countyscore
35.5
County Score
Water Quality 61.4Income & Jobs 60.4Soil Quality 59.6

County Report Card

About Hall County, Nebraska

Facing Significant National Headwinds

Hall County earns a composite score of 35.5, which falls well below the national median of 50.0. It faces challenges across multiple dimensions compared to the average American county.

Well Below the State Average

The county sits nearly 24 points below the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It is currently one of the lower-ranked counties in the state for overall quality of life metrics.

Strong Incomes and Clean Water

Economic opportunity is the county's best feature, with an Income Score of 60.4 and a median household income of $67,549. Water quality also performs well with a score of 61.4.

Security and Housing Affordability

Safety and natural risk are major concerns, with scores of 11.0 and 25.8 respectively. High housing costs also weigh on residents, resulting in a low Cost Score of 32.8.

Best for Job-Focused Residents

Hall County is best suited for workers who need to be near a more active local job market. It favors those who prioritize immediate income and economic activity over rural peace and safety.

Score breakdown

Tax18.2Cost32.8Safety11Health59.1Schools52.5Income60.4Risk25.8Water61.4Weather45.5
🏛18.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.1
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

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Deep Dives

Hall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hall County

via TaxByCounty

Hall taxes below national median

Hall County's effective rate of 1.373% sits well below the national median of 2.44%, placing it among America's more affordable property tax jurisdictions. The median property tax of $2,854 slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690, primarily due to Hall's higher home values.

Above Nebraska's state average

At 1.373%, Hall County's effective rate surpasses Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 93 counties. The median tax of $2,854 significantly exceeds the state median of $1,972, reflecting Hall's relatively high property values.

Mid-high taxes in the region

Hall County's 1.373% rate ranks fourth-highest among the eight counties examined, exceeded only by Greeley (1.563%), Furnas (1.449%), and Garfield (1.439%). Hall's median tax of $2,854 is the highest in the comparison set due to highest median home values.

What your home costs annually

Owners of median-valued homes at $207,900 in Hall County pay approximately $2,854 in annual property taxes without a mortgage. With a mortgage, estimated taxes increase to $2,986.

Review and appeal your assessment

Hall County homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable home sales in their neighborhoods. The county assessor's office provides free assessment explanations, and formal appeals are available at no cost if your assessed value exceeds fair market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hall County

via CostByCounty

Hall County rents strain household resources

Hall County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in this group and substantially exceeds the national average of 14.2%, placing significant pressure on renters. The median income of $67,549 falls 9.6% below the national median, making the rental burden feel particularly acute.

Hall County exceeds state rent burden

With a 16.2% rent-to-income ratio, Hall County substantially exceeds Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, indicating one of the state's less affordable rental markets. High rental costs relative to local incomes create noticeable budget strain for renters.

High rents, high homeownership costs

Hall County's median rent of $911 is the highest in this eight-county group, and its homeownership cost of $1,076 monthly far exceeds every neighbor, reflecting median home value of $207,900. This county combines the region's steepest costs on both the renting and buying sides.

Hall County's costs consume 16% of income

At $67,549, the median household income covers $911 monthly rent—16.2% of gross earnings—and $1,076 in homeownership costs for the region's highest-valued homes at $207,900. Both renters and buyers face the region's steepest burden relative to income.

Hall offers growth but demands higher income

Hall County's higher median home value ($207,900) and urban amenities suggest a more developed economy, but both rents and ownership costs are the region's highest. Consider Hall only if your income is portable or you're relocating for employment that justifies the 16% housing burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hall County

via IncomeByCounty

Hall approaches national earning benchmarks

Hall County's median household income of $67,549 falls $7,206 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 9.6% gap. This relatively modest shortfall reflects Hall's position as a more economically diverse and developed county within rural Nebraska.

Slightly below Nebraska's statewide average

At $67,549, Hall County trails Nebraska's state median of $66,880 by just $1,331—virtually on par with the statewide average. The county's per capita income of $34,636 mirrors state patterns, suggesting typical economic distribution across the population.

