countyscore
65.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.6Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Keya Paha County, Nebraska

Exceptional Livability in Rural Nebraska

Keya Paha County secures an impressive 65.1 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the highest-rated rural counties in the region.

Leading the State in Stability

Surpassing the Nebraska average of 59.3, the county stands out for its unique safety profile. It offers one of the most stable and low-risk living environments in the entire state.

Top-Tier Safety and Affordability

The county boasts nearly perfect scores in Risk (98.6) and Safety (97.5). Housing is extremely accessible, featuring a Cost score of 68.7 and median home values of $108,800.

Growth and Educational Opportunities

Lower scores in Income (40.1) and Schools (51.4) suggest fewer high-earning opportunities and educational resources. Taxes also remain a factor with a score of 28.6.

Perfect for Seekers of Peace

Keya Paha County is a paradise for those seeking ultimate physical security and affordable real estate. It is best for individuals who value peace and quiet in a low-risk environment.

Score breakdown

Tax28.6Cost68.7Safety97.5Health68.6Schools51.4Income40.1Risk98.6Water86Weather35
🏛28.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.2
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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50.7
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Deep Dives

Keya Paha County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Keya Paha County

via TaxByCounty

Keya Paha offers Nebraska's lowest tax rate

At 1.140%, Keya Paha County has the lowest effective property tax rate among Nebraska counties and sits well below the national median of 1.281%. The county's median property tax of $1,240 reflects the state's most affordable tax burden for homeowners.

Nebraska's most tax-friendly county

Keya Paha County's 1.140% effective rate stands approximately 11% below Nebraska's average of 1.281%, the best performance statewide. Only one or two Nebraska counties approach this rate, making Keya Paha a rare haven for tax-conscious residents.

Dramatically lower than surrounding counties

Keya Paha's 1.140% rate undercuts neighbors Boyd and Antelope by over 0.1 percentage points each. This substantial gap makes Keya Paha uniquely attractive within the rural north-central Nebraska region.

Median home costs just $1,240 yearly

The median Keya Paha County home valued at $108,800 incurs an annual property tax of only $1,240. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay $2,079 total, though outright owners pay just $896—the lowest in Nebraska.

Even low assessments can be verified

Even in low-tax counties like Keya Paha, homeowners benefit from reviewing their assessment for accuracy and fairness. Filing a simple appeal request with the assessor costs nothing and may reveal errors that reduce your bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Keya Paha County

via CostByCounty

Keya Paha County faces the highest rent burden

Keya Paha County residents spend 17.3% of their income on rent—among the least affordable ratios in the nation. With median household income of $60,313 and median rent of $867, this rural county demands an outsized housing commitment.

Nebraska's rental affordability crisis county

Keya Paha County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of Nebraska's least affordable for renters, far exceeding the state average of 14.2%. Limited rental supply and modest local incomes converge to create genuine affordability hardship.

Highest rents, middling incomes challenge renters

Keya Paha County's $867 monthly rent ranks highest among peers while incomes remain below average, creating the worst rent-to-income position regionally. This combination directly explains why local renters face the region's toughest affordability squeeze.

Keya Paha's housing dominates budgets

Renters pay $867 monthly while homeowners enjoy cheaper mortgages at $550 on homes valued at $108,800. This split reveals a rental market that strains incomes significantly while homeownership remains relatively affordable—a concerning gap for renters without assets.

Keya Paha requires intentional financial planning

Keya Paha County's high rents demand careful consideration: at 17.3% of income, renters here face genuine affordability stress despite low home values. If relocating, prioritize homeownership pathways or explore higher-income opportunities elsewhere in Nebraska before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Keya Paha County

via IncomeByCounty

Keya Paha Below National Income Benchmark

Keya Paha County's median household income of $60,313 falls $14,442 below the national median of $74,755, ranking it among lower-earning rural counties. This gap underscores economic challenges common to sparsely populated Great Plains regions.

Below Nebraska Average by Significant Margin

Keya Paha County earns $60,313 against Nebraska's state average of $66,880, a shortfall of $6,567 per household. The county's per capita income of $33,388 lags the state average of $36,101 by nearly $3,000.

Mid-Range Among Profiled Counties

Keya Paha County's $60,313 median places it in the middle band of eight-county comparison, between Lincoln County ($64,342) and Johnson County ($59,457). The county faces stiffer income competition from Kearney and Lancaster counties.

