countyscore
52.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.5Water Quality 86Schools 69.8

County Report Card

About Kimball County, Nebraska

Slightly Above the National Median

Kimball County’s composite score of 52.3 is just above the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard level of livability compared to the broader United States.

Navigating State Average Challenges

The county falls below the Nebraska state average of 59.3. This gap is largely driven by a heavier tax burden compared to other high-performing Nebraska counties.

Excellent Resilience and Affordable Homes

Disaster resilience is a major asset with a Risk score of 92.5 and a Water score of 86.0. Real estate is accessible for many, with median home values staying low at $109,900.

High Taxes and Health Outcomes

The tax burden is the primary challenge, evidenced by a very low score of 6.4 and an effective rate of 1.733%. Health scores also lag at 45.9, suggesting room for better wellness services.

Suited for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Kimball County is a fit for residents who want low-cost homeownership and high environmental safety. It appeals to those who can manage a higher tax rate in exchange for low entry prices.

Score breakdown

Tax6.4Cost55.3Safety68.7Health45.9Schools69.8Income37.3Risk92.5Water86Weather34.1
🏛6.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32
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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Deep Dives

Kimball County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kimball County

via TaxByCounty

Kimball County taxes highest in state

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kimball County

via CostByCounty

Kimball County renters carry above-average burden

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.

Kimball's housing costs dominate household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kimball County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kimball County

via CrimeByCounty

Kimball County Stays Far Below National Rates

Kimball County’s total crime rate of 736.4 per 100,000 is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. These figures support a solid safety score of 98.8.

A Comparison to Nebraska Safety Benchmarks

The county sits just below the Nebraska average safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 736.4 is slightly higher than the state-wide average of 626.7.

Safer Than Neighboring Regional Hubs

Kimball is significantly safer than Lincoln County, where the crime rate reaches 2,174.8 per 100,000. It offers a quieter and more secure alternative to the more active counties in western Nebraska.

Breakdown of Violent and Property Incidents

Violent crime is notably low at 58.9 per 100,000, which is roughly six times lower than the national average. Property crime accounts for 677.5 incidents per 100,000, making it the most frequent offense.

Preventing Minor Property Offenses

Preventing property crime is the best way to improve Kimball's safety profile even further. Simple steps like outdoor lighting can reduce the likelihood of the minor thefts reported by local agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kimball County

via HealthByCounty

Kimball County faces serious health gaps

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kimball County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in the High Plains

Kimball County maintains 3 public schools that provide education to 485 students within a single primary school district. The infrastructure consists of 2 elementary schools and 1 high school, serving a largely rural population.

Competitive Results on a State Budget

The county delivers a strong 90.0% graduation rate, which beats both the state average of 86.9% and the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 60.7 and per-pupil spending of $10,322, the county stays highly competitive with state performance metrics.

Kimball Public Schools Leads the Way

Kimball Public Schools is the central provider, educating 394 of the county's students across 2 campuses. Traditional public education is the exclusive model here, as the county currently hosts no charter schools.

A Dedicated Rural Campus Environment

All three schools in the county operate in rural locales with an average enrollment of 162 students. Mary Lynch Elementary is the largest campus with 227 students, while Potter-Dix Elementary serves as a smaller primary option with 91 students.

Discover Stability in Kimball Real Estate

Kimball County offers a stable, high-performing school system that attracts families looking for a rural pace with solid academic outcomes. Real estate near Mary Lynch Elementary is particularly popular for buyers prioritizing school proximity.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kimball County

via RiskByCounty

Kimball County's disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kimball County

via WeatherByCounty

High altitude and cool temps

Kimball County is quite cool compared to the national median, with an annual average of 45.4°F. This semi-arid region is defined by its high elevation and dry air.

Nebraska's cold and dry corner

Kimball is much cooler and drier than the state averages of 49.7°F and 25.9 inches. It averages only 16.3 inches of precipitation annually.

