Hayes County's composite score of 76.9 crushes the national median of 50.0 by 54%, making it one of America's top-tier livable counties despite its rural character. This exceptional ranking reflects near-perfect risk management paired with outstanding affordability.
2 / 5
Nebraska's strongest performer
Hayes County leads Nebraska's 93 counties with a composite score of 76.9, well ahead of the state average of 71.2. Its 5.7-point lead over the state reflects uncommonly effective livability management across multiple dimensions.
3 / 5
Unmatched affordability and risk resilience
Hayes County achieves a remarkable 90.3 cost score with median rent just $419 per month and homes averaging $112,800—the lowest in this group. More impressively, its risk score of 98.8 is nearly perfect, signaling exceptional stability against economic and environmental threats.
4 / 5
Income levels severely limit growth
With a median household income of just $60,313 and an income score of 22.8, Hayes County faces significant economic constraints that restrict career advancement and investment opportunities. The effective tax rate of 1.267% is also the highest in this group, compounding affordability pressures.
5 / 5
For those seeking maximum stability and value
Hayes County is ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers unconcerned with local wages, and families fleeing expensive metros willing to accept limited employment. It offers exceptional security and affordability for those who don't rely on local job growth.
Hayes County's composite score of 76.9 crushes the national median of 50.0 by 54%, making it one of America's top-tier livable counties despite its rural character. This exceptional ranking reflects near-perfect risk management paired with outstanding affordability.
Nebraska's strongest performer
Hayes County leads Nebraska's 93 counties with a composite score of 76.9, well ahead of the state average of 71.2. Its 5.7-point lead over the state reflects uncommonly effective livability management across multiple dimensions.
Unmatched affordability and risk resilience
Hayes County achieves a remarkable 90.3 cost score with median rent just $419 per month and homes averaging $112,800—the lowest in this group. More impressively, its risk score of 98.8 is nearly perfect, signaling exceptional stability against economic and environmental threats.
Income levels severely limit growth
With a median household income of just $60,313 and an income score of 22.8, Hayes County faces significant economic constraints that restrict career advancement and investment opportunities. The effective tax rate of 1.267% is also the highest in this group, compounding affordability pressures.
For those seeking maximum stability and value
Hayes County is ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers unconcerned with local wages, and families fleeing expensive metros willing to accept limited employment. It offers exceptional security and affordability for those who don't rely on local job growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛66.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hayes County's effective tax rate of 1.267% sits slightly above the national median of 1.1%, placing it around the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,429 remains roughly half the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower median home values.
Slightly above Nebraska's average tax rate
At 1.267%, Hayes County's effective rate sits just above Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it near the middle of the state's 93 counties. This makes Hayes a fairly typical Nebraska county in terms of tax burden.
Moderate rates match regional patterns
Hayes County's 1.267% rate sits between Harlan County (1.148%) and Hitchcock County (1.244%), making it a middle ground among neighboring rural counties. The entire region hovers within a narrow 0.12% band, suggesting uniform regional assessment practices.
Median home taxes $1,429 each year
On a median home value of $112,800, Hayes County homeowners pay approximately $1,429 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,088 due to mortgage tax exemptions.
Review your assessment for potential savings
Many Hayes County homeowners overpay because their property assessments don't reflect current market conditions. A formal appeal takes minimal effort and could yield substantial tax savings over time.
Hayes County renters spend just 8.3% of their income on housing—significantly lower than the national household income average and among the best in the nation for affordability. At $419 per month in median rent, Hayes County offers exceptional housing costs for rural America.
Nebraska's most affordable rental market
Hayes County's 8.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in Nebraska, far outperforming the state average of 14.2%. With a median rent of $419—less than half the state average of $783—Hayes County is a standout for cost-conscious renters.
Dramatically cheaper than nearby counties
Hayes County renters pay just $419 per month compared to $708 in Harlan County and $715 in Hitchcock County—a difference of nearly $300 per month. This makes Hayes County the clear winner for renters willing to embrace a remote rural lifestyle.
Hayes County's exceptional housing math
A typical Hayes County renter earning $60,313 annually spends just $419 per month on rent—only 8.3% of their income, freeing up hundreds of dollars for savings. Homeowners pay $721 monthly for properties valued at $112,800, also offering strong affordability and equity building.