Rent-to-Income Ratio Signals Affordability Risk

Keya Paha County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio is among the highest profiled, approaching the 20% caution threshold for housing stress. A median home value of $108,800 remains affordable, but limited income growth constrains wealth-building potential.

Strategic Savings and Community Resources

Keya Paha County residents should explore community development programs and credit union membership to access affordable financial services and investment guidance. Automating even modest monthly savings ($25–50) protects against income volatility and builds long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Keya Paha County

via CrimeByCounty

Perfect Safety Scores in Keya Paha

In 2022, Keya Paha County reported zero crimes across two reporting agencies, resulting in a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is a significant departure from the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Leading Nebraska in Public Safety

The county ranks at the top of the state for safety, outperforming the Nebraska average safety score of 99.0. Its 0.0 crime rate is significantly lower than the state average of 626.7.

One of the State's Quietest Jurisdictions

While neighbors like Knox County report very low numbers, Keya Paha’s zero-incident year is a statistical rarity even for rural Nebraska. It stands as one of the quietest jurisdictions in the entire region.

No Violent or Property Crimes Reported

With no reported violent or property crimes in 2022, the data suggests a community with very few safety disruptions. While low reporting can occur in small populations, the current data shows zero activity.

Maintaining a High Standard of Safety

Even in a county with perfect marks, basic safety habits remain important for long-term peace of mind. Continue locking windows and doors to maintain the zero-crime status that makes Keya Paha unique.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Keya Paha County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data tells partial story

Life expectancy data for Keya Paha County is not publicly available, limiting full comparison to the national average of 76.4 years. However, 14.5% of residents report poor or fair health, which is slightly better than many national peers.

Data constraints, higher uninsured rates

While Keya Paha County's life expectancy remains unreported, its 9.4% uninsured rate exceeds Nebraska's state average of 8.1%, suggesting potential coverage challenges. The county's poor/fair health rate of 14.5% is relatively strong compared to state data, despite these barriers.

Rural isolation hampers access

Keya Paha County's provider data is not available, typical of very small, rural counties. With 9.4% uninsured and limited infrastructure data, residents likely face significant travel for specialized care compared to neighbors like Johnson County.

Coverage gaps in a small county

At 9.4% uninsured, Keya Paha County has the highest uninsured rate among regional peers, and provider data is not publicly available. Residents may face substantial barriers to accessing care due to geographic isolation and limited local healthcare infrastructure.

Don't delay on coverage

With a higher-than-average uninsured rate, getting covered is urgent for Keya Paha County residents. Reach out to Nebraska DHHS or visit healthcare.gov to find affordable insurance options and local health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Keya Paha County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Rural Education in Keya Paha

Keya Paha County operates the smallest school infrastructure in the region, with just 2 public schools serving a total of 86 students. One elementary school and one high school constitute the entire footprint of the county's single school district.

High Investment in Small Classrooms

The county spends $14,165 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Nebraska average and even beats the national average of $13,000. Despite this high investment, the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, though the small sample size often causes year-to-year fluctuations.

Single District Community Model

Keya Paha County Schools manages all education for the county's 86 students, providing a unified community experience. The county has zero charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school focus in this remote northern Nebraska region.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting

Attending school here feels entirely personal, with an average school size of only 43 students across two rural locations. Keya Paha County High School is the larger of the two with 48 students, while Spring View Elementary serves just 38 children.

Find Quiet and Connection in Spring View

If you value a tight-knit community where every teacher knows every student, Keya Paha County offers a unique lifestyle. Explore homes in the Spring View area to enjoy the benefits of a high-investment, low-ratio school environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Keya Paha County

via RiskByCounty

Keya Paha County's disaster risk

Keya Paha County scores just 1.46 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and representing one of the safest counties in the nation. Natural disaster exposure here is exceptionally minimal.

Nebraska's safest county

Keya Paha County's composite risk of 1.46 is dramatically lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80—the lowest in the state by a significant margin. This exceptional safety reflects minimal exposure to major hazard types.

Compared to nearby counties

Keya Paha County's risk (1.46) is substantially lower than all neighboring counties, including Johnson County (4.58), Knox County (29.71), and Kimball County (7.57). It stands alone as the region's safest jurisdiction.

Your top natural hazards

Wildfire risk is Keya Paha County's only notable hazard at 62.69, though this remains moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk (13.45) and flood risk (2.23) rank second and third but are quite minimal.

