Howard County's composite score of 73.3 beats the national median of 50.0 by 47%, ranking it among America's most livable rural counties. This solid performance reflects balanced strengths in health care, affordability, and economic resilience.
2 / 5
Above-average statewide performance
Howard County ranks in Nebraska's upper tier with a 73.3 score, posting 2.1 points above the state average of 71.2. The county maintains consistent livability across its primary measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Health care and balanced affordability lead
Howard County excels in health outcomes (80.1), matching the top performers in this group, with solid housing affordability (79.9) at $811 median rent and $205,200 median home value. The county also maintains good tax discipline at 1.128% effective rate and demonstrates moderate risk management (75.8).
4 / 5
Income potential remains modest
Howard County's income score of 32.0 and median household income of $74,508 limit advancement opportunities for career-focused households. The cost score, while solid, trails some peers, reflecting slightly higher housing expenses relative to local incomes.
5 / 5
For health-conscious families seeking balance
Howard County suits families and professionals prioritizing excellent health care, reasonable housing, and stable rural living over maximum income growth. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a middle ground between affordability extremes and economic opportunity.
Howard County's composite score of 73.3 beats the national median of 50.0 by 47%, ranking it among America's most livable rural counties. This solid performance reflects balanced strengths in health care, affordability, and economic resilience.
Above-average statewide performance
Howard County ranks in Nebraska's upper tier with a 73.3 score, posting 2.1 points above the state average of 71.2. The county maintains consistent livability across its primary measured dimensions.
Health care and balanced affordability lead
Howard County excels in health outcomes (80.1), matching the top performers in this group, with solid housing affordability (79.9) at $811 median rent and $205,200 median home value. The county also maintains good tax discipline at 1.128% effective rate and demonstrates moderate risk management (75.8).
Income potential remains modest
Howard County's income score of 32.0 and median household income of $74,508 limit advancement opportunities for career-focused households. The cost score, while solid, trails some peers, reflecting slightly higher housing expenses relative to local incomes.
For health-conscious families seeking balance
Howard County suits families and professionals prioritizing excellent health care, reasonable housing, and stable rural living over maximum income growth. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a middle ground between affordability extremes and economic opportunity.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Howard County's effective tax rate of 1.128% sits slightly above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower half nationally. The median property tax of $2,314 remains well below the national median of $2,690, showing homeowners benefit from favorable rates despite moderate home values.
Among Nebraska's most tax-friendly counties
At 1.128%, Howard County's effective rate falls well below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the bottom third of the state's 93 counties. This makes Howard one of the more affordable counties for property tax purposes in Nebraska.
Competitive with rural county peers
Howard County's 1.128% matches closely with Holt County (1.139%) and slightly undercuts Harlan County (1.148%), establishing it as among the most affordable in the region. Only Hamilton County (0.958%) offers meaningfully lower rates in this area.
Median home taxes $2,314 per year
On a median home value of $205,200, Howard County homeowners pay approximately $2,314 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,356.
Appeal assessments that seem too high
Even favorable county rates don't protect against individual overassessments. Review your property tax notice and file an appeal if your assessed value exceeds recent sales of comparable homes.
Howard County renters spend 13.1% of their income on housing, slightly above national standards but reflecting stronger incomes and reasonable rural Nebraska rent levels. With a median household income of $74,508—nearly matching the national median—Howard County offers solid economic footing.
Better than Nebraska's statewide average
At 13.1%, Howard County's rent-to-income ratio beats Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, making it one of the more affordable counties statewide. The median rent of $811 is slightly above the state average of $783, but higher median income more than compensates.
Pricier rentals, but strong incomes offset
Howard County renters pay $811 per month—higher than most neighbors—but the county's median income of $74,508 is among the strongest in the group. This combination yields a 13.1% affordability ratio that beats or matches most surrounding counties despite above-average rents.
Howard County's robust housing position
A typical Howard County renter earning $74,508 annually pays $811 per month—13.1% of their income, leaving substantial resources for other expenses. Homeowners invest in properties worth $205,200 with median monthly costs of $915, among the most valuable homes in this county group.
