CountyScore

Hamilton County

Nebraska · NE

#41 in Nebraska
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Nebraska

Hamilton County outpaces the nation

With a composite score of 72.2, Hamilton County scores 44% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it well into the top tier of American counties. This strong performance reflects a county where affordability and health care quality work together to create real livability advantages.

Above average for Nebraska

Hamilton County ranks in the upper half of Nebraska's 93 counties with a score of 72.2, just 1 point above the state average of 71.2. The county's stability here reflects balanced performance across multiple livability dimensions.

Health and housing lead the way

Hamilton County excels in health (79.6) and housing affordability (77.3), with median rent at just $776 per month and median home values near $239,000. The county also maintains a low effective tax rate of 0.958%, freeing up household budgets for other priorities.

Income growth lags behind

The county's income score of 35.5 trails significantly behind its cost and health advantages, with a median household income of $79,884 that limits upward economic mobility. Risk factors also score moderately at 57.4, suggesting some vulnerability in economic stability or natural hazards.

For families seeking stability and value

Hamilton County appeals to families prioritizing health care access and housing affordability over rapid income growth, and to retirees on fixed incomes who benefit from low taxes and reasonable home values. It's a solid choice for those seeking Midwestern stability without the pressure of major metros.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.3Cost77.3SafetyComing SoonHealth79.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.5Risk57.4WaterComing Soon
🏛75.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡57.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hamilton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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