Holt County's composite score of 73.8 beats the national median of 50.0 by 48%, positioning it among America's most livable rural regions. This strong performance reflects the county's ability to balance affordability, health, and risk management effectively.
2 / 5
Among Nebraska's strongest performers
Holt County ranks well within Nebraska's top tier with a 73.8 score, outpacing the state average of 71.2 by 2.6 points. The county consistently delivers above-average livability across measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Balanced excellence in affordability and health
Holt County excels with an 84.9 cost score (median rent $724, median home value $152,000) and solid health outcomes (75.3). The county also demonstrates strong risk management at 82.8, reflecting resilience against economic and environmental shocks.
4 / 5
Limited income growth and earning potential
With a median household income of $67,225 and an income score of 27.3, Holt County offers fewer high-wage employment paths for career-focused individuals. The effective tax rate of 1.139% remains reasonable but not the lowest in the region.
5 / 5
For families valuing stability and community
Holt County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing, solid health care, and economic resilience over climbing the income ladder. It's a strong choice for those seeking a balanced rural lifestyle with manageable cost of living.
Holt County's composite score of 73.8 beats the national median of 50.0 by 48%, positioning it among America's most livable rural regions. This strong performance reflects the county's ability to balance affordability, health, and risk management effectively.
Among Nebraska's strongest performers
Holt County ranks well within Nebraska's top tier with a 73.8 score, outpacing the state average of 71.2 by 2.6 points. The county consistently delivers above-average livability across measured dimensions.
Balanced excellence in affordability and health
Holt County excels with an 84.9 cost score (median rent $724, median home value $152,000) and solid health outcomes (75.3). The county also demonstrates strong risk management at 82.8, reflecting resilience against economic and environmental shocks.
Limited income growth and earning potential
With a median household income of $67,225 and an income score of 27.3, Holt County offers fewer high-wage employment paths for career-focused individuals. The effective tax rate of 1.139% remains reasonable but not the lowest in the region.
For families valuing stability and community
Holt County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing, solid health care, and economic resilience over climbing the income ladder. It's a strong choice for those seeking a balanced rural lifestyle with manageable cost of living.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 78.9 years, Holt County's life expectancy meets the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county in the healthier range nationally. However, 15.3% of residents report poor or fair health—slightly above the national 13.9%—indicating some wellness challenges despite longer lifespans.
Strong life expectancy, average health status
Holt County's 78.9-year life expectancy exceeds Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by 1.4 years, ranking the county among the state's healthier regions. The 15.3% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above state norms but doesn't diminish the county's strong longevity advantage.
Ties Hamilton for regional health leadership
Holt County matches Hamilton County's 78.9-year life expectancy—the best in the region—and both counties substantially exceed Harlan (76.8 years) and Hitchcock (75.6 years). Holt's 90 primary care providers and 228 mental health providers per 100K support robust healthcare access.
Good coverage, strong mental health resources
At 8.9%, Holt County's uninsured rate matches Harlan's and slightly exceeds the state average, though the county's exceptional mental health provider capacity of 228 per 100K demonstrates commitment to behavioral health. The combination of longevity and mental health resources suggests strong preventive care culture.
Maintain Holt's health edge with coverage
Holt County's strong life expectancy is built on accessible healthcare—with 8.9% uninsured, those without coverage should act now. Visit Healthcare.gov to find affordable plans and ensure every resident can access the primary and mental health care that keeps Holt County thriving.
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.