CountyScore

Dakota County

Nebraska · NE

#88 in Nebraska
63.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Dakota County, Nebraska

Above national average but challenged regionally

Dakota County's composite score of 63.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 13 points, landing in the 59th percentile nationally. While livable by U.S. standards, it faces steeper competition within Nebraska.

Notably below Nebraska's strength

Dakota County's 63.6 lags Nebraska's state average of 71.2 by nearly 8 points, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 93 counties. This signals relative challenges compared to peers.

Moderate affordability and risk stability

Dakota County offers reasonable housing costs with a median home value of $168,100 and a cost score of 74.2. The risk score of 64.0 suggests acceptable stability in property, safety, and economic conditions.

Higher taxes and health concerns

Dakota County's effective tax rate of 1.594% is the highest in this group, yielding a tax score of just 57.4—a significant drag on overall livability. The health score of 66.8 and income constraints (30.2 score) compound these challenges.

A trade-off county requiring careful planning

Dakota County suits households with urban or suburban job access willing to tolerate higher taxes for proximity or employment stability. It's less ideal for retirees or those seeking pure affordability, but may work for commuters with strong outside income.

Score breakdown

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

Tax57.4Cost74.2SafetyComing SoonHealth66.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.2Risk64WaterComing Soon
🏛57.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64
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 Dakota County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fayette County
Georgia
63.6
Median income: $108,986
Maui County
Hawaii
63.6
Median income: $95,076
Macoupin County
Illinois
63.6
Median income: $68,518
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
63.6
Median income: $63,075
Kent County
Michigan
63.6
Median income: $80,390

Deep Dives

Dakota County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Dakota County

via CostByCounty

Dakota rents outpace state and nation

Dakota County residents spend 17.6% of their median household income on rent, notably higher than Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and above most national benchmarks. With a median income of $71,655 and rent of $1,053 monthly, housing costs impose a real financial squeeze compared to statewide norms.

Among Nebraska's pricier counties

Dakota County ranks among the less affordable counties in Nebraska, with its 17.6% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average. The county's higher rents relative to local income levels signal tighter housing affordability than most of the state experiences.

The region's most expensive rents

Dakota County's median rent of $1,053 is the highest in this comparison—$152 more than Cheyenne County and $352 more than Clay County. This rental premium significantly outpaces the advantages of Dakota's solid $71,655 median income.

Renters face heavier burden than owners

Monthly rent of $1,053 consumes 17.6% of the median income, while homeownership costs $992—nearly as high but spread across a median home value of $168,100. Renters here experience notably tighter affordability than homeowners.

Factor in above-average housing costs

Dakota County's cost of living rises noticeably above statewide averages, particularly for renters. If relocating here, verify your salary reflects the regional rent premium—rents are among Nebraska's highest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Dakota County

via HealthByCounty

Dakota County falls behind on longevity

Dakota County residents live 76.5 years on average—3.2 years below the U.S. average of 79.7 years. The county's elevated 20.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the highest in this group, signaling substantial chronic disease burden.

Significant health gaps in Dakota County

Dakota County's 76.5-year life expectancy falls 1.0 year below Nebraska's 77.5-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. Its 10.5% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 8.1%, compounding health access challenges.

Severe primary care shortage

Dakota County has only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—critically low compared to peers like Dawes (74) and Custer (57). Mental health access is a bright spot at 254 providers per 100,000, but physical health care access remains severely constrained.

Access crisis: Few doctors, many uninsured

Dakota County faces a dual crisis: just 14 primary care providers per 100,000 (fewer than any neighboring county) combined with 10.5% uninsured residents creates significant healthcare barriers. Many residents likely travel 30+ miles for routine care or delay seeking treatment.

Insurance is your lifeline here

With sparse local primary care options, the 10.5% of uninsured Dakota County residents face dangerous gaps in preventive and emergency care. Enroll through Healthcare.gov immediately and explore telehealth and regional provider networks to bridge access gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dakota County

via RiskByCounty

Dakota County's Moderate Risk Profile

Dakota County has a composite risk score of 36.01 and a Very Low rating, slightly exceeding the national average for natural disaster risk. The county experiences significant tornado (75.57) and wildfire (78.05) exposure that drives its score above regional baseline.

Elevated Compared to Nebraska Average

At 36.01, Dakota County's composite risk score is about 40% higher than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, reflecting above-average hazard exposure. Tornado risk (75.57) stands well above statewide norms, indicating vulnerability to severe convective storms.

Riskier Than Most Regional Peers

Dakota County (36.01) faces higher composite risk than Colfax County (28.63) and Cheyenne County (27.80), primarily due to its severe tornado exposure. Its wildfire risk (78.05) aligns with the elevated exposure seen across northeastern Nebraska.

Tornado and Wildfire Dominate

Tornado risk (75.57) is Dakota County's most severe hazard, while wildfire risk (78.05) presents a close second threat. Together, these two hazards account for the county's elevated composite risk, with tornado exposure being one of the highest in the state.

Strong Storm and Fire Preparation

Dakota County residents should prioritize comprehensive windstorm and fire insurance, given the county's dual high-risk exposure. Installing a safe room or basement shelter for tornado events is highly advisable, and clearing vegetation near structures is essential for wildfire preparedness.

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.