countyscore
68.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.7Safety 97.5Cost of Living 93.5

County Report Card

About Hooker County, Nebraska

Beating the National Curve

Hooker County achieves a composite score of 66.7, which is substantially higher than the national median of 50.0. Its high standing is driven by extreme resilience and affordability.

Leading the State in Safety

The county's score exceeds the Nebraska average of 59.3, largely because of its defensive metrics. It is one of the most disaster-resistant and safest counties in the entire state.

Extreme Resilience and Value

Hooker boasts a nearly perfect risk score of 99.7 and a safety score of 97.5. It also offers incredible housing value, with a cost score of 96.6 and a median home value of $85,400.

Economic and Tax Obstacles

The local economy is small, with a very low income score of 8.2 and a median household income of $45,854. This is exacerbated by a tax score of 16.0, reflecting a high 1.431% effective tax rate.

A Fortress for the Frugal

Hooker County is a perfect match for retirees or remote workers looking to maximize their safety and minimize their housing costs. It is an unmatched destination for those prioritizing a secure, low-cost life.

2040608010032.393.597.566.648.710.999.78641.5Tax32.3Cost93.5Safety97.5Health66.6Schools48.7Income10.9Risk99.7Water86Weather41.568.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Hooker County DNA

C-overall

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

Hooker County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (99.7/100) but notably weak in Income (10.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.3-19.700000000000003
Cost
93.5+45.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
66.6+16.599999999999994
Schools
48.7
Income
10.9-40.1
Risk
99.7+52.7
Water
86+28
Weather
41.5-14.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$93,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$592/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$93,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$23,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,464/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

489.4

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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Los Alamos County
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Borden County
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Doddridge County
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Trego County
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Nearby counties

McPherson County
Nebraska
66.5
Thomas County
Nebraska
76.5
Arthur County
Nebraska
69.1
Grant County
Nebraska
71.7
Logan County
Nebraska
69.1
Cherry County
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55.8
Keith County
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52.6
Blaine County
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64.8

Deep Dives

Hooker County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hooker County

via TaxByCounty

Hooker County has elevated effective tax rate

Hooker County's effective tax rate of 1.431% ranks in the 70th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 1.1%. The median property tax of $1,222 remains below the national median of $2,690 due to much lower home values in this rural area.

Highest rate among eight-county comparison

At 1.431%, Hooker County's effective rate notably exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 93 counties. Among this group of similar rural counties, Hooker stands out with the highest tax burden.

Tax rates highest in this regional cluster

Hooker County's 1.431% substantially exceeds all immediate neighbors, including Jefferson County (1.453%), which is close. Most surrounding counties like Hayes (1.267%), Hitchcock (1.244%), and Harlan (1.148%) carry considerably lower rates.

Median home taxes $1,222 each year

On a median home value of $85,400, Hooker County homeowners pay approximately $1,222 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,664.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

Given Hooker County's elevated effective rate, overassessed properties hit harder in the pocketbook. An assessment appeal here could yield more meaningful savings than in lower-tax counties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hooker County

via IncomeByCounty

Hooker County faces steep income challenge

At $45,854, Hooker County's median household income falls $28,901 below the U.S. median of $74,755—a 38.6 percent deficit. The county ranks among the most economically stressed rural communities in America.

Lowest-earning county in Nebraska data

Hooker County ranks at the bottom of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a median household income $21,026 below the state average of $66,880. The county's 31.5 percent deficit from state norms underscores severe long-term structural economic challenges.

Struggling worst among surrounding counties

Hooker County's $45,854 income significantly trails every nearby county, falling $6,162 short of Hitchcock County ($52,016) and $14,471 behind Hayes County ($60,313). The county faces the most acute economic distress in its regional cluster.

Housing costs strain limited incomes

Hooker County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2 percent sits well above the national affordability benchmark, pushing housing into the category of genuine financial burden. Residents spend roughly one-sixth of their income on housing despite median home values of only $85,400.

Seek support and rebuild gradually

Hooker County residents facing severe income constraints should prioritize debt reduction and emergency funds before investing; contact USDA or local nonprofits for financial counseling. Build wealth methodically through employer benefits, government assistance programs, and small consistent savings rather than expecting rapid portfolio growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hooker County

via CrimeByCounty

Hooker County Records a Perfect Safety Score

Hooker County reported a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents in 2022, far surpassing the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Setting the Bar for Nebraska Safety

Hooker County exceeds the Nebraska average safety score of 99.0 with its flawless 100.0 rating. Two reporting agencies confirmed no incidents, making it one of the quietest counties in the state.

