CountyScore

Harlan County

Nebraska · NE

#36 in Nebraska
72.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Harlan County, Nebraska

Harlan County ranks in top livability tier

Harlan County's composite score of 72.7 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 46%, placing it among America's most livable rural counties. This achievement reflects disciplined management across cost, health, and risk factors.

Leads Nebraska's rankings

At 72.7, Harlan County ranks among Nebraska's top performers, edging above the state average of 71.2 by 1.5 points. It consistently outperforms its regional neighbors in composite livability metrics.

Exceptional housing affordability stands out

Harlan County boasts the strongest housing affordability score (85.3) in this group, with median rent of just $708 per month and median home values of $147,200. The county also delivers strong risk management (68.0) and solid health outcomes (74.8).

Lower incomes constrain economic prospects

With a median household income of $70,536 and an income score of just 29.4, Harlan County offers limited high-wage employment opportunities. The tax burden is also slightly higher at 1.148% effective rate, which nibbles into household savings.

Ideal for budget-conscious households

Harlan County suits families and retirees who prioritize housing affordability and low risk over earning potential, and who value stable rural living. It's especially appealing to those moving from high-cost regions seeking to stretch their savings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70Cost85.3SafetyComing SoonHealth74.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.4Risk68WaterComing Soon
🏛70
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡68
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 Harlan County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Alabama
72.7
Median income: $50,714
Polk County
Arkansas
72.7
Median income: $49,252
Yuma County
Colorado
72.7
Median income: $60,051
Schley County
Georgia
72.7
Median income: $59,647
Wheeler County
Georgia
72.7
Median income: $45,262

Deep Dives

Harlan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harlan County

via TaxByCounty

Harlan County taxes modestly above national median

With an effective tax rate of 1.148%, Harlan County sits just above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in roughly the 55th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,690 remains well below the national median of $2,690, a reflection of lower home values in rural Nebraska.

Below average for Nebraska, but not the lowest

Harlan County's 1.148% rate falls slightly below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 93 counties. This positions Harlan as more affordable than most of the state.

Competitive with similar rural Nebraska counties

Harlan County's rate of 1.148% is comparable to Holt County (1.139%) and slightly lower than Hayes County (1.267%) and Hitchcock County (1.244%). All four counties cluster tightly, offering homeowners similarly moderate tax burdens.

Median home taxes run $1,690 yearly

On a median home value of $147,200, Harlan County homeowners pay approximately $1,690 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,943.

Challenge assessments to lower your bill

Even in counties with favorable rates, individual properties may be overassessed relative to market value. Filing a simple assessment appeal could save hundreds annually on your property tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harlan County

via CostByCounty

Harlan County offers accessible rents

Renters in Harlan County spend 12.0% of their income on housing—well below the national median household income threshold and competitive with national affordability standards. This puts Harlan County firmly in the affordable housing category for rural Nebraska.

Better than state average affordability

At 12.0%, Harlan County's rent-to-income ratio beats Nebraska's statewide average of 14.2%, making it one of the state's more accessible counties for renters. Despite having a median income of $70,536—below the state median—Harlan's low rent of $708 per month keeps housing costs manageable.

Competitive with nearby counties

Harlan County's 12.0% rent-to-income ratio matches Hamilton County (11.7%) and beats Holt County (12.9%), making it one of the most balanced housing markets in the region. Homebuyers benefit from notably lower median home values ($147,200) compared to Hamilton County ($238,700).

Rent and ownership in Harlan County

A typical Harlan County renter earning $70,536 annually pays $708 per month in rent—12% of their income. Homeowners face similar costs with a median monthly payment of just $690, making homeownership nearly equivalent to renting in this county.

Budget-conscious buyers should explore Harlan

Harlan County delivers strong housing affordability for both renters and homebuyers, with homes averaging $147,200 and rents under $750 per month. If you're comparing south-central Nebraska counties, Harlan deserves serious consideration for its balanced costs and lower entry price to homeownership.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harlan County

via IncomeByCounty

Harlan County trails the U.S. median

Harlan County's median household income of $70,536 falls $4,219 below the national median of $74,755. Despite this gap, the county still performs respectably relative to rural American communities nationally.

