Kimball County's composite score of 66.7 remains 33% above the national median of 50.0, confirming solid livability. It ranks above average nationally despite trailing some peers.
2 / 5
Below Nebraska's average
Kimball County scores 66.7 against Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Among these eight counties, it ranks seventh.
3 / 5
Affordability and risk management
Kimball County offers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 81.5 and median home values under $110,000. Its risk score of 92.5 demonstrates solid environmental and economic resilience.
4 / 5
Tax burden and health concerns
Kimball County's effective tax rate of 1.733% is the highest among these eight counties, with a tax score of 53.5 reflecting this burden. Its health score of 66.4 is also the lowest in this group.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious settlers
Kimball County appeals to those seeking very low housing costs and willing to accept trade-offs in health services and tax efficiency. It's suitable for independent individuals who prioritize land and space over convenience.
Kimball County's composite score of 66.7 remains 33% above the national median of 50.0, confirming solid livability. It ranks above average nationally despite trailing some peers.
Below Nebraska's average
Kimball County scores 66.7 against Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Among these eight counties, it ranks seventh.
Affordability and risk management
Kimball County offers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 81.5 and median home values under $110,000. Its risk score of 92.5 demonstrates solid environmental and economic resilience.
Tax burden and health concerns
Kimball County's effective tax rate of 1.733% is the highest among these eight counties, with a tax score of 53.5 reflecting this burden. Its health score of 66.4 is also the lowest in this group.
Best for budget-conscious settlers
Kimball County appeals to those seeking very low housing costs and willing to accept trade-offs in health services and tax efficiency. It's suitable for independent individuals who prioritize land and space over convenience.
Score breakdown
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🏛53.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.733%, Kimball County has Nebraska's highest effective property tax rate and exceeds the national median of 1.281% by 35%. This makes Kimball a notably expensive county for property owners despite modest home values in the panhandle.
Steepest property taxes in Nebraska
Kimball County's 1.733% rate stands approximately 35% above Nebraska's average of 1.281% and ranks first among all 93 counties. No other Nebraska county approaches Kimball's tax burden on residential properties.
Dramatically outpaces panhandle neighbors
Kimball County's 1.733% rate exceeds neighboring Cheyenne County (1.6%) and distant peers by significant margins. Within the panhandle region, Kimball stands as an outlier with the heaviest property tax load.
Median home costs $1,905 yearly
The median Kimball County home valued at $109,900 generates an annual property tax of $1,905. Homeowners with mortgages typically remit $2,203 when including escrow, reflecting the county's exceptional tax rate.
Appeal your assessment in high-tax county
In high-tax counties like Kimball, even small reductions in assessed value yield meaningful annual savings. Kimball County residents should verify their property assessments and consider filing appeals, which the county assessor handles without charge.
Kimball County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in the nation, with renters spending nearly one of every six dollars on housing. Median household income of $59,438 trails the U.S. average, intensifying the affordability strain.
Kimball ranks among Nebraska's hardest hit
Kimball County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds Nebraska's 14.2% state average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. At $853 monthly, Kimball rents rank highest in the county cohort, yet incomes remain modest.
Highest rents hit lowest-income households
Kimball County's $853 monthly rent ranks highest among all peers while its $59,438 income sits near the bottom, creating the second-worst affordability ratio regionally. Only Keya Paha County stretches renters tighter, making Kimball a challenging market for those without substantial savings.
Renters pay $853 monthly while homeowners spend $761 on mortgages for homes valued at $109,900. Together, housing claims about 17% of household income—nearly $10,200 annually—leaving modest room for other essential expenses.
Kimball County demands financial preparedness
Kimball County's high rents ($853) and high affordability ratios (17.2%) make relocation here risky unless you're confident in income stability. Compare this option against lower-cost Nebraska counties or regions with stronger job markets before committing.
Kimball County Significantly Below National Median
Kimball County's median household income of $59,438 trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,317, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationwide. Economic stagnation and rural outmigration characterize the region.
Second-Lowest Earner in Nebraska Sample
Kimball County's $59,438 median falls $7,442 below Nebraska's state average of $66,880, ranking near the bottom among profiled counties. Per capita income of $33,603 significantly underperforms the state average of $36,101.
Kimball Struggles with Regional Income Lag
Kimball County's $59,438 median places it second-lowest among eight counties, ahead only of Keith County ($58,132) and behind Johnson County ($59,457). Kearney County's $79,167 represents a 33% earnings premium.
High Housing-Cost Burden Emerging
Kimball County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest profiled, indicating tightening housing affordability despite a modest median home value of $109,900. Income growth lags housing cost inflation.
Strengthen Financial Foundations Intentionally
Kimball County residents should prioritize debt elimination and explore rural development grants or low-interest small-business loans to boost household income. Free financial literacy workshops through nonprofit organizations can unlock wealth-building strategies suited to limited resources.
At 76.0 years, Kimball County's life expectancy falls 0.4 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. A concerning 19.2% of residents report poor or fair health, significantly higher than the national average and indicating widespread chronic disease.
Nebraska's health challenge
Kimball County's 76.0-year life expectancy trails Nebraska's state average of 77.5 by 1.5 years—one of the state's lowest rates. With 12.1% uninsured, the county nearly doubles Nebraska's 8.1% state average, creating a coverage crisis.
Worst outcomes in the region
Kimball County's 76.0-year life expectancy and 19.2% poor/fair health rate are the worst among regional neighbors like Johnson County and Kearney County. Provider data is unavailable, but the health metrics suggest significant healthcare access barriers in this rural western Nebraska county.
Dual crisis: coverage and health outcomes
Kimball County's 12.1% uninsured rate—50% higher than the state average—leaves many residents without financial protection from illness. Combined with unavailable provider data and poor health metrics, residents face a compounded healthcare challenge.
Urgent: Get covered today
Kimball County's high uninsured rate demands immediate action. Visit Nebraska's marketplace, contact the county health department, or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore affordable coverage options and local health programs now.
Kimball County scores 7.57 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and remaining far below the national average. This reflects strong resilience across most natural hazard categories.
Safe region in Nebraska
Kimball County's composite risk of 7.57 is substantially lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it one of the safest counties in the state. This advantage extends across multiple hazard types.
Compared to nearby counties
Kimball County's risk (7.57) is lower than Keith County (13.77) and significantly outperforms Knox County (29.71) and Lincoln County (48.57). Only Keya Paha County (1.46) and Johnson County (4.58) surpass its safety profile in the region.
Your top natural hazards
Wildfire risk is Kimball County's primary concern at 55.22, though it remains moderate overall. Earthquake risk (26.05) ranks second—notably higher than in neighboring counties—while tornado risk (23.86) represents a third, lesser concern.
Insurance for peace of mind
Wildfire and earthquake coverage deserve attention from Kimball County homeowners, as these hazards show elevated risk compared to the county's other exposures. Review your policy to ensure these perils are covered or consider targeted riders.