CountyScore

Hooker County

Nebraska · NE

#13 in Nebraska
75.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Hooker County, Nebraska

Hooker County ranks among nation's most livable

Hooker County's composite score of 75.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 51%, placing it solidly in America's most livable rural counties. This exceptional ranking reflects outstanding affordability and near-perfect risk management.

Top-tier Nebraska performer

At 75.6, Hooker County ranks in Nebraska's elite tier of livability, exceeding the state average of 71.2 by 4.4 points. The county's strong composite score reflects disciplined performance across its measured dimensions.

Exceptional affordability and risk resilience

Hooker County boasts a remarkable 90.8 cost score with median rent at just $581 per month and median home values of $85,400—the lowest in this group. The county's extraordinary risk score of 99.7 signals near-perfect economic and environmental stability.

Incomes severely constrain opportunity

Hooker County's income score of just 13.3 represents the lowest in this group, with a median household income of only $45,854 that reflects limited employment options. The effective tax rate of 1.431% is also the highest, adding pressure to already-tight budgets.

Ideal for retirees and remote workers

Hooker County excels for retirees, pension recipients, and remote workers unconcerned with local wages, offering unmatched affordability and stability. Those relying on local employment or seeking income growth should consider more economically robust counties.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax62Cost90.8SafetyComing SoonHealth81.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.3Risk99.7WaterComing Soon
🏛62
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡99.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hooker County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Arkansas
75.6
Median income: $63,654
Baca County
Colorado
75.6
Median income: $40,380
Conejos County
Colorado
75.6
Median income: $47,209
East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
75.6
Median income: $72,899
Winn Parish
Louisiana
75.6
Median income: $46,368

Deep Dives

Hooker County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Hooker County

via CostByCounty

Hooker County stretches tight budgets

Hooker County renters spend 15.2% of their income on housing—notably above the national household income baseline and close to the least affordable markets. With the lowest median income in this county group at $45,854, even modest rents create real financial strain.

Above Nebraska's state average affordability

At 15.2%, Hooker County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, putting it among the state's less affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $581 is low, but the combination of very low median income makes housing costs proportionally higher.

Cheapest rent, but limited income

While Hooker County offers the lowest median rent ($581) in this county group, its 15.2% affordability ratio is worse than most neighbors because median income ($45,854) is significantly lower. Hayes County ($419 rent) and Harlan County ($708 rent) offer better affordability ratios despite higher absolute rental costs.

Income constraints drive affordability struggle

A typical Hooker County renter earning $45,854 annually pays $581 per month—15.2% of their income, leaving limited resources for other needs. Homeowners face median costs of $488 monthly for properties worth $85,400, creating tight homeownership situations for most residents.

Hooker County requires income stability

Hooker County offers the lowest rents here, but income levels mean housing still consumes a larger budget share than neighbors like Hayes or Harlan. Consider Hooker only if you have secure income or remote work; comparing profiles shows other counties provide better affordability cushions.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Hooker County

via HealthByCounty

Hooker County health status above average

While life expectancy data is limited, Hooker County's 15.3% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 13.9%, though not dramatically. The county shows moderate health status relative to the U.S. baseline.

Average health outcomes for Nebraska

Hooker County's 15.3% poor/fair health rate tracks slightly above Nebraska's typical health status, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Complete life expectancy data would provide fuller context, but current indicators show average performance.

Mixed provider access, moderate health burden

Hooker County's 15.3% poor/fair health rate mirrors Holt County's and slightly exceeds Hamilton County's (13.3%), though Hitchcock County remains worst at 16.6%. The county's exceptional 273 primary care providers per 100K—the highest in the region—suggests strong healthcare infrastructure.

Uninsured rate slightly above state average

At 9.1%, Hooker County's uninsured rate exceeds Nebraska's 8.1% average by a full percentage point, though the county's outstanding 273 primary care providers per 100K means insured residents enjoy exceptional access. Coverage gaps, not provider scarcity, are the access challenge.

Close Hooker's coverage gap today

With 9.1% of Hooker County residents uninsured—higher than most neighbors—now is the time to secure coverage and take advantage of the county's abundant primary care providers. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-855-270-2511 to find affordable plans that connect you to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hooker County

via RiskByCounty

Hooker County among America's safest

Hooker County scores just 0.35 on the composite risk scale, ranking it among the absolute safest counties in the United States. Every hazard category is minimal: flood (1.18), tornado (11.58), earthquake (4.87), and wildfire (40.49) all remain well below concerning thresholds. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's isolated Great Plains location with minimal natural disaster exposure.

Nebraska's second-safest county

Hooker County's composite score of 0.35 is the second-lowest in all of Nebraska, trailing only Hayes County (1.24) and dramatically below the state average of 25.80. Tornado, flood, and earthquake risks are all negligible, each scoring below 12 points. Even wildfire exposure, the county's highest-scoring hazard at 40.49, remains manageable and well below dangerous levels.

Safest county in this cluster

Hooker County's composite risk of 0.35 is dramatically lower than all surrounding counties, including Harlan County (32.03) to the east and Hitchcock County (6.84) to the south. Its tornado risk of 11.58 is the lowest in the region, and earthquake exposure is minimal at 4.87. Hooker County represents an exceptional pocket of natural disaster safety in northwestern Nebraska.

Wildfire only marginal concern

Wildfire is the only natural disaster with any measurable risk to Hooker County residents, scoring 40.49, though this remains below typical national concern levels. Tornado (11.58), earthquake (4.87), and flood (1.18) risks are all negligible. Most residents face minimal exposure to significant natural hazards.

Basic wildfire prevention suffices

Hooker County residents should maintain modest defensible space around homes by removing dead vegetation and keeping gutters clear, though the county's wildfire exposure is relatively low. Standard homeowners insurance is generally adequate for the overall disaster risk in this area. Annual property maintenance and situational awareness are sufficient for most households.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.