CountyScore

Dundy County

Nebraska · NE

#4 in Nebraska
79.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Dundy County, Nebraska

Dundy ranks among the nation's best

Dundy County's composite score of 79.2 is nearly 60% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This exceptional ranking reflects outstanding performance in multiple critical dimensions.

One of Nebraska's highest-scoring counties

At 79.2, Dundy County significantly outperforms Nebraska's state average of 71.2, ranking among the very best counties in the state. It stands as a genuine livability standout.

Tax burden and safety are exceptional

Dundy County boasts an outstanding tax score of 79.2 with an effective rate of just 0.822%—the lowest in this group—and a risk score of 97.8, among the nation's safest profiles. Affordability also shines with a cost score of 88.7, median rents at $588/month, and median home values at $118,200. Health scores at 79.9 round out a remarkably strong profile.

Income potential is the primary constraint

Dundy County's income score of 20.3 is the lowest in this cohort, with median household income at $56,563, reflecting limited high-wage employment opportunities. This is the county's most significant limitation for ambitious earners.

Paradise for retirees and tax-averse households

Dundy County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and anyone prioritizing ultra-low taxes, minimal risk, and maximum affordability over earning potential. It's a rare gem for those seeking small-town rural stability at an exceptional value.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.2Cost88.7SafetyComing SoonHealth79.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.3Risk97.8WaterComing Soon
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡97.8
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 Dundy County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Thomas County
Nebraska
79.2
Median income: $72,708
Divide County
North Dakota
79.2
Median income: $89,297
Hinsdale County
Colorado
79.3
Median income: $64,327
Harding County
New Mexico
79.3
Median income: $41,250
Bear Lake County
Idaho
79.1
Median income: $67,304

Deep Dives

Dundy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.