countyscore
67.6
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.

2040608010028.376.791.473.757.558.782.88640.1Tax28.3Cost76.7Safety91.4Health73.7Schools57.5Income58.7Risk82.8Water86Weather40.167.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Holt County DNA

C-overall

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

Holt County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (91.4/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (28.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.3-23.7
Cost
76.7+28.700000000000003
Safety
91.4+36.400000000000006
Health
73.7+23.700000000000003
Schools
57.5
Income
58.7
Risk
82.8+35.8
Water
86+28
Weather
40.1-15.899999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Holt County?

Many homeowners in Holt 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

$165,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$714/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$165,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,513/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
Compare Holt County with Spencer County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Spencer County
Indiana
Median income: $74,506
67.6
Grant County
South Dakota
Median income: $75,028
67.5
Calhoun County
West Virginia
Median income: $43,980
67.5
Gallatin County
Illinois
Median income: $59,219
67.7
Claiborne Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $32,831
67.7
Sioux County
North Dakota
Median income: $42,083
67.7
Emery County
Utah
Median income: $74,291
67.7
Butler County
Kentucky
Median income: $56,092
67.4

Nearby counties

Boyd County
Nebraska
68.5
Rock County
Nebraska
71.1
Antelope County
Nebraska
68
Charles Mix County
South Dakota
55.1
Knox County
Nebraska
65.5
Wheeler County
Nebraska
77.8
Garfield County
Nebraska
68
Gregory County
South Dakota
63.9

Deep Dives

Holt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 67.6 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 #22 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 $1,828, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Holt County a tax score of 28.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Holt County?
The median household income in Holt County, Nebraska is $68,513 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Holt County earns an income score of 58.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Holt County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Holt County scores 67.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 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 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.