Jefferson County meets national livability standards
Jefferson County's composite score of 70.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 40%, delivering solid livability comparable to many better-known American counties. This performance reflects adequate balance across affordability and health dimensions, though with some constraints.
2 / 5
Slightly below Nebraska average
At 70.0, Jefferson County ranks just below Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the middle band of the state's 93 counties. The county performs adequately across available measures but lacks the standout strengths of top performers.
3 / 5
Solid housing affordability and health access
Jefferson County delivers respectable housing affordability (83.7) with median rent at $659 per month and median homes valued at $117,600. Health outcomes (74.1) remain adequate, and the county demonstrates moderate risk resilience (75.9).
4 / 5
High taxes and low incomes strain households
Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.453% is the highest in this group, paired with a median household income of just $60,568 and an income score of 22.9. This combination creates real budget pressure for working families in the county.
5 / 5
For budget-focused households with flexibility
Jefferson County suits retirees with modest pensions and families with flexible income sources who can weather higher tax rates. It requires more careful financial planning than top-tier peers but offers a livable rural option for those committed to the area.
Jefferson County meets national livability standards
Jefferson County's composite score of 70.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 40%, delivering solid livability comparable to many better-known American counties. This performance reflects adequate balance across affordability and health dimensions, though with some constraints.
Slightly below Nebraska average
At 70.0, Jefferson County ranks just below Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the middle band of the state's 93 counties. The county performs adequately across available measures but lacks the standout strengths of top performers.
Solid housing affordability and health access
Jefferson County delivers respectable housing affordability (83.7) with median rent at $659 per month and median homes valued at $117,600. Health outcomes (74.1) remain adequate, and the county demonstrates moderate risk resilience (75.9).
High taxes and low incomes strain households
Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.453% is the highest in this group, paired with a median household income of just $60,568 and an income score of 22.9. This combination creates real budget pressure for working families in the county.
For budget-focused households with flexibility
Jefferson County suits retirees with modest pensions and families with flexible income sources who can weather higher tax rates. It requires more careful financial planning than top-tier peers but offers a livable rural option for those committed to the area.
Score breakdown
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🏛61.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.453% ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, notably above the national median of 1.1%. The median property tax of $1,709 remains well below the national median of $2,690 due to rural Nebraska's lower home values.
Above state average, highest in this group
At 1.453%, Jefferson County's effective rate significantly exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the upper fifth of the state's 93 counties. Among the eight counties compared here, Jefferson carries one of the highest tax burdens.
Highest rate in the regional comparison set
Jefferson County's 1.453% notably outpaces nearly all neighboring counties, nearly matching Hooker County (1.431%) for the region's highest rate. Only Hamilton County (0.958%) and Holt County (1.139%) offer meaningfully lower alternatives nearby.
Median home taxes $1,709 yearly
On a median home value of $117,600, Jefferson County homeowners pay approximately $1,709 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that climbs to $2,018.
Challenge assessments given high rates
Jefferson County's elevated tax rate makes assessment accuracy particularly important. Overassessed properties carry a steeper cost here than in lower-rate counties, making appeals especially worthwhile.
Jefferson County renters spend 13.1% of their income on housing, slightly above the national household income baseline but reasonable for a rural Midwest county. With a median rent of $659 per month and income of $60,568, Jefferson County occupies middle ground for affordability.
Better than Nebraska's state average
At 13.1%, Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio beats Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $659 is notably lower than Nebraska's state average of $783, benefiting from lower rural housing costs.
Affordable rents in a mixed regional market
Jefferson County renters pay $659 per month—less than Harlan ($708), Hamilton ($776), and Howard ($811) but more than Hayes ($419) and Hooker ($581). At 13.1% affordability, Jefferson matches Howard County and beats most neighbors, making it a solid middle option.
Jefferson County's balanced housing budget
A typical Jefferson County renter earning $60,568 annually pays $659 per month—13.1% of their income. Homeowners pay $856 monthly for properties worth $117,600, requiring stronger income commitment but building equity in moderately priced homes.
Jefferson County balances rent and value
Jefferson County delivers below-state-average rents with solid affordability ratios, making it worth considering if you're comparing southeast Nebraska options. Compare this profile to nearby Harlan and Holt counties to evaluate which combination of rent prices, homeownership values, and local income levels fits your relocation goals.
