countyscore
61.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 96Safety 92.6Health 84.2

County Report Card

About Deuel County, Nebraska

A Strong National Performer

Deuel County earns a composite score of 61.2, placing it significantly above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

Outpacing the Nebraska Average

The county's 61.2 composite score outperforms the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It maintains a competitive edge in regional livability by balancing security and affordability.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

Safety is a premier feature here with a score of 92.6, complemented by a near-perfect risk score of 96.0. Residents also benefit from high health outcomes, which score an impressive 84.2.

Tax Burdens and Water Quality

Taxation is the primary hurdle with a score of 13.0, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.497%. Water quality also trails behind with a score of 26.0, indicating a need for local infrastructure attention.

Peace of Mind at a Low Cost

This county is ideal for retirees or remote workers prioritizing safety and low housing costs, with median home values under $98,000. While taxes are higher, the trade-off is one of the most secure environments in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax13Cost64.8Safety92.6Health84.2Schools49Income43.6Risk96Water26Weather34.6
🏛13
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧26
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.5
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

Sedgwick County
Colorado
61.2
Phillips County
Colorado
60
Perkins County
Nebraska
60.5
Cheyenne County
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Keith County
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Garden County
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Logan County
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Chase County
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Deep Dives

Deuel County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Deuel County

via TaxByCounty

Deuel's tax rate beats national norm

Deuel County homeowners pay an effective rate of 1.497%, well below the national median effective rate of around 0.89% based on national median tax and home values. This places Deuel in the lower-tax tier nationally, meaning residents keep more of their home equity compared to typical American homeowners.

Above average for Nebraska

At 1.497% effective rate, Deuel ranks above Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the higher-tax counties statewide. However, the median property tax of $1,455 remains $517 below the state average of $1,972, reflecting Deuel's lower median home values.

Moderate taxes among rural peers

Deuel's 1.497% rate sits between Dundy County's lowest-in-state 0.822% and Frontier County's 1.426%. Compared to Fillmore County's 1.129% and Franklin County's 1.133%, Deuel residents pay slightly more per dollar of home value, though absolute tax bills remain modest due to lower home prices.

Annual taxes on typical home

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $97,200 pays approximately $1,455 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,661, but without one it drops to $1,322—a meaningful difference for retirees and cash buyers.

Check your assessment today

Many property owners across Nebraska are assessed above fair market value and could recover thousands by filing an appeal. Deuel County residents should request a reassessment if their recent home sale or appraisal suggests overvaluation—the process is free and straightforward.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Deuel County

via CostByCounty

Deuel's rent burden exceeds national norms

Renters in Deuel County spend 16.1% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average and indicating tighter affordability. While median household income here is $61,438—about 18% below the national median of $74,755—monthly rent at $827 remains relatively steep for local wages. This gap suggests housing costs are consuming a larger share of household budgets than typical across America.

Deuel ranks among Nebraska's pricier rentals

At a 16.1% rent-to-income ratio, Deuel County exceeds Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it in the upper half of unaffordability among the state's counties. Median rent at $827 is also 5.6% higher than the state average of $783, reflecting pressures in a county where incomes lag slightly behind state norms. Renters here face notably tighter affordability than most Nebraska neighbors.

Deuel rents climb above surrounding counties

Deuel's $827 monthly rent sits significantly higher than nearby Dundy County ($588) and Franklin County ($613), though below Dodge County's $985. When paired with a lower median income than several neighbors, Deuel renters face the steepest affordability challenge in this cluster. Homebuying offers modest relief: median home values at $97,200 are lower than most regional peers.

Housing eats 16% of Deuel household budgets

A typical Deuel household earning $61,438 annually ($5,120/month) spends $827 on rent—leaving just 84% of income for all other expenses. For homeowners, the $674 monthly mortgage payment is more manageable at 13.2% of income, though property taxes and insurance add to that burden. The gap reveals that renting carries a steeper affordability penalty than homeownership in this county.

Deuel offers modest home values, moderate rents

If you're relocating to Nebraska and prioritize affordable homeownership, Deuel's median home value of $97,200 and monthly owner costs of $674 are accessible entry points. Renters should weigh Deuel's 16.1% burden against nearby Dundy or Franklin Counties, where rent-to-income ratios dip below 13%. Both options require careful budgeting, but Deuel's lower home prices may appeal to owner-occupied households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Deuel County

via IncomeByCounty

Deuel lags behind national income mark

Deuel County's median household income of $61,438 falls about $13,300 short of the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower-income tier nationally, though it reflects broader rural economic patterns across the Great Plains.

