countyscore
68.6
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 97.2Cost of Living 87.6

County Report Card

About Garden County, Nebraska

Exceptional Livability on a National Scale

Garden County boasts an impressive composite score of 68.5, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the top tier of rural counties nationwide.

Outperforming the Nebraska State Average

With a score of 68.5, Garden County significantly beats the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It stands out as one of the most livable rural jurisdictions in the state.

Maximum Safety and Elite Affordability

The county excels with a near-perfect Safety Score of 97.5 and a Risk Score of 97.2. Housing is exceptionally affordable, reflected in a Cost Score of 87.6 and a median rent of only $675.

Limited Local Income Opportunities

The Income Score of 7.0 is very low, as the median household income sits at $44,777. While the cost of living is low, local wage growth remains a significant hurdle for the workforce.

A Haven for Retirees and Remote Workers

This county is a perfect match for those with external income or retirement savings who value safety above all else. It offers an incredibly secure and affordable lifestyle in a quiet rural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax26.6Cost87.6Safety97.5Health56.5Schools74.6Income7Risk97.2Water86Weather35.4
🏛26.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.9
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

Grant County
Nebraska
69.6
Arthur County
Nebraska
67.5
Morrill County
Nebraska
58.7
Deuel County
Nebraska
61.2
Keith County
Nebraska
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Cheyenne County
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Sedgwick County
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Box Butte County
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43.2

Deep Dives

Garden County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Garden County

via TaxByCounty

Garden has one of nation's lowest rates

Garden County's effective tax rate of 1.18% ranks among America's lowest, dramatically undercutting the national median of 2.44%. The median property tax of just $1,127 annually places Garden in the bottom quintile nationally for tax burden.

Below Nebraska's state average

At 1.18%, Garden County's effective rate falls below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it among the state's lower-tax counties. The median tax of $1,127 is substantially below the state median of $1,972, reflecting Garden's rural character and lower property values.

Among the lowest in the region

Garden County's 1.18% rate is the second-lowest among the eight counties examined, exceeded only by Grant County's 0.749%. This positions Garden as a tax-friendly environment compared to higher-rate neighbors like Greeley (1.563%) and Furnas (1.449%).

Minimal annual tax burden

A median home valued at $95,500 in Garden County generates an estimated annual property tax of just $1,127 for owners without mortgages. Even with a mortgage, estimated taxes remain modest at $1,159.

Appeal if assessed too high

Even in lower-tax Garden County, some homeowners face inflated assessments and can pursue free appeals through the assessor's office. A careful review of your assessed value against comparable sales may reveal opportunities to lower your tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garden County

via CostByCounty

Garden County faces serious affordability pressure

Garden County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this region and substantially exceeds the national average of 14.2%, placing severe stress on resident households. The median income of just $44,777—40% below the national median—makes Garden the most economically constrained county in this group.

Garden County ranks among Nebraska's least affordable

With an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio far above Nebraska's 14.2% state average, Garden County represents one of the state's most affordability-challenged areas. The combination of low incomes and relatively modest rental costs reveals an underlying wage issue rather than inflated housing prices.

Cheapest rents, lowest incomes in the region

Garden County offers the region's lowest median rent at $675, undercutting even Garfield County ($519), yet its $44,777 median income is dramatically lower than all neighbors. This creates a paradox where the cheapest rents consume the largest share of household budgets due to depressed wages.

Low rents offset by very low incomes

At $44,777 annually, the median household income in Garden County is strained by $675 in monthly rent and $583 in homeownership costs for properties valued at $95,500. Even with the region's lowest rents, housing consumes 18% of gross income—well above the sustainable threshold—due to the severe income deficit.

Garden offers rock-bottom costs, limited opportunity

Garden County appeals to retirees or remote workers seeking minimal housing expenses—rents and home values are the lowest in the region—but local employment prospects are severely limited. Consider Garden only if your income is portable or you're seeking maximum real estate affordability despite broader economic challenges.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garden County

via IncomeByCounty

Garden faces significant income gap

Garden County's median household income of just $44,777 ranks far below the national median of $74,755—a troubling $30,000 gap representing 40% shortfall. This is among the lowest income levels in Nebraska, placing Garden in the national bottom tier for earning power and economic opportunity.

