countyscore
60.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.2Cost of Living 81.6Safety 72.9

County Report Card

About Hitchcock County, Nebraska

Above the National Average

Hitchcock County earns a composite score of 60.4, which sits ten points above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high baseline for livability in rural America.

Competitive Within Nebraska

The county slightly outperforms the Nebraska state average score of 59.3. It maintains its status as a resilient community with very accessible housing costs.

Disaster Resilience and Cheap Housing

Resilience is a major strength, evidenced by a high risk score of 93.2. Homebuyers will find great value here, as the cost score of 81.6 reflects a median home value of just $88,800.

Lower Earning Potential

Income is a significant challenge, with a score of 18.5 and a median household income of $52,016. Additionally, the tax score of 23.7 reflects a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.244%.

Best for Budget-Minded Residents

Hitchcock suits residents with fixed or remote incomes who want to minimize their exposure to natural disasters. It is an ideal spot for first-time homebuyers looking for the lowest possible entry price.

Score breakdown

Tax23.7Cost81.6Safety72.9Health64.6Schools64.3Income18.5Risk93.2Water31.1Weather36.2
🏛23.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤64.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨45.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.6
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 →
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Deep Dives

Hitchcock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hitchcock County

via TaxByCounty

Hitchcock County taxes align with national median

With an effective tax rate of 1.244%, Hitchcock County sits near the national median of 1.1%, around the 58th percentile. The median property tax of $1,105 represents less than half the national median of $2,690, largely due to lower rural property values.

Nebraska average, slight variation

Hitchcock County's 1.244% effective rate runs just below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 93 counties. This represents a fairly typical tax burden for a rural Nebraska community.

Part of tightly clustered regional rates

Hitchcock County's 1.244% sits squarely within the regional pattern alongside Hayes County (1.267%), Harlan County (1.148%), and Holt County (1.139%). All four neighboring counties maintain rates within 0.13%, indicating consistent regional assessment standards.

Median home taxes $1,105 per year

On a median home value of $88,800, Hitchcock County homeowners pay approximately $1,105 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages face $1,379 due to how mortgage exemptions affect calculations.

Reassess your property's assessed value

Overassessment is common even in low-tax counties, particularly in rural areas where comparables are sparse. Filing an appeal is free and could identify significant assessment errors saving you hundreds.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hitchcock County

via CostByCounty

Hitchcock County faces affordability challenges

Hitchcock County renters spend 16.5% of their income on housing—above both the national median household income baseline and Nebraska's state average of 14.2%. With the lowest median income in this county group at $52,016, housing costs put real pressure on household budgets.

One of Nebraska's least affordable counties

At 16.5%, Hitchcock County ranks among Nebraska's least affordable counties for renters, trailing the state average by 2.3 percentage points. Despite a median rent of $715—comparable to other rural counties—the combination of lower incomes and higher rents makes housing burdensome.

Pricier and less affordable than neighbors

Hitchcock County renters pay more ($715 per month) than those in Hooker County ($581) and face worse affordability than any neighboring county in this group. The 16.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds nearby Harlan (12.0%) and Hayes (8.3%), making it the region's most challenged market.

Housing costs strain Hitchcock incomes

A typical Hitchcock County renter earning $52,016 annually pays $715 per month in rent—a hefty 16.5% of their income. Homeowners face similar pressure with median monthly costs of $626 for properties worth $88,800, leaving limited financial flexibility.

Hitchcock County requires careful budgeting

If you're considering Hitchcock County, understand that housing costs consume a larger share of household income than most Nebraska counties. Compare this profile carefully with nearby Hayes, Hooker, and Harlan counties, which offer significantly better affordability and housing cost relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hitchcock County

via IncomeByCounty

Hitchcock County faces significant income gap

At $52,016, Hitchcock County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $22,739—a stark 30.4 percent shortfall. This represents one of the steepest income gaps among rural Nebraska communities.

Among Nebraska's lowest-earning counties

Hitchcock County ranks in the bottom tier of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a median household income $14,864 below the state average of $66,880. The county's 22.2 percent deficit versus state norms reflects long-term economic headwinds in the rural southwest.

Slightly ahead of Hooker County only

Hitchcock County's $52,016 income exceeds only Hooker County ($45,854) among nearby counties, leaving it $8,297 behind the next-closest neighbor, Hayes County ($60,313). This positions Hitchcock among the region's most economically challenged communities.

Housing strain remains despite low home values

Hitchcock County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5 percent sits notably above the national affordability threshold, meaning residents devote a sixth of income to housing costs. Though median home values of $88,800 seem low, they consume proportionally more of the county's modest household earnings.

