countyscore
55.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 83.9Health 64.6

County Report Card

About Furnas County, Nebraska

Solid Performance Above the National Median

Furnas County earns a composite score of 55.9, placing it safely above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds more than half of the counties in the United States.

Slightly Behind the Nebraska State Average

While competitive nationally, the county trails the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It sits in the middle tier of Nebraska counties, offering a balanced but less exceptional profile than some neighbors.

Top-Tier Schools and Reliable Infrastructure

The county shines in education with a remarkable School Score of 83.9. Residents also benefit from high-quality water and affordable housing, with a median gross rent of just $805 per month.

High Tax Burden and Moderate Incomes

The Tax Score of 15.2 is a notable challenge, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.449%. Additionally, the Income Score of 41.0 suggests local wages lag behind more prosperous parts of the state.

A Strong Choice for Young Families

Furnas County is ideal for families who prioritize excellent public schools and affordable home prices. It offers a stable, high-quality environment for those who can navigate the higher property tax rates.

Score breakdown

Tax15.2Cost64.3Safety54.1Health64.6Schools83.9Income41Risk48.1Water86Weather36.1
🏛15.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓83.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.4
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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Nearby counties

Gosper County
Nebraska
67.9
Norton County
Kansas
64.2
Harlan County
Nebraska
69
Frontier County
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Red Willow County
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Phelps County
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Decatur County
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Phillips County
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Deep Dives

Furnas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Furnas County

via TaxByCounty

Furnas taxes rank low nationally

At 1.45%, Furnas County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 2.44%, placing it in the bottom half of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax here is just $1,330 annually—half the national median of $2,690—despite having homes valued well below the U.S. average.

Above average for Nebraska

Furnas County's 1.449% rate slightly exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the upper middle tier among the state's 93 counties. While homeowners here pay less than the state median of $1,972 annually, the effective rate reflects above-average tax pressure by statewide standards.

Higher than nearby counties

Furnas County taxes exceed those in neighboring Garden County (1.18%) and Grant County (0.749%), but fall short of Greeley County's 1.563% rate. Among the eight-county region examined, Furnas ranks solidly in the middle on effective tax rates.

What a typical home costs

A median home valued at $91,800 in Furnas County generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,330 for outright owners. With a mortgage, estimated taxes rise to $1,704 as lenders often require escrow payments.

Consider a property tax appeal

Many Nebraska homeowners across the region are assessed above fair market value and could recover money through formal appeals. If you believe your home's assessed value is too high, contact your county assessor's office—the process is free and requires no lawyer.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Furnas County

via CostByCounty

Furnas rents slightly higher than the nation

Furnas County residents spend 15.9% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average of 14.2%, stretching household budgets a bit tighter than typical American renters. The median household income here is $60,625—about 19% lower than the national median of $74,755—making that rent burden feel heavier.

Mid-range affordability in Nebraska

With a 15.9% rent-to-income ratio, Furnas County ranks in the middle tier of Nebraska counties for housing affordability. While not the most strained, it does exceed the state average of 14.2%, suggesting residents here face slightly tighter housing costs than their neighbors statewide.

Rents higher than nearby counties

Furnas County's median rent of $805 is noticeably higher than Greeley County ($643) to the north and approaches Gosper County ($797) to the south. This rent premium reflects Furnas's position as a slightly more developed regional hub, though incomes haven't kept pace with the higher housing costs.

Rent eats 15.9% of income here

At $60,625, the median household income supports a monthly rent of $805 and homeownership costs of $713 for a median home value of $91,800. Renters spend about $800 monthly—nearly 16% of gross income—while homeowners enjoy lower monthly costs, though purchasing requires managing that $91,800 entry price.

Consider Furnas for balanced rural living

If you're weighing rural Nebraska counties, Furnas offers moderate rent prices and affordable home values compared to larger state hubs, though incomes run 19% below the national average. Homebuyers will find reasonable ownership costs ($713/month), making it an option for those prioritizing affordable property over high earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Furnas County

via IncomeByCounty

Furnas lags behind national earning power

Furnas County's median household income of $60,625 falls $14,130 short of the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. earning benchmarks. This 19% gap reflects the economic realities of rural Nebraska, where agricultural and small-town employment often yields modest household earnings compared to national averages.

