countyscore
42.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 69.5Lawn Care 68.8Health 64

County Report Card

About Dodge County, Nebraska

Trailing the National Median

Dodge County holds a composite score of 42.2, which falls below the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces more livability hurdles than the average American locale.

Below the Nebraska Benchmark

The county's score of 42.2 is notably lower than the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It struggles to keep pace with neighboring counties in several key quality-of-life metrics.

Strong Incomes and Clean Water

Income levels are a bright spot with a score of 69.5, supported by a median household income of $71,294. Water quality also performs well with a score of 56.3, sitting above many regional peers.

Concerns in Safety and Stability

Safety and risk scores are low at 39.8 and 32.6 respectively, suggesting higher vulnerability to crime or natural hazards. Housing costs are also a factor, as the cost score of 31.9 reflects a higher-than-average median home value of $188,100.

For Professionals Prioritizing Earnings

This county suits established professionals who value higher wages and can navigate a more complex safety and risk landscape. It is less ideal for those seeking the traditional low-cost, high-security rural Nebraska experience.

Score breakdown

Tax18Cost31.9Safety39.8Health64Schools52.4Income69.5Risk32.6Water56.3Weather42.4
🏛18
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡39.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.8
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

Colfax County
Nebraska
53.9
Saunders County
Nebraska
58.7
Washington County
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Burt County
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Cuming County
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Douglas County
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Butler County
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Harrison County
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Deep Dives

Dodge County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dodge County

via TaxByCounty

Dodge taxes nearly match national median

Dodge County's median property tax of $2,591 nearly mirrors the national median of $2,690, making it a representative tax environment for American homeowners. The county's effective rate of 1.377% positions Dodge squarely in the middle of national tax burden rankings.

Above average among Nebraska counties

Dodge's 1.377% effective rate exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it among higher-tax counties statewide. The median property tax of $2,591 is $619 above the state average of $1,972, reflecting Dodge's more developed real estate market.

Highest taxes in its region

Dodge County's 1.377% rate stands well above all surveyed neighbors: Deuel (1.497% is exception due to assessment specifics), Dixon (1.212%), Fillmore (1.129%), Franklin (1.133%), and Frontier (1.426%). Dodge's higher tax burden reflects its status as a more densely populated, developed county centered around Fremont.

Annual bill for median Dodge home

A homeowner with Dodge County's median property value of $188,100 pays approximately $2,591 yearly in taxes. With mortgage financing, that rises to $2,670; without it, the bill drops to $2,453—a meaningful $217 difference annually.

Challenge your Dodge assessment

Property tax appeals are common across Nebraska, and overassessments occur even in developed counties like Dodge. Review your assessment against recent comparable sales in your neighborhood; if values don't align, file an appeal with the assessor's office to potentially reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dodge County

via CostByCounty

Dodge faces affordability pressure vs. nation

Dodge County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio tops Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and exceeds national norms, signaling housing strain despite decent wages. The median household income of $71,294 falls slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet median rent of $985 is notably high, creating a squeeze for renters. Dodge's urban center (Fremont area) drives up costs relative to income in ways many Nebraska counties avoid.

Dodge ranks among Nebraska's least affordable

At 16.6%, Dodge County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average by 2.4 percentage points, placing it among Nebraska's pricier rental markets. Median rent of $985 runs 25.8% higher than the state average of $783, reflecting Dodge's more urbanized economy and demand pressures. Only a handful of Nebraska counties approach Dodge's affordability challenge for renters.

Dodge rents dominate the regional landscape

At $985 monthly, Dodge's median rent far exceeds neighboring Deuel ($827), Dixon ($661), and Fillmore ($667)—often by $150 to $300 per month. Even Douglas County (the Omaha area, typically pricier) sits at $1,162, but Dodge renters actually earn less than Douglas households while paying nearly as much rent. Dodge's housing costs create a distinctly tight affordability situation in its region.

Dodge renters spend one-sixth on housing

Dodge households earning $71,294 annually ($5,941/month) allocate $985 to rent, consuming 16.6% of gross income and leaving just 83.4% for all other needs. Homeowners fare better at 16.3% of income ($967 monthly), though median home values of $188,100 demand either substantial down payments or higher mortgages over time. The rental market presents the steeper affordability challenge for Dodge households.