Middle performer in regional cluster

Hall County ranks fifth in median household income within the eight-county group, behind Gosper ($79,145), Grant ($69,063), and Garfield ($68,611), but ahead of Gage ($64,426) and Furnas ($60,625). The $207,900 median home value is tied for the highest in the cluster, reflecting strong local real estate demand.

Housing cost elevated despite strong values

Hall County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% is slightly elevated, reflecting that the high median home value of $207,900 commands a meaningful share of household income. While still below concerning thresholds, residents should budget carefully for housing alongside other obligations.

Leverage real estate strength for growth

With median household income of $67,549 and the state's strongest real estate values at $207,900, Hall County residents should prioritize homeownership as a wealth-building strategy. Long-term mortgage commitments, combined with regular retirement savings and investment contributions, position households to accumulate substantial assets over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hall County

via CrimeByCounty

Hall County Safety in a National Context

Hall County holds a safety score of 95.8, which is lower than many of its rural neighbors. Its total crime rate of 2,691.2 per 100,000 is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This reflects the increased activity typical of a more urbanized Nebraska county.

Hall County Compared to State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 2,691.2 is significantly higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. While most Nebraska counties are extremely quiet, Hall County's safety score of 95.8 is below the state average of 99.0. Local law enforcement manages a higher volume of cases than most other areas in the state.

A More Active Hub Than Neighboring Counties

Hall County is much more active than its neighbors, with a crime rate of 2,691.2 compared to Greeley’s 45.2. As a regional hub, it naturally draws more traffic and reporting activity. Residents should be aware that local law enforcement handles more incidents per capita than the surrounding rural areas.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime is the primary concern in Hall County, with a rate of 2,344.4 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate stands at 346.8, which is higher than the state average but remains below the national average of 369.8. Most reports involve theft or property-related offenses rather than person-to-person violence.

Enhancing Your Home's Security

Because property crime is significantly higher in Hall County, residents should prioritize modern security systems and outdoor lighting. Locking vehicles and keeping valuables out of sight can drastically reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft. Staying informed and alert is key to maintaining personal and property safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hall County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy close to national average

Hall County residents live to 77.3 years, about 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. At 17.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces moderate chronic disease burden.

Slightly below state average longevity

Hall County's 77.3-year life expectancy trails Nebraska's 77.5-year state average by just two months. The county ranks near the state median on health outcomes, with some room for improvement.

Mixed performance against comparable counties

Hall County's 77.3-year life expectancy exceeds Gage County (76.3) and Gosper County (75.8) but trails Furnas County (77.0) and Greeley County (81.2). The county's standout strength is mental health access with 441 providers per 100K—far exceeding all neighbors.

Highest uninsured rate in this group

At 10.4% uninsured, Hall County has the highest uninsured rate among these eight counties—significantly above Nebraska's 8.1% average. Primary care providers at 58 per 100K offer modest access, but the high uninsured rate suggests many residents delay or forgo needed care.

Insurance access is within your reach

Hall County's 10.4% uninsured rate is the highest in this comparison—but healthcare.gov and local navigators can help. With Medicaid expansion and Marketplace plans, affordable coverage is available to protect you and your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Hall County’s Robust Urban School Network

Thirty-one public schools across four districts serve a massive student population of 12,221. The infrastructure includes 18 elementary, four middle, and eight high schools to meet the needs of this populous region.

Strong Graduation Rates in a Large System

The county achieves an 86.7% graduation rate, nearly matching the state and national averages. It maintains this performance with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,664, reflecting a highly efficient use of resources.

Grand Island Public Schools Leads Locally

Grand Island Public Schools dominates the landscape with 23 schools and 9,990 students. Despite the high number of schools, there are zero charter schools, as the large public districts handle all enrollment.

A Dynamic Mix of City and Rural Life

The county features 24 city-based schools and seven rural campuses, with an average school size of 453 students. Grand Island Senior High is a massive regional hub with 2,650 students, offering vast extracurricular opportunities.

Find Your Perfect Home in Grand Island

From urban city centers to quiet rural outskirts, Hall County offers diverse housing near its 31 public schools. Families moving here can choose between small rural environments or the comprehensive resources of a large city high school.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hall County

via RiskByCounty

Hall County faces significantly elevated risk

Hall County's composite risk score of 74.24 is nearly triple Nebraska's state average of 25.80 and ranks among the higher-risk counties nationally. This south-central county experiences substantial exposure to multiple major natural disaster categories.