Below-average income within Nebraska

At $61,438, Deuel's median household income trails Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by roughly $5,400. The county ranks in the lower half of Nebraska's 93 counties by household earnings.

County incomes vary across the region

Deuel's $61,438 median sits below neighboring Cheyenne County and comparable rural areas, though it exceeds some of the state's most economically challenged counties in the northwest. Per capita income of $40,271 reflects agricultural and small-town employment patterns.

Housing remains affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.1%, Deuel County residents spend a relatively modest share of earnings on housing—well below the national stress threshold of 30%. The median home value of $97,200 is highly accessible on local incomes.

Building financial security matters here

Deuel's lower median income makes consistent saving and investing even more critical for long-term wealth building. Consider working with a local financial advisor to establish an emergency fund and explore low-cost investment options suited to modest but stable farm and business incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Deuel County

via CrimeByCounty

Deuel County's exceptional safety standards

Deuel County maintains a total crime rate of just 107.6 per 100,000 residents, which is drastically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a stellar safety score of 99.8 out of 100. Residents enjoy a level of security that far outpaces most of the United States.

Leading the state in peace

With a safety score of 99.8, Deuel County ranks significantly higher than the Nebraska state average of 99.0. It stands as one of the safest jurisdictions in the region, providing a stable environment for its citizens. This high ranking reflects the effective local law enforcement and strong community ties.

Safety levels exceed regional neighbors

Deuel's crime rate of 107.6 per 100K is roughly six times lower than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. While many rural counties in the state are safe, Deuel maintains an edge over most peers with its extremely low incident volume. Only two reporting agencies manage this small area, keeping crime to a minimum.

Balanced and minimal crime distribution

The county reports an even split between violent and property crime, with each rate sitting at 53.8 per 100,000. These figures are microscopic compared to national rates of 369.8 for violent crime and 2,015.7 for property crime. Practically speaking, crime is a rare event for the local population.

Sustaining a secure home environment

Even in low-crime areas, basic security measures ensure Deuel County remains a safe haven. Simple actions like adequate outdoor lighting and locking detached sheds can deter opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant helps maintain the county's nearly perfect safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Deuel County

via HealthByCounty

Deuel County outlives the nation

At 79.9 years, Deuel County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.1 years—a significant health advantage. Only 14.4% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 17%, signaling strong overall wellness in this rural community.

Nebraska's healthiest counties

Deuel County ranks among Nebraska's top performers, with a life expectancy of 79.9 years compared to the state average of 77.5 years. This 2.4-year edge reflects consistent access to preventive care and healthy behaviors across the county.

Rural Nebraska life expectancy varies

Deuel County's 79.9-year life expectancy outpaces nearby Frontier County (79.6) and Fillmore County (79.1), making it one of the region's longevity leaders. The county's 14.4% poor/fair health rate ranks better than most neighboring rural counties in the state.

Strong health, limited provider data

Deuel County's uninsured rate of 7.2% sits below Nebraska's 8.1% state average, meaning most residents have health coverage. While specific provider counts aren't available for this rural area, residents maintain strong health outcomes through effective care management.

Keep Deuel County healthy

With 7.2% of residents uninsured, there's room to connect everyone to coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Nebraska's health department to explore affordable insurance options and protect your family's health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Deuel County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Rural Deuel

Deuel County operates a compact educational network of 5 public schools across two districts, serving a total of 390 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools and two high schools, ensuring local access for the community's youth.

Academic Outcomes and Investment Levels

The county's graduation rate stands at 75.0%, trailing both the Nebraska state average and the national benchmark of 87%. However, officials invest $11,711 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $10,521 despite a school score of 55.8.

The Districts Serving Deuel Students

South Platte Public Schools is the larger provider with 218 students, followed closely by Creek Valley Schools with 172 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of just 98 students. So Platte Elementary is the largest campus with 110 students, while Creek Valley High School serves as the smallest with 73 students.

Finding Your Home in Deuel

For families who value small class sizes and a rural lifestyle, Deuel County offers a unique close-knit environment. Consider how these local schools fit your family's needs while you explore residential opportunities in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Deuel County

via RiskByCounty

Deuel ranks among safest counties nationally

With a composite risk score of 4.04, Deuel County sits well below the national average and carries a Very Low risk rating. This means residents face significantly fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties.

