countyscore
32.3
County Score
Health 83.4Income & Jobs 73.1Water Quality 71.5

County Report Card

About Lancaster County, Nebraska

Urban Pressures Lower Composite Scores

Lancaster County earns a composite score of 32.3, which is below the national median of 50.0. As a major population center, it faces the typical challenges of urban density.

Trailing Nebraska's High Rural Averages

The county ranks well below the Nebraska average of 59.3. High costs and urban safety issues distinguish it from the state's more affordable and secure rural areas.

Strong Incomes and Top Healthcare

High-tier health services (83.4) and strong income potential (73.1) are the primary draws. Residents earn a median household income of $72,625 in a robust local economy.

Safety, Risk, and Housing Costs

Density leads to lower scores in Safety (6.8) and environmental Risk (9.3). Housing is expensive for the region, with median home values of $258,900 driving the Cost score down to 19.3.

Best for Career-Focused Metro Residents

Lancaster County is ideal for professionals and students who value access to top-tier healthcare and job markets. It is the destination for those trading safety and affordability for metropolitan amenities.

2040608010010.119.36.883.436.973.19.371.545.1Tax10.1Cost19.3Safety6.8Health83.4Schools36.9Income73.1Risk9.3Water71.5Weather45.132.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Lancaster County DNA

Foverall

How Lancaster County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lancaster County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (83.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (6.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
10.1-41.9
Cost
19.3-28.7
Safety
6.8-48.2
Health
83.4+33.400000000000006
Schools
36.9-17.1
Income
73.1+22.099999999999994
Risk
9.3-37.7
Water
71.5+13.5
Weather
45.1-10.899999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$258,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,045/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$258,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,625/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Seward County
Nebraska
60.6
Saline County
Nebraska
46.4
Saunders County
Nebraska
58.7
Johnson County
Nebraska
62.9
Cass County
Nebraska
53.6
Butler County
Nebraska
70.4
Gage County
Nebraska
51.4
Sarpy County
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44.9

Deep Dives

Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lancaster County

via TaxByCounty

Lancaster County taxes above national average

Lancaster County's effective rate of 1.566% exceeds the national median of 1.281% by approximately 22%. The median property tax of $4,055 is 51% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lincoln's strong housing market.

Second-highest tax rate in state

At 1.566%, Lancaster County ranks second among Nebraska's 93 counties for effective tax rate, just behind Kimball County. The rate sits approximately 22% above Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, signaling higher municipal and school costs.

Highest taxes in metro Lincoln area

Lancaster County's 1.566% exceeds neighboring Saline (1.4%) and Saunders (1.3%) counties by substantial margins. As Nebraska's most urbanized county, Lancaster bears higher service and infrastructure costs reflected in property taxes.

Median home costs $4,055 yearly

A median-valued Lancaster County home at $258,900 generates an annual property tax of $4,055. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners typically remit $4,079, making property taxes one of the region's largest household expenses.

Lincoln-area homeowners should verify assessments

In rapid-growth counties like Lancaster, assessments can lag or overestimate property values, leading to overpayment. Lancaster County residents should obtain their assessment and compare it against recent sales of similar homes before filing appeals if warranted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lancaster County

via CostByCounty

Lancaster County's high costs demand high income

Lancaster County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio matches national affordability concern thresholds, with renters spending over one-sixth of income on housing alone. Median household income of $72,625—nearly matching the U.S. average—still leaves renters paying $1,045 monthly, the highest in the county cohort.

Lancaster County: Nebraska's most expensive rental market

Lancaster County's $1,045 monthly rent and 17.3% rent-to-income ratio represent the state's priciest rental market, exceeding even the strongest-income peers. Only here and Keya Paha County push renters past 17% of income for housing, but Lancaster does so at significantly higher absolute costs.

Highest rents in the state drive affordability crisis

Lancaster County's $1,045 monthly rent dwarfs all peers—it's $198 more than Keya Paha County and $373 more than Knox County—reflecting an urban rental market. Despite above-average incomes, Lancaster renters carry the region's highest affordability burden.

Lancaster's housing dominates urban household budgets

Renters pay $1,045 monthly while homeowners spend $1,305 on mortgages for homes valued at $258,900—the state's priciest market. Together, housing claims 17% of household income, demanding $12,400 annually just for housing costs.

Lancaster County for high-income urban seekers

Lancaster County demands strong, stable income: at 17.3% of earnings toward rent, you'll need confidence in employment and earnings to thrive here. If relocating for urban amenities and career growth, Lancaster's higher home values ($258,900) and rental costs ($1,045) may be justified—but compare against lower-cost Nebraska alternatives first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lancaster County

via IncomeByCounty

Lancaster County Edges Above National Median

Lancaster County's median household income of $72,625 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $2,130, placing it slightly below the national standard. This strong performance reflects Lancaster's status as Nebraska's urban economic hub.

Second-Highest Earner in Nebraska

Lancaster County's $72,625 median exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by $5,745 and ranks second among profiled counties. Per capita income of $40,663 significantly tops the state average of $36,101 by $4,562.

Lancaster Leads Urban Economic Performance

Lancaster County's $72,625 median ranks second only to Kearney County ($79,167) among eight profiled counties, outpacing rural competitors like Lincoln County ($64,342) by $8,283. The county benefits from Lincoln's urban employment base and diversified economy.

Higher Home Costs Offset Strong Earnings

Lancaster County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ties for highest among profiled counties despite strong median income, reflecting elevated housing costs in Lincoln's urban market. A median home value of $258,900 requires significant household earnings—which the county provides.

