countyscore
58.3
County Score
Safety 80.5Health 76.2Disaster Risk 72

County Report Card

About Custer County, Nebraska

Outperforming the National Baseline

Custer County holds a composite score of 58.3, comfortably surpassing the national median of 50.0. It offers a solid quality of life that holds up well against national standards.

Keeping Pace with Nebraska Peers

The county's score of 58.3 is nearly identical to the Nebraska state average of 59.3. This indicates a typical, stable Nebraska living experience that aligns with state norms.

Leader in Safety and Health

Custer County excels in public safety with a score of 80.5 and healthcare access with a score of 76.2. It also maintains a strong risk score of 72.0, indicating low disaster vulnerability.

Water Quality and Tax Burdens

Infrastructure needs are highlighted by a water score of 35.4. Additionally, the tax score of 28.0 suggests a higher tax load relative to the county's other strengths.

Perfect for Health-Conscious Retirees

This county is ideal for those prioritizing personal safety and access to healthcare. The moderate home values of $160,500 make it an accessible option for those seeking a stable, healthy lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax28Cost50.6Safety80.5Health76.2Schools55.8Income57.7Risk72Water35.4Weather41.2
🏛28
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡72
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.8
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

Valley County
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62.5
Sherman County
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Loup County
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81.7
Blaine County
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Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Custer County

via CrimeByCounty

Custer County Outperforms National Averages

Custer County maintains a total crime rate of 463.8 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics earn the county a high safety score of 99.3.

Stronger Safety Than the Typical Nebraska County

The county's safety profile is stronger than the Nebraska average, outperforming the state's 626.7 crime rate. Its 99.3 safety score also edges out the 99.0 state average.

Safety Comparisons with Regional Peers

Custer County is safer than Dawson County to its south, which has a crime rate more than double Custer's. It remains competitive with other safe rural counties like Clay and Colfax.

Focusing on Local Crime Trends

Property crime is the primary concern at 407.0 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 56.8. Both categories are significantly lower than national benchmarks for safety.

Secure Your Property Against Theft

Since property crimes represent the bulk of local incidents, securing valuables is the best defense. Simple upgrades to home security can further reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Custer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Network in Custer County

Custer County maintains 15 public schools across six districts, the highest number of districts in the region for its size. This network supports 1,881 students through a mix of six elementary schools, one middle school, six high schools, and two alternative schools. The high number of districts reflects the county's commitment to localized, community-based education.

Meeting State Standards with Efficient Spending

The county graduation rate of 86.9% perfectly matches the Nebraska state average and sits right at the national benchmark. Custer County invests $9,216 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 56.7 that exceeds the national median of 50. These metrics suggest a stable and reliable educational environment that consistently meets state expectations.

Broken Bow Public Schools Leads the Way

Broken Bow Public Schools is the largest district, educating 890 students across five schools. Anselmo-Merna and Callaway Public Schools also play vital roles, serving 245 and 180 students respectively. Despite the high number of districts, there are zero charter schools, keeping the focus entirely on traditional public education.

Vast Rural Landscapes and Intimate Schools

With ten rural schools and five in town settings, the county offers an average school size of 125 students. North Park Elementary is the largest school with 350 students, while many other facilities are much smaller. This allows for a close-knit feel where students and teachers are well-acquainted across all grade levels.

Find Your Community in Custer County Schools

Families who value small school environments and local community control will find Custer County very appealing. The diverse range of six districts ensures that you can find a school culture that fits your family's specific needs. Explore homes in Broken Bow or the smaller rural townships to experience this personalized approach to learning.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Custer County

via WeatherByCounty

Central Plains Weather Extremes

Custer County averages 48.7°F annually, making it cooler than the national median. It receives 24.2 inches of precipitation, reflecting its position in the transitional zone of the Great Plains.

A Snapshot of Nebraska’s Interior

The county's 48.7°F average temperature and 24.2 inches of precipitation sit just below the state averages. This makes Custer a representative example of central Nebraska's climate patterns.

Consistent Snowfall and Mid-Range Rain

Custer County sees 30.0 inches of snow annually, putting it on par with many northern Nebraska counties. Its 24.2 inches of rain is typical for the Sandhills transition zone.

Balanced Seasons with Snowy Winters

The county experiences 30 days of extreme heat each summer and 30 inches of snow each winter. Summer temperatures average 71.5°F, while winter averages drop to 26.2°F.

Prepare for Year-Round Variety

Residents need a versatile wardrobe to handle both 30 days of extreme heat and 30 inches of annual snow. Reliable 4WD vehicles are recommended for navigating rural roads during the winter season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Custer County

via SoilByCounty

Mollisol Loams in the Heartland

Custer County is characterized by Mollisol loams with a neutral pH of 6.80. This pH is right in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake, matching the Nebraska state average of 6.79 almost perfectly.

A Gritty, Workable Loam

The soil contains 49.0% sand, 34.7% silt, and 15.2% clay. This creates a gritty loam texture that is very easy to cultivate and resists the heavy compaction found in more clay-rich counties.

Standard Water Retention

The organic matter content is 1.96%, which is typical for the region but lower than the state average. Available water capacity is 0.175 in/in, slightly exceeding the Nebraska average and providing a solid foundation for plant growth.

Managing Poorly Drained Areas

Custer features very poorly drained soils in hydrologic group B/D, suggesting a high water table or slow internal drainage in many areas. Gardeners may need to use raised beds to prevent plant roots from becoming waterlogged.

Hardy Options for Zone 5a

Zone 5a requires plants that can handle colder winters, such as apples and hardy root vegetables. With its workable loam texture, this is an excellent county for starting a large-scale home vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Custer County

via LawnByCounty

Variable Conditions in Hardiness Zone 5a

Custer County has a lawn difficulty score of 48.8, falling just below the national average and the Nebraska state average of 54.2. Homeowners in this 5a zone face slightly more challenges due to lower rainfall and specific soil drainage needs.

Moderate Precipitation and Typical Heat

Annual precipitation of 24.2 inches is slightly lower than the state average of 25.9 inches. With 30 extreme heat days each year, you should expect to supplement natural rain with irrigation to prevent summer dormancy.

Managing Poorly Drained Loam Soils

Despite a high sand content of 49.0%, the soil is classified as very poorly drained, which may lead to waterlogged roots during heavy rains. The pH of 6.80 is excellent, but you should monitor for compaction to help improve drainage.

Addressing Long-Term Dry Spells

Custer County has seen 40 weeks of drought over the past year and remains 100% abnormally dry. Focus on core aeration to help water penetrate the surface and reach the root zone during these dry periods.

Waiting for the May Warm-Up

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue work well here, especially in areas with drainage issues. Wait until after the last frost on May 5th to seed, ensuring the soil has warmed enough for germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Custer County's county score?
Custer County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 58.3 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 Custer County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Custer County ranks #62 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 Custer County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Custer County is $1,849, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Custer County a tax score of 28/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Custer County?
The median household income in Custer County, Nebraska is $66,310 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Custer County earns an income score of 57.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Custer County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Custer County scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Custer 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 Custer 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.