Lowest income county in this survey

At $44,777, Garden County ranks as the lowest-income county in this eight-county cluster, nearly $22,000 below Nebraska's state average of $66,880. The county's per capita income of $31,288 is the lowest in the group, indicating pervasive economic challenges across the population.

Significantly behind all neighboring counties

Garden County's $44,777 median household income trails every other county in its regional cluster, with the next-lowest being Greeley County at $58,894—a $14,000 gap. This isolation at the bottom suggests local economic headwinds including population loss, limited job diversity, and reduced earning opportunities.

Housing stress signals broader challenges

Garden County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% is the highest in the region, indicating that residents dedicate nearly one-fifth of income to housing alone. This elevated burden leaves limited resources for healthcare, food, savings, and other essentials, signaling economic vulnerability in the county.

Focus on income growth and cost control

Garden County households face real constraints at $44,777 median income, making aggressive cost control and income diversification critical strategies. Even small monthly savings, combined with exploring higher-wage job opportunities or skill-building programs, can gradually improve financial security and create pathways to wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garden County

via CrimeByCounty

Garden County Achieves Perfect Safety Score

Garden County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, indicating an exceptionally safe environment. In 2022, the county reported zero crimes per 100,000 residents across two reporting agencies. This total is far below the national average of 2,385.5 crimes per 100,000.

A Leading Safety Rank in Nebraska

With zero reported crimes, Garden County ranks at the very top of Nebraska's safest jurisdictions. While the state average safety score is a high 99.0, Garden County surpasses it effortlessly. It remains one of the quietest regions in the entire state.

Setting the Standard for Regional Safety

Garden County stands out even among its rural neighbors by reporting no crime incidents in 2022. Nearby counties like Grant share this distinction, while others like Garfield report small amounts of activity. This regional pocket of Nebraska offers some of the highest levels of peace and security in the country.

No Reported Violent or Property Crimes

Law enforcement reported zero violent crimes and zero property crimes for the 2022 data period. This total absence of reported incidents means the risk to person and property is statistically negligible. However, it is important to remember that zero reports can sometimes reflect limited data collection in very sparse areas.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

While there is currently no reported crime, maintaining basic safety habits ensures your home remains a hard target. Simple deterrents like locking doors and notifying neighbors when away are always good practices. Enjoy the security of Garden County while remaining proactive about your surroundings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Garden County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below U.S. average

Garden County residents live to 76.6 years, about 2.3 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.5%) report poor or fair health, the highest rate among these eight counties.

Highest poor health rate in state sample

Garden County's 19.5% poor/fair health rate stands well above Nebraska's median, signaling significant health challenges. The county's 76.6-year life expectancy also trails the state average of 77.5 years.

Struggling more than surrounding area

Garden County's 19.5% poor health rate far exceeds Furnas County (17.0%) and Gosper County (14.5%) nearby. Data on primary care providers is limited, but the county's 56 mental health providers per 100K trails better-resourced neighbors.

Limited provider data, but access concerns

Garden County's 8.4% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 8.1%, affecting healthcare access for roughly 280 residents. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but the high poor-health rate suggests residents may struggle to access needed care.

Health coverage can start your recovery

If you're uninsured in Garden County, comprehensive health insurance can connect you to preventive care and treatment. Visit Healthcare.gov or call a local health department to explore Medicaid and Marketplace options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Garden County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Education in Garden County

A single school district manages the entire county's public education infrastructure, consisting of one elementary and one high school. This streamlined system serves a total student body of 193 residents.

High Investment Yields Top Composite Scores

Garden County invests $13,996 per pupil, exceeding both state and national spending averages. This investment reflects in a high composite school score of 68.6 and a 90.0% graduation rate.

One District Serves All Local Students

Garden County Schools operates as the sole provider for the region, ensuring consistent standards across its two campuses. Charter schools are not present, as the community focuses its resources on the unified public district.

Intimate Rural Learning in Small Classes

Both local schools are situated in rural locales with an average enrollment of just 97 students. Attending school here feels personal, as the Junior/Senior High and the Elementary school have nearly identical, small student counts.

Secure Your Future in Garden County

The high per-pupil investment and small school sizes make this an attractive area for families seeking individual attention for their children. Explore local listings to find a home within this high-performing, single-district county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garden County

via RiskByCounty

Garden County is exceptionally safe

Garden County's composite risk score of 2.83 ranks among the lowest in the nation and is just 11% of Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This northwestern county enjoys minimal exposure to major natural disasters compared to almost every U.S. county.

