countyscore
69.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.8Safety 93.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Garfield County, Nebraska

Elite Standing Among American Counties

Garfield County earns a high composite score of 69.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the top percentiles for overall quality of life in the United States.

A Leader in Nebraska Livability

At 69.3, Garfield County easily clears the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It represents the best of Nebraska’s rural offerings, combining safety, health, and economic stability.

Superior Safety and Community Health

The county features an elite Risk Score of 98.8 and a Safety Score of 93.7. A Health Score of 82.6 further reinforces the county's status as a top-tier destination for well-being.

High Property Tax Burden

The Tax Score of 15.6 is the county's primary weakness, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.439%. This creates a higher-than-average financial hurdle for local homeowners.

Ideal for Wellness-Focused Families

Garfield County is perfect for those who prioritize physical safety and a healthy environment. It attracts residents who are willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for peace of mind and community stability.

Score breakdown

Tax15.6Cost74.1Safety93.7Health82.6Schools67.1Income63.4Risk98.8Water86Weather41
🏛15.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54
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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Counties with similar scores

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Fillmore County
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San Juan County
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Brown County
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Grundy County
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Nearby counties

Loup County
Nebraska
81.7
Valley County
Nebraska
62.5
Wheeler County
Nebraska
74.8
Greeley County
Nebraska
64
Sherman County
Nebraska
61.2
Holt County
Nebraska
67.4
Custer County
Nebraska
58.3
Rock County
Nebraska
71.8

Deep Dives

Garfield County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Garfield County

via TaxByCounty

Garfield taxes stay well below national median

Garfield County's 1.439% effective rate sits significantly below the national median of 2.44%, placing it in the lower-tax tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,085 falls short of the national median of $2,690, even as local homes approach average U.S. values.

Above Nebraska's state average

At 1.439%, Garfield County's effective rate exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 93 counties. The median tax of $2,085 surpasses the state median of $1,972, reflecting above-average tax pressure by statewide standards.

Higher taxes than most neighbors

Garfield County's 1.439% rate exceeds all neighboring counties examined except Greeley (1.563%) and Furnas (1.449%), placing it among the region's higher-tax areas. Only Greeley County residents face steeper effective tax rates in this comparison set.

Estimated annual tax payment

Owners of median-valued homes at $144,900 pay approximately $2,085 in annual property taxes without a mortgage. With a mortgage, estimated taxes increase to $2,347 due to escrow requirements.

Review your assessment today

Many Garfield County homeowners are overassessed and can file free appeals with the county assessor. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable sales in your area may reveal significant tax-saving opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garfield County

via CostByCounty

Garfield offers exceptional rental affordability

Garfield County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in America and dramatically undercuts the national average of 14.2%, making it exceptionally affordable for renters. With a median income of $68,611—only 8% below the national median—residents enjoy genuine housing security.

Garfield is Nebraska's affordability leader

Garfield County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this entire eight-county group and substantially beats Nebraska's state average of 14.2%. This exceptional affordability reflects modest local rents paired with respectable incomes, creating genuine housing security for residents.

Lowest rents in the region by far

Garfield County's median rent of $519 is dramatically lower than every neighbor in this group, with the next-lowest (Greeley at $643) running 24% higher. The combination of rock-bottom rents and decent incomes creates the region's best housing affordability story.

Rent is a non-issue; homeownership is the trade

Garfield's $68,611 median income easily absorbs the $519 monthly rent—just 9% of gross earnings—leaving ample room in household budgets. Homeownership costs $843 monthly for properties valued at $144,900, making buying slightly costlier than renting but still accessible to most residents.

Garfield is Nebraska's affordability gem

If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Garfield County delivers—the lowest rents in this region consume just 9% of income, freeing resources for savings or quality of life. Remote workers or those with portable income will find exceptional value here, with genuine affordability paired with reasonable incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Garfield edges toward national parity

Garfield County's median household income of $68,611 falls $6,144 short of the national median of $74,755, representing just an 8.2% gap—among the smallest shortfalls in this regional cluster. This relatively strong position reflects economic stability and employment diversity beyond typical agricultural patterns.

Above Nebraska's median household income

At $68,611, Garfield County exceeds Nebraska's state median of $66,880 by $1,731, positioning residents above the statewide average. The county's per capita income of $35,332 is in the middle range for Nebraska, suggesting fairly balanced economic distribution.

