countyscore
35.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 64Income & Jobs 62.6

County Report Card

About Dakota County, Nebraska

Struggling to Meet National Medians

Dakota County's composite score of 35.8 sits well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant challenges in overall livability compared to other US counties.

Significant Gap Below State Average

At 35.8, the county is far behind the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It ranks as one of the more challenged areas in the state across multiple data dimensions.

Robust Incomes and Pure Water

The county maintains a strong income score of 70.5 with a median household income of $71,655. It also shines in infrastructure with a water score of 86.0.

Concerns in Safety and Taxation

Safety is a primary concern with a low score of 16.7. Furthermore, a tax score of 9.5 and an effective rate of 1.594% indicate a heavy fiscal burden on residents.

Best for High-Income Industrial Workers

Dakota County suits those who want high-quality water and competitive wages but are willing to navigate higher crime and tax rates. It is an area where economic opportunity outpaces social scores.

204060801009.729.416.747.356.262.6648643.1Tax9.7Cost29.4Safety16.7Health47.3Schools56.2Income62.6Risk64Water86Weather43.135.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Dakota County DNA

Foverall

How Dakota County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Dakota County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (9.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.7-42.3
Cost
29.4-18.6
Safety
16.7-38.3
Health
47.3
Schools
56.2
Income
62.6+11.600000000000001
Risk
64+17
Water
86+28
Weather
43.1-12.899999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Dakota County?

Many homeowners in Dakota County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,069/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,329/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.7

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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Counties with similar scores

Hillsborough County
Florida
Median income: $79,540
35.8
Hennepin County
Minnesota
Median income: $97,653
35.8
Benton County
Oregon
Median income: $77,702
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Lamar County
Texas
Median income: $61,880
35.8
Medina County
Texas
Median income: $78,074
35.8
Yuma County
Arizona
Median income: $62,876
35.7
Winchester city
Virginia
Median income: $63,974
35.7
Arkansas County
Arkansas
Median income: $53,164
35.9

Nearby counties

Woodbury County
Iowa
51.1
Dixon County
Nebraska
63.1
Thurston County
Nebraska
59.4
Union County
South Dakota
51.6
Plymouth County
Iowa
47.1
Wayne County
Nebraska
59.4
Monona County
Iowa
59.5
Cuming County
Nebraska
64.8

Deep Dives

Dakota County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dakota County

via TaxByCounty

Dakota's taxes rival the national average

Dakota County's 1.594% effective rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it around the 75th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay substantially more than most Americans, though median home values remain below the national median.

Among Nebraska's highest-tax counties

At 1.594%, Dakota County ranks near the top tier of Nebraska's 93 counties, crushing the statewide average of 1.281% by 24 percentage points. Only a few Nebraska counties impose higher effective rates on their residents.

Dakota leads the region in tax burden

Dakota's 1.594% is second only to Cheyenne (1.741%) in the eight-county survey, making it one of the region's highest-tax areas. It exceeds the regional median by a significant margin.

High rates mean steep annual bills

On Dakota's median home value of $168,100, homeowners pay approximately $2,680 per year in property taxes—the highest in this survey group. Those with mortgages face $2,898; mortgage-free owners pay $2,435.

High-tax counties see frequent assessment appeals

In high-tax areas like Dakota, assessment overages are common, making an appeal worthwhile for many homeowners. Requesting a reassessment takes minimal effort and could yield substantial annual savings on your largest property-tax bills in the region.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dakota County

via IncomeByCounty

Dakota near national income mark

Dakota County's median household income of $71,655 falls modestly below the national median of $74,755 by $3,100, or 4.1%. This places Dakota just shy of the U.S. average, positioning it in the middle ranks of American counties.

Slightly above Nebraska baseline

Dakota County earns $71,655, exceeding Nebraska's state median of $66,880 by $4,775. The county ranks comfortably in the upper-middle tier of Nebraska counties, reflecting economic performance above the state norm.

Solid performer among peers

Dakota's $71,655 surpasses Custer ($66,310), Dawson ($65,383), and Dawes ($54,381), while trailing Colfax ($79,720) and Clay ($75,938). The county demonstrates solid economic footing in a mixed rural region.

Rent burden moderately elevated

Dakota's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% exceeds the state average but remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. Renters spend roughly one-sixth of income on housing, leaving reasonable capacity for other expenses and modest savings.

