countyscore
62.4
County Score
Health 88Income & Jobs 83.7Safety 77.3

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Nebraska

A National Leader in Livability

Hamilton County earns a composite score of 62.4, which significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in a high tier of residential quality compared to counties across the United States.

Exceeding Nebraska Standards

The county's overall score is comfortably higher than the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It stands out as a strong performer in the central part of the state for its balance of economic and health metrics.

Thriving Incomes and Excellent Health

Hamilton County excels with a health score of 88.0 and a high income score of 83.7. Residents benefit from a median household income of $79,884, which is supported by a solid school system scoring 69.9.

Addressing Tax and Water Issues

Environmental infrastructure is a notable challenge, with a water score of 4.2. Additionally, the tax score of 41.2 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.958%, which presents a moderate burden for local homeowners.

A Hub for Prosperous Families

This county is ideal for high-earning professionals and families who prioritize wellness and academic quality. It offers a secure, affluent lifestyle for those who can navigate the local tax structure.

Score breakdown

Tax41.2Cost45.3Safety77.3Health88Schools69.9Income83.7Risk57.4Water4.2Weather48.5
🏛41.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧4.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62
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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Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hamilton County

via TaxByCounty

Hamilton County taxes well below national average

Homeowners here pay an effective tax rate of 0.958%, placing Hamilton County in the bottom 15% nationally—well below the national median of 1.1%. The median property tax of $2,287 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, giving residents a real advantage in overall tax burden.

Nebraska's lowest tax rates found here

Hamilton County's 0.958% effective rate ranks it among Nebraska's most tax-friendly counties, beating the state average of 1.281% by a substantial margin. This positions Hamilton as a relative tax haven within the state, especially for middle-income homeowners.

Competing favorably with surrounding counties

Hamilton County's rate of 0.958% undercuts most regional peers, including Howard County (1.128%), Harlan County (1.148%), and Jefferson County (1.453%). Only a handful of Nebraska counties offer comparably low effective rates.

Median home costs $2,287 annually in taxes

On a median home value of $238,700, Hamilton County homeowners pay approximately $2,287 per year in property taxes. For homeowners with a mortgage, the tax obligation reaches $2,398 annually.

Appeal if you believe your assessment is high

Despite low county-wide rates, individual assessments can still be incorrect or outdated. Many homeowners miss the opportunity to appeal overassessments—a simple process that could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hamilton County

via CostByCounty

Hamilton County rents remain affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 11.7%, Hamilton County renters spend less of their paycheck on housing than the national median household income suggests they would. This is notably better than the national trend, where housing costs typically consume a larger share of household budgets.

Better than Nebraska's housing average

Hamilton County's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state for renters. The county's median gross rent of $776 per month is nearly identical to the state average, but stronger incomes ($79,884 median) make the difference.

The most affordable in the region

Hamilton County renters have it better than residents of nearby Howard County, where the rent-to-income ratio reaches 13.1%. While Hamilton's median rent is just $5 less per month than neighboring Harlan County, Hamilton's higher median income makes housing significantly more manageable.

Where your money goes in Hamilton

A typical Hamilton County renter earning $79,884 annually spends $776 per month on rent—just 11.7% of their income. Homeowners with a median monthly cost of $1,133 invest in properties worth $238,700, a solid equity opportunity for those with capital.

Consider Hamilton for rural affordability

If you're seeking a Nebraska county with solid incomes and manageable housing costs, Hamilton County offers both at rates better than the state average. Compare this profile to nearby Howard and Harlan counties to find your best fit in south-central Nebraska.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamilton County earns above the nation

At $79,884, Hamilton County's median household income runs $5,129 ahead of the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the upper tier nationally for earnings power, outpacing most American households by roughly 7 percent.

Second-highest income in Nebraska

Hamilton County ranks second among Nebraska's 93 counties, trailing only Saline County. The county's $79,884 median significantly exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880, a 19.4 percent premium that reflects strong local economic fundamentals.

Outearning nearby rural counties

Hamilton County households earn $9,348 more than Howard County ($74,508) and $9,376 more than neighboring Harlan County ($70,536). This income advantage positions Hamilton as the earnings leader across south-central Nebraska's cluster of rural communities.

Housing costs are very affordable here

At 11.7 percent, Hamilton County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national affordability benchmark of 30 percent, meaning residents spend just under one-eighth of income on housing. The median home value of $238,700 remains accessible for households earning nearly $80,000 annually.

Build long-term wealth in Hamilton

With above-average incomes and favorable housing affordability, Hamilton County residents have genuine capacity to save and invest. Consider working with a local financial advisor to develop retirement plans, homeownership strategies, and investment portfolios that grow beyond the median income baseline.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hamilton County

via CrimeByCounty

Hamilton County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Hamilton County reports a total crime rate of 542.6 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county an exceptional safety score of 99.1 out of 100.