Strong earner among regional peers

Garfield County ranks fourth in median household income within its eight-county cluster, ahead of Furnas ($60,625), Gage ($64,426), and Greeley ($58,894), but trailing the highest earners Gosper ($79,145) and Grant ($69,063). The $144,900 median home value reflects solid real estate values tied to economic strength.

Excellent housing affordability ratio

Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio of just 9.1% is the lowest in the entire regional cluster, far below the 28–30% threshold indicating stress. This exceptional affordability means households retain the vast majority of earnings for savings, investment, and quality-of-life spending.

Invest in retirement and real estate

With above-average income and exceptional housing affordability, Garfield County residents are well-positioned to maximize retirement contributions and explore real estate investment. The combination of stable earning power and low housing burdens creates an ideal foundation for building long-term wealth and financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garfield County

via CrimeByCounty

Garfield County: Exceptionally Safe by National Standards

Garfield County features a stellar safety score of 99.9, far exceeding national averages. Its total crime rate of just 54.6 per 100,000 is a mere fraction of the 2,385.5 national average. Residents live in one of the most secure counties in the United States.

Outperforming the Nebraska State Average

Garfield County is safer than the average Nebraska county, boasting a 99.9 safety score compared to the state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 54.6 is significantly lower than the Nebraska average of 626.7. This demonstrates an extremely low frequency of law enforcement incidents locally.

Comparing Low Crime Rates with Neighbors

Garfield County tracks very closely with neighboring Gosper County, which has a similar rate of 53.4. Both are significantly safer than Furnas or Gage counties to the south. The two reporting agencies in Garfield manage one of the lowest caseloads in the region.

Minimal Property Crime, Zero Violent Incidents

The county reported zero violent crimes in 2022, making the risk of person-to-person offenses extremely low. The entire crime rate of 54.6 per 100,000 is attributed to property crime. This means that nearly all police activity relates to minor theft or property disputes.

Basic Precautions for Continued Security

With violent crime non-existent in recent data, protecting your belongings should be the main focus. Ensuring your home and vehicles are locked remains the most effective way to prevent the rare property incident. Garfield County is an ideal place for those seeking a tranquil and secure lifestyle.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Garfield County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near but not above average

Garfield County residents live to 77.1 years, about 1.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With just 12.7% reporting poor or fair health—the lowest among these eight counties—residents generally report better health status.

Solid health profile within Nebraska

At 77.1 years, Garfield County's life expectancy closely matches Nebraska's 77.5-year state average. The county's 12.7% poor-health rate ranks among the best in the state sample.

Strongest health outcomes in the region

Garfield County's 12.7% poor-health rate significantly outperforms neighboring Garden County (19.5%) and Gosper County (14.5%). The county maintains competitive primary care access at 54 per 100K, though mental health provider data is limited.

Lowest uninsured rate among the eight

Garfield County leads this group with just 6.4% uninsured—well below Nebraska's 8.1% average and the lowest in this comparison. Primary care access at 54 per 100K is modest, and mental health provider data is unavailable.

Most residents have coverage; stay protected

Garfield County's high insurance coverage rate reflects strong community health engagement. If you're among the uninsured, Healthcare.gov makes it easy to find a plan and protect your family's health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Garfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

Burwell Public Schools Serves Garfield County

The county education system consists of two public schools organized under a single district. Together, these facilities support a total enrollment of 293 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Strong Graduation Rates in Burwell Schools

Students achieve a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 86.9%. The county spends $9,528 per student, maintaining a school score of 59.0 that matches the Nebraska state average.

Traditional Education via Burwell Public Schools

Burwell Public Schools is the exclusive provider for the county, managing 100% of the local student enrollment. There are zero charter schools in the area, ensuring a centralized community focus on the public system.

Small Rural Schools Foster Community Ties

Both schools operate in rural settings where the average size is roughly 147 students. Burwell Elementary is the larger of the two with 160 students, while the Junior-Senior High serves 133 students.

Move Near Reliable Rural School Systems

Garfield County offers a stable educational environment with graduation rates that exceed national benchmarks. Prospective homebuyers will find a community that centers its social and civic life around the Burwell schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garfield County

via RiskByCounty

Garfield County offers exceptional safety

Garfield County's composite risk score of 1.27 ranks among the safest in the entire nation and represents just 5% of Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This remote panhandle county faces negligible exposure to major natural disasters.

