countyscore
73.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.8Safety 90.9Cost of Living 89.2

County Report Card

About Dundy County, Nebraska

A National Leader in Livability

Dundy County earns an elite composite score of 73.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the most desirable rural counties in the country.

Exceeding State Expectations

With a score of 73.1, Dundy County is a standout performer against Nebraska's state average of 59.3. It offers a superior balance of costs and safety compared to its peers.

Unmatched Resilience and Value

The county achieves a near-perfect risk score of 97.8 and a high safety score of 90.9. Affordability is exceptional, with a cost score of 89.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.822%.

Lower Earning Potential

The income score of 28.9 is the county's weakest link, with a median household income of $56,563. While life is affordable, local high-paying job opportunities are more limited than in urban centers.

The Ultimate Rural Retreat

Dundy County is a paradise for retirees or those with portable incomes who value safety and extremely low taxes. It offers one of the most stable and affordable lifestyles in the entire Great Plains.

Score breakdown

Tax51.3Cost89.2Safety90.9Health61.9Schools73.8Income28.9Risk97.8Water86Weather35.5
🏛51.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.2
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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Deep Dives

Dundy County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dundy County

via TaxByCounty

Dundy offers lowest taxes nationwide

Dundy County's effective rate of 0.822% ranks among America's most tax-friendly counties, well below the national median effective rate of approximately 0.89%. The median property tax of $971 is just 36% of the national median of $2,690, giving Dundy residents exceptional property tax relief.

Lowest effective rate in Nebraska

At 0.822%, Dundy County has Nebraska's lowest effective property tax rate, well below the state average of 1.281%. The median tax bill of $971 is less than half the state average of $1,972, making Dundy an extraordinary value for property owners seeking tax efficiency.

Dramatically lower than all peers

Dundy's 0.822% rate stands far below every other surveyed county, including the next-lowest: Fillmore (1.129%), Franklin (1.133%), Dixon (1.212%), and Deuel (1.497%). This exceptional advantage reflects Dundy's rural character and lower service infrastructure costs relative to property values.

Minimal annual tax burden

A Dundy County homeowner with the median property value of $118,200 pays just $971 yearly in property taxes. This amounts to just $81 per month—significantly lower than mortgage-holders in urban counties, creating genuine long-term wealth preservation for residents.

Verify your Dundy assessment

Even in low-tax Dundy County, assessment accuracy matters and can be challenged if your home was recently valued below market or if errors exist in the assessment records. Request a reassessment if your property differs significantly from comparable sales—it's worth confirming your already-low bill is truly correct.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dundy County

via CostByCounty

Dundy offers exceptional rental affordability

Dundy County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below both Nebraska's state average of 14.2% and national norms, delivering excellent housing affordability. With median rent at just $588 monthly and a median household income of $56,563, Dundy renters spend a smaller share of earnings on housing than most Americans. This county represents one of Nebraska's most budget-friendly rental markets.

Dundy ranks among Nebraska's best values

At 12.5%, Dundy's rent-to-income ratio bests Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, and its median rent of $588 runs 24.9% below the state average of $783. Despite having the lowest median income in this analysis ($56,563), Dundy residents enjoy stronger affordability than counties with higher wages, reflecting genuinely low housing costs. Dundy delivers exceptional value for renters statewide.

Dundy undercuts all regional rent competitors

At $588 monthly, Dundy's median rent is the lowest in its region—$239 less than Deuel County and $417 less than Dodge County. Even Franklin County ($613), another affordable option, runs $25 higher than Dundy, making Dundy the region's bargain leader. This affordability advantage persists despite Dundy's lower wages, indicating genuinely modest housing supply costs.

Dundy renters keep 87.5% for other needs

Dundy households earning $56,563 annually ($4,714/month) spend just $588 on rent—a lean 12.5%—preserving 87.5% for all other expenses. Homeowners enjoy similar relief: $617 monthly represents just 13.1% of income, offering homebuyers accessible entry at median values of $118,200. Dundy's affordability advantage applies to both renters and owners.

Dundy: Nebraska's most affordable county

If you're seeking maximum affordability in Nebraska, Dundy County delivers: rents at $588/month and median home values of $118,200, both the lowest in this analysis. Even at modest local wages ($56,563), housing consumes less than 13% of income—significantly better than the state average. Dundy suits relocators prioritizing low cost of living over urban amenities and job diversity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dundy County

via IncomeByCounty

Dundy County faces income challenge

Dundy County's median household income of $56,563 falls roughly $18,200 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income counties in the nation. This reflects the economic pressures facing rural, agricultural Nebraska's smallest populations.