Below-average income for Nebraska

At $60,625, Furnas County ranks below Nebraska's state median of $66,880, trailing by about $6,255. The county's per capita income of $33,112 also falls short of the state average of $36,101, indicating modest earning potential across the population.

Struggling among regional peers

Furnas County's $60,625 median income is the second-lowest in its regional cluster, ahead only of Garden County ($44,777) but trailing Garfield County ($68,611) and Gosper County ($79,145). The county's income struggles are particularly apparent when compared to Gosper County, which earns nearly $19,000 more per household annually.

Housing costs remain manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.9%, Furnas County residents spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing—below the national concern threshold of 28–30%. The median home value of $91,800 is affordable relative to median income, making homeownership achievable for many households.

Building financial security takes planning

In Furnas County, where median household income is $60,625, establishing an emergency fund and exploring retirement savings options early is essential. Even modest monthly contributions to a savings or investment account can compound significantly over time, helping households bridge the income gap and build long-term financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Furnas County

via CrimeByCounty

Furnas County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Furnas County maintains a high safety score of 98.4 out of 100, significantly outpacing the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,036.7 per 100,000 residents remains less than half of the 2,385.5 national figure. Residents enjoy a much lower risk profile than the average American community.

Local Safety Relative to Nebraska Standards

While safe by national standards, Furnas County sits slightly below the Nebraska state average safety score of 99.0. The local crime rate of 1,036.7 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 626.7. This indicates that while the area is secure, it faces more frequent incidents than some of its rural Nebraska peers.

A Regional Look at Crime Trends

Compared to nearby counties with similar reporting, Furnas County shows a moderate crime footprint with two active reporting agencies. The total crime rate of 1,036.7 is notably higher than neighbors like Gosper County, which reports just 53.4 per 100,000. These variations often reflect local population centers where more activity is tracked.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 928.7 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 108.0. Although violent crime is slightly higher than the state average of 96.4, it remains nearly four times lower than the national average. Most local law enforcement focus is directed toward preventing theft and property damage.

Securing Your Furnas County Residence

Since property crime represents over 89% of local offenses, proactive home security is a smart investment. Simple measures like motion-activated lighting and updated door locks can deter opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant helps maintain the high safety standards that characterize this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Furnas County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly below national norm

Furnas County residents live to an average of 77.0 years, slightly trailing the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 17.0% of the population reporting poor or fair health, the county mirrors national rates of chronic health challenges.

Middle of the pack within Nebraska

At 77.0 years, Furnas County trails Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by half a year. The county ranks mid-state on health outcomes, with room for improvement in preventive care and chronic disease management.

Similar health to surrounding counties

Furnas County's life expectancy of 77.0 years closely matches Gage County (76.3) and Harlan County in the region. The county's primary care provider density of 109 per 100K is notably higher than Garden County (N/A) and Gosper County (55 per 100K).

Slightly higher uninsured rate concerns

At 8.5% uninsured, Furnas County edges slightly above Nebraska's 8.1% average, meaning roughly 1 in 12 residents lack health coverage. The county has solid primary care access with 109 providers per 100K, but mental health services remain limited at 66 per 100K.

Take action on health insurance now

If you're among Furnas County's uninsured residents, health coverage is within reach. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore Medicaid and Marketplace plans that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Furnas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts Power Furnas County Education

Seven public schools across three districts serve a total enrollment of 1,006 students. The infrastructure is evenly distributed with three elementary schools and three high schools to support the community.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Averages

The county boasts an impressive 94.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $9,926 sits below the state average, the composite school score of 62.0 remains strong.

Southern Valley Leads Local School Districts

Southern Valley Schools serves as the largest district with 383 students, followed closely by Arapahoe Public Schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus.

A Purely Rural Educational Environment

All seven schools in the county are located in rural settings, offering an average school size of 144 students. SO Valley Elementary is the largest campus with 230 students, while Cambridge Elementary provides a smaller setting for 130 children.

Discover Homes Near Top-Performing Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and small class sizes should explore the residential options in Arapahoe and Cambridge. School quality remains a primary driver for home values in this tight-knit rural region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Furnas County

via RiskByCounty

Furnas sits above the national average

With a composite risk score of 51.88, Furnas County faces higher natural disaster risk than most U.S. counties and nearly double Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This relatively low rating reflects moderate exposure across multiple hazard types rather than dominance by any single threat.

