CountyScore

Dodge County

Nebraska · NE

#86 in Nebraska
64.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Dodge County, Nebraska

Dodge beats the national livability floor

Dodge County's composite score of 64.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, marking it as a solid performer on the national stage. However, it falls shy of some peer counties in its region, indicating room for improvement.

Below Nebraska's state average, but stable

With a score of 64.5, Dodge County trails Nebraska's state average of 71.2 by about 10%, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. It remains a viable option despite this gap.

Strong incomes drive the county forward

Dodge County's income score of 29.9 and median household income of $71,294 are among the stronger in the region, supporting a more prosperous community. Health outcomes at 72.7 are also respectable, reflecting decent wellness infrastructure.

Risk management and housing costs need attention

The risk score of 32.6 is the county's most pressing weakness, suggesting elevated exposure to natural hazards or other livability risks that residents should understand. Housing costs are also higher here—median rents at $985 and home values at $188,100—straining affordability relative to neighboring counties.

For income-focused families willing to assume risk

Dodge County suits working families with stable incomes who can absorb higher housing costs and are comfortable with its risk profile. It's less suitable for those prioritizing maximum affordability or lowest-risk living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63.5Cost75.8SafetyComing SoonHealth72.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.9Risk32.6WaterComing Soon
🏛63.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡32.6
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 Dodge County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Gila County
Arizona
64.5
Median income: $59,089
Washington County
Arkansas
64.5
Median income: $66,426
Del Norte County
California
64.5
Median income: $66,780
Elkhart County
Indiana
64.5
Median income: $65,617
Dallas County
Iowa
64.5
Median income: $102,349

Deep Dives

Dodge County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.