One of Nebraska's riskiest counties

Hall ranks in the top tier of Nebraska's most hazardous counties, with composite risk driven primarily by exceptional tornado exposure (89.95) and significant flooding (70.10). Only a handful of Nebraska counties face comparable threat levels.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Hall County's 74.24 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Gosper (9.83) and Greeley (12.69) counties to the west. This represents a risk concentration in the south-central corridor where tornado and flood exposure converge.

Tornadoes and floods dominate your exposure

Tornado risk (89.95) is exceptionally high and represents your most critical threat, while flood risk (70.10) is nearly equally severe. Both hazards demand serious preparation, including emergency planning and property hardening.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Hall County residents absolutely need wind damage coverage for tornado protection and a separate flood insurance policy, ideally before renewal seasons. A basement shelter or interior room provides critical life-safety protection during tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hall County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmest County in the Group

Hall County is the warmest in this group with an annual average of 51.8°F. This temperature is closer to the national median than most of its Nebraska peers.

A Thermal Hub for Nebraska

It stands significantly warmer than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. The county serves as a thermal hub for the central part of the state.

Wetter and Warmer Regionally

Hall receives 26.6 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than Grant County. It also experiences a robust 36 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually.

Hot July and Crisp Winters

July is hot, averaging 77.0°F, while winters remain crisp at 28.2°F. The county averages 27.7 inches of snow annually, which is higher than most southern Nebraska counties.

Prepare for Heat and Snow

Heavy-duty air conditioning is a must for the 36 extreme heat days. Residents should also be ready for significant snow clearance with nearly 28 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hall County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soil in Hall County

Hall County maintains a pH of 6.75, which is just a hair below the Nebraska state average of 6.79. It provides a stable chemical environment that is neither too acidic nor too alkaline for standard Midwestern gardening.

Loamy Qualities for Ideal Growth

The profile is balanced with 44.5% sand and 38.9% silt, creating a loamy quality favored by many growers. With clay at 16.6%, the soil has enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming difficult to dig.

Exceeding State Water Benchmarks

Organic matter stands at 2.27%, which is healthy by national standards but lower than the Nebraska average of 3.32%. The soil compensates with an available water capacity of 0.181 in/in, outperforming the state average for moisture storage.

Well-Infiltrated Silt and Sand

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's dominant soil types. However, the balanced loamy texture suggests that water infiltrates well while still being held long enough for plant uptake.

Diverse Vegetable Crops in Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b is perfect for a variety of vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, and squash. With its solid water capacity and manageable texture, Hall County is a great place to cultivate a productive backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hall County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Hall County

Hall County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 56.1, which is higher than both the state and national averages. For those in Hardiness Zone 5b, this area provides some of the better turf-growing conditions in central Nebraska.

Higher Heat and Fast Growing Cycles

With 36 extreme heat days and 3,550 growing degree days, grass grows quickly here and needs frequent attention. The 26.6 inches of annual precipitation provides a solid start, but supplemental water is needed during July heatwaves.

Good Drainage for Central Nebraska Lawns

A soil pH of 6.75 is perfect for most common lawn varieties, allowing for easy nutrient uptake. The 44.5% sand content ensures the ground doesn't stay soggy, though 16.6% clay helps maintain some moisture during dry periods.

Managing Lawns Through Dry Cycles

Hall County spent 35 weeks in drought last year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Maintaining a taller mowing height can help protect the soil from the sun and reduce the amount of water needed to keep the grass green.

Best Grasses for Hall County

Turf-Type Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for Zone 5b because it handles the county's heat days well. Aim to plant after the last frost on April 23 or in the late summer before the October 15 frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hall County's county score?
Hall County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 35.5 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 Hall County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Hall County ranks #91 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 Hall County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Hall County is $2,854, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Hall County a tax score of 18.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hall County?
The median household income in Hall County, Nebraska is $67,549 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hall County earns an income score of 60.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hall County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Hall County scores 35.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #91 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Hall 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 Hall 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.