Invest in steady wealth accumulation

Dakota households with above-state-average income are well-positioned for balanced wealth strategies: prioritizing employer retirement matches, building an emergency fund, and exploring low-cost mutual funds. Even modest consistent contributions compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dakota County

via CrimeByCounty

Dakota County Tracks Near National Average

Dakota County reports a total crime rate of 2,266.7 per 100,000, which is just slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. Despite being busier than its neighbors, it still maintains a safety score of 96.4.

Higher Crime Density Than State Average

The county faces more challenges than the typical Nebraska community, as its crime rate is over three times the state average of 626.7. Its 96.4 safety score sits below the 99.0 state average.

Regional Comparison Shows Higher Activity

Dakota County has the highest crime rate among this group of eight counties. It experiences significantly more activity than peaceful neighbors like Cuming and Colfax.

Property Crime is the Main Local Factor

Property crime occurs at 2,088.4 per 100,000, which slightly exceeds the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 178.3 is less than half the national figure of 369.8.

Essential Home Security for Dakota Residents

Higher property crime rates make home security and community watch programs essential. Visible deterrents can significantly lower the risk of becoming a statistic in Dakota County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dakota County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation in the Northeast

Dakota County receives 29.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the national median for the interior U.S. While specific annual temperature data is limited for this county, its rainfall suggests a humid continental climate.

Wetter Than Most of Nebraska

With 29.6 inches of precipitation, Dakota County is wetter than the Nebraska state average of 25.9 inches. It also records 30.6 inches of annual snowfall, indicating active winter weather patterns.

Abundant Snowfall Near the River

The county’s 30.6 inches of snow annually is higher than that of many southern Nebraska counties. Its precipitation levels are consistent with other Missouri River border counties.

Active Winter Weather Patterns

Winter is a defining season here, delivering 30.6 inches of snow to the region. Although specific summer temperature averages are unavailable, the high precipitation suggests significant seasonal humidity.

Prioritize Snow and Moisture Care

Homeowners should focus on snow removal equipment and roof maintenance to handle the 30.6 inches of annual snowfall. The high precipitation levels also make proper yard grading and gutter maintenance essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dakota County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline and Silt-Heavy Profiles

Dakota County features an average soil pH of 7.13, which is more alkaline than the state average of 6.79. This shift towards alkalinity can influence which micronutrients are available to plants in the local soil.

Dense Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is dominated by 55.0% silt and 27.4% clay, with very little sand at only 16.0%. This composition creates a heavy soil that holds moisture tightly but may be slow to warm up in the spring.

Strong Water Storage Potential

The available water capacity of 0.195 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.172. Despite organic matter being 2.57%, the high silt content ensures the soil can sustain plants through dry periods.

Heavy Soil Management

With over 82% of the soil made of fine silt and clay particles, water movement is naturally restricted. This can lead to heavy, sticky mud during wet seasons, requiring patience before starting any spring tilling.

Cold-Hardy Growing in Zone 5a

The 5a hardiness zone is well-suited for brassicas and leafy greens that enjoy the moisture-retentive qualities of these heavy soils. Start seeds indoors to get a jump on the season while the heavy soils slowly thaw.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dakota County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Challenges in Northeast Nebraska

Dakota County scores a 41.8 for lawn difficulty, indicating a tougher environment than the state average of 54.2. In this hardiness zone 5a, homeowners must be proactive to maintain a healthy lawn against local stressors.

Generous Rain Balanced by Drought Risks

The county enjoys 29.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly ideal for most turfgrasses. However, while specific temperature data is limited, the high annual rainfall suggests the primary challenge is moisture timing rather than total volume.

Higher Clay Content Requires Attention

The soil features a relatively high clay content of 27.4% and a pH of 7.13, which is slightly above the ideal range. This heavier soil can hold water well but may require aeration to prevent the surface from becoming too hard for new roots.

Monitoring Persistent Dry Periods

With 37 weeks spent in drought over the last year, 100% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. To preserve your lawn, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day and keep your blades sharp to reduce grass stress.

Choosing the Right Grass for Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are reliable choices for the local soil and rainfall levels. Since specific frost dates are unavailable, monitor local soil temperatures and aim for a consistent 55°F before beginning your spring seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dakota County's county score?
Dakota County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 35.8 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 Dakota County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Dakota County ranks #90 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 Dakota County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Dakota County is $2,854, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Dakota County a tax score of 9.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dakota County?
The median household income in Dakota County, Nebraska is $70,329 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dakota County earns an income score of 62.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dakota County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Dakota County scores 35.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Dakota 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 Dakota County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.