countyscore
29.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 82.6Health 72.4

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Nebraska

Urban Challenges Dampen Scores

Douglas County records a composite score of 29.6, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. As a major urban center, it faces unique pressures that lower its overall ranking.

A Departure from State Norms

While the state average sits at 59.3, Douglas County scores 29.6, reflecting the sharp divide between urban and rural Nebraska life. It ranks toward the bottom of the state for composite livability.

Top-Tier Incomes and Water

The county excels in income with a score of 82.6 and a median household income of $79,081. It also features excellent water quality at 86.0 and a respectable health score of 72.4.

Elevated Risks and High Costs

Safety and risk scores are critically low at 4.9 and 4.1, respectively, which is common for dense metropolitan areas. Residents also face a steep tax burden with a 1.747% effective rate and the highest home values in this group.

The Choice for Career Seekers

Douglas County is best for high-earning individuals who prioritize career opportunities and urban amenities over quiet and safety. It offers the best earning potential in the region for those who can afford the higher price of entry.

Score breakdown

Tax6.1Cost13.1Safety4.9Health72.4Schools38.6Income82.6Risk4.1Water86Weather52.4
🏛6.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.3
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

Sarpy County
Nebraska
44.9
Washington County
Nebraska
55.3
Pottawattamie County
Iowa
36.1
Saunders County
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Cass County
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Mills County
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Harrison County
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Dodge County
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Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas County leads national tax ranking

Douglas County's effective rate of 1.747% significantly exceeds the national median effective rate of approximately 0.89%, placing it in the top tier of American counties for property tax burden. The median tax bill of $4,295 towers over the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher values and higher rates.

Highest taxes in all of Nebraska

Douglas County's 1.747% effective rate is the highest among all Nebraska counties, exceeding the state average of 1.281% by 36%. The median property tax of $4,295 is more than double the state average of $1,972, a direct result of Omaha's strong real estate market and the county's urban tax base.

Significantly higher than surrounding counties

Douglas's 1.747% rate dwarfs all regional peers: Dodge County (1.377%), Frontier County (1.426%), Deuel County (1.497%), and others in the survey. This reflects Douglas's status as Nebraska's population center and home to Omaha, where property values and municipal service demands drive higher assessments.

Omaha-area homeowners pay premium rates

The median Douglas County home valued at $245,800 carries an annual property tax bill of $4,295. Mortgage-holders pay $4,429, while cash buyers pay $3,980—a $449 gap that accumulates significantly over a homeownership lifetime.

Appeal potential in high-value market

Even in fast-appreciating Douglas County, assessment errors occur—properties are sometimes valued above actual market conditions. Omaha-area homeowners should obtain a recent appraisal or review comparable sales; if your assessed value exceeds fair market value, an appeal could save thousands annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas faces highest affordability strain

Douglas County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among Nebraska counties and well above both the national average and state average of 14.2%, reflecting Omaha's metro pressures. Despite the highest median household income in this group at $79,081—above the national median of $74,755—renters still spend $1,162 monthly on housing, outpacing wage growth. Douglas stands as Nebraska's affordability challenge, even for relatively well-compensated households.

Douglas County: Nebraska's costliest market

Douglas ranks last among Nebraska counties for rental affordability, with a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio and median rents of $1,162—48.4% above the state average. Higher wages ($79,081) provide some cushion that smaller counties lack, but housing cost growth has clearly outpaced income growth in the Omaha metro. Douglas renters face the steepest affordability wall in the state.

Douglas dominates regional housing costs

Douglas's $1,162 monthly rent towers over all neighboring counties: nearly $200 more than Deuel, over $500 more than Dixon, and $177 more than Dodge County. Even Douglas County's higher household incomes ($79,081) cannot fully offset the rent premium, and the gap widens further when comparing homeownership costs. Douglas represents Omaha's metro price reality—substantially costlier than rural and small-town Nebraska.

Douglas housing consumes one-fifth of income

A Douglas household earning $79,081 annually ($6,591/month) devotes $1,162 to rent—17.6% of gross income—leaving 82.4% for utilities, food, transportation, and savings. For homeowners, the burden is steeper: $1,495 monthly represents 22.7% of income, making the median home value of $245,800 a substantial commitment. Douglas renters face tighter affordability than homeowners, a reversal of patterns in smaller counties.

Douglas offers metro opportunities, metro costs

Relocating to Douglas County (Omaha area) means accepting Nebraska's highest housing costs: $1,162 for rent or $1,495 for ownership, consuming 18–23% of income. The trade-off includes stronger job markets, urban services, and higher wages ($79,081) compared to rural counties. Compare Douglas carefully against lower-cost alternatives like Dixon or Fillmore if housing affordability is your priority; choose Douglas if urban opportunity justifies the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas leads Nebraska counties nationally

Douglas County's median household income of $79,081 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about $4,300, ranking it in the upper-income tier nationally. Home to Omaha, the county anchors Nebraska's most economically robust region.