Middle-of-the-pack earnings in Nebraska

Harlan County ranks in the middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a median household income $3,656 above the state average of $66,880. The county holds a 5.5 percent earnings advantage over typical Nebraska households, though it's outpaced by its western neighbor, Hamilton County.

Similar to Holt County, behind Hamilton

Harlan County's $70,536 median closely matches Holt County ($67,225), though Harlan edges ahead by $3,311. Both counties fall $9,348 short of Hamilton County's earnings, reflecting geographic variation across south-central Nebraska.

Affordable housing supports local families

Harlan County's 12.0 percent rent-to-income ratio indicates strong housing affordability, with residents spending roughly one-eighth of their income on rent. The median home value of $147,200 aligns well with local earning capacity.

Invest steadily despite modest gaps

Though Harlan County trails national income averages, affordable housing costs free up capital for savings and investment. Local financial institutions can help residents build emergency funds, college savings accounts, and retirement portfolios that compound over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Harlan County

via HealthByCounty

Harlan County health lags national average

At 76.8 years, Harlan County's life expectancy falls 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, signaling health challenges relative to most Americans. With 13.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county tracks slightly above the national 13.9% rate.

Below-average health outcomes for Nebraska

Harlan County's 76.8-year life expectancy ranks below Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years, placing it in the lower tier of Nebraska counties. The county faces health headwinds that require targeted intervention and support.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Harlan County's 76.8-year life expectancy trails Hamilton County (78.9 years) by more than two years, though it exceeds Hitchcock County (75.6 years). With only 65 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county has limited provider access compared to better-resourced neighbors.

Uninsured rate drives healthcare gaps

At 8.9%, Harlan County's uninsured rate exceeds Nebraska's average of 8.1%, leaving nearly 1 in 11 residents without coverage for routine care. The county's limited primary care provider capacity of 65 per 100K compounds access challenges for those seeking medical help.

Close the coverage gap in Harlan

With 8.9% of Harlan residents uninsured, now is the time to explore affordable health insurance options that fit your budget and health needs. Visit Healthcare.gov or call Nebraska's marketplace at 1-855-270-2511 to find plans that provide doctor access and preventive care without breaking your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harlan County

via RiskByCounty

Harlan County's modest national risk profile

Harlan County scores 32.03 on the composite risk scale, only slightly above Nebraska's state average of 25.80, and is rated Very Low nationally. Tornado and wildfire risks are the main contributors, both in the 35-point range, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal. Compared to the most hazard-prone U.S. counties, Harlan remains in a relatively safe position overall.

Lower risk than many Nebraska neighbors

Harlan County ranks below the middle of Nebraska's 93 counties in overall natural disaster risk, with a composite score only 24% above the state average. Its tornado risk of 35.81 is moderate for the state, while its wildfire risk of 35.02 reflects the semi-arid landscape typical of southwestern Nebraska. The county's flood risk of just 9.26 is among the lowest in the state.

Lower tornado risk than Hamilton County

Harlan County's composite risk of 32.03 sits below its eastern neighbor Hamilton County (42.62) but slightly exceeds Hitchcock County to the south (6.84). Tornado exposure is notably lower here than in Hamilton (35.81 vs. 50.73), reflecting less favorable atmospheric patterns. Wildfire risk is comparable across all three counties, around 28–35 points.

Tornado and wildfire demand equal attention

Tornado risk (35.81) and wildfire risk (35.02) are nearly equal threats to Harlan County residents, both substantially outpacing flood (9.26) and earthquake (6.93) hazards. The combination of these two risks means residents face both seasonal storm and grassland fire exposure. Earthquake risk is negligible at 6.93.

Prepare for tornadoes and wildfires

Harlan County residents should establish a tornado shelter plan and maintain homeowners insurance with wind/hail riders for severe weather protection. If you live in rural or grassland areas, create defensible space around your home by clearing brush and dead vegetation to reduce wildfire exposure. A multi-hazard emergency kit covering both storm and fire scenarios is essential.

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.