countyscore
51.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 75.6Lawn Care 71.2

County Report Card

About Gage County, Nebraska

Mirroring the National Livability Average

Gage County holds a composite score of 51.4, positioning it just above the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard of living that is very typical for a mid-sized American county.

Trailing the Nebraska State Average

The county's score of 51.4 is significantly lower than the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It ranks in the lower third of counties in the state for overall composite livability.

Reliable Water Quality and Healthy Living

A Water Score of 86.0 and a Health Score of 67.2 serve as the county's primary strengths. Housing also remains relatively affordable, with a median home value of $167,100 compared to urban centers.

High Taxes and Average School Ratings

A low Tax Score of 15.6 reflects a relatively high 1.440% effective tax rate. The School Score of 52.5 also suggests there is room for growth in local educational outcomes.

Best for Traditional Midwestern Lifestyles

Gage County suits residents looking for a familiar, steady pace of life with good access to health services. It is a practical option for those who prioritize health and water quality over school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax15.6Cost59.9Safety51.2Health67.2Schools52.5Income51.8Risk59.5Water86Weather44.7
🏛15.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.2
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

Jefferson County
Nebraska
54.4
Johnson County
Nebraska
62.9
Marshall County
Kansas
57.6
Pawnee County
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Saline County
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Washington County
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Lancaster County
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Nemaha County
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Deep Dives

Gage County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gage County

via TaxByCounty

Gage taxes remain below national median

Gage County's effective rate of 1.44% undercuts the national median of 2.44%, placing it solidly in the lower-tax tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,406 falls substantially below the national median of $2,690, even though local homes are valued closer to the U.S. average.

Slightly above Nebraska average

At 1.44%, Gage County's effective rate exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the upper-middle portion of the state's 93 counties. Residents pay $2,406 in median annual taxes, above the state median of $1,972, reflecting Gage's higher property values.

Mid-range within the region

Gage County's 1.44% rate sits between lower-tax counties like Garden (1.18%) and higher-tax counties like Greeley (1.563%). Among the eight-county comparison area, Gage represents a moderate tax environment.

Your annual tax estimate

Owners of median-valued homes at $167,100 pay approximately $2,406 in annual property taxes without a mortgage. Those with mortgages face estimated taxes of $2,530 as lenders typically collect escrow amounts.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Many Gage County homeowners are overassessed and entitled to free appeals through the county assessor's office. Reviewing your assessed value against recent market sales may reveal opportunities to reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gage County

via CostByCounty

Gage rents track closely with nation

Gage County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches the national standard of 14.2%, signaling affordability in line with the rest of America. With a median household income of $64,426—about 14% below the national median—residents manage housing costs without extraordinary strain.

Gage achieves above-average Nebraska affordability

At 14.3%, Gage County's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Nebraska's 14.2% state average, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. This near-parity with the state benchmark reflects balanced housing costs relative to local incomes.

Moderate rents in south-central Nebraska

Gage County's median rent of $770 sits just below the state average of $783 and undercuts neighbors like Furnas County ($805) and Grant County ($883). The more affordable rental market here makes Gage an attractive option within the region for renters seeking reasonable prices.

Housing costs split between renting and buying

Gage's median income of $64,426 supports monthly rents of $770 and homeownership costs of $843 for properties valued at $167,100. Renters spend about 14% of income on housing, while homeowners pay closer to 16%—a trade-off reflecting the county's higher median home value compared to surrounding areas.

Gage balances affordability with home values

Relocators seeking a balance between affordable rents and real estate appreciation will find Gage County compelling—median home values reach $167,100, the highest in this region. The modest 14.3% rent burden and reasonable ownership costs make it accessible for both renters and first-time buyers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gage County

via IncomeByCounty

Gage earns modestly below national benchmark

Gage County's median household income of $64,426 sits $10,329 below the national median of $74,755, representing a 13.8% shortfall. While this gap is smaller than many rural counties, Gage still falls short of national earning levels, reflecting typical patterns in agricultural and small-town Nebraska economies.

Slightly below Nebraska's average earnings

Gage County's $64,426 median household income trails Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by $2,454. The county's per capita income of $35,827 similarly falls just short of the state's $36,101 average, suggesting fairly typical earnings for a rural Nebraska county.