Wealth building requires strategic planning

Hitchcock County residents must be intentional about financial growth despite income constraints; consider seeking free or low-cost financial counseling from USDA or nonprofit agencies. Focus on eliminating high-interest debt first, then building small emergency reserves before attempting investment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hitchcock County

via CrimeByCounty

Hitchcock County Remains Safer Than National Average

Hitchcock County maintains a total crime rate of 648.9 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 99.0.

Aligning Closely With State Norms

Hitchcock County's safety score of 99.0 perfectly matches the Nebraska state average. Its total crime rate of 648.9 is only slightly higher than the state's average of 626.7 per 100,000 people.

Local Comparison Shows Stable Safety

Hitchcock County’s crime rate of 648.9 is slightly higher than Hamilton County’s 542.6. However, it is much safer than most urban centers across the country, showing that local law enforcement is effective.

The Balance of Local Incidents

The county reports 114.5 violent crimes and 534.4 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Most law enforcement activity focuses on property-related issues like theft rather than person-to-person crimes.

Smart Security for Hitchcock Residents

Given that property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, residents should focus on home security basics. Simple upgrades like deadbolts and alarm systems provide significant peace of mind in this largely safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hitchcock County

via HealthByCounty

Hitchcock County life expectancy significantly lags

At 75.6 years, Hitchcock County residents live nearly a year less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, ranking among America's lowest life expectancies. With 16.6% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national 13.9%—the county faces serious health burdens.

Nebraska's lowest life expectancy county

Hitchcock County's 75.6-year life expectancy ranks as one of Nebraska's lowest, trailing the state average of 77.5 years by nearly two years. The county's 16.6% poor/fair health rate is among the state's worst, signaling concentrated health challenges.

Significantly behind all surrounding counties

Hitchcock County's 75.6-year life expectancy trails Hamilton County (78.9 years) by over three years and trails Harlan County (76.8 years) by more than a year. With only 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region—access to healthcare is severely limited.

Limited doctors, critical uninsured gaps

At 7.3%, Hitchcock County's uninsured rate matches the state average but is below some neighbors—yet with only 39 primary care providers per 100K, even insured residents struggle to find care. The combination of provider scarcity and health burden creates a crisis of access.

Insurance alone isn't enough—get connected

While 92.7% of Hitchcock residents have insurance, that coverage means little without accessible providers. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov immediately; if insured, seek care early and ask about telehealth options to overcome geographic barriers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hitchcock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Across Three Facilities

Hitchcock County provides public education through three schools, including two elementary campuses and one junior-senior high school. The county serves a total of 417 students within its primary district infrastructure. This layout ensures that young students have accessible local elementary options before transitioning to a central secondary school.

High Results with Lean Spending

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 86.9%. This is achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $8,963, which is well below the national average of $13,000. Despite lower spending, the school score of 57.8 indicates a system that is delivering strong academic outcomes.

Hitchcock County School System Dominates

The Hitchcock County School System is the primary district, managing 310 students across two of the county's three schools. There are no charter schools present, and the district remains the central hub for local educational life. The nearby Wauneta-Palisade Public Schools also maintains a presence, serving over 100 students at the Palisade Attendance Center.

Entirely Rural Learning Environments

Every school in Hitchcock County is classified as rural, reflecting the region's agricultural character. Hitchcock County Elementary is the largest school with 187 students, while the Palisade Attendance Center is the smallest with 107. The average school size of 139 students creates a familiar environment where students, teachers, and parents stay connected.

Rural Charm and Academic Success

Hitchcock County is an excellent option for families seeking high graduation rates and a traditional rural lifestyle. The schools operate with high efficiency, providing a quality education that exceeds state benchmarks. Exploring homes in this area puts your family in a district where community and academic success go hand-in-hand.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hitchcock County

via RiskByCounty

Hitchcock County remains very low risk

Hitchcock County scores 6.84 on the composite risk scale, placing it far below the national median and in the Very Low risk category. All major hazards remain modest: tornado (24.55), wildfire (31.36), flood (5.69), and earthquake (4.58) each fall well short of the dangerous thresholds. This safety profile reflects the county's southern Nebraska location with favorable geography.

Among Nebraska's lowest-risk counties

Hitchcock County ranks in the safest quartile of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a composite score of just 6.84—less than one-quarter the state average of 25.80. Tornado risk of 24.55 is the highest exposure here, but remains below state average. The county's flood, earthquake, and overall disaster vulnerability are exceptionally low.

Safer than Hamilton and Harlan

Hitchcock County's composite risk of 6.84 is substantially lower than Hamilton County (42.62) and Harlan County (32.03) to the east, though slightly higher than Hayes County (1.24) to the west. Tornado risk of 24.55 is the lowest among this group, reflecting different storm patterns in southwestern Nebraska. The county's overall safety advantage is marked compared to its eastern neighbors.