Slightly Safer Than the Nebraska Average

With a safety score of 99.1, Hamilton County sits just above the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that is lower than the statewide average of 626.7 per 100,000 people.

Comparing Safety Across Central Nebraska

Hamilton County's crime rate of 542.6 per 100,000 is significantly lower than nearby Jefferson County's rate of 849.0. It remains a safer alternative to many neighboring districts by maintaining a violent crime rate of only 74.5.

Property Crimes Account for Most Incidents

Property crimes make up 468.1 of the total incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crimes are much lower at 74.5. This means residents are nearly six times more likely to experience a theft than a violent encounter.

Strengthening Your Home's Defensive Perimeter

Since property crime is the primary concern in Hamilton County, installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras can effectively deter opportunistic thieves. Staying vigilant and locking all entry points remains the simplest way to maintain this community's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hamilton County

via HealthByCounty

Hamilton County lives longer than America

At 78.9 years, Hamilton County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing residents among the healthier populations nationally. Just 13.3% of the county reports poor or fair health, slightly below the national average of 13.9%, suggesting strong overall wellness.

Above average health in Nebraska

Hamilton County ranks in Nebraska's healthier cohort with a life expectancy of 78.9 years—1.4 years above the state average of 77.5 years. The county's 13.3% poor/fair health rate also performs better than most Nebraska peers.

Outperforming surrounding counties

Hamilton County's 78.9-year life expectancy exceeds all adjacent counties in the region, with Harlan County at 76.8 years and Hitchcock County at 75.6 years. With 107 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 147 mental health providers per 100K, Hamilton offers robust healthcare access.

Accessible healthcare, low uninsured rate

Only 6.2% of Hamilton County residents lack health insurance—1.9 percentage points better than Nebraska's 8.1% average—meaning most have coverage for doctor visits and preventive care. The county's 107 primary care providers per 100K create strong access to routine healthcare.

Keep Hamilton healthy—verify coverage

With 93.8% of residents already insured, Hamilton County maintains strong coverage, but those 6.2% without insurance should explore options immediately. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Nebraska's insurance marketplace to find affordable plans and ensure every resident has access to preventive and emergency care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hamilton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Eight-School Educational Infrastructure

Hamilton County maintains a robust educational network featuring eight public schools across three districts. The system serves 1,663 students through three elementary schools, one middle school, three high schools, and one specialized facility. This infrastructure provides a stable foundation for the county's growing student population.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county achieves an impressive 90.4% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the Nebraska average of 86.9% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $9,804 remains below the state average of $10,521, the school score of 59.8 reflects strong academic outcomes for the investment. These metrics suggest a high-efficiency system that delivers results.

Aurora Public Schools Leads County Districts

Aurora Public Schools stands as the largest district by far, managing four schools and educating 1,226 students. Smaller districts like Giltner and Hampton serve 246 and 191 students respectively, ensuring localized attention. Currently, the county offers no charter school options, with 100% of enrollment occurring in traditional public districts.

Blending Small-Town Centers and Rural Classrooms

The county features an even split between four town-based and four rural schools, offering a mix of educational environments. Enrollment sizes vary significantly, ranging from 513 students at Aurora Elementary to just 110 at Hampton Elementary. With an average school size of 208 students, most children benefit from intimate learning communities.

Build Your Future Near Top Schools

Families looking for academic excellence find great value in Hamilton County's high-performing school districts. School quality remains a primary driver for home values in the region, particularly near the well-regarded Aurora campuses. Explore local listings to secure a spot in these successful Nebraska school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamilton County

via RiskByCounty

Hamilton County's moderate tornado exposure

Hamilton County scores 42.62 on the composite risk scale—well above Nebraska's average of 25.80 and marking it as Very Low risk nationally. Tornado risk is the primary driver here, scoring 50.73, which reflects the county's position in Nebraska's tornado corridor. This puts Hamilton County in a fundamentally different risk profile than the safest U.S. counties, though still manageable with proper preparation.

A mid-range risk profile for Nebraska

Hamilton County ranks in the middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a composite score 65% higher than the state average. Its tornado risk of 50.73 is notably elevated compared to most Nebraska counties, reflecting typical Great Plains exposure. The county's other hazards—flood, wildfire, and earthquake—remain relatively modest compared to its tornado vulnerability.

Higher tornado risk than surrounding counties

Hamilton County's composite risk of 42.62 substantially exceeds its neighbors: Harlan County (32.03) to the west and Howard County (24.20) to the north. The tornado risk of 50.73 is notably higher than Harlan's 35.81 and Howard's 35.88, making Hamilton County a moderate outlier in this region. This difference reflects local topography and atmospheric patterns that favor tornado formation in this specific area.

