countyscore
63.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.2Safety 82.6Cost of Living 79.8

County Report Card

About Dixon County, Nebraska

High Standing in the Heartland

Dixon County boasts a composite score of 63.6, comfortably surpassing the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of American communities for overall livability.

Leading the State Average

With a score of 63.6, Dixon County ranks well above the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It stands out as a top-tier choice for residents within the Cornhusker State.

Natural Resilience and Financial Balance

A risk score of 91.2 and a safety score of 82.6 make this a remarkably secure place to live. The cost score of 79.8 highlights impressive housing affordability, with median rents at just $661 per month.

Severe Water Quality Constraints

The water quality score is a significant outlier at 1.7, representing the county's most pressing challenge. Additionally, the tax score of 25.0 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.212%, which remains a moderate burden for residents.

Stability for Growing Families

Dixon County is a great fit for families seeking financial stability and safety, evidenced by solid school and income scores. Potential residents should simply investigate local water filtration solutions to offset the low environmental score.

Score breakdown

Tax25Cost79.8Safety82.6Health66.3Schools61.5Income64.7Risk91.2Water1.7Weather42.4
🏛25
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.7
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

Dakota County
Nebraska
35.8
Union County
South Dakota
51.5
Clay County
South Dakota
37.1
Wayne County
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Plymouth County
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Cedar County
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Thurston County
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Woodbury County
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Deep Dives

Dixon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dixon County

via TaxByCounty

Dixon taxes rank below national median

Dixon County's effective tax rate of 1.212% is significantly lower than the national median effective rate of approximately 0.89% based on comparable national figures. This means Dixon homeowners retain more wealth through property ownership than the typical American household.

Below state average, mid-tier ranking

Dixon's 1.212% effective rate sits below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the lower half of Nebraska's 93 counties. The median tax bill of $1,714 remains $258 below the state average, despite higher home values than several rural peers.

Competitive with surrounding counties

At 1.212%, Dixon ranks slightly above Fillmore County (1.129%) and Franklin County (1.133%), but well below Deuel County (1.497%) and Frontier County (1.426%). For a median home valued at $141,400, Dixon offers a balanced tax burden in the regional context.

What Dixon homeowners pay yearly

The typical Dixon County homeowner with a $141,400 property pays $1,714 in annual property taxes. Mortgage-holders see that climb to $1,780, while those paying cash save $42 annually—modest but meaningful over decades of ownership.

Appeal overassessments in Dixon

Research shows many Nebraska property owners are overassessed relative to recent market sales and independent appraisals. Dixon homeowners can file a simple appeal with the county assessor if they believe their home is valued too high—no lawyer required.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dixon County

via CostByCounty

Dixon achieves balanced affordability nationwide

Dixon County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio is well below both the national average and Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, signaling strong rental affordability. With a median household income of $69,156—just slightly below the national median of $74,755—and rents at just $661 monthly, local renters retain more income for other expenses. Dixon stands out as one of Nebraska's more affordable rental markets.

Dixon ranks among Nebraska's most affordable

At 11.5%, Dixon's rent-to-income ratio places it among the state's best performers, well ahead of Nebraska's 14.2% average. Median rent of $661 undercuts the state average by $122 per month, and household incomes of $69,156 provide solid earning power for the region. Dixon offers renters and buyers alike more breathing room than most Nebraska counties.

Dixon rents beat most regional peers decisively

At $661 monthly, Dixon's rent is the lowest among surrounding counties—$166 cheaper than Deuel County and $324 cheaper than Dodge County. Despite earning slightly less than Dodge ($71,294), Dixon renters benefit from substantially lower housing costs and better affordability ratios. This makes Dixon a standout choice for budget-conscious renters in the region.

Dixon residents keep 88.5% for non-housing

With a median household income of $69,156 monthly ($5,763) and median rent of $661, Dixon renters dedicate just 11.5% of earnings to housing. Homeowners fare even better: at $705 monthly, mortgage costs consume only 12.3% of income, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses. This favorable split ranks Dixon among Nebraska's most livable counties for housing affordability.

Dixon combines affordability with solid incomes

Relocating to Dixon offers renters the rare advantage of low costs ($661/month) paired with competitive wages ($69,156 median), making housing absorb less than 12% of income. Homebuyers will find median values of $141,400 and monthly costs of $705—reasonable for the region and well-supported by local incomes. If Nebraska affordability is your priority, Dixon deserves top consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dixon County

via IncomeByCounty

Dixon's income exceeds rural average

Dixon County's median household income of $69,156 lands about $5,600 below the national median of $74,755, putting it solidly in the middle-income range. The county outperforms many rural counties nationwide despite being a smaller, agriculture-based area.