Wildfire and tornado secondary concerns

Wildfire is the primary natural disaster risk at 31.36, followed by tornado at 24.55, both scoring below state averages. Flood risk (5.69) and earthquake risk (4.58) are negligible for most residents. Overall, Hitchcock County faces substantially lower hazard exposure than most of Nebraska.

Wildfire preparedness is key priority

Hitchcock County residents should maintain defensible space around homes by clearing brush and dead vegetation to minimize wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance is generally adequate given the low overall disaster risk, though wind/hail riders provide extra protection during severe weather. Develop a basic family emergency plan focusing on wildfire evacuation routes if you live in rural areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hitchcock County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat in the Heartland

Hitchcock County averages 51.6°F annually, nearly matching the national median. While the average is moderate, the frequency of extreme summer heat sets this area apart from its neighbors.

A Warm Spot on the State Map

The county is noticeably warmer than the 49.7°F Nebraska average. Its location in the southwest corner makes it one of the hotter regions in the state during the peak summer months.

Low Precipitation and Intense Sun

Averaging only 20.8 inches of rain, Hitchcock is significantly drier than the 25.9-inch state average. It faces more drought pressure than neighboring counties to the east.

Blistering Summers and Dry Winters

Hitchcock endures 58 extreme heat days per year, the highest in this group. Despite the 77.0°F July average, the winter remains cold with 22.2 inches of snow and a 29.4°F average.

Invest in High-Capacity Cooling

With nearly two months of 90-degree days, reliable air conditioning is the top priority for residents. Outdoor activities should be planned for early morning to avoid the frequent extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hitchcock County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Sands on the Frontier

Hitchcock County has an average pH of 7.34, making it one of the more alkaline regions in the state. These Entisols carry a soil score of 45.5, indicating they are less naturally fertile than the Nebraska average of 58.9. The high pH can sometimes limit the availability of certain micronutrients like iron.

Gritty Loamy Fine Sands

The dominant texture is loamy fine sand, featuring 41.4% sand and 43.8% silt. This blend is very light and workable, though it lacks the structural strength of soils with more clay. With only 14.8% clay content, the soil is prone to erosion if not covered by vegetation or mulch.

Building Fertility From the Ground Up

Organic matter sits at 1.76%, which is below the national benchmark of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.184 in/in actually beats the state average of 0.172. This suggests that while the soil is lean on nutrients, it can still hold enough moisture to support resilient crops.

Somewhat Excessively Drained Landscape

The county’s soil belongs to hydrologic group A and is somewhat excessively drained. This ensures that your garden won't suffer from 'wet feet,' as water infiltrates the ground rapidly. For builders, this means excellent drainage for basements and septic systems, though it requires more frequent watering for plants.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5b

Gardeners in zone 5b should choose plants that can handle alkaline conditions and sandy textures. Succulents, sage, and deep-rooted perennials are natural winners in this Hitchcock County soil. With a little extra organic matter and regular water, you can turn these sandy plains into a productive green space.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hitchcock County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Difficulty in the Southwest

With a lawn difficulty score of 43.6, Hitchcock County is one of the more challenging places in Nebraska to maintain a lawn. This score falls significantly below the state average of 54.2. Success in Zone 5b requires a strategic approach to combat heat and limited moisture.

Extreme Heat Challenges Traditional Turf

You face a staggering 58 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average. This heat is coupled with low annual precipitation of just 20.8 inches. Your mowing schedule will need to be flexible to avoid stressing grass during these frequent high-temperature periods.

Fast-Draining Sands and Higher pH

The local soil pH of 7.34 is the highest among neighboring counties, often requiring amendments to lower alkalinity. Your loamy fine sand texture is somewhat excessively drained, making it difficult to keep roots hydrated. Frequent, light watering may be necessary to compensate for the 41.4% sand content.

Persistent Dryness Requires Careful Planning

The county spent 32 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. Although severe drought (D2+) is currently at 0.0%, the low rainfall keeps the landscape on the edge of stress. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain precious surface moisture.

Select Heat-Ready Grass for Best Results

Native prairie grasses or drought-hardy fescues are essential to survive the 58 days of heat. Plant your seeds between the last frost on May 2 and the first frost on October 13 for optimal growth. Start early in the spring to allow roots to dive deep before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hitchcock County's county score?
Hitchcock County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 60.5 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 Hitchcock County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Hitchcock County ranks #53 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 Hitchcock County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Hitchcock County is $1,105, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Hitchcock County a tax score of 23.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hitchcock County?
The median household income in Hitchcock County, Nebraska is $52,016 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hitchcock County earns an income score of 18.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hitchcock County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Hitchcock County scores 60.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Hitchcock 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 Hitchcock 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.