countyscore
69.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.8Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Hayes County, Nebraska

Strong National Standing

Hayes County's composite score of 65.8 places it significantly ahead of the national median of 50.0. Its reputation for resilience and safety helps distinguish it on a national scale.

Beating the State Average

The county exceeds Nebraska's average composite score of 59.3 by a wide margin. It is recognized as one of the state's most stable and risk-resistant communities.

Unmatched Security and Affordability

Hayes is exceptionally secure, with a risk score of 98.8 and a safety score of 97.5. It is also one of the most affordable places to live, with a median gross rent of just $419.

Economic and Tax Pressures

The county faces hurdles in income and taxation, with scores of 40.1 and 22.3 respectively. An effective tax rate of 1.267% creates a burden for the median household income of $60,313.

A Quiet, Low-Risk Haven

This county is best suited for individuals seeking a very quiet, secure environment with minimal housing costs. It appeals most to those who value safety over high-growth career opportunities.

2040608010034.885.597.561.449.660.198.88637.4Tax34.8Cost85.5Safety97.5Health61.4Schools49.6Income60.1Risk98.8Water86Weather37.469.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Hayes County DNA

C-overall

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

Hayes County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (98.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.8-17.200000000000003
Cost
85.5+37.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
61.4+11.399999999999999
Schools
49.6
Income
60.1+9.100000000000001
Risk
98.8+51.8
Water
86+28
Weather
37.4-18.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hayes County?

Many homeowners in Hayes 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

$128,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$508/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$128,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$20,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,250/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

Hitchcock County
Nebraska
59.6
Chase County
Nebraska
56.9
Dundy County
Nebraska
73
Perkins County
Nebraska
58
Lincoln County
Nebraska
38.8
Frontier County
Nebraska
64.1
Red Willow County
Nebraska
59.4
Rawlins County
Kansas
59

Deep Dives

Hayes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hayes County

via TaxByCounty

Hayes County effective rate near national norm

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hayes County

via IncomeByCounty

Hayes County income lags the nation

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hayes County

via CrimeByCounty

Hayes County Reports Zero Incidents

In 2022, Hayes County reported a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, a stark contrast to the national average of 2,385.5. This data earns the county a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Leading Nebraska in Public Safety

Hayes County sits at the very top of the state with its 100.0 safety score, surpassing the state average of 99.0. Two reporting agencies verified that no violent or property crimes occurred during the reporting period.

Quiet Streets Compared to Neighboring Counties

Hayes County's zero-crime report makes it the safest area in the region, outperforming Hitchcock County’s rate of 648.9. This total absence of reported crime sets it apart from almost every other county in Nebraska.

No Reported Violent or Property Crimes

The data shows 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 people. While no crime was reported, residents should note that this reflect specific agency data for the 2022 calendar year.

Maintaining a Crime-Free Community

A perfect safety score is a rare achievement, and maintaining it requires consistent community awareness. Even with zero reported crimes, simple steps like outdoor lighting and locking vehicles help ensure Hayes County stays this way.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hayes County

via WeatherByCounty

A Rugged Semi-Arid Character

Hayes County averages 50.2°F annually, roughly four degrees cooler than the national median. This region features a semi-arid climate where moisture is often scarce and temperature variability is high.

Aligning with Nebraska's Interior Average

The county’s 50.2°F average temperature sits just above the state average of 49.7°F. It represents the typical climate of Nebraska’s interior, balancing high summer heat with cold, snowy winters.

Drier and Snowier than Eastern Peers

Annual precipitation is low at 21.5 inches, falling nearly 4.5 inches below the state average. Conversely, the county receives a hefty 30.2 inches of snow, significantly more than counties to its southeast.

Six Weeks of Intense Summer Heat

The summer features 42 days where temperatures reach 90°F or higher, despite a modest July average of 74.9°F. Winters are cold and snowy, with the average temperature dipping to 28.6°F from December through February.

Plan for Arid Extremes

Heavy-duty snow blowers are necessary to handle the 30-inch annual snowfall. Residents should also invest in water-wise landscaping to accommodate the low 21.5-inch annual precipitation rate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hayes County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Entisols of Western Nebraska

Hayes County features an average pH of 7.23, which is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. These soils are primarily Entisols, characterized by limited development and a soil score of 47.3. This score reflects a more challenging environment compared to the state average of 58.9.

Sandy Texture for Quick Drainage

The soil is classified as loamy sand, containing a high 41.2% sand and only 14.5% clay. This composition means the soil is gritty and loses moisture rapidly compared to heavier loams. While it is easy to work and resists compaction, it requires careful management to retain essential nutrients.

Lean Organic Matter Challenges

With organic matter at just 1.87%, the soil is below both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 3.32%. The available water capacity is 0.179 in/in, which is slightly above the state average of 0.172. Gardeners here should focus on adding compost to build up the soil's natural fertility.

Excessive Drainage and High Infiltration

Classified as somewhat excessively drained, these soils belong to hydrologic group A. Water moves through the profile very quickly, which prevents flooding but can lead to thirsty plants. This rapid drainage is a benefit for building foundations but a hurdle for intensive gardening.

Thriving in a Zone 5b Climate

In hardiness zone 5b, drought-tolerant plants and native grasses are the most successful choices for this sandy soil. If you want a productive vegetable garden, plan on consistent irrigation and heavy mulching to keep roots cool. This is a great place for xeriscaping or growing native Nebraska wildflowers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hayes County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions for Western Nebraska Turf

Hayes County is a challenging environment for traditional lawns, with a difficulty score of 44.0. This is well below the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 54.2. In Hardiness Zone 5b, you must contend with dry conditions and higher-than-average heat stress.

Dry Skies and Intensive Heat Days

Annual precipitation is low at 21.5 inches, requiring heavy irrigation to match the ideal 30-50 inch range. You experience 42 days of extreme heat annually, far surpassing the state average of 34 days. These conditions often force cool-season grasses into early dormancy without constant care.

Managing Alkaline and Sandy Soil Foundations

The soil pH of 7.23 is slightly alkaline, which can sometimes limit the availability of certain micronutrients. Your loamy sand soil texture is somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves through the root zone very quickly. Adding organic matter like compost can help improve water retention in this 41.2% sand mixture.

Ongoing Severe Drought Demands Water Conservation

Nearly 47% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought, following 32 weeks of dry conditions this past year. Water conservation is not just a suggestion here; it is a necessity for lawn survival. Consider drought-resistant species or reducing lawn acreage to manage limited water resources effectively.

Focus on Hardy, Drought-Tolerant Varieties

Buffalo Grass or Blue Grama are your best bets to survive the local climate and 42 annual heat days. Wait until after the May 3rd frost to begin spring work, and prepare for the growing season to end by October 10. These native grasses will thrive where traditional bluegrass might struggle.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hayes County's county score?
Hayes County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 69.1 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 Hayes County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Hayes County ranks #13 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 Hayes County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Hayes County is $1,294, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Hayes County a tax score of 34.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hayes County?
The median household income in Hayes County, Nebraska is $69,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hayes County earns an income score of 60.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hayes County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Hayes County scores 69.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Hayes 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 Hayes 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.