The Safest Option in the Region

Hooker County’s zero-crime report is even lower than Holt County's impressive 147.8 rate. It stands out as a regional leader in public safety with no reported violent or property crimes.

No Incidents Reported Across Categories

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the latest reporting year. This indicates a high level of community security and very low demand on local law enforcement resources.

Defending a Zero-Crime Environment

While zero crimes were reported, staying proactive is the best way to keep a community safe. Basic steps like keeping garages closed and gates locked ensure that Hooker County remains a difficult target for any future crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hooker County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold, Snowy Highland Feel

Hooker County averages 48.5°F annually, placing it well below the national median. This region is defined by its high snowfall and cooler overall temperature profile.

One of Nebraska's Cooler Counties

The county's 48.5°F average is more than a degree cooler than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. This cooler climate is paired with precipitation levels that nearly match state norms.

The Snow Capital of the Region

Hooker County receives a massive 41.8 inches of snow annually, far exceeding state and regional averages. While rainfall stays at 24.3 inches, the winter moisture dominates the landscape.

Moderate Summers, Intense Winters

July averages a mild 73.3°F with 28 days of 90-degree heat. However, winter is the dominant season, with a Dec-Feb average of 27.0°F and heavy snow accumulation.

Gear Up for Serious Snow

Heavy-duty winter equipment is a non-negotiable requirement for managing over 40 inches of snow. Homes should be inspected for roof weight capacity and wind-tight sealing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hooker County

via SoilByCounty

The Heart of the Sandhills

Hooker County features an average pH of 6.68, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. Its soil score of 59.9 is slightly above the state average of 58.9, a surprising feat for such a sandy region. This area represents the classic, rugged soil profile of the central Nebraska Sandhills.

Extreme Sand and Low Clay

The soil is dominated by a massive 66.9% sand content, with only 5% clay and 6.8% silt. This makes the soil incredibly porous and lightweight, but it lacks the 'glue' provided by clay to hold it together. It is a delicate landscape that is highly susceptible to erosion if the native grasses are disturbed.

An Organic Matter Anomaly

The recorded organic matter is a staggering 16.38%, far exceeding the state average of 3.32%. Despite this rich organic content, the available water capacity is very low at 0.094 in/in. This contradiction means the soil is fertile but struggles to keep plants hydrated in the dry Sandhills climate.

Natural Drainage in the Dunes

Official drainage class and hydrologic group data are unavailable for much of this county's rural expanse. However, given the 66.9% sand content, you can expect extremely rapid drainage across most of the landscape. This prevents waterlogging but makes irrigation a constant necessity for any non-native plants.

Gardening on the Edge in Zone 5b

In zone 5b, native prairie grasses and wildflowers are your best bet for a successful landscape. If you are growing vegetables, you must use raised beds or heavy amendments to compensate for the incredibly low water capacity. Embrace the unique Sandhills ecology by planting drought-resistant varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hooker County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Challenges in the Sandhills

Hooker County presents a lawn difficulty score of 51.0, placing it right at the national median. While the 5b hardiness zone is standard for the region, the unique terrain of the Sandhills creates specific maintenance needs. You face a balanced set of conditions that reward attentive homeowners.

Mild Summers Help Offset Dry Spells

With only 28 extreme heat days, your grass is less likely to scorch compared to the state average of 34 days. However, you only receive 24.3 inches of annual rain, requiring supplemental irrigation to keep a lawn green. The 2783 growing degree days suggest a slower growth rate for your turf.

Working with Highly Sandy Foundations

The soil in Hooker County is extremely sandy, containing 66.9% sand and only 5.0% clay. This composition leads to rapid drainage and a high risk of nutrient loss through leaching. Your pH of 6.68 is excellent, but you will need to fertilize in small, frequent doses to keep the grass fed.

Severe Drought Affects Half the County

Currently, 53.6% of the county is in severe drought after 36 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. In this sandy environment, drought impacts are felt quickly because the soil holds very little reserve moisture. Prioritize watering the most visible areas and allow less-used grass to go dormant if needed.

Timing is Key in High-Sand Soils

Focus on drought-resistant species like Buffalo Grass that can handle the sandy soil and 5b winters. Your window for seeding starts after the May 7th frost and closes as the first frost hits on October 5th. Early autumn is often the best time to seed here, once the summer heat breaks but before the soil cools.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hooker County's county score?
Hooker County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 68.7 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 Hooker County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Hooker County ranks #15 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 Hooker County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Hooker County is $979, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Hooker County a tax score of 32.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hooker County?
The median household income in Hooker County, Nebraska is $49,464 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hooker County earns an income score of 10.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hooker County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Hooker County scores 68.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Hooker 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 Hooker 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.