Above Nebraska's median income

At $69,156, Dixon's median household income exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by about $2,300. This positions the county in the upper-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties by household earnings.

Strong income relative to peers

Dixon's $69,156 median household income outpaces several neighboring counties in northeast Nebraska, reflecting a more diversified local economy. The county's per capita income of $39,214 supports a stable rural workforce.

Housing costs well within reach

Dixon County's rent-to-income ratio of just 11.5% is among the lowest statewide, meaning residents dedicate a minimal share of earnings to housing. With a median home value of $141,400, homeownership remains highly attainable.

Leverage affordability for investment

Dixon's strong affordability metrics create an ideal environment for wealth accumulation through home equity and retirement savings. Local residents should prioritize automatic 401(k) contributions and consider community investment opportunities in agriculture or small business.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dixon County

via CrimeByCounty

Dixon County outshines national safety figures

Dixon County reports a total crime rate of 412.3 per 100,000 residents, significantly below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. The county achieves an impressive safety score of 99.3 out of 100. This data indicates a community where residents are far less likely to encounter crime than the average American.

Exceeding Nebraska's safety benchmarks

Dixon County's safety score of 99.3 sits comfortably above the Nebraska state average of 99.0. It ranks as one of the more secure counties in the state, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle. Law enforcement across two agencies effectively manages the county's public safety needs.

Competitive safety in rural Nebraska

The local crime rate of 412.3 per 100K is lower than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. While higher than some ultra-low-density neighbors like Deuel, Dixon remains a high-performer in the region. Most neighboring counties struggle to match Dixon's consistent safety record.

Analyzing the local crime mix

Violent crime in Dixon County stands at 215.1 per 100K, while property crime is slightly lower at 197.2. While the property crime rate is roughly 10 times lower than the national average, the violent crime rate also remains well below the U.S. figure of 369.8. These numbers represent very few actual incidents across the county's population.

Proactive steps for local residents

Maintaining Dixon's high safety score requires active community involvement and home awareness. Smart doorbells and clear sightlines around entryways are effective ways to protect your property. Community watch habits ensure that the county remains a difficult target for crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dixon County

via HealthByCounty

Dixon County slightly above national average

Dixon County's life expectancy of 78.9 years sits just 0.8 years above the U.S. average of 78.1 years. With 16.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health—nearly 1 percentage point above the national average—the county faces moderate health challenges.

Middle-of-pack health across Nebraska

Dixon County's 78.9-year life expectancy trails Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by 1.4 years, placing it in the state's middle tier. The 16.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state baseline, suggesting room for improvement in chronic disease management.

Diverse outcomes in northeast Nebraska

Dixon County's 78.9-year life expectancy falls between Deuel County (79.9) and Dundy County (where data is limited), reflecting variable health performance across the region. Its uninsured rate of 10.2% ranks among the highest in the state and nearby counties.

Coverage gaps and limited providers

Dixon County's 10.2% uninsured rate significantly exceeds Nebraska's 8.1% average, leaving roughly 1 in 10 residents without health coverage. The county offers 18 primary care providers and 18 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, below state averages for a rural area.

Close the coverage gap in Dixon

One in ten Dixon County residents lacks health insurance—a higher burden than most of Nebraska. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable coverage options and connect with care today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dixon County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Efficient Rural School Network

Dixon County manages 5 public schools, including three elementary and two high schools, to serve its 578 students. This streamlined infrastructure is organized under a single primary district structure.

Strong Scores and Competitive Graduation Rates

Dixon County achieves a 60.8 school score, outperforming the Nebraska state average of 59.1. The graduation rate of 86.7% nearly matches state and national benchmarks, supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $11,161.

Focus on Allen Consolidated Schools

Allen Consolidated Schools serves as a key district in the region, managing two schools with a total enrollment of 142 students. Like many rural Nebraska counties, Dixon has 0% charter school participation, focusing exclusively on public district schools.

Intimate Classrooms in Rural Settings

The county’s educational landscape is entirely rural, featuring an average school size of 116 students. Ponca High School is the largest facility with 190 students, while Allen High School remains the most intimate with only 67 students.

Planting Roots in Dixon County

With school scores that beat the state average, Dixon County is an excellent choice for families seeking academic quality in a quiet setting. Explore local real estate to find a home near these high-performing rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dixon County

via RiskByCounty

Dixon's risk profile outperforms national norms

Dixon County's composite risk score of 8.84 places it well below the national average with a Very Low risk rating. Residents here enjoy substantially lower exposure to natural disasters than the typical American county.

