countyscore
62.5
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.

2040608010013.865.792.684.24962.1962634.6Tax13.8Cost65.7Safety92.6Health84.2Schools49Income62.1Risk96Water26Weather34.662.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Deuel County DNA

Doverall

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

Deuel County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (96/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (13.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
13.8-38.2
Cost
65.7+17.700000000000003
Safety
92.6+37.599999999999994
Health
84.2+34.2
Schools
49
Income
62.1+11.100000000000001
Risk
96+49
Water
26-32
Weather
34.6-21.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Deuel County?

Many homeowners in Deuel 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

$100,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$872/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$100,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,096/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Nearby counties

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62
Phillips County
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57.2
Perkins County
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58
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 9 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

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

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 62.5 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 #46 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 $1,431, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Deuel County a tax score of 13.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Deuel County?
The median household income in Deuel County, Nebraska is $70,096 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Deuel County earns an income score of 62.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Deuel County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Deuel County scores 62.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 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.
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.