Fillmore County

Nebraska · NE

#15 in Nebraska
75.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Fillmore County, Nebraska

Fillmore ranks well above the national median

Fillmore County's composite score of 75.1 is 50% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties for livability. This strong showing indicates broad-based quality-of-life strength.

Nebraska's solid middle-to-upper performer

At 75.1, Fillmore County ranks comfortably above Nebraska's state average of 71.2, positioning it as one of the state's stronger county options. It demonstrates consistent quality across measured dimensions.

Balanced affordability and moderate incomes

Fillmore County excels with a cost score of 85.3, median rents at $667/month, and modest home values at $131,200, making it highly affordable. The income score of 33.2 and median household income of $76,354 are among the better in this cohort, reflecting solid earning potential paired with low housing costs.

Risk score suggests room for safeguard improvement

The risk score of 79.9 is the county's weakest dimension, though still well above the national median, indicating some exposure to natural hazards or other livability risks. Tax burden at 1.129% is moderate and offers some room for optimization.

Sweet spot for middle-class rural families

Fillmore County is perfect for middle-income families seeking affordable housing, moderate tax burden, reasonable earning potential, and stable rural living. It balances opportunity and affordability better than most peer counties.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.5Cost85.3SafetyComing SoonHealth78.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.2Risk79.9WaterComing Soon
🏛70.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠85.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼33.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
78.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
79.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Fillmore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fillmore County

via TaxByCounty

Fillmore County taxes well below median

Fillmore County's effective tax rate of 1.129% is well below the national median effective rate of approximately 0.89%, with a median tax bill of $1,481 representing just 55% of the national median of $2,690. This positions Fillmore residents significantly ahead on property tax burden compared to typical American homeowners.

Among Nebraska's lowest-tax counties

Fillmore's 1.129% effective rate ranks below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the lower-tax tier statewide. The median property tax of $1,481 is $491 below the state average of $1,972, reflecting Fillmore's rural character and modest home values.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

At 1.129%, Fillmore ranks just above Franklin County (1.133%) and below Dixon County (1.212%), making it one of the region's most tax-efficient counties. Compared to Deuel (1.497%) and Frontier (1.426%), Fillmore offers measurably lower tax burden on comparable home values.

Modest annual tax bills

The median Fillmore County home valued at $131,200 carries a yearly property tax of $1,481. With mortgage financing, that rises to $1,431; without it, the bill is $1,560—a small variance reflecting Fillmore's straightforward, consistent tax assessment.

Appeal if overassessed

Fillmore County residents can challenge assessments if recent appraisals or comparable sales suggest overvaluation relative to the assessed amount. The appeal process is straightforward and free; even modest overassessments compound into significant savings over decades of homeownership.

Cost of Living in Fillmore County

via CostByCounty

Fillmore combines income and affordability strength

Fillmore County's 10.5% rent-to-income ratio is one of Nebraska's best and well below the national average, reflecting strong household incomes paired with modest rents. The median household income of $76,354 exceeds both the state and national medians, while rent at $667 remains affordable—a rare combination. Fillmore delivers both wage competitiveness and housing affordability.

Fillmore ranks Nebraska's top affordability pick

At 10.5%, Fillmore's rent-to-income ratio is Nebraska's lowest, beating the state average of 14.2% by nearly 3.7 percentage points. With above-average household income ($76,354) and below-average rent ($667), Fillmore offers the state's most balanced housing market. Few Nebraska counties achieve both strong earning potential and rental accessibility.

Fillmore balances price and earning power

Fillmore's $667 rent rivals Dixon's $661 for regional affordability, but Fillmore households earn $7,198 more annually ($76,354 vs. $69,156), providing greater economic security. Compared to Dodge ($985) and Deuel ($827), Fillmore's rents are 32% and 19% lower, respectively, while wages exceed both counties. Fillmore emerges as the region's strongest affordability story.