Howard County rewards stronger earners
If you have a stable, above-average income, Howard County offers the best housing values and homeownership opportunities in the region, with median home values around $205,000. Compare this profile to neighboring Hamilton and Holt counties to find your ideal balance of income potential and housing costs.
Howard County's median household income of $74,508 runs $247 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it nearly at the national average. The county performs comparably to typical American households despite rural location.
Strong earner within Nebraska
Howard County ranks in the upper quartile of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a median household income $7,628 above the state average of $66,880. The county's 11.4 percent earnings advantage over typical Nebraska households reflects above-average local economic vitality.
Second-strongest earner in region
Howard County's $74,508 median trails only Hamilton County ($79,884) by $5,376 among nearby communities. The county substantially leads Harlan County ($70,536), Holt County ($67,225), and all southwestern counties, positioning it as a regional earnings center.
Housing costs well within budget
Howard County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1 percent means residents spend roughly one-eighth of income on housing, solidly within affordability norms. The median home value of $205,200 aligns well with local earning capacity.
Capitalize on income stability
Howard County residents enjoy near-national-average incomes with strong housing affordability—ideal conditions for wealth building. Max out employer 401(k) matches, establish individual investment accounts, and diversify holdings to create meaningful long-term financial security.
At 79.7 years, Howard County's life expectancy ranks among America's highest, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than three years. With just 13.9% reporting poor or fair health—right at the national average—the county demonstrates sustained wellness.
Nebraska's healthiest county by longevity
Howard County's 79.7-year life expectancy is the highest in Nebraska, surpassing the state average of 77.5 years by 2.2 years and leading all peers. The county's 13.9% poor/fair health rate matches state norms while longevity trends higher.
Region's longest life expectancy and lowest uninsured
Howard County's 79.7-year life expectancy exceeds all surrounding counties by at least a year, with Hamilton and Holt tied at 78.9 years and Hitchcock at 75.6 years. At 5.7%, Howard's uninsured rate is the lowest in the region, enabling broad access to care.
Exceptional coverage drives health outcomes
Howard County's 5.7% uninsured rate—1.4 percentage points below Nebraska's average and the best in the region—means 94.3% of residents have coverage for preventive and emergency care. With 77 primary care providers and 107 mental health providers per 100K, the county balances coverage with accessible care.
Howard's success starts with coverage
Howard County's exceptional longevity is no accident—widespread insurance coverage enables early care and prevention. If you're among the 5.7% uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov now to secure coverage and join the vast majority of Howard residents with access to the care that keeps the county thriving.
Howard County scores 24.20 on the composite risk scale, nearly identical to Nebraska's average of 25.80, placing it in the Very Low risk category nationally. Wildfire (52.77) and tornado (35.88) are the primary hazards, while flood (14.73) and earthquake (8.14) remain secondary. The county's risk profile is representative of central Nebraska's typical natural disaster exposure.
Typical risk for central Nebraska
Howard County ranks near the middle of Nebraska's 93 counties for overall disaster risk, with a composite score almost exactly equal to the state average of 25.80. Wildfire risk of 52.77 is notably elevated, placing the county in the upper range of state wildfire exposure. Tornado risk of 35.88 is moderate compared to neighboring counties, creating a balanced dual-hazard profile.
Lower tornado risk than Hamilton
Howard County's composite risk of 24.20 is substantially lower than Hamilton County (42.62) to the east but higher than Hayes County (1.24) to the west. Wildfire risk of 52.77 exceeds all immediate neighbors except Jefferson County (72.96) to the south. Tornado risk of 35.88 is lower than Hamilton's 50.73, reflecting safer atmospheric patterns in this area.
Wildfire and tornado co-equal threats
Wildfire is the dominant hazard with a risk score of 52.77, substantially outpacing tornado (35.88) as Howard County's primary natural disaster concern. Tornado remains a meaningful secondary threat, making the county vulnerable to both grassland fire and severe storm exposure. Flood and earthquake risks are minimal.
Prepare for wildfire and severe weather
Howard County residents should create extensive defensible space around homes by clearing brush and dead vegetation, given the elevated wildfire exposure. Ensure homeowners insurance includes wind/hail coverage for tornado and severe storm damage, and maintain a weather emergency plan. For rural residents, develop a wildfire evacuation route and keep property access roads clear.