Keith County's composite score of 70.5 towers 41% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong livability fundamentals. It ranks solidly in the upper third of American counties.
2 / 5
Slightly below Nebraska median
Keith County scores 70.5 compared to Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it just below the statewide middle ground. While marginally behind, it remains a competitive choice within Nebraska.
3 / 5
Risk resilience and affordability shine
Keith County excels in risk management with a score of 86.3 and maintains strong housing affordability at 81.6, with median home values of $157,000. Health outcomes score respectably at 74.7.
4 / 5
Income remains a constraint
The county's income score of 21.3 is among the lowest in this group, with median household income at just $58,132. Tax burden at 1.404% is also higher than several comparable Nebraska counties.
5 / 5
Reliable choice for value seekers
Keith County works best for families and retirees who prioritize low housing costs and stable economic footing over wage growth. It offers peaceful, affordable living with solid health and safety profiles.
Keith County's composite score of 70.5 towers 41% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong livability fundamentals. It ranks solidly in the upper third of American counties.
Slightly below Nebraska median
Keith County scores 70.5 compared to Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it just below the statewide middle ground. While marginally behind, it remains a competitive choice within Nebraska.
Risk resilience and affordability shine
Keith County excels in risk management with a score of 86.3 and maintains strong housing affordability at 81.6, with median home values of $157,000. Health outcomes score respectably at 74.7.
Income remains a constraint
The county's income score of 21.3 is among the lowest in this group, with median household income at just $58,132. Tax burden at 1.404% is also higher than several comparable Nebraska counties.
Reliable choice for value seekers
Keith County works best for families and retirees who prioritize low housing costs and stable economic footing over wage growth. It offers peaceful, affordable living with solid health and safety profiles.
Score breakdown
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🏛62.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Keith County's effective rate of 1.404% exceeds the national median of 1.281% by about 10%. The county's median property tax of $2,204 sits slightly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting below-average home values.
Upper-middle tier for Nebraska
At 1.404%, Keith County ranks in the top third of Nebraska counties by effective tax rate, about 10% higher than the state average of 1.281%. Roughly 30 of Nebraska's 93 counties impose higher property taxes than Keith.
Higher taxes than western Nebraska peers
Keith County's 1.404% rate exceeds nearby Deuel and Cheyenne counties by meaningful margins. Among the sparse-population counties of the panhandle, Keith maintains one of the steeper tax rates.
Median home costs $2,204 in taxes
A median-valued Keith County home at $157,000 carries an annual property tax of $2,204. The tax burden remains relatively stable whether homeowners have mortgages or own property outright, averaging $2,200 either way.
Assessment errors affect roughly one in seven homes
Across rural Nebraska counties like Keith, assessors sometimes miss market value changes or misclassify properties, leading to overassessment. Homeowners who believe their assessment is inaccurate can file a written appeal with the county assessor before the appeal deadline.
Keith County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio sits above national affordability comfort, reflecting housing costs that consume more than average. Median household income of $58,132 trails the U.S. average by $16,600, putting renters in a financially constrained position nationwide.
Among Nebraska's least affordable counties
Keith County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Nebraska's 14.2% average, placing it among less affordable counties statewide despite modest rent of $772. Lower incomes relative to housing costs create the affordability squeeze.
Lowest rent, lowest income in the region
Keith County's $772 monthly rent ranks lowest among peers, but so does its $58,132 median income—tying with Johnson County as the region's lowest earner. This affordability paradox means renters benefit from cheap housing but lack the income cushion of wealthier neighbors.
Keith County's housing burden breakdown
Renters pay $772 monthly while homeowners spend $853 on mortgages for homes valued at $157,000. Together, housing claims approximately 16% of household income, leaving families $9,300 annually absorbed by rent or mortgage obligations.
Keith County works for budget movers
If you're relocating with modest income expectations, Keith County's low rents ($772) and affordable home values ($157,000, $853/month mortgage) provide solid foundation. However, compare earning potential: stronger-paying regions like Kearney County might offset slightly higher housing costs.
Keith County's median household income of $58,132 falls $16,623 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning counties nationwide. This gap reflects limited job diversity and wage growth in the region.
Below State Average Income
Keith County earns $58,132 against Nebraska's state average of $66,880, a deficit of $8,748 per household. The county's per capita income of $35,660 approaches but slightly underperforms the state average of $36,101.
Keith Among the Region's Lowest Earners
Keith County's $58,132 median ranks lowest among the eight counties profiled, trailing Kearney County by $21,035. Only Keith and Kimball County (both under $60,000) struggle with significantly below-average earnings.
Housing Costs Consume Notable Income Share
Keith County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing costs are manageable but approaching caution territory relative to limited earnings. With a median home value of $157,000, property ownership is feasible but stretches household budgets.
Prioritize Debt Reduction and Savings Growth
Keith County residents should focus on high-yield savings accounts and employer matching programs to maximize every dollar earned. Building a 3–6 month emergency fund reduces financial vulnerability and creates a foundation for future investment opportunities.
At 77.1 years, Keith County's life expectancy is just below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 14.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county sits in the middle of the national distribution for chronic disease burden.
Slightly below Nebraska's average
Keith County's life expectancy of 77.1 years trails Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years by about 0.4 years. However, its 8.3% uninsured rate is close to the state average of 8.1%, indicating reasonable coverage access.
Exceptional provider resources
While Keith County's life expectancy ranks lowest among nearby counties, its healthcare infrastructure is exceptional: 73 primary care and 148 mental health providers per 100K—far ahead of neighbors like Johnson County. This robust provider network suggests concentrated healthcare services, possibly anchored by a regional medical hub.
High providers, higher uninsured rate
Keith County boasts outstanding provider availability, yet 8.3% of residents remain uninsured—slightly above the state average. The gap suggests that strong healthcare infrastructure doesn't automatically translate to universal coverage or affordability for all residents.
Use abundant resources to get covered
Keith County's excellent provider network makes this the ideal time to enroll in coverage. Contact your local health department or visit Nebraska's marketplace to bridge the insurance gap and access the quality care available locally.
Keith County scores 13.77 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and remaining well below the national average. This reflects solid protection across multiple hazard categories.
Lower risk than Nebraska
Keith County's composite risk of 13.77 is notably lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as one of the safer counties in the state. This advantage holds across most major hazard types.
Compared to nearby counties
Keith County's risk (13.77) falls between Kimball County (7.57) to the east and Lincoln County (48.57) to the south, reflecting a balanced risk profile. It outperforms Knox County (29.71) and significantly beats Lancaster County (90.74).
Your top natural hazards
Wildfire risk is Keith County's primary concern at 66.76, driven by grasslands and seasonal conditions. Earthquake risk (16.79) ranks second at a moderate level, while tornado risk (27.39) remains the third concern.
Insurance for peace of mind
Keith County residents should prioritize wildfire coverage, as this hazard significantly outpaces others in the county. Review your homeowners policy for wildfire exclusions and consider additional protection if you're in a high-grass or brush area.