Hayes County rewards remote workers
If you work remotely and want to maximize your savings, Hayes County offers the lowest rents in Nebraska at just $419 per month. With such exceptionally low housing costs, your paycheck stretches further here than almost anywhere else in the state.
Hayes County's median household income of $60,313 runs $14,442 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 19.3 percent income gap. The county faces economic pressures common to many rural Great Plains communities.
Below Nebraska's county average
Hayes County ranks in the lower half of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a median household income $6,567 below the state average of $66,880. The county's earnings sit 9.8 percent below the typical Nebraska household.
Similar to Jefferson, ahead of Hitchcock
Hayes County's $60,313 income nearly matches Jefferson County ($60,568), placing both in the southwest quadrant's lower-earning tier. Both counties significantly outpace Hitchcock County ($52,016) and Hooker County ($45,854).
Housing costs remarkably manageable
Hayes County's rent-to-income ratio of just 8.3 percent—among the lowest in the state—means residents spend less than one-tenth of income on housing. The median home value of $112,800 is exceptionally affordable relative to local incomes, providing genuine financial stability.
Lower incomes demand disciplined saving
Hayes County residents should prioritize building emergency reserves given below-average incomes; the county's exceptional housing affordability creates room to save. Start with automatic transfers to savings accounts and explore low-fee investment options through local credit unions or online brokers.
While specific life expectancy data is limited, Hayes County's 17.3% poor/fair health rate—notably higher than the national average of 13.9%—indicates significant health concerns. This gap suggests residents face barriers to wellness that warrant closer attention.
Poor health status above state average
Hayes County's 17.3% poor/fair health rate substantially exceeds Nebraska's typical rate, suggesting the county faces health challenges beyond state norms. Limited data availability complicates full assessment, but the poor health indicator signals real struggles for residents.
Worse health outcomes than adjacent counties
Hayes County's 17.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds most surrounding counties, including Hitchcock County at 16.6% and Harlan County at 13.8%. Without complete provider data, the root causes remain unclear, but the elevated health burden is evident.
Limited provider data, uninsured gaps remain
Hayes County's 8.3% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Nebraska's 8.1% average, leaving roughly 1 in 12 residents without coverage. Complete primary care provider data is unavailable, but the elevated poor health rate suggests access and coverage challenges.
Get insured—take action in Hayes County
With 8.3% of Hayes residents uninsured and health outcomes below state norms, securing coverage is a critical first step toward better care. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Nebraska Department of Health to explore plans that match your family's needs and budget.
Hayes County scores just 1.24 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the very lowest-risk counties in the entire United States. Every major hazard category—flood (1.43), wildfire (26.43), tornado (13.20), and earthquake (1.43)—remains well below national averages. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's isolated location and favorable geography.
Nebraska's lowest-risk county overall
Hayes County's composite score of 1.24 is by far the lowest in Nebraska, dramatically outperforming the state average of 25.80. With tornado and earthquake risks each scoring just 13.20 and 1.43 respectively, Hayes County has minimal exposure to the hazards that affect most of the state. Its only marginally elevated risk is wildfire at 26.43, which remains manageable.
Far safer than surrounding counties
Hayes County's composite risk of 1.24 is incomparably lower than nearby Hitchcock County (6.84) and Harlan County (32.03) to the east. Tornado risk of 13.20 is roughly one-third that of Harlan's 35.81, and earthquake exposure is virtually non-existent. Hayes County stands alone as a natural disaster risk island in this region.
Wildfire is the only notable exposure
Wildfire presents the only meaningful natural disaster risk to Hayes County residents, scoring 26.43, though even this remains well below national average. Tornado, flood, and earthquake risks are all negligible, each scoring 13 points or less. Most residents here face minimal exposure to traditional natural hazards.
Focus on wildfire prevention primarily
Hayes County residents should maintain defensible space around their homes by removing dead vegetation and trimming tree branches to reduce wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance should be sufficient for most residents given the extremely low overall disaster risk. Consider annual property maintenance checks to address fire hazards rather than specialized disaster coverage.