Insurance for peace of mind

Keya Paha County residents enjoy exceptional natural hazard protection, but wildfire insurance remains a sensible safeguard given the county's landscape. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude wildfire; a separate rider provides important coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Keya Paha County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool northern plains climate

Keya Paha County's 47.1°F average temperature is significantly lower than the national median. This northern border region experiences a brisk continental climate.

Among Nebraska's coldest counties

The county temperature falls well below the state average of 49.7°F. Its winter average of 23.5°F makes it one of the chillier spots in Nebraska.

Cooler than eastern neighbors

Keya Paha is cooler than Knox County, which averages 49.1°F. It also experiences fewer extreme heat days than Keith County, with 34 days versus Keith's 44.

Cold winters and mild summers

The January average is a cold 21.7°F, while July averages a moderate 73.9°F. Specific annual precipitation and snowfall data are currently unavailable for this location.

Prepare for deep freezes

Homeowners should focus on high-grade insulation to handle the 23.5°F average winter temperatures. Despite the cold, 34 extreme heat days still require functional cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Keya Paha County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of the North

Keya Paha County features an average pH of 6.82, which is nearly identical to the Nebraska average of 6.79. The soil belongs to the Entisols order, indicating relatively young soil with little profile development. Its soil score of 47.2 is lower than the state average, largely due to its high sand content.

Dominated by Loamy Fine Sand

This county's soil is 64.0% sand, the highest in this group, with just 21.8% silt and 12.8% clay. The dominant texture is loamy fine sand, which offers very little resistance to root growth but lacks significant nutrient storage. This mix is highly workable but requires consistent inputs to maintain productivity.

Lower Water Retention and Matter

The organic matter content is 2.57%, falling well below the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. Available water capacity is also low at 0.135 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.172. Producers often find that this soil requires careful water management to prevent crop stress.

Excessively Drained and Permeable

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. This means water moves through the profile very quickly, minimizing runoff but increasing the need for frequent watering. This drainage class is excellent for construction but challenging for moisture-loving plants.

Hardy Plants for Zone 5a

Keya Paha County sits in Hardiness Zone 5a, where winters are cold and the soil drains fast. Focus on deep-rooted plants or drought-resistant varieties like sage and buffalo grass that thrive in sandy loams. Mulching heavily will help you make the most of the 2.57% organic matter available.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Keya Paha County

via LawnByCounty

Cold and Sandy in Keya Paha

Keya Paha County holds a lawn difficulty score of 48.2, making it slightly more challenging than the national average. Situated in Hardiness Zone 5a, the shorter, cooler growing season presents unique hurdles compared to the rest of the state. Success here requires choosing plants that can survive harsh winters and fast-draining soil.

Cooler Summers and Brief Growing Cycles

The county experiences 2,770 growing degree days, which is lower than many of its southern neighbors. While heat is less of an issue with 34 days over 90°F, the shorter window between the May 10 spring frost and October 1 fall frost limits recovery time. While specific precipitation data is limited, the overall climate requires cold-hardy turf selections.

Navigating Loamy Fine Sand

The soil is classified as loamy fine sand, containing a high 64% sand content that leads to somewhat excessive drainage. A pH of 6.82 is nearly ideal for turf, facilitating easy nutrient absorption for the roots. Homeowners should focus on amendments that increase water-holding capacity to prevent the lawn from drying out too quickly.

A Year of Constant Dryness

Every part of the county is currently under abnormally dry conditions, following a full 53 weeks of drought over the past year. This persistent lack of moisture makes irrigation non-negotiable for traditional lawns. Utilizing drought-tolerant species and maximizing natural rainfall are key for long-term sustainability.

Ready for the Short Season

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues thrive in Zone 5a and can handle the local soil's drainage profile. The planting window is tight, so aim to seed immediately after the May 10 frost to allow for maximum root development. Despite the challenges, a well-managed lawn provides a vital green space in this rugged landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keya Paha County's county score?
Keya Paha County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 65.1 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 Keya Paha County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Keya Paha County ranks #33 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 Keya Paha County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Keya Paha County is $1,240, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Keya Paha County a tax score of 28.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Keya Paha County?
The median household income in Keya Paha County, Nebraska is $60,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Keya Paha County earns an income score of 40.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Keya Paha County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Keya Paha County scores 65.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Keya Paha 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 Keya Paha County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.