65.1
County Score
Safety 91Disaster Risk 86.4Cost of Living 77.3

County Report Card

About Frontier County, Nebraska

Solidly Above National Median

Frontier County delivers a composite score of 65.1, easily outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score marks it as a reliable and high-performing American county.

Competitive State Ranking

With a 65.1 score, Frontier County remains well ahead of the Nebraska average of 59.3. It offers a consistent quality of life that captures the best of the state's rural appeal.

Security and Financial Balance

Safety is a hallmark of the area with a score of 91.0, while natural risk is also low at 86.4. Housing remains affordable with a score of 77.3, supported by a median rent of only $605.

Taxes and Water Quality

The tax score is low at 16.4 due to an effective tax rate of 1.426%. Additionally, the water score of 30.1 suggests that environmental infrastructure is a secondary focus compared to safety.

A Secure Rural Haven

Frontier County is an excellent fit for those who value security and affordable living above all else. It is especially suitable for families and retirees who want a low-risk environment and a manageable cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax16.4Cost77.3Safety91Health76.1Schools60Income62.2Risk86.4Water30.1Weather36.6
🏛16.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼62.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡91
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓60
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
86.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧30.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤36.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨64.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱49.1
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

Frontier County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Frontier County

via TaxByCounty

Frontier taxes exceed national median

Frontier County's effective rate of 1.426% is well above the national median effective rate of approximately 0.89%, positioning residents in a higher-tax environment than most American homeowners. The median tax bill of $1,979 represents 74% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting above-average tax burden.

Above Nebraska average, mid-rank

Frontier's 1.426% effective rate exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281% by 11%, placing it in the higher-tax tier of state counties. The median property tax of $1,979 is just $7 below the state average of $1,972, making Frontier a representative Nebraska tax environment.

Moderate taxes among rural peers

At 1.426%, Frontier ranks above Fillmore (1.129%), Franklin (1.133%), and Dixon (1.212%), but below Deuel (1.497%) and Douglas (1.747%). This places Frontier in the middle tier of the region, reflecting its mid-sized rural character with modest service infrastructure demands.

Annual bills for typical homeowners

A Frontier County homeowner with the median property value of $138,800 pays approximately $1,979 yearly in property taxes. Mortgage-holders pay $2,231, while cash buyers pay $1,788—a $443 annual gap that reflects whether home equity is financed or owned outright.

Contest overassessments

Frontier County residents with properties assessed above recent market sales or independent appraisals should file a reassessment appeal with the county. The process is free and accessible; even a 5% overassessment reduction would save approximately $100 annually on the median property.

Cost of Living in Frontier County

via CostByCounty

Frontier delivers exceptional rental affordability

Frontier County's 10.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Nebraska's best and well below the national average, signaling strong housing affordability despite modest wages. With a median household income of $68,207 and median rent at just $605, Frontier residents devote significantly less of their earnings to housing than typical Americans. This county delivers genuine value in the rural Great Plains.

Frontier ranks Nebraska's second-best value

At 10.6%, Frontier's rent-to-income ratio trails only Fillmore (10.5%) among Nebraska counties, beating the state average of 14.2% by 3.6 percentage points. Median rent of $605 runs 22.7% below the state average of $783, while household income of $68,207 provides solid earning power for the region. Frontier combines affordability with reasonable wage potential.

Frontier rents sit among region's lowest

At $605 monthly, Frontier's median rent ranks second-lowest in this region, exceeding only Dundy's $588 by $17 while beating Deuel, Dodge, and Douglas by $222–$557. Frontier households earn $68,207, more than rural neighbors like Dundy and Franklin, creating favorable affordability ratios. Frontier delivers rural cost advantage with stronger wage potential than its most affordable peers.

Frontier renters retain 89.4% for other needs

A Frontier household earning $68,207 annually ($5,684/month) devotes just $605 to rent—10.6%—preserving 89.4% for all other expenses. Homeowners face a steeper burden: $772 monthly represents 13.6% of income, though the median home value of $138,800 remains accessible for local wage-earners. Frontier's affordability advantage favors renters particularly strongly.

Frontier: affordable rents, solid rural wages

Relocating to Frontier County delivers affordable rents ($605/month) paired with reasonable rural wages ($68,207), making housing consume just 10.6% of income. Homebuyers will find median values of $138,800 with monthly costs of $772, accessible for local earners. Frontier ranks among Nebraska's best options for those seeking rural affordability with economic stability.