Middle-of-the-pack among nearby counties

Gage County's $64,426 income positions it in the middle range of its regional peers—ahead of Furnas County ($60,625) and Greeley County ($58,894), but behind Garfield County ($68,611) and Gosper County ($79,145). The county's $167,100 median home value is the second-highest in the cluster, reflecting local real estate strength.

Housing affordability is strong

Gage County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% is among the most favorable in its regional cluster, well below the 28–30% threshold indicating housing stress. The modest 14.3% burden means residents retain substantial income for other essential expenses and savings.

Leverage stable housing to build wealth

With strong housing affordability and a $167,100 median home value, Gage County residents can confidently pursue homeownership as a wealth-building strategy. Fixed-rate mortgages combined with modest property taxes create a stable platform for long-term financial growth alongside regular retirement contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gage County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Safety Standing in Gage County

Gage County boasts a safety score of 98.3, signaling a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 1,099.1 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. Four reporting agencies work together to keep local crime levels well below national benchmarks.

Contextualizing Safety Within Nebraska

Gage County tracks slightly behind the Nebraska state average safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 1,099.1 per 100,000 is significantly higher than the state average of 626.7. This reflects the county's larger population and more urbanized areas compared to the ultra-quiet rural counties nearby.

Comparing Rates with Neighboring Counties

Gage County faces more reported crime than many of its immediate neighbors, with a total rate of 1,099.1 per 100,000. Nearby counties like Furnas also see rates near 1,000, but Gage manages higher violent crime figures at 254.0. This makes it one of the more active counties for law enforcement in the region.

Violent vs Property Crime Breakdown

The local violent crime rate of 254.0 per 100,000 is higher than the Nebraska average of 96.4, but still lower than the national 369.8. Property crime stands at 845.1, making up the bulk of reported incidents. These numbers show that while safety is high, property protection remains a primary concern for the community.

Take Steps to Protect Your Property

With property crime as the most common issue, residents should prioritize home security systems and neighborhood watch participation. Securing outbuildings and garages is especially important in more populated areas of the county. Consistent safety habits help keep Gage County a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gage County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national average

Gage County residents live to 76.3 years on average, about 2.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 16.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces above-average chronic disease burden.

Among the lowest life expectancy in state

Gage County's 76.3-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom of Nebraska counties, trailing the state average of 77.5 years by 1.2 years. This gap signals persistent health challenges that demand attention.

Health outcomes lag nearby Furnas County

Gage County's 76.3-year life expectancy falls below neighboring Furnas County (77.0) and trails the stronger performance of Greeley County (81.2). However, Gage excels in mental health provider access with 190 per 100K, nearly triple the state median.

Better uninsured rate, but fewer doctors

Gage County's 7.4% uninsured rate beats the state average of 8.1%, a positive sign for healthcare access. Yet primary care is stretched thin at just 74 providers per 100K—far below Furnas County's 109.

Secure coverage to improve health outcomes

Most Gage County residents have insurance, but the uninsured still face barriers to preventive care. Explore options at Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find a plan that works for you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gage County

via SchoolsByCounty

Gage County Manages Extensive School Network

Five districts oversee 13 public schools serving a large student population of 3,045. The network includes five elementary schools, five high schools, and a dedicated middle school to handle regional growth.

Steady Performance with Lean Educational Spending

The graduation rate of 87.1% aligns almost perfectly with national and state benchmarks. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,355, which is lower than the Nebraska average of $10,521.

Beatrice Public Schools Anchors the Region

Beatrice Public Schools is the dominant district, enrolling 2,090 students across six different schools. No charter schools operate here, as the five traditional districts manage all public education for the county.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

The locale is split between six town-based schools and seven rural campuses, with an average school size of 277 students. Beatrice High School is the largest facility with 644 students, providing a robust secondary education experience.

Find Your Place in Growing School Districts

With a variety of town and rural settings, Gage County offers diverse living options near established schools like Paddock Lane. Consider how proximity to the Beatrice or Freeman districts can impact your family's daily lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gage County

via RiskByCounty

Gage's risk remains well below national norms

Gage County's composite risk score of 40.55 places it in the very low category nationally, despite running 57% higher than Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This southeastern county avoids the extreme hazard concentrations seen in more disaster-prone U.S. regions.

Safest in its region among Nebraska peers

Gage ranks as one of Nebraska's safer counties overall, though its tornado and wildfire scores are notable within the state context. Its very low rating reflects relatively balanced risk distribution without any single dominant natural hazard.