Among Nebraska's safest communities

With a score of 8.84, Dixon County ranks as one of Nebraska's lowest-risk areas compared to the state average of 25.80. This protective position reflects the county's geographic advantages and lower hazard intensity.

Competitive risk levels across the northeast

Dixon County's score of 8.84 compares favorably to surrounding counties in northeast Nebraska, though some neighbors experience notably higher tornado and flood risks. The county benefits from a balanced hazard profile that avoids extreme exposure in any single category.

Tornado and wildfire deserve attention

Tornado risk scores 35.62 and wildfire risk reaches 67.65 in Dixon County—the two hazards that merit careful planning. Flood risk (12.47) presents a minor concern, while earthquake exposure (3.72) remains minimal.

Prioritize tornado and wildfire insurance

Dixon County homeowners should ensure their policies provide strong coverage for tornadoes (35.62 risk) and wildfires (67.65 risk). Test your home's weather safety with an annual preparedness review and identify your closest safe shelter.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dixon County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Moist Northern Climate

Dixon County averages 48.3°F annually, making it cooler than the national median and many of its southern peers. The county receives 29.9 inches of precipitation, which is higher than the typical Nebraska profile.

Among the State's Cooler Counties

The county's 48.3°F average is well below the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. However, its 29.9 inches of annual precipitation makes it wetter than the state average of 25.9 inches.

Wet and Snowy Compared to Neighbors

Dixon outpaces the state precipitation average by four inches and sees significantly more snow than southern Nebraska counties. Its 35.9 inches of annual snowfall marks it as one of the snowier regions in the state.

Snowy Winters and Moderate Summers

July averages a comfortable 73.6°F with only 26 days of extreme heat, which is lower than many neighboring counties. Winter is the dominant season, featuring a chilly 20.3°F January average and nearly 36 inches of snow.

Gear Up for Serious Winter

With nearly 36 inches of annual snow, a high-quality snowblower is a local necessity. Residents benefit from lower cooling costs due to fewer heat days, but should prioritize weather-stripping to handle the cold 23.0°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dixon County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Balance in Northeast Nebraska

Dixon County soil presents a near-neutral pH of 6.98, slightly higher than the state average of 6.79. This balanced chemistry provides a versatile foundation for a wide variety of crops and native plants.

Silty Textures for Better Workability

The composition is 47.7% silt and 24.1% clay, offering a stable structure for farming. The 28.2% sand content ensures the soil doesn't become too compacted, maintaining a healthy balance of drainage and retention.

Strong Water Capacity and Potential

Available water capacity reaches 0.183 in/in, which is higher than the Nebraska average of 0.172 in/in. Although organic matter sits at 2.72%, below the state average, the soil score of 59.5 indicates solid productivity.

Local Hydrologic Observations Needed

With dominant drainage and hydrologic group data currently unavailable, site-specific testing is recommended. The moderate clay and high silt levels suggest the soil holds moisture well during the growing season.

Success in Zone 5a

Falling in Hardiness Zone 5a, this county is perfect for hardy vegetables and fruit trees. The balanced pH makes it an ideal spot to start a productive backyard garden or small orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dixon County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growing Conditions in Dixon

Dixon County's lawn difficulty score of 53.7 is nearly identical to the state average of 54.2 and slightly better than the national median. This hardiness zone 5a area offers a more manageable environment for traditional lawn care than the western part of the state.

Steady Rainfall Supports Consistent Growth

Annual precipitation of 29.9 inches sits right on the edge of the ideal range for lawns, reducing the need for heavy irrigation. With only 26 extreme heat days per year, the grass faces less thermal stress than the state average of 34 days.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

The soil pH of 6.98 is nearly perfect for turfgrass, landing squarely in the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. A balanced mix of 24.1% clay and 28.2% sand provides a stable foundation, though drainage data is limited.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

Despite 37 weeks in drought over the last year, only 18.7% of the county currently experiences severe conditions. Maintaining a higher mowing height can help the soil retain moisture during these abnormally dry periods.

Best Seeding Times for Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in these cooler northern temperatures. Plan your seeding projects after the final spring frost on May 5 to give your new lawn a strong start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dixon County's county score?
Dixon County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 63.6 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 Dixon County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Dixon County ranks #40 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 Dixon County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Dixon County is $1,714, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Dixon County a tax score of 25/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dixon County?
The median household income in Dixon County, Nebraska is $69,156 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dixon County earns an income score of 64.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dixon County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Dixon County scores 63.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Dixon 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 Dixon County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.