Fillmore rents consume just one-tenth of income

A Fillmore household earning $76,354 annually ($6,363/month) spends $667 on rent—just 10.5%—preserving 89.5% for all other expenses. Homeowners benefit even more: $740 monthly represents 11.6% of income, and the median home value of $131,200 is accessible for local wage-earners. Fillmore offers both renters and buyers exceptional housing affordability.

Fillmore: Nebraska's best overall value

Relocating to Fillmore County offers the rare combination of strong local incomes ($76,354) and low housing costs (rents at $667, median home value $131,200). Your housing budget will consume just 10–12% of income, among the lowest in the state and nation. Fillmore suits those seeking both affordability and economic stability.

Income & Jobs in Fillmore County

via IncomeByCounty

Fillmore exceeds national median

Fillmore County's median household income of $76,354 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by about $1,600, placing it solidly in the middle to upper-income tier nationally. The county performs well compared to rural counties across the United States.

Above Nebraska's state average

At $76,354, Fillmore's median household income exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by roughly $9,500. The county ranks in the upper tier of Nebraska's 93 counties by household earnings.

Strong income in south-central Nebraska

Fillmore's $76,354 median household income outperforms neighboring counties in south-central Nebraska, supported by a mix of farming, manufacturing, and small business activity. Per capita income of $43,413 reflects a productive and stable workforce.

Excellent housing affordability

Fillmore County's rent-to-income ratio of just 10.5% is among the lowest statewide, indicating very affordable housing relative to earnings. With a median home value of $131,200, homeownership is highly accessible for local residents.

Build wealth with strong affordability

Fillmore's exceptional affordability and above-average incomes create ideal conditions for aggressive savings and investment. Residents should capitalize on low housing costs to fund retirement accounts, college savings, and diversified investment portfolios.

Health in Fillmore County

via HealthByCounty

Fillmore County's life expectancy advantage

At 79.1 years, Fillmore County residents live nearly a full year longer than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. Only 14.1% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among Nebraska's counties—reflecting exceptional wellness and disease management.

Among Nebraska's healthiest counties

Fillmore County's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by 1.6 years, placing it in the state's top tier. The 14.1% poor/fair health rate ranks lowest in Nebraska, signaling outstanding chronic disease control and health behaviors.

Southeast Nebraska's health leader

Fillmore County's 79.1-year life expectancy trails only Deuel County (79.9) and Frontier County (79.6) in the state, making it a regional health leader. The 14.1% poor/fair health rate significantly outperforms neighboring Dodge County and most other counties.

Lowest uninsured rate in state

Fillmore County's 6.7% uninsured rate is the lowest in Nebraska—1.4 percentage points below state average—meaning nearly all residents have health coverage. With 36 primary care providers and 288 mental health providers per 100,000, the county balances access and community health effectively.

Fillmore's coverage success story

Fillmore County has the state's lowest uninsured rate at 6.7%, but if you're among the few without coverage, help is available. Visit healthcare.gov or contact local health services to complete your county's health insurance success story.

Disaster Risk in Fillmore County

via RiskByCounty

Fillmore maintains well below-average risk

Fillmore County's composite risk score of 20.13 falls below the national average with a Very Low rating. Residents face substantially lower natural disaster exposure than the typical American county.

Below-average risk across Nebraska

Fillmore County scores 20.13, sitting below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's safer counties. This moderate protection reflects the county's central location with moderate exposure to primary hazards.

Middle-ground risk profile in south-central Nebraska

Fillmore County's score of 20.13 positions it as one of the safer counties in south-central Nebraska, slightly below several neighbors. The county benefits from a balanced geographic position that avoids extreme exposure to any single hazard type.

Tornadoes present the primary concern

Tornado risk scores 41.92 in Fillmore County, representing the most significant hazard residents face. Wildfire risk (30.25) and earthquake risk (9.73) pose secondary concerns, while flood risk (8.43) remains minimal.

Emphasize tornado preparedness and coverage

Fillmore County homeowners should prioritize tornado protection, given the county's 41.92 tornado risk score. Ensure your insurance covers wind and hail damage, identify or create a safe shelter space, and update your policy annually.

ByCounty Network

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