Snowier than its neighbors

Kimball receives 40.7 inches of snow, more than double the 20.0 inches seen in Keith County. It is also significantly drier than Lincoln County's 21.2 inches of rain.

Vast snowfall and mild summers

Winter is dominated by 40.7 inches of snow, while summer is relatively mild with a July average of 69.3°F. It sees only 30 days of extreme heat per year.

Snow gear is essential

A heavy-duty snowblower is a necessity for the 40.7 inches of annual snowfall. The dry 16.3-inch rain rate makes moisture-retaining soil additives vital for gardens.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kimball County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline High Plains Soil

Kimball County's soil has a pH of 7.15, making it more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. The county receives a soil score of 46.3, reflecting the limitations of a high-altitude, semi-arid environment. These levels suggest that lime-hating plants like blueberries will struggle without significant soil amendments.

Sand and Silt Dominance

The soil is composed of 53.0% sand and 32.2% silt, with a clay fraction of 14.4%. This sandy-silt mix creates a porous environment that allows for good air circulation around plant roots. While it is easy to dig and plant, it may not hold onto fertilizers as effectively as heavier clay soils.

Challenges with Organic Matter

Organic matter in Kimball County is 1.88%, which is below the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 3.32%. Despite this, the available water capacity is a respectable 0.170 in/in, nearly matching the state average of 0.172. This suggests that the soil can still support growth if organic inputs are increased.

A Focus on Moisture Storage

Although specific drainage classes are not provided, the 0.170 in/in water capacity indicates the soil holds moisture better than its sand content might suggest. Proper management is needed to protect the thin layer of organic matter from erosion. Understanding local hydrology is key to sustainable farming in this high plains region.

Gardening in the High Plains Zone 5a

Kimball County's Zone 5a climate requires tough plants that can handle wind and alkaline soil. Think about planting hardy herbs like lavender or robust grains that can tap into the soil's moderate water capacity. Start a small test plot this season to see what thrives in your local microclimate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kimball County

via LawnByCounty

The State's Toughest Turf Test

Kimball County is one of the most difficult places in Nebraska to maintain a lawn, with a score of 32.0. This is far below both the state average (54.2) and the national median (50.0). In Hardiness Zone 5a, the combination of extreme dryness and a short growing season creates a high-stakes environment.

Arid Conditions and Late Frosts

With only 16.3 inches of annual rainfall, the county receives barely half of the ideal 30-50 inch range for turf. The growing season is compressed, beginning late after a May 25 spring frost and ending early on September 26. Just 2,044 growing degree days are available, meaning grass grows much more slowly here than elsewhere in the state.

Fast-Draining, Alkaline Soils

The soil contains 53% sand, causing what little moisture falls to drain away rapidly. A pH of 7.15 is slightly above the ideal range, which can occasionally lock out specific micronutrients like iron. Regular applications of organic compost can help lower pH slightly and improve the soil's ability to hold onto water.

Severe Drought Is the New Normal

A staggering 100% of Kimball County is currently in severe drought, having spent the entire last year (53 weeks) under drought conditions. Traditional lawns are extremely difficult to sustain under these circumstances without heavy, expensive irrigation. Residents should consider xeriscaping or choosing the most drought-hardy native grasses available.

Strategic Planting for Survival

Buffalograss and Blue Grama are the only practical choices for this extremely arid Zone 5a environment. You have a very narrow window to seed between the late May frost and the early September freeze. High-effort maintenance is required here, but selecting the right species makes success possible.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kimball County's county score?
Kimball County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 52.3 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 Kimball County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Kimball County ranks #75 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 Kimball County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Kimball County is $1,905, with an effective tax rate of 1.73%. This earns Kimball County a tax score of 6.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kimball County?
The median household income in Kimball County, Nebraska is $59,438 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kimball County earns an income score of 37.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kimball County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Kimball County scores 52.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Kimball 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 Kimball 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.