countyscore
67.9
County Score
Safety 93.7Disaster Risk 90.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Gosper County, Nebraska

Highly Competitive National Ranking

Gosper County’s composite score of 67.9 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a robust quality of life that stands out when compared to most American counties.

Strongly Beating the State Average

The county's score of 67.9 comfortably outperforms the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It ranks as one of the more prosperous and resilient counties in the region.

High Incomes and Elite Safety

With an Income Score of 82.8 and a median household income of $79,145, Gosper County is economically strong. Safety and risk scores both exceed 90.0, indicating a very secure environment.

Moderate Tax and Health Scores

The Tax Score of 26.1 and Health Score of 66.0 represent the main areas for improvement. While these scores are not poor, they lag behind the county's elite marks in income and safety.

The Professional's Rural Choice

Gosper County is a premier destination for high-earning professionals who want a safe, upscale rural lifestyle. It provides a rare combination of high local wages and top-tier community security.

Score breakdown

Tax26.1Cost64.7Safety93.7Health66Schools71.2Income82.8Risk90.2Water86Weather46
🏛26.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.2
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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Counties with similar scores

Winneshiek County
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Calhoun County
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Miner County
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Nearby counties

Dawson County
Nebraska
47.6
Furnas County
Nebraska
55.9
Phelps County
Nebraska
64.7
Frontier County
Nebraska
65.1
Harlan County
Nebraska
69
Red Willow County
Nebraska
60.1
Norton County
Kansas
64.2
Buffalo County
Nebraska
38.6

Deep Dives

Gosper County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gosper County

via TaxByCounty

Gosper taxes lag far behind national median

Gosper County's effective rate of 1.188% sits roughly half the national median of 2.44%, placing it among America's lower-tax counties. Despite this low rate, the median property tax of $2,407 approaches the national median of $2,690 due to higher local home values.

Slightly below Nebraska average

At 1.188%, Gosper County's effective rate falls just below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, positioning it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 93 counties. The median tax of $2,407 exceeds the state median of $1,972, reflecting Gosper's relatively high property values.

Low rate, higher actual taxes

Gosper County's 1.188% effective rate is among the region's lowest, but the median tax of $2,407 is the highest or near-highest among the eight counties due to elevated home values. This illustrates how property values matter as much as tax rates in determining annual bills.

What homeowners actually pay

A median home valued at $202,700 in Gosper County generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,407 for owners without mortgages. With a mortgage, estimated taxes rise to $2,644.

Consider appealing your assessment

Many Gosper County homeowners may be overassessed relative to true market value and can pursue free formal appeals. The assessor's office can explain your assessment details and the appeal process at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gosper County

via CostByCounty

Gosper combines strong income with modest rents

Gosper County's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average of 14.2%, and its median income of $79,145 tops the national median by 5.8%, creating genuine affordability. Residents here earn more while spending less of it on housing than the typical American household.

Gosper outperforms Nebraska on affordability

With a 12.1% rent-to-income ratio and the highest median income in this eight-county group ($79,145), Gosper County significantly outperforms Nebraska's state average of 14.2%. Strong local earnings combined with moderate rental costs position Gosper as one of Nebraska's most financially secure counties.

Highest income, competitive rents

Gosper County's $79,145 median income is the highest in this region, while its $797 rent sits near the state average of $783. This income advantage is the real story—residents earn substantially more than neighbors, making housing more affordable despite comparable rent levels.

Strong earnings support both housing paths

At $79,145, Gosper's median income comfortably handles $797 monthly rent (12.1% of income) and $724 in homeownership costs for median-priced homes at $202,700. The high income-to-cost ratio means residents have flexibility to choose renting or buying without financial strain.

Gosper rewards those seeking stability

Relocators seeking financial security will appreciate Gosper County's combination of strong local incomes and reasonable housing costs—the county's 12.1% rent burden is the lowest outside Garfield. If you're building long-term wealth, the highest median home value ($202,700) and strong incomes provide solid footing for homeownership.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gosper County

via IncomeByCounty

Gosper exceeds national earning power

Gosper County's median household income of $79,145 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $4,390, placing the county above typical U.S. earning benchmarks. This achievement ranks Gosper among the stronger-earning counties nationwide and reflects robust local economic opportunity.

