Greeley County

Nebraska · NE

#43 in Nebraska
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Greeley County, Nebraska

Greeley ranks solidly above national median

Greeley County's score of 71.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 72nd percentile across all U.S. counties. This above-average performance reflects meaningful livability advantages compared to most American counties.

At the heart of Nebraska average

Greeley County scores 71.9, nearly matching Nebraska's state average of 71.2. The county ranks solidly in the middle-to-upper tier of Nebraska's 93 counties, performing right at state expectations.

Affordability and health outcomes shine

Greeley excels in cost (86.5) with incredibly affordable rent at $643 per month and homes averaging $87,800. Health scores a strong 77.6, suggesting excellent wellness infrastructure and outcomes for residents.

Tax burden and income lag slightly

Greeley's tax score of 58.3 reflects a 1.563% effective rate—higher than most in this comparison. Income scores just 21.8 with a median of $58,894, limiting wealth-building potential.

Suited for budget families seeking health care

Greeley County appeals to families and seniors prioritizing exceptional health services and minimal housing costs over income growth. The ultra-low rent and strong health scores make it ideal for those on fixed incomes seeking quality health outcomes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax58.3Cost86.5SafetyComing SoonHealth77.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.8Risk87.3WaterComing Soon
🏛58.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼21.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
87.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Greeley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Greeley County

via TaxByCounty

Greeley's rates exceed national median

At 1.563%, Greeley County's effective tax rate is among the higher ones in the nation, though it still falls below some high-tax states. The median property tax of $1,372 remains well below the national median of $2,690, due to lower home values.

Highest rate in Nebraska comparison

Greeley County's 1.563% effective rate is the highest among all eight counties examined and exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281% by a substantial margin. The median tax of $1,372 falls below the state median of $1,972 due to Greeley's modest property values.

Steepest tax burden in the region

Greeley County's 1.563% rate exceeds every other county in the eight-county comparison, making it the region's highest-tax area. Only Garfield County (1.439%) and Furnas County (1.449%) come close.

Estimated annual tax bill

Owners of median-valued homes at $87,800 in Greeley County pay approximately $1,372 in annual property taxes without a mortgage. With a mortgage, estimated taxes increase to $1,548.

Challenge inflated assessments

Given Greeley's higher effective tax rate, homeowners should carefully review their assessed values against recent comparable sales. The county assessor offers free assistance, and formal appeals to reduce overassessments cost nothing to file.

Cost of Living in Greeley County

via CostByCounty

Greeley achieves solid national affordability

Greeley County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average of 14.2%, despite a median income of $58,894 that runs 21% below the national median. Strong local affordability compensates for lower regional wages.

Greeley outperforms state on affordability

With a 13.1% rent-to-income ratio, Greeley County edges below Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, making it one of the state's more affordable areas. The favorable ratio reflects modest rents that scale well to local incomes.

Second-lowest rents, balanced income

Greeley County's $643 median rent is the second-lowest in this region, trailing only Garfield's $519, while its $58,894 income sits in the mid-range. This combination creates solid affordability, with rents consuming just 13% of household earnings.

Affordability across both housing types

Greeley's $58,894 median income supports $643 monthly rent (13.1% of income) and $695 in homeownership costs for properties valued at $87,800. Both renters and buyers find reasonable costs here, with the lowest mortgage payments in the region reflecting modest home values.

Greeley delivers balanced rural affordability

Greeley County appeals to those seeking affordable small-town living with reasonable housing costs across both renting and buying options. The 13.1% rent burden and lowest homeownership costs in the region make Greeley an excellent choice for renters and first-time homebuyers alike.

Income & Jobs in Greeley County

via IncomeByCounty

Greeley falls notably below national earnings

Greeley County's median household income of $58,894 lags the national median of $74,755 by $15,861, representing a significant 21.2% shortfall. This gap places Greeley in the lower-income tier nationally, typical of rural agricultural counties with limited economic diversity.

Below-average earnings for Nebraska

At $58,894, Greeley County ranks below Nebraska's state median of $66,880, trailing by $7,986. The county's per capita income of $31,028 is the second-lowest in the cluster, indicating limited earning opportunities across the population.

Struggling relative to most peers

Greeley County's $58,894 median household income ranks second-lowest in the regional cluster, ahead only of Garden County ($44,777). The county trails all other neighbors by $1,000 to $20,000, with Gosper County outearning Greeley by $20,251 annually per household.

Favorable housing burden despite modest income

Greeley County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% is among the best in the region, reflecting low housing costs relative to income. The median home value of $87,800 is the lowest in the cluster, providing affordable homeownership but also signaling limited real estate appreciation potential.

Capitalize on low cost of living

Greeley County's relatively low cost of living and favorable housing ratios create opportunities for disciplined savers to build wealth despite modest median income of $58,894. Prioritizing emergency savings, exploring side income opportunities, and maximizing tax-advantaged accounts can help households gradually accumulate assets.

Health in Greeley County

via HealthByCounty

Exceptional life expectancy, national leader

Greeley County residents live to an exceptional 81.2 years, nearly 2.3 years above the U.S. average of 78.9 years—among the best in the nation. With just 14.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates strong population health.

Longest life expectancy in Nebraska sample

At 81.2 years, Greeley County's life expectancy is 3.7 years above Nebraska's 77.5-year state average, making it a health standout. This exceptional longevity reflects effective community health practices and strong preventive care culture.

Significantly outpaces all nearby counties

Greeley County's 81.2-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Furnas County (77.0), Gage County (76.3), and Gosper County (75.8). The county's 14.5% poor-health rate ranks among the best in the comparison, though primary care provider data is unavailable.

Higher uninsured rate despite strong health

Notably, Greeley County's 9.1% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 8.1%, suggesting coverage gaps despite excellent health outcomes. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but 45 mental health providers per 100K offer community support.

Complete your health story with coverage

Greeley County's health success is worth protecting with comprehensive insurance. The 9.1% uninsured should explore Healthcare.gov today to secure the coverage that complements your community's strong health culture.

Disaster Risk in Greeley County

via RiskByCounty

Greeley County remains very low risk

Greeley County's composite risk score of 12.69 is less than half Nebraska's state average of 25.80 and places it firmly in the very low risk category nationally. This north-central county avoids the concentrated hazard exposure found in many U.S. regions.

Among Nebraska's safer counties

Greeley ranks well below the state median for composite risk, benefiting from low exposure to flooding and earthquakes. Its score is elevated primarily by moderate wildfire and tornado exposure typical of the central panhandle region.

Low-risk panhandle community

Greeley sits in Nebraska's lower-risk tier, with composite risk well below neighboring eastern counties. Its 12.69 score reflects the stable panhandle geography shared with other northwestern counties.

Wildfire and tornado are primary concerns

Wildfire risk (47.77) and tornado risk (24.71) are your leading exposures, both moderate but manageable with preparedness. Flooding (5.76) and earthquake (3.94) risks remain minimal.

Plan for wind and fire season

Ensure your homeowner's policy includes comprehensive wind coverage to address tornado risk in Greeley County. Clearing brush and dead vegetation around your home provides additional wildfire protection during dry seasons.

ByCounty Network

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