Jefferson County's median household income of $60,568 falls $14,187 below the U.S. median of $74,755, a 19.0 percent gap. The county reflects economic patterns common to rural southeastern Nebraska.
Below Nebraska's county average
Jefferson County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Nebraska's 93 counties, with a median household income $6,312 below the state average of $66,880. The county's 9.5 percent deficit from state norms indicates below-average but not critically distressed economic conditions.
Virtually level with Hayes County
Jefferson County's $60,568 income matches Hayes County ($60,313) almost exactly, reflecting similar economic fundamentals in the south-central region. Both counties significantly outpace Hitchcock ($52,016) and Hooker ($45,854) counties.
Housing costs require careful budgeting
Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1 percent indicates housing costs consume roughly one-eighth of household income, slightly above the county's neighbors. The median home value of $117,600 remains accessible but represents a meaningful portion of local earning capacity.
Build savings despite income gaps
Jefferson County residents should establish automatic savings transfers even if modest—$50 or $100 monthly compounds significantly over decades. Focus on tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and employer retirement plans to maximize wealth growth with limited available capital.
Jefferson County life expectancy below U.S. average
At 76.6 years, Jefferson County residents live slightly less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, tracking closely to national norms. With 16.1% reporting poor or fair health—notably above the national 13.9%—the county faces health challenges despite average longevity.
Below-average health outcomes for Nebraska
Jefferson County's 76.6-year life expectancy falls slightly below Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years, placing the county in the lower half of state counties. The 16.1% poor/fair health rate also exceeds state norms, signaling concentrated health struggles.
Trailing healthier adjacent counties
Jefferson County's 76.6-year life expectancy trails Howard County (79.7 years) by over three years and Hamilton County (78.9 years) by two years, though it slightly exceeds Harlan (76.8 years). With only 56 primary care providers per 100K, provider access is limited compared to leading counties.
Moderate uninsured rate, limited provider access
At 7.3%, Jefferson County's uninsured rate matches Hitchcock County and tracks below the state average, but the county's modest 56 primary care providers per 100K creates access barriers even for insured residents. Mental health care with 71 providers per 100K is available but below regional leaders.
Insurance is step one for Jefferson County
While 92.7% of Jefferson County residents have insurance, the county's elevated poor health rate suggests barriers beyond coverage—possibly geographic or provider availability. If uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov immediately; if insured, ask your doctor about local specialists and telehealth options to overcome access gaps.
Jefferson County scores 24.11 on the composite risk scale, nearly matching Nebraska's average of 25.80, yet faces the state's most extreme wildfire risk at 72.96—among the highest in the nation. Tornado (50.48) is also notably elevated, while flood (25.00) and earthquake (11.10) remain moderate. The county's exceptional wildfire vulnerability makes it a significant natural disaster outlier despite its average composite score.
Highest wildfire risk in Nebraska
Jefferson County ranks in the middle tier for overall composite risk but stands out dramatically for wildfire exposure at 72.96—the highest-scoring wildfire risk of any Nebraska county. Tornado risk of 50.48 is also notably elevated, placing Jefferson in the state's upper tier for this hazard. The county's flood risk of 25.00 is the highest in this analysis, creating a multi-hazard profile focused on fire and water.
Highest wildfire of all counties analyzed
Jefferson County's wildfire risk of 72.96 dramatically exceeds all surrounding counties, including Holt County (70.45) to the north and Howard County (52.77) to the west. Tornado risk of 50.48 is also notably higher than most neighbors, matching Hamilton County (50.73). Jefferson County faces an exceptional fire exposure paired with elevated storm risk—the most hazard-prone county in this region.
Extreme wildfire; elevated tornado risk
Wildfire is an extreme and urgent threat, with a risk score of 72.96—the highest in Nebraska and among the nation's most dangerous counties for grassland and woodland fire. Tornado risk of 50.48 is the second-most significant hazard, compounded by flood exposure of 25.00. Residents face a multi-hazard environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Extensive wildfire protection essential
Jefferson County residents must immediately establish and maintain aggressive defensible space around homes, clearing all dead vegetation and fallen fuel within 150+ feet where possible. Comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wildfire, wind, hail, and flood damage is essential—consider separate wildfire and flood policies. Develop detailed evacuation plans for both fire and tornado events, and maintain emergency supplies ready for rapid departure.