Highest income in Nebraska

At $79,081, Douglas County's median household income significantly outpaces Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by roughly $12,200. The county ranks first among Nebraska's 93 counties in household earnings.

Douglas dominates regional income

Douglas's $79,081 median household income far exceeds surrounding rural and mid-sized counties, reflecting Omaha's role as a major employment hub. The county's per capita income of $45,178 is the highest across Nebraska's counties.

Higher incomes support higher costs

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% reflects the trade-off of higher urban incomes with higher housing costs. The median home value of $245,800 is significantly above rural counterparts, though still affordable for the county's above-average earners.

Diversify wealth beyond homeownership

Douglas County's higher incomes create prime opportunities for investment diversification across stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts. Omaha residents should work with financial advisors to build multi-layered wealth strategies and take full advantage of tax-deferred savings options.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban challenges in Douglas County

As Nebraska's most populous area, Douglas County has a crime rate of 3,523.8 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.4 out of 100. Residents experience higher levels of criminal activity compared to the more rural parts of the state.

Comparing Douglas to Nebraska averages

Douglas County’s safety score of 94.4 is lower than the Nebraska state average of 99.0. This gap is common for counties housing major metropolitan hubs like Omaha, which require eleven reporting agencies to manage public safety. Despite being the highest in the state, its crime levels are manageable compared to similar-sized cities nationwide.

High activity relative to neighbors

The total crime rate in Douglas County is over five times higher than the state average of 626.7 per 100K. Neighboring counties with smaller populations see significantly lower rates of both property and violent crimes. As the commercial and cultural center of the region, it naturally draws higher incident volumes.

Violent and property crime analysis

Douglas County records a violent crime rate of 482.8 and a property crime rate of 3,041.0 per 100,000. Both metrics are higher than national averages, which sit at 369.8 for violent and 2,015.7 for property crime. The high property crime rate suggests that theft and burglary are the most common safety issues for residents.

Prioritizing home and personal safety

In an urban environment like Douglas County, professional security systems and neighborhood watch programs are highly recommended. Always keep vehicles locked and valuables out of sight to prevent opportunistic property crimes. Vigilance and cooperation with local police are key to improving community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Douglas County

via HealthByCounty

Douglas County matches U.S. health trends

Douglas County's 77.7-year life expectancy sits 0.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years, reflecting near-national performance. With 15.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county aligns closely with national health burden patterns.

Omaha area slightly above state average

Douglas County's 77.7-year life expectancy sits 0.2 years above Nebraska's 77.5-year state average, giving it a slight edge. As home to Nebraska's largest urban center, the county offers extensive health resources reflected in its moderate performance.

Urban advantage in metro Omaha

Douglas County's 77.7-year life expectancy outpaces nearby Dodge County (76.2) significantly, demonstrating the health benefits of urban infrastructure and provider density. The 8.0% uninsured rate approaches state average, lower than most rural neighbors.

Omaha's rich health infrastructure

Douglas County leads the state with 109 primary care providers and 529 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—3 to 5 times higher than rural counties. The 8.0% uninsured rate is nearly at state average, with strong access to care for those with coverage.

Use Omaha's health care advantage

Douglas County's exceptional provider network means nearly everyone with insurance can access care quickly, but 8% remain uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local health centers to secure affordable coverage and capitalize on this region's outstanding health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Douglas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Nebraska's Largest Educational Hub

Douglas County is the state's educational powerhouse, featuring 202 public schools and serving a massive 96,377 students. The landscape includes 119 elementary schools and 38 high schools, along with 23 alternative and 6 special education schools.

Managing Scale with Urban Challenges

The county faces challenges with an 81.9% graduation rate and a school score of 51.5, both below state averages. Education is delivered at a cost of $8,017 per pupil, which is lower than the Nebraska average of $10,521.

A Landscape of Major Districts

Omaha Public Schools is the largest district with 111 schools and 51,754 students, followed by Millard Public Schools with 23,637 students. Despite the size of the market, there are currently no charter schools operating within the 14 districts.

Vibrant Urban and Suburban Diversity

With 166 schools located in the city and 14 in suburbs, the average school size is 564 students. Central High School is the largest in the county with 2,738 students, representing the bustling metropolitan feel of the region.

