countyscore
62.8
County Score
Health 88Income & Jobs 85.6Safety 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.

2040608010039.747.677.38869.985.657.44.248.5Tax39.7Cost47.6Safety77.3Health88Schools69.9Income85.6Risk57.4Water4.2Weather48.562.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Hamilton County DNA

Doverall

How Hamilton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hamilton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (88/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (4.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.7-12.299999999999997
Cost
47.6
Safety
77.3+22.299999999999997
Health
88+38
Schools
69.9+15.900000000000006
Income
85.6+34.599999999999994
Risk
57.4+10.399999999999999
Water
4.2-53.8
Weather
48.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hamilton County?

Many homeowners in Hamilton County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$253,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$794/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$253,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,994/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

York County
Nebraska
55.1
Hall County
Nebraska
34.7
Merrick County
Nebraska
64.5
Clay County
Nebraska
67.9
Polk County
Nebraska
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Adams County
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Fillmore County
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Nance County
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Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 62.8 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 #45 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 $2,407, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 39.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, Nebraska is $83,994 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 85.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 62.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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