Tornado risk dominates; wildfire secondary

Tornadoes pose the most significant threat to Hamilton County residents, with a risk score of 50.73—more than three times the county's flood risk of 16.89. Wildfire ranks second at 28.40, though it remains well below tornado exposure. Earthquake and other hazards contribute minimally to the overall risk profile.

Secure shelter and comprehensive coverage

Hamilton County residents should prioritize access to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor for tornado safety, and ensure homeowners insurance includes wind/hail coverage for severe storm damage. Consider a personal weather radio and a family emergency plan specific to tornadoes. Flood insurance is recommended for properties in flood-prone areas, though countywide flood risk remains comparatively low.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hamilton County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Mid-Continental Climate Profile

Hamilton County maintains an annual average temperature of 51.3°F, falling just below the national median of roughly 54°F. This humid continental region experiences distinct seasons with significant temperature swings throughout the year.

Surpassing Nebraska's Average Temperature

The county's 51.3°F average outpaces the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F by more than a degree. This makes the area slightly warmer than many of its northern peers across the Cornhusker State.

A Wetter Neighbor in the Region

With 30.4 inches of annual precipitation, Hamilton County is notably wetter than the state average of 25.9 inches. This additional moisture provides a buffer compared to the drier western Nebraska counties.

Hot Summers Meet Snowy Winters

July brings an average high of 75.7°F with 28 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or more annually. Winters contrast sharply, delivering 27.3 inches of snowfall and a January average of 25.2°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Shifts

Residents need high-efficiency HVAC systems to handle nearly a month of 90-degree heat. Sturdy snow removal equipment is essential to manage the 27.3 inches of snow that typically falls each season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hamilton County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic High-Performance Soils

Hamilton County boasts an impressive soil score of 73.3, well above the Nebraska average of 58.9. Its average pH of 6.62 sits just above the national median of 6.5, creating a near-ideal environment for nutrient uptake. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile suggests a highly productive base.

A Silt-Dominant Structural Blend

The soil composition consists of 49.1% silt, 31.5% sand, and 19.4% clay. This balance provides a stable structure that resists compaction better than heavy clay soils. Although the dominant texture classification is unavailable in local records, this mix typically offers reliable workability for regional farmers.

Superior Water Retention for Crops

At 2.35%, organic matter exceeds the national average of 2.0% but falls short of the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity of 0.205 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.172. This means the soil holds onto moisture longer during the heat of summer.

Navigating Limited Hydrologic Data

Official records currently lack specific drainage class and hydrologic group classifications for Hamilton County. Despite this data gap, the high overall soil score indicates a landscape that manages water effectively for agricultural use. Local observers typically find these fields responsive to modern irrigation and drainage management.

Abundant Potential in Zone 5b

Located in USDA hardiness zone 5b, this county is perfect for growing corn, soybeans, and hearty root vegetables. The high water capacity makes it an excellent spot for a home garden that can survive dry stretches. Start your planting in late spring to take full advantage of these rich, moisture-retaining soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hamilton County

via LawnByCounty

A Comfortable Advantage for Hamilton County Lawns

Hamilton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.0, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, your yard enjoys more favorable growing conditions than the average Nebraska county. Local gardeners generally face fewer hurdles than their neighbors in harsher climates.

Ample Precipitation Meets Moderate Summer Heat

With 30.4 inches of annual rainfall, the county sits at the threshold of ideal precipitation for healthy grass. You face 28 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the Nebraska average of 34 days. The 3417 growing degree days provide a robust window for standard mowing and maintenance schedules.

Balanced Soil Chemistry for Easy Growth

Your soil pH of 6.62 sits right in the sweet spot for nutrient uptake in most turf varieties. While official drainage data is unavailable, the 19.4% clay and 31.5% sand composition suggests a relatively stable foundation. You likely need minimal lime or sulfur adjustments to keep the soil chemistry productive.

Managing a Lingering Year of Dry Spells

The county spent 37 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought levels currently stand at 0.0%, consistent irrigation remains vital to protect roots. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during early morning hours to maintain resilience.

Spring Start for Zone 5b Success

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive in this hardiness zone when seeded after the last spring frost on April 21. Aim to establish new growth before the first fall frost arrives around October 15. The mild climate and favorable soil make this an excellent environment to begin your lawn improvement project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamilton County's county score?
Hamilton County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Hamilton County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Hamilton County ranks #46 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 Hamilton County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Hamilton County is $2,287, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 41.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, Nebraska is $79,884 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 83.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.