countyscore
67.4
County Score
Safety 91.4Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.8

County Report Card

About Holt County, Nebraska

Outperforming the National Median

Holt County’s composite score of 67.4 is nearly 20 points higher than the national median of 50.0. This makes it a high-performing outlier in terms of overall livability.

A Rural Nebraska Leader

The county ranks well above the Nebraska average score of 59.3. It excels by providing a consistent quality of life across safety, housing, and infrastructure.

Reliable Safety and Infrastructure

Holt County is remarkably safe, with a safety score of 91.4 and a strong water score of 86.0. Housing is also affordable, shown by a cost score of 75.4 and a median gross rent of $724.

Higher Effective Tax Rates

The tax score of 28.7 indicates a high burden, with residents paying an effective rate of 1.139%. While income is healthy at $67,225, this tax rate is less competitive than in neighboring areas.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

Holt is perfect for families seeking a safe, traditional environment with reliable infrastructure. It provides a balanced lifestyle where security and housing value are the top priorities.

2040608010028.775.491.473.757.559.582.88640.1Tax28.7Cost75.4Safety91.4Health73.7Schools57.5Income59.5Risk82.8Water86Weather40.167.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Holt County DNA

C-overall

How Holt County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Holt County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Safety (91.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.7-23.3
Cost
75.4+27.400000000000006
Safety
91.4+36.400000000000006
Health
73.7+23.700000000000003
Schools
57.5
Income
59.5+8.5
Risk
82.8+35.8
Water
86+28
Weather
40.1-15.899999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$724/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,225/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.8

per 100K

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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Counties with similar scores

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Logan County
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Sublette County
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Antelope County
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Arthur County
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Nearby counties

Boyd County
Nebraska
67.6
Rock County
Nebraska
71.8
Antelope County
Nebraska
67.5
Charles Mix County
South Dakota
55.3
Knox County
Nebraska
65.3
Wheeler County
Nebraska
74.8
Garfield County
Nebraska
69.3
Gregory County
South Dakota
61.9

Deep Dives

Holt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Holt County

via TaxByCounty

Holt County taxes below national average

Holt County's effective tax rate of 1.139% sits slightly above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower half nationally. The median property tax of $1,731 remains far below the national median of $2,690, reflecting rural Nebraska's lower property values.

Among Nebraska's more affordable counties

At 1.139%, Holt County's effective rate sits comfortably below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the lower third of the state's 93 counties. This positions Holt as one of the more tax-favorable areas in Nebraska.

Lowest rate in the immediate region

Holt County's 1.139% edges out Harlan County (1.148%) as the lowest in the immediate region, with neighboring Hayes County (1.267%) and Hitchcock County (1.244%) both higher. This makes Holt a relative bargain for rural Nebraska homeowners.

Median home taxes $1,731 annually

On a median home value of $152,000, Holt County homeowners pay approximately $1,731 in annual property taxes. This calculation includes the effect of mortgage tax exemptions on the effective rate.

Verify your assessment to ensure accuracy

Even in low-tax counties, properties can be assessed above their true market value. An assessment appeal costs nothing and could uncover hidden savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Holt County

via CostByCounty

Holt County rents hit moderate affordability

Holt County renters spend 12.9% of their income on housing, slightly above national standards but reasonable for rural Nebraska. With a median household income of $67,225 and rent of $724 per month, Holt County sits in the moderate affordability zone.

Slightly above Nebraska's housing average

Holt County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio is closer to the state average of 14.2% than to the most affordable counties, making it a middle-ground option within Nebraska. The median rent of $724 is slightly below the state average of $783, though lower incomes offset some savings.

Moderate costs in a mixed regional market

Holt County renters pay slightly more ($724) than those in Harlan ($708) but far less than Hitchcock ($715) offers less affordability. At 12.9% of income, Holt County's burden sits between Hamilton (11.7%) and Howard (13.1%), making it a balanced middle option.

Holt County's balanced housing equation

A typical Holt County renter earning $67,225 annually spends $724 per month on rent—12.9% of their income. Homeowners pay $697 monthly for properties averaging $152,000, nearly matching rental costs and offering a viable path to ownership.

Holt County balances cost and opportunity

Holt County works well for those seeking moderate housing costs without extreme rural isolation, with rents under $750 and homeownership at similar price points. If you're deciding between multiple Nebraska counties, Holt offers solid middle ground between high-cost and ultra-rural markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Holt County

via IncomeByCounty

Holt County income near national average

Holt County's median household income of $67,225 runs $7,530 below the U.S. median of $74,755, a 10.1 percent gap. The county performs comparably to rural American communities nationwide.

Slightly below Nebraska's state average

Holt County ranks in the middle of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a median household income $345 below the state average of $66,880. The county's earnings essentially match typical Nebraska households, indicating stable but not exceptional local economic conditions.