One of Nebraska's safest counties overall

Garden ranks among the very safest counties in Nebraska, with a score well below even the state's low-risk average. Its minimal composite risk reflects low exposure across all major hazard categories from flooding to earthquakes.

Nearly tied with Grant for lowest risk

Garden County's risk profile mirrors neighboring Grant County (0.19) to the north, both occupying the safest tier in the state. This panhandle region experiences remarkably uniform low-hazard conditions across a broad area.

Wildfire is your only notable exposure

Wildfire risk (62.44) is your sole significant hazard, though even this reflects moderate rather than high danger. All other risks—flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes—remain near negligible levels.

Focus on wildfire preparedness

While Garden County's overall risk is very low, maintaining defensible space around your home and ensuring standard homeowner's coverage will address your primary exposure. Most residents here face minimal need for specialized flood or earthquake insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garden County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler High Plains Environment

Garden County presents a cooler profile with an annual average of 48.3°F. This is notably lower than the national median, reflecting its high plains elevation.

Below the Nebraska State Average

The county falls below the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. Its climate is defined by cooler nights and lower overall thermal energy compared to the eastern part of the state.

A Drier Regional Landscape

With only 18.8 inches of annual precipitation, Garden is significantly drier than eastern counties like Hall. It also faces a more rugged winter with 31.0 inches of snow.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

Summer averages are a mild 70.5°F, though 38 days still reach above 90°F. Winters are harsh, featuring a December-February average of 26.9°F and substantial snow accumulation.

Water Conservation and Heavy Snow

Xeriscaping is a smart choice to manage the low 18.8-inch annual rainfall. Residents should also invest in heavy-duty snow tires and blowers for the 31 inches of winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garden County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of the West

Garden County features alkaline soils with a pH of 7.07, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. These soils are classified as Entisols, representing relatively young geological formations with simple soil horizons.

Coarse Sand and Easy Tilling

The landscape is dominated by loamy coarse sand, containing 65.1% sand and very little clay at 9.1%. This coarse texture ensures the soil is easy to till but means that nutrients may move through the profile quickly.

Rich Organic Matter in Dry Soil

The soil boasts a remarkable 5.04% organic matter, far surpassing the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is a low 0.128 in/in due to the extremely sandy texture.

Rapid Drainage in Group A Soils

Classified as somewhat excessively drained and falling into hydrologic group A, these soils shed water rapidly. This makes the land excellent for avoiding root rot but requires careful irrigation management for sensitive plants.

Drought-Tolerant Gardening in 5b

Residents can find success with drought-tolerant species and native grasses that thrive in sandy Entisols. Start a garden with deep-rooted perennials that can tap into moisture beneath the fast-draining surface.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garden County

via LawnByCounty

The Hardest Lawn Conditions in the Region

Garden County presents a major challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 37.9, falling far below the national and state averages. Residents in Hardiness Zone 5b face an uphill battle against aridity and sandy soil.

Extreme Aridity Limits Grass Growth

Annual precipitation of just 18.8 inches is less than half of what a standard lawn needs to thrive. With 38 extreme heat days and a shorter growing season, traditional turf requires intensive irrigation to survive.

Sandy Soils Drain Away Nutrients

The soil is 65.1% sand and classified as somewhat excessively drained, meaning water often disappears before roots can drink. The pH of 7.07 is slightly high, requiring organic amendments to help hold moisture in the loamy coarse sand.

Battling Severe and Chronic Drought

Drought conditions are severe, with 84.5% of the county currently at D2 levels or higher. After 53 weeks of drought over the last year, many homeowners are shifting toward native grasses that can survive without constant watering.

Go Native for High Survival Rates

Buffalo grass and Blue Grama are the most reliable options for these sandy conditions in Zone 5b. Wait until the last frost passes on May 13 to seed, ensuring the young grass isn't hit by a late spring freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garden County's county score?
Garden County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 68.6 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 Garden County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Garden County ranks #13 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 Garden County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Garden County is $1,127, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Garden County a tax score of 26.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garden County?
The median household income in Garden County, Nebraska is $44,777 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garden County earns an income score of 7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garden County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Garden County scores 68.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Garden 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 Garden 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.