Metropolitan Living Near Diverse Schools

Douglas County offers unparalleled variety for families, from historic urban neighborhoods to sprawling suburban developments. Use the area's diverse school choices to guide your next home purchase in Omaha or its surroundings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas County faces highest disaster risk

Douglas County's composite risk score of 95.87 ranks it among the nation's most hazard-prone counties with a Relatively High rating. Residents face natural disaster exposure substantially above the national average across multiple threat categories.

Nebraska's riskiest county by far

Douglas County scores 95.87—nearly four times Nebraska's average of 25.80—making it the state's highest-risk county. This exceptional exposure reflects the county's location in a major metropolitan area along the Platte River in a severe weather corridor.

Dramatically higher risk than surrounding areas

Douglas County's score of 95.87 dwarfs neighboring counties, reflecting its urban density and riverine geography. No comparable county in the region approaches Douglas's risk level across the board.

Tornadoes and floods dominate the threat landscape

Tornadoes score 99.40 and flooding reaches 95.07 in Douglas County—among the highest hazard exposures in the nation. Wildfire risk (88.80) and earthquake risk (52.74) round out a comprehensive hazard portfolio that requires serious attention.

Multi-hazard insurance is non-negotiable

Douglas County's tornado score of 99.40 and flood risk of 95.07 demand that homeowners carry comprehensive coverage for all major hazards. Consider a FEMA-approved safe room, purchase separate flood insurance immediately, and review your policy quarterly given the county's extreme exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Moist Continental Climate

Douglas County averages 51.9°F annually, placing it near the national median for temperature. The county is notably wet, receiving 32.9 inches of precipitation per year, which exceeds many midwestern averages.

One of Nebraska's Warmest Spots

At 51.9°F, Douglas is significantly warmer than the state average of 49.7°F. It is also one of the state's wettest counties, receiving 7 inches more precipitation than the Nebraska average.

Higher Precipitation than Western Peers

Douglas County receives nearly double the rainfall of Nebraska's westernmost counties. This creates a lush environment compared to the semiarid regions found elsewhere in the state.

Hot July and Moderate Snowfall

July peaks at an average of 77.1°F, though the county only sees 24 days above 90°F. Winter remains cold with a 24.0°F January average and 31.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage Moisture and Winter Cold

With 32.9 inches of annual rain, maintaining clear gutters and proper drainage is vital for homeowners. While heat days are moderate at 24 per year, the 27.0°F winter average necessitates reliable indoor heating.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soils of Douglas County

With an average pH of 6.95, Douglas County soil is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This neutral-leaning profile supports the diverse landscaping found in the Omaha metro area.

Heavy Silt for Deep Stability

The soil is comprised of 54.2% silt and 23.9% clay, creating a dense and fertile medium. The relatively low sand content of 21.8% means this soil holds together well but can be prone to compaction.

Solid Water Retention for Gardening

Available water capacity is 0.180 in/in, which beats the state average and helps urban gardens survive heat. Organic matter is 2.24%, indicating a need for compost to reach the state average of 3.32%.

Urban Hydrology and Drainage

While official drainage classes are unlisted, the high silt and clay percentages suggest moderate to slow drainage. Homebuilders and gardeners should ensure proper grading to manage runoff effectively.

Thriving in Zone 6a

As one of Nebraska's warmer pockets in Zone 6a, you can grow a wide range of perennials and even some tender shrubs. It is a fantastic environment for intensive vegetable gardening or lush urban lawns.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

Nebraska's Top-Tier Growing Environment

Douglas County leads the pack with a lawn difficulty score of 72.3, signifying very favorable conditions for homeowners. This score far exceeds the state average of 54.2, thanks to a mild hardiness zone 6a climate.

Abundant Rainfall and Moderate Heat

At 32.9 inches of annual precipitation, this is one of the wettest counties in the state, reducing reliance on sprinklers. With only 24 extreme heat days, Douglas County is much cooler than the state average of 34 days.

Solid Soil and Balanced Chemistry

The soil pH of 6.95 is essentially perfect for lawn growth, requiring few chemical adjustments. The soil contains 23.9% clay, which helps the ground hold onto the county's ample rainfall during shorter dry spells.

Strong Resistance to Dry Conditions

The county only saw 12 weeks of drought last year, and currently, no part of the county is in severe drought. This stability allows for a consistent mowing and maintenance routine without frequent emergency water restrictions.

Extended Growing Season for Zone 6a

The transition to zone 6a allows for resilient blends of Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. You can start seeding as early as mid-April, as the last frost typically hits around April 16.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 29.6 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Douglas County ranks #93 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 Douglas County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $4,295, with an effective tax rate of 1.75%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 6.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Nebraska is $79,081 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 82.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 29.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #93 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas 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.