Nebraska's top earner in this group

At $79,145, Gosper County ranks highest among all eight counties and substantially exceeds Nebraska's state median of $66,880 by $12,265. The county's per capita income of $38,340 is also the highest in the cluster, indicating strong earning potential across the entire population.

Clear leader in regional earnings

Gosper County's $79,145 median household income significantly outpaces all neighboring counties, leading the second-place Grant County ($69,063) by nearly $10,000. This regional dominance reflects either more diverse employment opportunities, higher-wage sectors, or successful population retention of higher-earning households.

Exceptionally strong housing affordability

Despite the highest median home value in the cluster at $202,700, Gosper County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.1% remains favorable and well-controlled. This balance demonstrates that strong household incomes can support higher-quality housing without creating affordability stress.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

Gosper County residents earning $79,145 median household income have exceptional capacity to fund college savings, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios. The combination of above-national income and low housing burden creates an ideal platform for building substantial long-term wealth and achieving financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gosper County

via CrimeByCounty

Gosper County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

Gosper County earns a near-perfect safety score of 99.9, representing a very secure community. The total crime rate of 53.4 per 100,000 is vastly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This makes the county one of the premier locations for public safety in the US.

Beating Nebraska's High Safety Benchmarks

Even in a safe state like Nebraska, Gosper County stands out with its 99.9 safety score. It easily beats the state average crime rate of 626.7 with its own rate of just 53.4 per 100,000. It is consistently ranked among the most peaceful counties in the state.

Quiet Neighbors and Low Local Crime

Gosper County mirrors the low crime rates found in Garfield County, which sits at 54.6. It is notably quieter than nearby Furnas County, where crime rates exceed 1,000. Law enforcement agencies here manage an incredibly low volume of reported incidents.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported in 2022

Gosper County reported no violent crimes during the most recent data year, a testament to its community safety. The total crime rate of 53.4 is comprised entirely of property crimes. In practical terms, physical safety is a hallmark of this region, while theft remains rare.

Safeguarding Your Gosper County Home

While crime is minimal, property protection helps maintain the county’s excellent safety record. Simple habits like locking doors and keeping high-value items out of sight can deter the very few crimes that occur. Your proactive approach helps keep Gosper County a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gosper County

via HealthByCounty

Shortest life expectancy in this group

Gosper County residents live to just 75.8 years on average, about 3.1 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 14.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces elevated chronic disease rates.

Among lowest life expectancy statewide

At 75.8 years, Gosper County has the lowest life expectancy among these eight counties, trailing Nebraska's 77.5-year average by 1.7 years. This gap reflects broader health inequities that require urgent attention.

Healthier than Garden, weaker than Furnas

Gosper County's 75.8-year life expectancy trails Furnas County (77.0) but exceeds struggling Garden County (76.6). Primary care access is limited at just 55 per 100K, though mental health providers at 54 per 100K offer modest support.

High uninsured rate, limited provider access

At 8.7% uninsured, Gosper County exceeds Nebraska's 8.1% state average, leaving over 380 residents without health coverage. Primary care providers number just 55 per 100K—among the lowest in the comparison—straining access to routine and preventive care.

Health insurance can extend your lifespan

Gosper County's high uninsured rate and low life expectancy are connected—coverage connects you to preventive care, early diagnosis, and lifesaving treatment. Start today at Healthcare.gov or contact a local health navigator.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gosper County

via SchoolsByCounty

Gosper County’s Compact School Infrastructure

Two public schools serve the county under the direction of a single school district. The total enrollment stands at 198 students, split between elementary and high school levels.

Outperforming the State in Graduation Success

The 90.0% graduation rate sits comfortably above the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $10,811, which slightly exceeds the Nebraska state average while supporting a 61.8 school score.

Elwood Public Schools Leads the Way

Elwood Public Schools manages all 198 students in the county across its two rural campuses. The district maintains a traditional public model with no charter schools currently operating in the area.

An Exclusive Rural School Experience

Both schools are classified as rural, featuring an average enrollment of 99 students. Elwood Elementary is the larger hub with 130 students, while the high school offers an intimate environment for just 68 students.

High-Value Education in Gosper County

Homebuyers here benefit from a school system that spends more per student than the state average. Research homes in Elwood to take advantage of these high graduation rates and small class settings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gosper County

via RiskByCounty

Gosper County faces very low risk

Gosper County's composite risk score of 9.83 is less than 40% of Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it comfortably in the very low risk category nationally. This south-central county enjoys strong natural disaster protection across most hazard types.

