countyscore
52.4
County Score
Schools 87Disaster Risk 86.3Health 71.5

County Report Card

About Keith County, Nebraska

Consistent with National Living Standards

With a composite score of 52.4, Keith County sits slightly above the national median of 50.0. It offers a lifestyle that aligns with the middle of the American experience.

Trailing the Nebraska State Average

The county’s score of 52.4 trails the Nebraska state average of 59.3. While it remains a viable community, it faces specific headwinds in safety and income compared to state leaders.

Elite Schools and Disaster Resilience

Education is a standout feature with a School score of 87.0, supported by a high Risk score of 86.3. Renters also find value here, with median gross rents averaging $772 per month.

Water Quality and Public Safety

The county identifies areas for improvement in water quality, which scores 22.5, and public safety at 37.3. Economic growth is also modest, reflected in an Income score of 33.2.

A Haven for Education and Stability

Keith County suits families and retirees who prioritize excellent schools and low environmental risk. It is ideal for those who prefer a quiet, low-cost lifestyle over high-income urban density.

Score breakdown

Tax17Cost58.6Safety37.3Health71.5Schools87Income33.2Risk86.3Water22.5Weather36.9
🏛17
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡37.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓87
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Perkins County
Nebraska
60.5
Arthur County
Nebraska
67.5
Deuel County
Nebraska
61.2
Sedgwick County
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McPherson County
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Garden County
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Chase County
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Grant County
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Deep Dives

Keith County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Keith County

via TaxByCounty

Keith County ranks above national tax average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Keith County

via CostByCounty

Keith County renters stretch tight incomes

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Keith County

via IncomeByCounty

Keith County Trails National Income Standard

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Keith County

via CrimeByCounty

Keith County Maintains Below-Average National Crime

Keith County reports 1,445.3 crimes per 100,000 residents, staying well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 97.7, reflecting a generally secure environment.

Comparing Keith County to Nebraska Averages

With a safety score of 97.7, Keith County falls slightly below the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 1,445.3 is roughly double the state average of 626.7.

Regional Comparisons with Western Neighbors

Keith County shows higher activity than neighbors like Kimball County, which reports a rate of 736.4. While higher than some rural peers, Keith remains safer than the national benchmark.

The Balance of Local Crime Stats

Property crimes like theft make up the bulk of local activity at 1,348.9 per 100,000. Violent crime is relatively rare at 96.4, which matches the Nebraska state average exactly.

Securing Property Against Local Theft

Because property crime is the main driver of local statistics, home security systems are a wise investment. Monitoring your perimeter can effectively deter the thefts that characterize most local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Keith County

via HealthByCounty

Keith County keeps pace nationally

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Keith County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Excellence in Keith County

Keith County operates a streamlined system of 4 public schools that serve a total of 1,052 students. The county's 2 districts manage a focused array of 2 elementary schools and 2 high schools to support the local student population.

State-Leading Graduation Success

Keith County reaches a stellar 95.4% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 86.9% and the national benchmark. The county earns a school score of 62.0 while maintaining a per-pupil expenditure of $9,607, demonstrating high efficiency compared to national spending norms.

Ogallala Public Schools Anchor the Area

Ogallala Public Schools is the dominant district with 845 students, while Paxton Consolidated Schools serves the remaining 207 students. There are no charter schools in the county, as these two traditional districts provide all public education services.

Large Centralized Schools and Rural Outposts

Most schools sit in rural settings, though one town-based school serves as a central hub with an average enrollment of 263 students. Prairie View School is the largest campus with 541 students, contrasting with the more intimate Paxton High School, which enrolls 97 students.

Invest in a High-Achieving Community

With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Keith County is a premier choice for families looking at homes in Ogallala or Paxton. Proximity to these top-tier schools continues to drive demand in the local real estate market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Keith County

via RiskByCounty

Keith County's disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Keith County

via WeatherByCounty

Bracing for high-heat extremes

At 50.3°F, Keith County sits below the national median temperature but features significant summer peaks. It represents a transition into the drier High Plains climate.