Lowest earnings in Nebraska

At $56,563, Dundy County's median household income ranks among the lowest in Nebraska, trailing the state average of $66,880 by about $10,300. The county faces significant economic challenges relative to both state and national benchmarks.

Incomes reflect rural isolation

Dundy's $56,563 median household income is among the lowest in the Panhandle region, where population decline and agricultural consolidation limit job diversity. Per capita income of $37,387 reflects limited employment options for local residents.

Housing remains deeply affordable

Dundy County's rent-to-income ratio of just 12.5% is among the lowest in the state, offering exceptional housing affordability. At $118,200, the median home value is easily accessible and provides solid value for local earners.

Strategic planning despite challenges

In Dundy County, where incomes are modest, consistent saving and expense discipline are essential for financial security. Residents should prioritize building an emergency fund and explore whether remote work or business ownership might supplement agricultural income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dundy County

via CrimeByCounty

Dundy County's quiet safety record

Dundy County features a total crime rate of 164.4 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 99.7 out of 100 places it among the most secure counties in the country. Residents experience a very low probability of encountering criminal activity.

Top-tier safety in Nebraska

With a safety score of 99.7, Dundy County ranks well above the Nebraska average of 99.0. It is a standout performer in the state's southwest corner, managed by two reporting agencies. This high rank confirms the county's reputation as a peaceful place to live.

Setting the regional standard

Dundy’s crime rate of 164.4 per 100K is significantly lower than the state average of 626.7. It performs competitively even among its low-crime neighbors in rural Nebraska. These statistics highlight a community where security is the norm rather than the exception.

Zero violent crimes reported

The county reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 in 2022, a rare and impressive statistic. All reported crimes fall into the property category at 164.4 per 100K, which is still a fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Residents here face virtually no risk of violent incidents based on recent data.

Maintaining your peace of mind

Since property crime is the only reported issue, focusing on simple preventative measures is effective. Keeping farm equipment and residential gates secured can further reduce the already low incident rates. This proactive approach helps Dundy County maintain its impressive safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dundy County

via HealthByCounty

Dundy County's health remains unclear

While Dundy County's life expectancy data isn't available, the 15.8% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with the U.S. average of 17%, suggesting moderate health challenges. Complete life expectancy data would provide fuller context for this rural southwest Nebraska county.

Rural Nebraska with limited data

Dundy County's 15.8% poor/fair health rate falls slightly below Nebraska's overall baseline, suggesting residents manage chronic conditions reasonably well despite limited population data. Life expectancy information remains unavailable for precise state-level comparison.

Health metrics in rural context

Dundy County's 15.8% poor/fair health rate compares favorably to Frontier County (16.1%) but lags Fillmore County (14.1%), reflecting varied outcomes across Nebraska's rural west. The 122 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ranks among the state's best for rural areas.

Strong primary care, limited mental health data

Dundy County offers 122 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—excellent for a rural area—ensuring locals can access basic care. The 9.8% uninsured rate sits 1.7 points above Nebraska's average, leaving nearly 1 in 10 residents without health coverage.

Close coverage gaps in Dundy

Nearly 1 in 10 Dundy County residents lack health insurance, above Nebraska's average and limiting access to the county's strong primary care network. Visit healthcare.gov to explore affordable options and ensure your family can use local doctors and health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dundy County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Quality in a Single District

Dundy County operates just 2 public schools—one elementary and one high school—serving a total of 290 students. This focused infrastructure is managed entirely by the Dundy Co Stratton Public Schools district.

Elite Performance and National Benchmarks

The county excels with a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. Academic investment is high at $13,000 per pupil, resulting in a school score of 66.5 that far exceeds the Nebraska average of 59.1.

Small-Town Focus, Big Results

Dundy Co Stratton Public Schools is the sole provider for the county, ensuring 100% of students benefit from the same high investment standards. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's resources unified within the local district.

An Intimate Rural Learning Environment

Both schools in the county are rural, creating an average school size of 145 students. Benkelman Elementary is the largest with 160 students, while the high school maintains a small, focused enrollment of 130.

