countyscore
73
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.8Safety 90.9Cost of Living 88.9

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.

2040608010050.788.990.961.973.830.797.88635.5Tax50.7Cost88.9Safety90.9Health61.9Schools73.8Income30.7Risk97.8Water86Weather35.573/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Dundy County DNA

C+overall

How Dundy County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Dundy County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (97.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.7
Cost
88.9+40.900000000000006
Safety
90.9+35.900000000000006
Health
61.9+11.899999999999999
Schools
73.8+19.799999999999997
Income
30.7-20.3
Risk
97.8+50.8
Water
86+28
Weather
35.5-20.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Dundy County?

Many homeowners in Dundy County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$143,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$656/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,922/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

110.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Dundy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dundy County's county score?
Dundy County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 73 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 $1,146, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Dundy County a tax score of 50.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dundy County?
The median household income in Dundy County, Nebraska is $58,922 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dundy County earns an income score of 30.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dundy County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Dundy County scores 73/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.