Income & Jobs in Frontier County

via IncomeByCounty

Frontier keeps near national average

Frontier County's median household income of $68,207 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $6,550, placing it in the middle-income range nationally. The county performs reasonably well for a rural, agricultural area.

Slightly below Nebraska's average

At $68,207, Frontier's median household income is just $2,673 below Nebraska's state average of $66,880, aligning closely with the state norm. The county ranks in the middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties.

Competitive income for the Panhandle

Frontier's $68,207 median household income compares favorably to neighboring Panhandle counties, supported by ranching and agricultural operations. The per capita income of $32,184 reflects the concentration of wealth in larger operations.

Housing remarkably affordable

Frontier County's rent-to-income ratio of just 10.6% is among the lowest in Nebraska, indicating exceptional housing affordability. With a median home value of $138,800, residents benefit from stable home values and manageable ownership costs.

Leverage affordability for savings

Frontier County's low housing costs create meaningful opportunities to redirect earnings toward retirement savings and investments. Residents should prioritize tax-advantaged accounts and consider how agricultural income stabilization strategies complement personal financial planning.

Safety in Frontier County

via CrimeByCounty

Frontier County's impressive safety record

Frontier County maintains a total crime rate of 160.5 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns it a high safety score of 99.7 out of 100. Life here is characterized by a high degree of security and very few criminal incidents.

Top safety marks in Nebraska

The county's safety score of 99.7 is higher than the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Managed by two reporting agencies, it ranks as one of the safest jurisdictions in the state. This demonstrates a consistent commitment to maintaining public order.

Lower crime than state averages

Frontier’s crime rate of 160.5 per 100K is roughly four times lower than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. It is highly competitive with its rural neighbors, offering a safe environment for families and retirees. The county remains a quiet corner of the state with minimal police activity needed.

A breakdown of local incidents

Violent crime in Frontier County is very low at 40.1 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 120.4. Both figures are massive reductions from national averages (369.8 violent; 2,015.7 property). These rates translate to only a handful of actual crimes across the entire county.

Simple steps for total security

Maintaining the safety of Frontier County starts with individual home awareness. Standard measures like locking outbuildings and installing motion lights can deter any potential property crimes. Staying engaged with local law enforcement helps preserve this high standard of living.

Health in Frontier County

via HealthByCounty

Frontier County adds years to life

At 79.6 years, Frontier County residents live 1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.1 years—a notable health advantage. With 16.1% reporting poor or fair health, residents face moderate chronic disease burden despite their strong life expectancy gains.

Among Nebraska's longest-living counties

Frontier County's 79.6-year life expectancy exceeds Nebraska's 77.5-year state average by 2.1 years, ranking it in the state's top tier. This rural county demonstrates that small size need not limit health outcomes when community health practices are strong.

Western Nebraska's longevity leader

Frontier County's 79.6-year life expectancy ranks second only to Deuel County (79.9) in Nebraska, making it a regional longevity standout. The 16.1% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the state baseline but aligns with other rural southwestern counties.

Limited data masks strong outcomes

Frontier County's 7.8% uninsured rate sits below Nebraska's 8.1% state average, with 39 mental health providers per 100,000 residents available. Primary care provider data isn't available, but the county's strong life expectancy suggests residents access necessary care effectively.

Keep Frontier County thriving

Frontier County's excellent life expectancy reflects strong community health, and ensuring full insurance coverage will protect those gains. If you're among the 7.8% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to explore affordable options and secure your family's access to care.

Schools in Frontier County

via SchoolsByCounty

Frontier's Rural Public School System

Frontier County educates 571 students across 6 public schools. This infrastructure consists of 3 elementary and 3 high schools, ensuring grade-level coverage through 3 separate school districts.

Investment Leading to Above-Average Scores

The county's school score of 61.4 is significantly higher than the Nebraska state average of 59.1. This is supported by a robust $11,722 per-pupil expenditure and an 85.6% graduation rate.

Diverse Districts Across the County

Medicine Valley Public Schools is the largest of the three districts with 209 students, followed by Maywood and Eustis-Farnam. All schools are district-operated, as there are no charter schools in the county.

A Purely Rural Education Experience

All 6 schools are categorized as rural, with an average enrollment of 95 students per campus. Medicine Valley Elementary is the largest with 117 students, while Maywood High School is the smallest with 81 students.

Find Quality and Space in Frontier

Frontier County offers high school scores and a deeply rural atmosphere for families looking to escape the city. Consider these strong-performing schools as you explore residential opportunities in the county.

