.

Median home tax averages $1,849 yearly

A typical Custer County home valued at $160,500 generates roughly $1,849 in annual property taxes. Mortgage payers see $2,096 in total liability; mortgage-free owners pay $1,530.

Assessment errors exist even in moderate-tax areas

Custer homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. An appeal is quick and free—many who check discover their homes are valued higher than the market supports.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Custer County

via CostByCounty

Custer rents align with state average

Custer County residents spend 14.4% of their median household income on rent, nearly matching Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and falling within typical national ranges. With a median income of $66,310—below the national median of $74,755—residents here experience standard state-level housing pressures.

Typical Nebraska housing affordability

Custer County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio places it right alongside Nebraska's overall housing market, neither exceptional nor strained. The county represents the statewide norm and delivers predictable affordability for those accustomed to regional standards.

Mid-range rents, highest ownership costs

Custer County's $794 monthly rent is competitive with the region, but its monthly homeownership costs of $942 rank highest among comparable counties despite a mid-range median home value of $160,500. This suggests high property taxes or insurance relative to home prices.

Renting cheaper than buying here

Monthly rent of $794 consumes 14.4% of the median income, while homeownership costs $942—a significant $148 monthly premium that makes renting substantially more affordable. For the median income of $66,310, this pricing gap favors rental housing.

Budget for higher ownership costs

If relocating to Custer County, be aware that homeownership carries a steeper monthly burden here than in neighboring counties. Renters will find more comfort, but buyers should carefully assess the full costs before moving.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Custer County

via IncomeByCounty

Custer earns below U.S. average

Custer County's median household income of $66,310 trails the national median of $74,755 by $8,445, or 11.3%. This gap places Custer in the lower-to-middle tier of U.S. counties, well below typical American household earnings.

Below-average within Nebraska

Custer County's $66,310 income falls just slightly below Nebraska's state median of $66,880, marking it as an average-to-low earner statewide. The county ranks in the lower half of Nebraska counties, suggesting economic constraints relative to state averages.

Mixed performance across region

Custer's $66,310 lags Colfax ($79,720) and Clay ($75,938), matching closely with Cuming ($70,708) and Dawson ($65,383). The county occupies the middle ground of rural Nebraska, neither excelling nor significantly lagging regional peers.

Housing remains manageable cost

At 14.4%, Custer's rent-to-income ratio comfortably sits below the 30% threshold, with renters paying roughly one-seventh of income toward housing. This affordability allows households to allocate resources toward other essentials despite modest overall income.

Focus on essentials and discipline

Custer households with below-average income should prioritize eliminating high-interest debt and building a modest emergency fund before pursuing investments. Employer benefits like 401(k) matching and low-cost index funds offer accessible wealth-building tools without requiring large upfront capital.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Custer County

via HealthByCounty

Custer County's solid health profile

At 77.9 years, Custer County's life expectancy is 1.8 years below the U.S. average of 79.7 years. The county's 15.5% poor/fair health rate is near-average, indicating manageable chronic disease burden.

Close to Nebraska's health mean

Custer County's 77.9-year life expectancy sits nearly even with Nebraska's 77.5-year average, placing it in the middle of the state's health rankings. Its 7.3% uninsured rate ranks among the lowest in these eight counties and beats the state average of 8.1%.

Strong primary and mental health access

Custer County delivers 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in this group—and 123 mental health providers per 100,000. This robust provider network ensures most residents can find local care for routine and specialized needs.

Insurance and access align well

With only 7.3% of residents uninsured, coverage is strong in Custer County, and good provider density means most residents can see a doctor nearby. This combination enables preventive care and early intervention.

Stay covered, stay healthy

The 7.3% of Custer County residents without insurance have clear pathways to coverage through Healthcare.gov and community health programs. Don't delay—secure your insurance and connect with the strong provider network available here.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Custer County

via RiskByCounty

Custer County's Very Low Risk Rating

Custer County has a composite risk score of 27.99 and a Very Low rating, placing it near the national average for natural disaster exposure. However, wildfire (82.32) and tornado (50.32) risks are notably elevated despite the overall low composite score.

Below-Average Risk in Nebraska

At 27.99, Custer County ranks slightly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it among the state's safer counties overall. The county's composite score masks significant regional wildfire exposure that warrants attention.

Mixed Hazard Profile Regionally

Custer County (27.99) is safer overall than Cuming County (57.28) but faces higher wildfire risk (82.32) than most regional neighbors. Its tornado risk (50.32) is moderate compared to surrounding counties, providing some relative protection against severe convective weather.

Wildfire and Tornado Primary Concerns

Wildfire risk dominates Custer County with a score of 82.32—among the state's highest—while tornado risk (50.32) presents secondary exposure. Flood risk remains manageable at 43.48, allowing residents to concentrate preparation on fire and wind events.

Prioritize Fire and Storm Insurance

Custer County residents should prioritize comprehensive fire and windstorm insurance given the county's extreme wildfire exposure. Maintaining defensible space around your home—removing dead vegetation and dead trees—is critical, particularly in grassland and prairie areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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