Among Nebraska's safest counties

Gosper ranks in Nebraska's lowest tier for composite risk, significantly outperforming the state median. Its low score reflects minimal exposure to the tornado and flood hazards that elevate risk in other parts of the state.

Safer than Furnas, riskier than Grant

Gosper sits between high-risk Furnas County to the south and very-low-risk Grant County to the west. Its 9.83 score represents a transitional zone where tornado risk begins rising compared to the state's safest panhandle counties.

Tornado exposure is your primary concern

Tornado risk (20.39) is your leading hazard, though still below the state baseline, followed by moderate wildfire exposure (22.01). Flood and earthquake risks remain near negligible.

Wind coverage and seasonal awareness matter

Include comprehensive wind damage coverage in your homeowner's policy to address Gosper County's tornado exposure. Standard coverage for flood and earthquake is generally unnecessary, though awareness of spring severe weather is valuable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gosper County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced Central Plains Weather

Gosper County averages 50.7°F annually, which is fairly typical for the Central Plains. This puts it slightly below the national median for all U.S. counties.

Standard Nebraska Temperature Profile

It is roughly one degree warmer than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. This puts it in the middle tier of Nebraska counties for thermal intensity.

Moderate Heat and Regional Dryness

Gosper receives 23.3 inches of precipitation, slightly less than Furnas County to its south. It experiences fewer extreme heat days (29) than its southern border neighbor.

Predictable Four-Season Cycle

July averages 75.2°F, while winter temperatures hover around a moderate 28.3°F. Annual snowfall reaches 22.6 inches, contributing to a balanced seasonal cycle.

Standard Home Maintenance Needs

A standard HVAC system is sufficient to manage the 29 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should prepare for moderate snow clearance during the 22.6-inch winter season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gosper County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Nebraska Chemistry in Gosper

Gosper County has a pH of 6.84, which is slightly more alkaline than the national 6.5 median but near the state average. This level is well within the healthy range for most Nebraska agriculture and supports diverse plant life.

Balanced Mix for Nutrient Storage

Silt is the primary component at 54.3%, supported by 20% clay and 25.7% sand. This well-distributed mix offers a good balance of drainage and the ability to hold onto vital nutrients.

Superior Water Retention Potential

Organic matter sits at exactly 2.00%, matching the national average but falling below the Nebraska state mean. However, the water holding capacity is a standout at 0.208 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.172.

Reliable Moisture for Consistent Yields

Although specific hydrologic data is missing, the silty texture suggests the soil retains moisture effectively without becoming waterlogged. This high water capacity makes the county's soil a reliable choice for consistent crop yields.

Lush Gardens in Zone 5b

Zone 5b gardeners can take advantage of the superior moisture retention to grow productive fruit trees or lush vegetable beds. The overall soil score of 66.5 indicates a high potential for success in any growing endeavor.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gosper County

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty for Gosper County Lawns

Gosper County’s lawn difficulty score of 52.2 sits comfortably near the national average of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 5b enjoy conditions that are fairly typical for Nebraska, requiring moderate effort to maintain.

Balanced Heat and Precipitation

With 23.3 inches of rain and 29 extreme heat days, the climate is less taxing than the southern part of the state. However, the 3,214 growing degree days mean grass stays active and requires a consistent mowing schedule from spring through fall.

A Reliable Loam-Like Foundation

A soil pH of 6.84 and a balanced mix of 20.0% clay and 25.7% sand create a hospitable environment for grass roots. While drainage class data is unavailable, this composition generally offers good nutrient retention and adequate drainage.

Monitoring Dry Spells in Gosper

The county is 100% abnormally dry and has spent 36 weeks in drought over the last year. To conserve water, avoid cutting your grass too short, as taller blades shade the soil and help prevent the ground from drying out.

Ideal Timing for New Turf

Tall Fescue blends are recommended for Zone 5b due to their deep root systems and heat tolerance. Aim to plant after April 26 to avoid spring frost, and ensure the lawn is hardened before the October 13 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gosper County's county score?
Gosper County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 67.9 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 Gosper County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Gosper County ranks #17 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 Gosper County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Gosper County is $2,407, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Gosper County a tax score of 26.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gosper County?
The median household income in Gosper County, Nebraska is $79,145 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gosper County earns an income score of 82.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gosper County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Gosper County scores 67.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Gosper 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 Gosper 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.