Moderate hazards in a stable region

Gage sits alongside similarly low-risk neighbors like Johnson and Otoe counties in southeastern Nebraska. Its 40.55 score is slightly elevated by wildfire (78.94) and tornado exposure (78.40), both above state averages but manageable with proper preparation.

Wildfire and tornado demand attention

Wildfire risk (78.94) and tornado risk (78.40) are your primary concerns, both significantly elevated compared to the state baseline. Flood risk (32.44) rounds out your exposure profile, making this a county where diverse hazard awareness is important.

Cover tornadoes, wildfires, and floods

Your homeowner's policy should include wind damage coverage for tornadoes and a separate flood insurance policy to manage inundation risk. Defensible space around your home—clearing brush and dead trees—reduces wildfire vulnerability even in lower-ignition-frequency areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gage County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions in the Central Plains

Gage County averages 51.3°F annually, placing it in a temperate but variable continental zone. This temperature is typical for the central United States but cooler than the deep South.

Among Nebraska's Warmest Counties

At 51.3°F, Gage stays warmer than the 49.7°F state average. It is one of the more temperate counties located in Nebraska's southeastern corner.

Wetter Than the Western Plains

The county receives 31.9 inches of precipitation, making it much wetter than western neighbors like Garden County. It balances this moisture with 35 extreme heat days each year.

Moist Summers and Moderate Snowfall

July peaks at 76.5°F, while January dips to an average of 24.2°F. The county sees 18.8 inches of annual snowfall, which is lower than many northern Nebraska peers.

Manage Runoff and Summer Humidity

Homeowners need robust gutters and drainage to manage the 31.9 inches of annual rain. HVAC systems must be versatile enough to handle 35 days of 90-degree heat and sub-freezing winter nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gage County

via SoilByCounty

Gage County's Neutral Growing Power

Gage County soils are slightly acidic with a pH of 6.48, placing them almost exactly at the national median of 6.5. This chemical balance is ideal for nutrient availability and supports a wide variety of agricultural applications in Southeast Nebraska.

Clay-Rich Silt for Better Structure

The soil contains 51.7% silt and 27.9% clay, creating a heavier texture than many neighboring counties. This high clay content provides excellent structure and helps the soil hold onto vital plant nutrients over time.

Strong Organic Levels and Retention

At 3.02%, organic matter is healthy and approaches the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. The soil's ability to hold water is also strong, with a capacity of 0.194 in/in compared to the state average of 0.172.

Natural Buffers Against Drought

Specific hydrologic groups are not listed, but the significant clay percentage suggests slower drainage and high water retention. This provides a natural buffer against drought but may require patience before tilling after heavy rains.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6a

The warmer 6a hardiness zone allows for a longer growing season than much of the state. With a high soil score of 75.6, this is prime land for everything from corn and soybeans to diverse home vegetable patches.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gage County

via LawnByCounty

Superior Growing Conditions in Gage County

With a lawn difficulty score of 71.2, Gage County is one of the easiest places in Nebraska to maintain a healthy lawn. It significantly outperforms the state average of 54.2 and the national median of 50.0 thanks to favorable Hardiness Zone 6a conditions.

Ideal Precipitation Meets Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 31.9 inches puts the county right in the ideal range for turf, while 35 extreme heat days align with state averages. The 3,493 growing degree days ensure steady grass growth throughout the spring and summer.

Heavy Clay Requires Careful Management

A soil pH of 6.48 is excellent for grass, but the 27.9% clay content means the ground can become easily compacted. Regular aeration may be necessary to ensure oxygen and water reach the root zones in these heavier soils.

Favorable Moisture Levels for Homeowners

While Gage County experienced 22 weeks in drought over the past year, 0% of the area is currently under drought conditions. This break from dry weather provides an excellent window to establish new turf and strengthen existing lawns.

Seeding Windows for Zone 6a

Hardiness Zone 6a is well-suited for Turf-Type Tall Fescue, which thrives in the county's natural rainfall. Start your lawn after April 24 to avoid spring frost, or capitalize on fall growth before the first frost on October 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gage County's county score?
Gage County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 51.4 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 Gage County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Gage County ranks #76 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 Gage County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Gage County is $2,406, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Gage County a tax score of 15.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gage County?
The median household income in Gage County, Nebraska is $64,426 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gage County earns an income score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gage County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Gage County scores 51.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Gage 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 Gage County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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