countyscore
65.8
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.

Score breakdown

Tax22.3Cost83.3Safety97.5Health61.4Schools49.6Income40.1Risk98.8Water86Weather37.4
🏛22.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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

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
Compare Hayes County with Jasper County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Jasper County
Indiana
Median income: $79,634
65.8
Washington County
Kentucky
Median income: $59,762
65.8
West Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $74,277
65.8
Decatur County
Indiana
Median income: $74,228
65.7
Adair County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,316
65.7
Chouteau County
Montana
Median income: $56,927
65.7
Hutchinson County
South Dakota
Median income: $74,459
65.7
Grayson County
Virginia
Median income: $42,864
65.7

Nearby counties

Hitchcock County
Nebraska
60.5
Chase County
Nebraska
58.5
Dundy County
Nebraska
73.1
Perkins County
Nebraska
60.5
Lincoln County
Nebraska
39.1
Frontier County
Nebraska
65.1
Red Willow County
Nebraska
60.1
Rawlins County
Kansas
58

Deep Dives

Hayes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Hayes County

via CostByCounty

Hayes County leads on rental affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Hayes County

via HealthByCounty

Hayes County health data shows challenges

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hayes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in Hayes Center

Hayes County features a compact educational landscape with just two schools serving the entire region. The system supports 148 total students through one elementary and one secondary school within a single district. This tiny but dedicated infrastructure serves a very small, geographically dispersed population.

Strong Investment Despite Graduation Challenges

The county invests $12,172 per pupil, which is nearly $1,700 more than the state average and approaches the national average. Despite this high funding level, the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, trailing both state and national benchmarks. However, a school score of 56.8 shows the county remains competitive with other rural Nebraska districts.

One District Serves All Students

Hayes Center Public Schools is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing both local facilities. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning 100% of the 148 students attend traditional public schools. This centralization allows the district to maximize its resources for its small student body.

Ultra-Small Classrooms in a Rural Setting

Attending school here feels like being part of a large family, as both schools are rural and exceptionally small. Hayes Center Elementary houses 99 students, while the secondary school serves just 49 students in grades 7-12. The average school size of 74 students ensures that individual attention is the norm rather than the exception.

Peaceful Living and Small Schools

If you are searching for a place where your child will never be just a number, Hayes County offers unparalleled small-school benefits. The high per-pupil spending reflects a community that values its educational facilities. Look for homes in this quiet rural region to experience one of Nebraska's most intimate school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hayes County

via RiskByCounty

Hayes County among America's safest

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 65.8 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 Hayes County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Hayes County ranks #28 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 $1,429, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Hayes County a tax score of 22.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hayes County?
The median household income in Hayes County, Nebraska is $60,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hayes County earns an income score of 40.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hayes County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Hayes County scores 65.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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