countyscore
64
County Score
Safety 93.9Disaster Risk 87.3Cost of Living 81.5

County Report Card

About Greeley County, Nebraska

Above Average National Standings

Greeley County’s composite score of 64.0 puts it comfortably ahead of the national median of 50.0. It provides a reliable baseline of livability that is better than the majority of U.S. counties.

Beating the Nebraska State Average

The county outperforms the Nebraska state average of 59.3 by nearly five points. It is a solid performer within the state's rural agricultural heartland.

Elite Safety and Low Home Prices

Greeley County features an impressive Safety Score of 93.9. Homeownership is highly accessible here, with a Cost Score of 81.5 and a median home value of just $87,800.

Major Water and Tax Concerns

The Water Score of 6.8 and Tax Score of 10.3 are significant outliers that bring down the overall average. Residents face an effective tax rate of 1.563%, which is high for the region.

Ideal for Value-Seeking Homebuyers

Greeley County is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize safety and low entry costs for housing. It suits those willing to navigate higher taxes in exchange for a very secure community.

Score breakdown

Tax10.3Cost81.5Safety93.9Health78.6Schools59.3Income35.2Risk87.3Water6.8Weather41
🏛10.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.8
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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Compare Greeley County with Parke County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Boone County
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71.2
Howard County
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65.4
Wheeler County
Nebraska
74.8
Valley County
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Nance County
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Sherman County
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Garfield County
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Merrick County
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Deep Dives

Greeley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greeley County

via CrimeByCounty

Greeley County: Far Below National Crime Levels

Greeley County maintains a superb safety score of 99.9 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 45.2 per 100,000 is nearly 50 times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data highlights the county as an exceptionally secure place to live and work.

Strong Public Safety Performance in Nebraska

Greeley County outperforms the Nebraska state average safety score of 99.0 with its own 99.9 rating. Its total crime rate of 45.2 per 100,000 is much lower than the state average of 626.7. Locally, three reporting agencies work to keep crime minimal compared to state standards.

Consistent Regional Safety Benchmarks

Greeley County is slightly safer than neighbors like Garfield County, which has a crime rate of 54.6. It is significantly more secure than counties to the south like Hall, where rates are much higher. This makes Greeley a quiet leader in safety within the local region.

Violent Crime vs Property Crime Analysis

In a unique trend, Greeley County's total crime rate of 45.2 consists entirely of violent crime reports, with zero property crimes recorded. While the violent rate is half the state average of 96.4, the lack of property crime is rare for any county. This suggests law enforcement efforts are highly effective at preventing theft.

Protecting Your Home and Family

Although property crime is currently reported at zero, maintaining standard security practices like using deadbolts is always recommended. Community awareness and looking out for neighbors help keep these crime numbers among the lowest in the country. Stay active in your local neighborhood watch to preserve this high standard.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Greeley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Five Schools Serve Greeley County Students

The county’s educational landscape includes five public schools, ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school. These facilities serve 422 total students under the management of one primary district.

High Per-Pupil Spending Supports Schools

Greeley County invests $13,317 per pupil, significantly more than the Nebraska average of $10,521. This funding supports a solid composite school score of 64.1, though the graduation rate of 84.2% slightly trails the state.

Central Valley Schools Drives Enrollment

Central Valley Public Schools is the largest entity, enrolling 327 students across three separate schools. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing all resources on its rural public school system.

Diverse Rural Campuses with Small Classes

All five schools are located in rural areas, with an average enrollment size of 84 students. Central Valley Elementary in Scotia is the largest campus with 187 students, while several smaller specialty campuses serve the remainder.

Invest in a Community-Focused Education

High per-pupil spending and a variety of specialized rural campuses make Greeley County a unique choice for families. Look for homes near Scotia or Greeley to stay close to the county's primary educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greeley County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Continental Temperature Profile

Greeley County maintains an annual average temperature of 48.1°F. Like many northern plains counties, this falls below the national median for the United States.

Cooler Central Nebraska Climate

The county is cooler than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F. Its position in the central part of the state brings a more temperate summer than the southern border.

Regional Moisture Consistency

Its 26.2 inches of precipitation matches Garfield County exactly. Both counties experience a similar number of extreme heat days, around 27 per year.

Cold Winters and Fair Summers

Winters are cold with a 24.6°F average and 25.8 inches of snow. July provides relief with a 73.8°F average, though extreme heat still appears on 27 days.

Winterize Pipes and Equipment

Homeowners should ensure pipes are well-insulated against the 22.3°F January lows. Snowblowers are a valuable investment for the 25.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greeley County

via SoilByCounty

The State Benchmark for pH

Greeley County hits the Nebraska state average pH of 6.79 exactly, leaning slightly alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5. This consistency makes it a textbook example of Central Nebraska soil chemistry.

A Manageable Sandy-Silt Texture

The soil is nearly an even split between sand at 47.1% and silt at 37.5%, with a smaller clay portion of 15.5%. This creates a manageable texture that provides decent aeration for plant root systems.

Stable Water Storage with Lower Organic

Organic matter is a bit low at 1.93%, trailing both the state and national averages. However, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is almost identical to the state average, ensuring reliable moisture access for crops.

Steady Water Movement Through Sand

Data for specific drainage classes is limited, but the nearly 50% sand content facilitates steady water movement through the profile. This balance helps prevent the soil from compacting too tightly under heavy equipment or foot traffic.

Hardy Zone 5a Grain Selection

Hardy zone 5a plants like oats, rye, and sunflowers are ideal for this environment. Improving the soil with compost can help boost organic matter levels and unlock the land's full growing potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greeley County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Greeley County

Greeley County earns a lawn difficulty score of 54.8, slightly outperforming the state average. This Hardiness Zone 5a region offers a manageable environment for homeowners who follow a standard maintenance routine.

Consistent Rain and Manageable Heat

Annual precipitation of 26.2 inches aligns with the Nebraska average, while only 27 extreme heat days occur each year. This climate supports steady growth with 2,861 growing degree days, requiring regular but not excessive mowing.

Sandy-Loam Soil Supports Healthy Roots

A soil pH of 6.79 is well within the ideal range for grass health. The soil is 47.1% sand, which helps prevent puddling, while the 15.5% clay content provides enough structure to hold onto essential nutrients.

Preventative Care for Abnormally Dry Soil

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry, though it has avoided more severe drought categories recently. After 28 weeks of drought over the past year, homeowners should stay vigilant with irrigation during the peak of summer.

Starting Your Greeley County Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are well-suited for Zone 5a gardens. Seed after the spring frost on May 5, or target early September to allow for root development before the fall frost on October 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greeley County's county score?
Greeley County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 64 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 Greeley County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Greeley County ranks #39 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 Greeley County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Greeley County is $1,372, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Greeley County a tax score of 10.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greeley County?
The median household income in Greeley County, Nebraska is $58,894 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greeley County earns an income score of 35.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greeley County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Greeley County scores 64/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Greeley 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 Greeley 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.