Mid-range risk among Nebraska counties

Furnas ranks in the middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties for composite risk. While it faces greater threats than the state median, it's significantly safer than Hall County and other east-central regions hit hardest by tornadoes and floods.

Riskier than western neighbors, safer than eastern

Furnas sits between low-risk Garden and Gosper counties to the west and higher-risk Harlan County to the east. Its 51.88 score reflects a transition zone where tornado and wildfire exposure begin rising compared to the panhandle.

Tornadoes and wildfires are your main threats

Tornado risk (37.18) is your leading hazard—well above the state baseline—followed by wildfire exposure (19.88). Flooding presents a secondary but notable concern at 18.83, so attention to both severe weather alerts and seasonal fire conditions is critical.

Prioritize wind and flood coverage

Given Furnas County's tornado risk, ensure your homeowner's policy includes comprehensive wind damage coverage and consider a separate flood policy for properties in flood-prone areas. A safe room or basement shelter will strengthen protection during severe thunderstorms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Furnas County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Humid Continental Climate

Furnas County maintains an average annual temperature of 51.1°F. This sits slightly below the national median for U.S. counties, representing a classic humid continental climate.

Warmer Than the Nebraska Average

The county is warmer than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. It ranks among the state's warmer southern-tier regions due to its latitude.

Hotter and Drier Than Eastern Neighbors

With 24.2 inches of annual precipitation, Furnas is drier than Gage County to the east. It also experiences more intense heat, recording 52 extreme heat days per year.

Intense Summers and Snowy Winters

July temperatures average a hot 76.4°F with 52 days topping 90°F. Winters bring 24.0 inches of snow and a chilly January average of 26.9°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Winter Traction

Residents should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to handle nearly eight weeks of extreme summer heat. Winter preparations require standard snow removal equipment for the two feet of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Furnas County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Silt Foundations in Furnas County

Furnas County maintains a slightly alkaline pH of 6.93, which sits just above the Nebraska state average of 6.79 and the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic orders are not documented in this dataset, the chemical profile provides a stable environment for regional agriculture.

A Stable Silt-Heavy Texture

The soil is predominantly silty, composed of 57.7% silt and 20.5% clay. This mixture provides a firm structure that balances workability with enough density to prevent rapid nutrient leaching across the landscape.

High Water Capacity Boosts Growth

Organic matter levels reach 2.07%, slightly exceeding the national median but trailing the state average of 3.32%. However, an impressive available water capacity of 0.201 in/in means the ground holds moisture exceptionally well compared to the state average of 0.172.

Predicting Moisture in Missing Data

While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded here, the high silt content generally suggests moderate permeability. The overall soil score of 62.9 indicates a solid foundation for agricultural use despite the lack of specific drainage classifications.

Resilient Planting in Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b supports resilient crops like winter wheat and hardy root vegetables. Gardeners should leverage the high water retention to sustain thirsty perennials during dry Nebraska summers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Furnas County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Low-Moisture Lawns in Furnas County

Furnas County holds a lawn difficulty score of 49.4, placing it slightly below the national average of 50.0 and trailing the Nebraska state average of 54.2. Residents in Hardiness Zone 5b must contend with more challenging conditions than their neighbors to maintain lush turf.

Heat Stress Challenges the Mowing Schedule

The county experiences 52 extreme heat days per year, significantly higher than the Nebraska average of 34 days. With only 24.2 inches of annual precipitation, irrigation is necessary to supplement the gap left by the 30-50 inch ideal lawn requirement.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry for Turf

The soil pH of 6.93 is ideal for nutrient absorption, sitting right in the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. A balanced texture of 20.5% clay and 19.5% sand provides a stable foundation, though specific drainage data for this area is limited.

Persistent Dry Spells Require Conservation

The county spent 33 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours to keep roots resilient through these dry periods.

Planting for Success in Zone 5b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are top choices for this zone, though Buffalo grass offers superior drought resistance. Aim to seed after the last frost on May 3 or in the early fall before the first frost on October 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Furnas County's county score?
Furnas County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 55.9 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 Furnas County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Furnas County ranks #66 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 Furnas County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Furnas County is $1,330, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Furnas County a tax score of 15.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Furnas County?
The median household income in Furnas County, Nebraska is $60,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Furnas County earns an income score of 41/100 on CountyScore.
Is Furnas County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Furnas County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Furnas 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 Furnas County with other counties side by side.

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