Dodge: urban amenities, premium housing costs

If you're drawn to Dodge's urban services and job market, expect to allocate roughly one-sixth of income to housing—higher than most Nebraska peers. Homebuyers should budget $967 monthly for ownership at median values of $188,100, feasible for local incomes but requiring discipline. Renters evaluating relocation should compare Dodge's $985 rents carefully against more affordable nearby counties like Dixon or Franklin.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dodge County

via IncomeByCounty

Dodge County keeps pace nationally

Dodge County's median household income of $71,294 trails the national median of $74,755 by only about $3,460, placing it comfortably in the middle-income range. The county performs well for its size and location in eastern Nebraska.

Above Nebraska's state average

At $71,294, Dodge's median household income surpasses Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by roughly $4,400. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties.

Competitive with regional peers

Dodge's $71,294 median income aligns closely with other prosperous eastern Nebraska counties, supported by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county's larger population base supports more diverse employment opportunities than smaller rural neighbors.

Housing carries moderate burden

Dodge County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% indicates modest housing cost pressures relative to earnings. With a median home value of $188,100, the county offers more expensive properties than rural counterparts, reflecting greater economic activity and demand.

Maximize your home equity gains

Dodge County's higher home values present meaningful wealth-building opportunities through property appreciation and mortgage paydown. Residents should explore tax-advantaged savings strategies and consider how a home investment aligns with long-term retirement goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dodge County

via CrimeByCounty

Dodge County remains safer than average

Dodge County's total crime rate of 1,366.5 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.8 out of 100. Despite having more activity than rural peers, it remains a relatively secure area for its population.

Measuring safety within Nebraska

With a safety score of 97.8, Dodge County sits slightly below the Nebraska state average of 99.0. This is typical for a more populated county with six reporting agencies managing urban and rural zones. While it faces more challenges than smaller neighbors, it is far from being a high-crime area.

Local trends vs state averages

Dodge County's crime rate of 1,366.5 per 100K is more than double the Nebraska average of 626.7. This reflects its status as a more densely populated hub compared to the sparsely populated western counties. However, it still offers much lower crime risk than major urban centers like Omaha.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 1,232.0 per 100K, while the violent crime rate is low at 134.5. The violent crime rate is less than half the national average of 369.8. This indicates that most law enforcement activity focuses on theft and larceny rather than physical safety threats.

Security focus for property owners

Given that property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing homes and vehicles. Motion-sensor lighting and high-quality locks are essential first steps for deterrence. Reporting suspicious activity to local agencies helps keep Dodge County safe for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dodge County

via HealthByCounty

Dodge County lags national life expectancy

At 76.2 years, Dodge County's life expectancy falls 1.9 years short of the U.S. average of 78.1 years, marking the lowest performance among Nebraska's major counties. With 16.0% reporting poor or fair health, nearly 1 in 6 residents face daily health challenges.

Nebraska's shortest life expectancy

Dodge County's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks well below Nebraska's 77.5-year state average, making it one of the state's poorest-performing counties on this metric. The county's 16.0% poor/fair health rate signals chronic disease and health management concerns.

Surrounded by healthier counties

Dodge County's 76.2-year life expectancy lags significantly behind Deuel County (79.9) and Fillmore County (79.1) just miles away. This disparity, despite being home to Fremont, suggests uneven distribution of health resources or outcomes across the region.

Strong provider presence, persistent gaps

Dodge County boasts 49 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 229 mental health providers per 100,000—well above state averages. Yet the 8.6% uninsured rate and underlying health outcomes suggest access or utilization barriers remain.

Make health care a priority now

Dodge County residents deserve access to the robust provider network available locally, but 8.6% remain uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and ensure you can use the excellent mental health and primary care services your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dodge County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Extensive School System

Dodge County features 22 public schools, ranging from 11 elementary campuses to 5 high schools. This robust network serves 6,648 students across 5 distinct districts and includes two specialized education facilities.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 88.1% graduation rate, which surpasses both the Nebraska and national averages of approximately 87%. This success comes despite a leaner per-pupil expenditure of $8,062, which is well below the national median of $13,000.

Fremont Public Schools Leads the Way

Fremont Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 14 schools and 5,217 students. The county contains no charter schools, ensuring a consolidated focus on its traditional public school districts.

From Town Centers to Rural Fields

The county offers a mix of 13 town-based schools and 9 rural campuses, with an average school size of 332 students. Fremont Senior High is a major hub with 1,633 students, providing a stark contrast to the county's smaller rural elementary schools.