Nearly the safest county in Nebraska

Garfield ranks as one of the two or three safest counties in the entire state across all hazard categories. Its extremely low score reflects minimal flooding, tornado, and earthquake risk combined with manageable wildfire exposure.

Tied with Grant as Nebraska's safest zone

Garfield sits alongside Grant County (0.19)—essentially Nebraska's zero-risk zone—and benefits from the same stable panhandle geography. This entire northwestern pocket experiences remarkably low natural disaster frequency and intensity.

Wildfire presents minimal seasonal concern

Wildfire risk (50.03) is your only measurable hazard exposure, though it remains moderate at worst. Tornado (17.84), flood (4.20), and earthquake (4.99) risks are negligible.

Standard homeowner's coverage is sufficient

Garfield County residents can rely on basic homeowner's insurance without need for specialized flood or earthquake coverage. Maintaining defensible space around structures during wildfire season provides practical additional protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garfield County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Continental Climate

Garfield County's average temperature is 48.2°F, placing it among the cooler regions of the United States. Its climate is characterized by significant seasonal swings and moderate precipitation.

Transitioning to the Cooler Sandhills

This average sits 1.5 degrees below the Nebraska state mean of 49.7°F. It represents the transition into the cooler north-central Sandhills region of the state.

Stable Precipitation Across the Region

Precipitation at 26.2 inches is identical to neighboring Greeley County, indicating a stable regional moisture pattern. However, Garfield sees 29.2 inches of snow, which is slightly higher than its southern neighbors.

Brisk Winters and Warm Summers

The county experiences 28 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the 71.3°F summers. January is particularly cold, averaging just 22.9°F throughout the month.

Insulate Against Deep Winter Cold

Cold-weather insulation is critical for the 25.0°F average winter temperatures. Emergency kits should include supplies for the nearly 30 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garfield County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Balance in Garfield County

Garfield County features a near-neutral pH of 6.75, making it very similar to the typical Nebraska state average of 6.79. This chemical balance is generally welcoming to a broad range of native plants and commercial crops.

A Light, Sandy Soil Texture

The texture is sandy, with sand making up 59.4% of the soil compared to only 12.2% clay. This means the soil is light and easy to work, though it lacks the heavy body found in clay-rich regions.

Meeting the State Organic Average

Organic matter is strong at 3.33%, hitting the state average almost exactly. The available water capacity of 0.150 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.172, reflecting the sandier nature of the county.

Sand-Driven Water Infiltration

Formal drainage classifications are unavailable, but the high sand-to-clay ratio points toward rapid water infiltration. This prevents water from pooling on the surface but may lead to faster drying during the peak of summer.

Hardy Crops for Zone 5a

Situated in zone 5a, Garfield County is well-suited for cool-weather crops and hardy grains. The balanced organic levels provide a great head start for any new garden project or agricultural expansion.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garfield County

via LawnByCounty

Garfield County Matches the State Average

With a score of 54.0, Garfield County perfectly mirrors the typical Nebraska lawn care experience. In Hardiness Zone 5a, maintaining a lawn is slightly easier than the national median, though local soil conditions play a big role.

Moderate Heat but Limited Moisture

The county receives 26.2 inches of precipitation annually, which is just above the state average but still below the ideal 30-inch mark. Fortunately, only 28 extreme heat days occur per year, reducing the frequency of heat-induced dormancy.

Sand-Heavy Soil Requires Frequent Watering

A high sand content of 59.4% means the ground dries out quickly after it rains. While the soil pH of 6.75 is nearly perfect for turf health, you will need to water more frequently than in clay-heavy counties.

Abnormally Dry Conditions Persist

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 30 weeks in drought over the last year. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn is a vital strategy here to help the sandy soil retain as much moisture as possible.

Seeding Strategies for Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are standard for this zone, though they require help in sandy soil. Plan to seed after May 6 or in the late summer, ensuring your lawn is established before the first frost arrives around October 5.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garfield County's county score?
Garfield County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 69.3 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 Garfield County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Garfield County ranks #11 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 Garfield County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Garfield County is $2,085, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Garfield County a tax score of 15.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garfield County?
The median household income in Garfield County, Nebraska is $68,611 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garfield County earns an income score of 63.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garfield County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Garfield County scores 69.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Garfield 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 Garfield 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.