Warm and dry state profile

Keith County is warmer than the state average of 49.7°F but much drier. It receives only 19.9 inches of precipitation compared to the Nebraska average of 25.9 inches.

Hotter and drier than neighbors

Keith records 44 extreme heat days, far surpassing Kearney's 38 days. It is also significantly drier than Lincoln County, which sees 21.2 inches of annual rain.

Intense sun and light snow

Summers are harsh with 44 days over 90°F and a July average of 75.6°F. Snowfall is relatively light for the region at exactly 20.0 inches annually.

Water conservation is key

With only 19.9 inches of rain and 44 extreme heat days, residents must prioritize drought-resistant landscaping. High-SPF protection is essential for the long, hot summer stretches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Keith County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils Near Lake McConaughy

Keith County has an average pH of 7.15, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. Its soil score of 50.4 is below the state average of 58.9, reflecting the challenges of its more arid composition. These alkaline conditions may require specific plant selections that tolerate higher lime content.

Sand-Heavy and Quick-Draining

The soil is predominantly sand at 57.7%, paired with 27.5% silt and 11.9% clay. This sandy profile means the ground is easy to till but may struggle to hold onto nutrients compared to heavier soils. It is well-suited for specialized crops that require high aeration for their root systems.

Solid Organic Levels with Lower Capacity

The organic matter content is 3.25%, nearly matching the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity is lower at 0.151 in/in, trailing the state benchmark of 0.172. Gardeners here need to be mindful of irrigation, as the sandy soil loses moisture more quickly.

Managing Rapid Drainage

While specific hydrologic groups are not provided, the 57.7% sand content typically indicates rapid drainage and high permeability. This reduces the risk of standing water but can lead to faster leaching of fertilizers. Monitoring soil moisture is critical for success in this environment.

Vibrant Growth in Zone 5b

Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, Keith County is great for drought-tolerant natives and prairie grasses. With 3.25% organic matter, the soil provides a healthy start for a variety of landscaping projects. Consider starting a native wildflower garden to embrace the county's unique soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Keith County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climb for Keith County Turf

Keith County presents a difficult environment for traditional lawns, with a score of 40.9 out of 100. This is significantly tougher than the national average and falls well below the Nebraska state average. High heat and low moisture in Hardiness Zone 5b require a more hands-on management approach.

High Heat and Arid Air

The climate is demanding, featuring 44 extreme heat days per year—10 more than the state average. Precipitation is scarce at just 19.9 inches annually, far below the 30-inch ideal for standard turf. These factors, combined with 3,094 growing degree days, create a high-stress environment that requires drought-resistant strategies.

Sandy Soils Demand Moisture Retention

Local soil is dominated by 57.7% sand, which leads to rapid drainage and potential nutrient leaching. The pH of 7.15 is slightly alkaline but remains within a manageable range for most grass types. To improve the soil's foundation, adding organic matter can help hold water near the root zone.

Persistent Drought Challenges Water Use

The county has spent 46 weeks in drought over the past year, with nearly 30% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+). Since 100% of the area is abnormally dry, strict water conservation is essential. Smart irrigation controllers and morning-only watering schedules are critical tools for local lawn survival.

Choosing Resilient Grass Varieties

Buffalograss or heat-hardy Tall Fescue are the best bets for Keith County's arid climate. Seed after May 1 to avoid late spring frosts, and ensure your lawn is established before the October 18 fall frost. Focus on native or adaptive species to reduce the maintenance burden.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keith County's county score?
Keith County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Keith County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Keith County ranks #74 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 Keith County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Keith County is $2,204, with an effective tax rate of 1.40%. This earns Keith County a tax score of 17/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Keith County?
The median household income in Keith County, Nebraska is $58,132 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Keith County earns an income score of 33.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Keith County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Keith County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Keith 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 Keith County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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