Make Your Home in Dodge County

Families gravitate to Dodge County for its high graduation rates and diverse school settings. Whether you prefer a town home or a rural estate, you can find quality educational options nearby.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dodge County

via RiskByCounty

Dodge faces elevated disaster risk nationwide

Dodge County's composite risk score of 67.40 exceeds the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating, indicating moderate natural disaster exposure. This places the county in a more hazardous category than most American counties.

High-risk leader in Nebraska

Dodge County scores 67.40—more than double Nebraska's state average of 25.80—making it one of the state's riskier counties. This elevated exposure reflects the county's geographic position and susceptibility to multiple hazard types.

Dodge significantly outpaces regional peers

With a score of 67.40, Dodge County faces substantially higher risk than most neighboring counties in eastern Nebraska. Its position along the Platte River and exposure to severe weather corridors contribute to this elevated profile.

Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires converge here

Dodge County residents face significant threats from tornadoes (84.22), flooding (67.33), and wildfires (70.32)—a convergence of three major hazards. Earthquake risk (24.30) adds a secondary concern, though it remains lower than the primary trio.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Given Dodge County's tornado score of 84.22 and flood risk of 67.33, homeowners need robust coverage for all major hazards. Bundle flood insurance with standard coverage, secure a safe room or basement shelter, and conduct annual policy reviews to ensure adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dodge County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Midwestern Climate Profile

Dodge County averages 50.5°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for temperate regions. It receives a healthy 30.4 inches of precipitation, providing ample moisture compared to the more arid western states.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

Dodge County stays warmer than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F by nearly a full degree. It also receives 4.5 inches more precipitation than the state average of 25.9 inches.

High Moisture for the Region

With 30.4 inches of precipitation, Dodge is much wetter than Nebraska’s western high plains. Its 50.5°F average temperature makes it a moderate pocket in the eastern part of the state.

Steamy Summers and Snowy Winters

July averages 75.9°F and brings 34 days of temperatures hitting 90°F or higher. Winter brings 33.5 inches of snow and a January average of 22.6°F, requiring robust seasonal transitions.

Plan for Humidity and Snow

Residents should ensure HVAC systems can handle over a month of extreme heat days and high humidity. Outdoor planning must account for 33.5 inches of snow, making sturdy shovels and winter tires essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dodge County

via SoilByCounty

Dodge County's Versatile Soil Foundation

The soil maintains an average pH of 6.89, placing it very close to the Nebraska state average of 6.79. This near-neutral acidity is ideal for maximizing nutrient availability for most garden plants.

The Silt and Sand Mix

A mix of 44.4% silt and 33.1% sand creates a soil that is relatively easy to till and manage. The 21.2% clay content helps prevent the soil from drying out too quickly compared to pure sandy regions.

Superior Water Storage Capacity

Dodge County boasts an available water capacity of 0.186 in/in, significantly outperforming the state average. While organic matter at 2.49% is lower than the state mark, the overall soil score of 60.6 remains high.

Analyzing Unclassified Drainage

Specific drainage classes are not officially assigned to this county in the current dataset. Given the water capacity, growers should watch for slow-drying spots in lower elevations after heavy rains.

Diverse Planting in Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone allows for a long growing season for corn, beans, and leafy greens. With such high water capacity, your garden will be more resilient during occasional dry spells.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dodge County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Lawn Conditions in Dodge

Dodge County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 68.8, making it one of the easier places in Nebraska to grow grass. This score comfortably beats the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 54.2.

Perfect Moisture and Temperature Balance

Annual precipitation of 30.4 inches falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. The county experiences 34 extreme heat days, which aligns exactly with the Nebraska state average, keeping mowing schedules predictable.

Healthy Loam Foundations

A soil pH of 6.89 is ideal for most turf varieties, ensuring your grass can access essential nutrients. The soil profile contains 21.2% clay and 33.1% sand, which generally provides a healthy balance of moisture retention and aeration.

High Resilience to Drought Stress

With only 12 weeks of drought in the past year and 0.0% of the area currently in severe drought, your lawn is well-positioned for success. Even with these favorable conditions, using mulch-mowing can help keep the soil cool and moist.

Take Advantage of an Early Start

Zone 5b allows for a wide variety of cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue. With the last spring frost typically occurring on April 23, you can get an early start on your spring lawn renovation.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dodge County's county score?
Dodge County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 42.2 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 Dodge County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Dodge County ranks #83 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 Dodge County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Dodge County is $2,591, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. This earns Dodge County a tax score of 18/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dodge County?
The median household income in Dodge County, Nebraska is $71,294 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dodge County earns an income score of 69.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dodge County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Dodge County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Dodge 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 Dodge County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.