One of Nebraska's lowest-risk counties

Deuel's score of 4.04 ranks it among the safest counties in Nebraska, where the state average sits at 25.80. This protective position reflects the county's geography and relative isolation from major hazard corridors.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Deuel County's risk score of 4.04 is notably lower than neighboring Cheyenne County and similar rural counties across the panhandle. Its low profile holds steady across most hazard categories, making it one of the region's more secure areas.

Wildfire remains the primary threat

Wildfire risk scores 38.42 in Deuel County, representing the most significant natural hazard residents face. While tornado risk (17.40) and earthquake risk (8.84) exist, they remain substantially lower than the county's wildfire exposure.

Focus wildfire coverage for peace of mind

Even in low-risk Deuel County, homeowners should verify that their insurance policies adequately cover wildfire damage, given the county's elevated wildfire score of 38.42. Review your policy annually and maintain defensible space around your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Deuel County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler High Plains Environment

Deuel County maintains an average annual temperature of 49.2°F, which sits below the national median. This semiarid climate experiences significantly less moisture than much of the country, totaling only 18.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Below the Nebraska Temperature Average

At 49.2°F, the county is slightly cooler than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. It also receives about 7.6 fewer inches of precipitation annually than the state benchmark of 25.9 inches.

Drier Conditions Than Eastern Neighbors

Deuel is notably more arid than central Nebraska counties, recording nearly 8 inches less rain than the state average. While neighboring areas enjoy more moisture, Deuel relies on its 18.3 inches of annual rainfall to sustain its high-altitude landscape.

Brisk Winters and Frequent Summer Heat

Residents face 43 extreme heat days per year when temperatures top 90°F, concentrated during a 74.2°F July. Winters are cold and snowy, with an average January temperature of 26.8°F and 27.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Swings

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency cooling to manage the 43 days of intense summer heat. Winter readiness requires reliable snow removal equipment for the nearly 28 inches of annual snow and heavy-duty insulation for cold January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Deuel County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in Deuel County

Deuel County features an average pH of 7.25, which is notably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, these basic soils reflect the arid western Nebraska environment.

High Sand for Rapid Aeration

The soil is dominated by 54.5% sand and 30.8% silt, creating a texture that promotes airflow to plant roots. With only 14.7% clay, the soil is easy to work but requires careful management to retain nutrients.

Lean Organic Matter Challenges

Organic matter measures 1.69%, trailing the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity of 0.171 in/in stays competitive with the state benchmark of 0.172 in/in.

Managing Unmapped Hydrology

Standard drainage and hydrologic data are not formally recorded for this area. Residents should observe local runoff patterns, as the high sand content likely facilitates fast natural drainage.

Gardening in Zone 5b

Native grasses and drought-tolerant perennials thrive in this Hardiness Zone 5b climate. Gardeners can find success with alkaline-tolerant species like lavender or sage to match the local soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Deuel County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Environment for Deuel Lawns

Deuel County earns a lawn difficulty score of 34.5, significantly trailing both the Nebraska average of 54.2 and the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a lush lawn in this hardiness zone 5b region requires extra effort due to the semi-arid climate.

Managing Sparse Rainfall and High Heat

With only 18.3 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives far less than the 30-50 inches typically ideal for turfgrass. Homeowners must navigate 43 extreme heat days each year, making a strictly timed irrigation schedule essential for survival.

Alkaline Soil with High Sand Content

The soil pH of 7.25 sits just above the ideal range of 6.0-7.0, meaning nutrients might be less accessible to the grass. The soil is 54.5% sand, which promotes fast drainage but requires more frequent watering compared to the loamy soils found elsewhere in the state.

Severe Drought Demands Water Conservation

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with over 54.2% of the area currently facing severe conditions. To preserve lawns, residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering and avoid mowing during the hottest parts of the day.

Resilient Grass Choices for High Plains

Buffalograss and blue grama are excellent drought-tolerant choices for this zone 5b climate. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on May 10 to ensure the best chance for establishment before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deuel County's county score?
Deuel County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 61.2 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 Deuel County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Deuel County ranks #49 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 Deuel County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Deuel County is $1,455, with an effective tax rate of 1.50%. This earns Deuel County a tax score of 13/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Deuel County?
The median household income in Deuel County, Nebraska is $61,438 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Deuel County earns an income score of 43.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Deuel County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Deuel County scores 61.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Deuel 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 Deuel County with other counties side by side.

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