Excellence in the Heart of the Plains

With graduation rates and scores that lead the state, Dundy County is a premier destination for education-focused families. Explore the available homes in this high-achieving, close-knit rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dundy County

via RiskByCounty

Dundy enjoys exceptional national safety standing

Dundy County's composite risk score of 2.23 ranks among the safest counties in the entire nation with a Very Low rating. Residents experience natural disaster exposure far below the national average.

Nebraska's safest county by a wide margin

Dundy County scores just 2.23 compared to Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it the state's most protected county. This dramatic advantage reflects the county's remote panhandle location and isolation from major hazard corridors.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Dundy County's score of 2.23 is substantially lower than all neighboring counties across the panhandle. Its geographic isolation and sparse development contribute to minimal exposure across all major hazard categories.

Minimal hazard exposure across the board

Even Dundy County's highest-scoring hazard—wildfire at 27.99—remains well below state and national averages. Tornadoes (17.14) and other natural disasters pose minimal risk to county residents.

Standard homeowners insurance likely sufficient

Dundy County's exceptional safety profile (2.23 composite score) means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Still, verify your coverage includes wildfire damage and maintain basic emergency preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dundy County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Low Rainfall

Dundy County averages 51.8°F, placing it right near the national median for annual temperature. However, it is much drier than the national average, recording only 19.3 inches of precipitation.

Exceeding the State Temperature Average

Dundy is over two degrees warmer than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F. It is also considerably drier, falling 6.6 inches short of the state’s 25.9-inch precipitation average.

A Southwestern Heat Outlier

Dundy County experiences 61 days of extreme heat, significantly more than many other Nebraska counties. Its 19.3 inches of rain confirms its status as part of the state's more arid southwestern tier.

Intense Heat and Dry Winters

Summer is dominated by 61 days of temperatures over 90°F and a July average of 77.2°F. Winters are relatively mild for Nebraska, with a January average of 28.9°F and 26.1 inches of snow.

Prioritize Cooling and Sun Protection

With two full months of extreme heat, a powerful and well-maintained AC system is the top priority. Low precipitation and frequent 90°F days also mean residents should plan for water conservation and sun safety.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dundy County

via SoilByCounty

Dundy County's High-Alkaline Profile

The average pH of 7.27 is significantly higher than the state average of 6.79. These alkaline conditions are typical for the southwestern corner of the state, though taxonomic specifics are currently unmapped.

Sand-Heavy Plains Soil

Dominated by 59.9% sand, this soil offers rapid drainage but has low clay content at 12.5%. This makes the soil light and easy to dig, though it holds onto very few nutrients compared to silty regions.

Challenging Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter is quite low at 1.19%, which is well below the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in is also lower than the state average, leading to a modest soil score of 29.7.

Monitoring Fast Drainage Patterns

Specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, but the high sand percentage implies very rapid water movement. Frequent, light watering is usually more effective here than heavy, infrequent irrigation.

Hardy Plants for Zone 5b

Gardeners in Zone 5b should focus on native, drought-resistant species that can handle alkaline sand. With some added organic amendments, you can still maintain a resilient and beautiful landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dundy County

via LawnByCounty

Managing High Heat in Dundy

Dundy County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.2, placing it slightly below the state average of 54.2. Residents in this hardiness zone 5b region must work around high summer temperatures to keep turf healthy.

Low Rainfall and Significant Heat Stress

The county receives just 19.3 inches of rain per year, making supplemental irrigation a necessity. With a staggering 61 extreme heat days—nearly double the state average—lawns here face intense seasonal pressure.

Sandy Soil Requires Careful Feeding

The soil is nearly 60% sand, which means water and nutrients leach away quickly. A slightly alkaline pH of 7.27 may require sulfur applications to bring it closer to the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for grass.

Current Conditions Favor Conservation

While Dundy has only seen 14 weeks of drought in the past year, 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Focus on evening watering to minimize evaporation loss during the county's frequent 90°F+ days.

Prioritize Heat-Tolerant Species

Heat-loving varieties like Buffalograss are the smartest choice for Dundy’s 61 days of high heat. Wait until the last frost passes on May 5 before you begin your spring seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dundy County's county score?
Dundy County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 73.1 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 Dundy County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Dundy County ranks #5 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 Dundy County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Dundy County is $971, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Dundy County a tax score of 51.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dundy County?
The median household income in Dundy County, Nebraska is $56,563 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dundy County earns an income score of 28.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dundy County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Dundy County scores 73.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Dundy 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 Dundy 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.