Disaster Risk in Frontier County

via RiskByCounty

Frontier's risk ranks well below national average

Frontier County's composite risk score of 13.68 falls well below the national average with a Very Low rating. Residents enjoy significantly lower natural disaster exposure than most American counties.

Well below Nebraska's risk average

Frontier County scores 13.68, substantially below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's safer counties. This protective position reflects the county's remote panhandle location with moderate hazard exposure.

Among the safer counties in western Nebraska

Frontier County's score of 13.68 ranks it as one of the safer counties in the western panhandle region. Most neighboring counties show comparable or elevated risk levels.

Wildfire is the primary concern

Wildfire risk scores 41.76 in Frontier County, representing the dominant natural hazard residents face. Tornado risk (29.23) and earthquake risk (10.11) pose secondary concerns, while flood risk (7.44) remains minimal.

Prioritize wildfire protection and coverage

Frontier County homeowners should focus on wildfire preparedness given the county's 41.76 wildfire risk score. Verify your insurance includes wildfire damage, create defensible space around your home, and review coverage annually.

Weather & Climate in Frontier County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical High Plains Climate

Frontier County averages 50.4°F annually, which is slightly below the national median. It is a drier region, receiving only 21.7 inches of precipitation each year.

Warmer but Drier than Nebraska Average

At 50.4°F, Frontier is nearly a degree warmer than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F. However, it receives about 4.2 inches less precipitation than the state average of 25.9 inches.

Arid Conditions in Southwest Nebraska

Frontier County is notably drier than eastern Nebraska, falling four inches below the state's precipitation average. It experiences 45 days of extreme heat, reflecting its position in the warmer southwest.

Sweeping Heat and Cold Winters

The county sees 45 days of 90°F+ temperatures and a July average of 75.5°F. Winters are chilly with a 26.4°F January average and 24.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Insulate for Hot and Cold Extremes

With 45 heat days and nearly 25 inches of snow, homes need both strong cooling and reliable heating systems. The 21.7 inches of rain suggests that drought-resistant landscaping is a smart choice for local property owners.

Soil Quality in Frontier County

via SoilByCounty

Frontier County's Well-Drained Inceptisols

The soil features an average pH of 6.78 and belongs to the Inceptisols taxonomic order. These are young soils that are highly adaptable and mimic the Nebraska state average pH almost perfectly.

The Classic Silt Loam Texture

Classified as a silt loam, the soil is 54.6% silt and 19.0% clay. This texture is legendary for its balance, offering 24.5% sand to ensure the ground remains breathable and workable for farmers.

Superior Water-Holding Capacity

Frontier County excels with an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.172 in/in. Organic matter sits at 2.01%, providing a solid foundation for the impressive 64.8 soil score.

Excellent Natural Drainage

The soil is officially 'Well drained' and belongs to Hydrologic Group B. This means it has a moderate infiltration rate, making it ideal for building foundations and large-scale agriculture alike.

Vibrant Planting in Zone 5b

Hardiness Zone 5b is excellent for growing hardy grains and deep-rooted native prairie plants. The high water capacity means you can sustain a garden with less supplemental water than in other parts of the state.

Lawn Care in Frontier County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Middle Ground in Frontier

Frontier County has a lawn difficulty score of 49.1, landing just below the national average of 50.0. The hardiness zone 5b climate presents some challenges, particularly during the dry summer peak.

Low Rain and Frequent Hot Days

Annual precipitation of 21.7 inches is below the state average, requiring homeowners to be smart about water. Lawns must endure 45 extreme heat days, which is significantly more than the Nebraska average of 34.

Well-Drained Silt Loam Foundations

The county features silt loam soil that is officially classified as well-drained, which is excellent for root health. A soil pH of 6.78 is within the ideal range, helping to maximize the impact of any fertilizer you apply.

Severe Drought Affects One-Third of Area

About 31% of the county is currently in severe drought, part of a 33-week dry spell over the past year. Using rain barrels or smart controllers can help manage limited water resources during these periods.

Planting for Success in Frontier

Cool-season grasses should be seeded after May 4 to avoid late spring frosts. Because of the 45 heat days, consider drought-resistant varieties that can handle both the cold winters and hot summers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Frontier County's county score?
Frontier County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 65.1 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 Frontier County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Frontier County ranks #32 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 Frontier County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Frontier County is $1,979, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Frontier County a tax score of 16.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Frontier County?
The median household income in Frontier County, Nebraska is $68,207 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Frontier County earns an income score of 62.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Frontier County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Frontier County scores 65.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Frontier 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 Frontier County with other counties side by side.