Comparable to Harlan, above others nearby

Holt County's $67,225 median sits nearly level with Harlan County ($70,536), though $12,659 behind Hamilton County ($79,884). The county leads Hayes County ($60,313) and significantly outpaces Hitchcock and Hooker counties in earning power.

Housing moderately affordable for area

Holt County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9 percent keeps housing costs manageable, with residents allocating roughly one-eighth of income to rent or mortgage. The median home value of $152,000 aligns reasonably with local incomes, though it represents a larger portion of income than in wealthier counties.

Build wealth through consistent investing

Holt County residents with solid baseline incomes should establish regular investment habits through employer retirement plans and automatic brokerage transfers. Even modest monthly contributions compound significantly over 20-30 years, creating meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Holt County

via CrimeByCounty

Holt County's High Mark for Safety

Holt County features a total crime rate of only 147.8 per 100,000 residents, which is dramatically lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. This exceptional data gives the county a safety score of 99.8.

A Standout Performer in Nebraska

Holt County’s safety score of 99.8 is better than the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 147.8 is roughly four times lower than the state average of 626.7.

Safety Leader Among Regional Neighbors

Holt County is significantly safer than Jefferson County, which has a crime rate of 849.0. With four reporting agencies, the data shows a consistently low-crime environment throughout the county.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Rates

The county reports only 39.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crimes also remain very low at 108.4, indicating a very secure living environment.

Keeping Holt County Secure

Low crime rates reflect a tight-knit community, but modern security measures still offer value. Installing doorbell cameras can help residents monitor their property and maintain the county's excellent safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Holt County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Nine Schools

Holt County features an extensive educational infrastructure with nine public schools spread across four districts. The system includes four elementary schools and four high schools, serving a total enrollment of 1,607 students. This decentralized network ensures that even remote parts of the county have access to public education.

Consistent Spending and Stable Performance

The county spends $10,708 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Nebraska state average of $10,521. Its graduation rate of 85.0% sits just below the state and national averages but remains competitive for the region. The overall school score of 58.9 reflects a solid educational foundation that mirrors state-wide quality standards.

West Holt Leads Multiple Districts

West Holt Public Schools is the largest district by school count, managing three schools and 459 students. O'Neill Public Schools also plays a major role, housing the county's largest individual campuses. With no charter schools in the county, traditional public districts manage 100% of the student population.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Outposts

Education in Holt County takes place mostly in rural settings, though two schools are located in town centers. Enrollment varies widely, from O'Neill Elementary's 476 students to small rural schools with fewer than 100. With an average school size of 179 students, the county offers both larger social environments and tiny, focused classrooms.

Diverse Options for Every Family

Whether you prefer a town-based school or a quiet rural classroom, Holt County's nine schools offer plenty of variety. The steady per-pupil investment ensures that facilities and resources remain a priority for the community. Look for real estate in O'Neill or Atkinson to be near the county's primary educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Holt County

via RiskByCounty

Holt County's elevated wildfire exposure

Holt County scores 17.21 on the composite risk scale, moderately below Nebraska's average of 25.80, yet faces distinctly elevated wildfire risk at 70.45—among the highest in the state. Tornado (38.93) and earthquake (21.60) risks are also notable, while flood risk remains low at 10.81. The county's wildfire vulnerability stands out as an exceptional hazard concern in an otherwise moderate-risk area.

Highest wildfire risk in this region

Holt County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties for overall composite risk, but its wildfire score of 70.45 is extraordinarily high—the county faces one of the most severe wildfire exposures in the entire state. Tornado risk of 38.93 compounds the exposure, placing Holt County in an unusual hazard profile dominated by fire. Flood risk is minimal, offering little offsetting danger from water-based hazards.

Wildfire risk far exceeds nearby counties

Holt County's wildfire risk of 70.45 dramatically exceeds all neighbors: Hamilton County (28.40), Howard County (52.77), and Jefferson County (72.96). The county's composite risk of 17.21 is lower than Hamilton (42.62) and Howard (24.20), but its wildfire vulnerability is exceptional within this region. Tornado risk of 38.93 is moderately elevated compared to neighbors, creating a dual fire-and-storm exposure pattern.

Wildfire dominates; tornado secondary

Wildfire is by far the dominant natural disaster threat to Holt County, with an extreme risk score of 70.45—nearly double the tornado risk of 38.93. Grassland and woodland fires pose a serious threat to property and life across the county. Earthquake and flood risks remain minimal in comparison.

Prioritize wildfire protection measures

Holt County residents must create and maintain extensive defensible space around homes, clearing all dead vegetation, fallen branches, and fuel sources within at least 100 feet. Ensure homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage, and develop an evacuation plan specific to grass and forest fires. Regular property inspections and vegetation management are essential given the county's elevated exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Holt County

via WaterByCounty

Consistent Compliance in Public Drinking Water

Holt County maintains an A grade for drinking water, with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. It remains a regional leader in SDWIS compliance compared to the state violation rate of 110.3.

Broad Impairments Across Extensive Waterways

With 36 water bodies assessed in 2022, 69.4% are listed as impaired, which is slightly higher than the state average. E. coli and high water temperatures are the most frequent causes for these impairments.

Expansive Monitoring Network Tracks Health

An impressive 18 monitoring sites have logged 5,391 measurements over the past five years. This dense network provides extensive data on physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics.

Elkhorn River Flow Significantly Strained

The Elkhorn River at Ewing currently records a discharge of 67 cfs. This is only 30% of the long-term mean, indicating a severe reduction in current water volume.

Focus on Habitat and Thermal Stress

High impairment rates linked to temperature suggest that local aquatic habitats are under stress. Residents can help by maintaining riparian buffers and monitoring river levels, which are currently far below normal.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Holt County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Plains Climate

Holt County's 48.0°F annual average is roughly six degrees cooler than the national median. This northern location results in longer winters and more temperate summer conditions compared to the rest of the country.

Below the Nebraska Temperature Average

Averaging 48.0°F, Holt is cooler than the state average of 49.7°F. Its northern position subjects it to colder arctic air masses during the winter months.

Typical Rainfall with High Snowfall

Annual precipitation of 25.4 inches aligns closely with the state average of 25.9 inches. However, the 30.4 inches of snow per year makes it significantly whiter than southern Nebraska counties.

Frigid Winters and Mild Summers

January is particularly cold here with an average of 22.1°F, while summer heat stays manageable with only 28 days above 90°F. The July average temperature is a comfortable 73.9°F.

Prepare for the Long Freeze

High-grade insulation and heating systems are critical for the sub-freezing January temperatures. Residents should keep winter emergency kits in vehicles to handle the 30.4 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Holt County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Loams of the Northern Plains

Holt County's soil score of 53.5 sits just below the Nebraska average, reflecting its unique northern geography. The average pH of 6.65 is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5, providing a balanced chemical environment. These Mollisols are historically significant, representing the transition into the Nebraska Sandhills.

High Sand Content Loam

The soil is classified as loam, but it leans heavily on the sandy side with 62.8% sand. Silt makes up 22.1% of the profile, while clay is low at 12.8%. This creates a coarse texture that is easy to dig but can be vulnerable to wind erosion if left exposed.

Decent Organic Matter, Low Water Storage

At 3.10%, the organic matter is healthy, nearly reaching the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.133 in/in, well below the state average of 0.172. Plants in this soil will need more frequent, shallow watering to stay hydrated.

Slow Subsurface Drainage Challenges

While the soil is surface-classified as well drained, it surprisingly falls into hydrologic group D. This indicates that while the top layer is sandy, deeper layers may restrict water movement, leading to high runoff potential during heavy rains. It is a complex system that requires careful management during wet seasons.

Cold-Hardy Planting in Zone 5a

Holt County is in hardiness zone 5a, meaning you should select plants that can survive harsh, cold winters. Potatoes and cool-weather greens thrive in this loose, sandy loam. Focus on building up your soil with mulch to improve that low water capacity for a more successful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Holt County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance in Nebraska’s North

Holt County holds a lawn difficulty score of 50.3, aligning almost perfectly with the national average. As a Zone 5a region, your lawn faces colder winters than much of the state, requiring hardy grass selections. You will find that while conditions aren't perfect, they are manageable with consistent effort.

Cooler Summers but Persistent Rainfall Gaps

The county enjoys a milder summer with only 28 extreme heat days, which is lower than the Nebraska average. However, the 25.4 inches of annual precipitation is slightly below the ideal threshold for lush turf. The 2883 growing degree days indicate a shorter, more concentrated growing season.

Well-Drained Loam with High Sand Content

Your soil is a well-drained loam, but the 62.8% sand content means it may not hold water as well as heavier soils. A pH of 6.65 is nearly perfect for most grasses, ensuring nutrients are readily available. You should monitor for nutrient leaching due to the high sand and low 12.8% clay percentages.

Enduring a Year of Significant Drought

Holt County has endured 53 weeks of drought over the past year, with 32.9% of the area still in severe drought. This prolonged dry spell makes deep root growth essential for your lawn's survival. Avoid short mowing heights to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during these dry periods.

Prepare for a Shorter Growing Season

Choose hardy varieties like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass that can handle the Zone 5a winters. Your growing window is tighter than southern counties, running from May 4th to October 4th. Getting an early start in May is critical to ensure your lawn is established before the October frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holt County's county score?
Holt County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 67.4 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 Holt County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Holt County ranks #23 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 Holt County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Holt County is $1,731, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Holt County a tax score of 28.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Holt County?
The median household income in Holt County, Nebraska is $67,225 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Holt County earns an income score of 59.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Holt County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Holt County scores 67.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Holt 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 Holt County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.