Leverage Urban Advantages for Wealth Building

Lancaster County residents enjoy above-average income enabling aggressive investment in real estate equity, retirement plans, and diversified portfolios. Urban employment opportunities and educational institutions support career advancement and long-term wealth accumulation strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lancaster County

via CrimeByCounty

Lancaster County Crime Tracks Above National Average

Lancaster County reports a total crime rate of 3,133.9 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.1.

Higher Activity Than the Nebraska Average

The county sits below the state average safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate is nearly five times higher than Nebraska’s state average of 626.7.

Urban Challenges Compared to Rural Neighbors

As a major population center, Lancaster sees higher crime than rural neighbors like Johnson County. However, its violent crime rate of 374.5 is nearly identical to the national average of 369.8.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary issue, occurring at a rate of 2,759.4 per 100,000 residents. This indicates that most local incidents involve theft or burglary rather than physical harm.

Protecting Urban Properties

Residents in busier counties should take proactive steps to secure their homes. Visible security cameras and alarms are highly effective at discouraging the property crimes common in urban centers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lancaster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Nebraska's Major Urban Education Hub

Lancaster County is home to a massive educational infrastructure with 95 public schools serving nearly 48,000 students across 9 districts. This diverse system includes 47 elementary schools, 17 middle schools, 24 high schools, and 12 alternative education centers.

Managing Scale on a Tight Budget

The county faces challenges with an 81.5% graduation rate, which falls below the state average of 86.9%. School districts here operate on $7,884 per pupil, a figure significantly lower than both the state average and the $13,000 national benchmark.

Lincoln Public Schools Dominates the Region

Lincoln Public Schools is the primary district, managing 76 schools and 41,850 students. While there are no charter schools, the county offers 12 alternative schools and 3 special education facilities to meet varied student needs.

A Bustling City School Experience

With 75 schools located in the city, the average campus size is 599 students, though many high schools are much larger. Lincoln East High is the largest with 2,268 students, offering an urban experience vastly different from the county's 18 rural schools.

Diverse Living Near Lincoln Schools

Whether you want a large urban high school or a smaller rural elementary, Lancaster County offers more options than anywhere else in the state. Researching specific neighborhood schools is a critical step for families buying in the Lincoln metro area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lancaster County

via RiskByCounty

Lancaster County's disaster risk

Lancaster County scores 90.74 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and far exceeding the national average. This reflects significant exposure across multiple major hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.

Highest risk county in Nebraska

Lancaster County's composite risk of 90.74 is more than triple Nebraska's state average of 25.80—the highest in the entire state. This exceptional vulnerability stems from consistently elevated scores across nearly every hazard category.

Compared to nearby counties

Lancaster County's risk (90.74) dwarfs all neighboring counties, including Lincoln County (48.57), Kearney County (30.95), and Johnson County (4.58). It stands alone as the region's most vulnerable jurisdiction by a dramatic margin.

Your top natural hazards

Tornado risk is Lancaster County's most critical hazard at 98.76—among the highest in the nation—followed by wildfire risk at 93.70 and flood risk at 85.46. This county faces compounded exposure to multiple severe weather phenomena.

Insurance for peace of mind

Lancaster County residents face exceptional natural disaster risk and comprehensive insurance coverage is essential. Ensure your policy covers tornadoes, flooding (typically requires separate flood insurance), and wildfires; consider speaking with an agent about additional protection options.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lancaster County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Record in Lancaster County

Lancaster County maintains an A grade with only one health violation reported in five years. This results in an exceptionally low violation rate of 0.3 per 100,000 residents, far below the Nebraska average of 110.3. The county's urban and rural water systems demonstrate high reliability.

Widespread Impairment in Assessed Water Bodies

Nine out of ten water bodies in Lancaster County are impaired, representing a 90.0% failure rate in the 2022 reporting cycle. E. coli and atrazine are the primary pollutants identified in these assessments. This impairment level is significantly higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Lincoln Area Benefits from Dense Monitoring

Lancaster County features 26 monitoring sites that have produced 9,045 measurements over the last five years. This high density of data focuses on physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristic groups. Such extensive tracking allows for precise identification of pollution sources in both urban and agricultural zones.

Salt Creek Flows Dip Below Average

Salt Creek at 70th Street in Lincoln is currently discharging 71 cfs, just 26% of its long-term mean of 276 cfs. This low flow reduces the creek's ability to process urban runoff and agricultural discharge. Lower water levels often lead to higher concentrations of atrazine and other detected pollutants.

Addressing Urban Runoff and Low Flow

High impairment rates from atrazine and E. coli suggest that residents should use caution when using local surface water for recreation. Since Salt Creek is flowing at only 26% of its mean, pollutants may not be diluting as effectively as usual. Continue to trust tap water given the A grade, but support local efforts to reduce pesticide runoff.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lancaster County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical four-season Midwestern climate

Lancaster County's 51.2°F average temperature is below the national median. It experiences a moist, continental climate with distinct seasonal transitions.

Warmer and wetter than average

The county is warmer and wetter than the state averages of 49.7°F and 25.9 inches. It receives a robust 31.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Milder winters than northern counties

Lancaster's 28.0 inches of snow is significantly less than Knox County's 38.6 inches. Its 51.2°F average temperature closely tracks with Johnson County's 51.3°F.

Humid summers and snowy winters

July averages 76.3°F with 33 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winter brings a steady 28.0 inches of snow and a January average of 24.2°F.

Manage heat and moisture

With 31.0 inches of rain, basement waterproofing is a wise investment for local homeowners. Residents should also prepare for about a month of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lancaster County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Edge of the Capital County

Lancaster County features a pH of 6.11, the most acidic in this set and notably lower than the state average of 6.79. Despite this acidity, the county maintains a strong soil score of 61.4, which is higher than the state average. This suggests a very productive soil that may require occasional lime applications for certain crops.

Heavy Silt and Clay Content

With 49.6% silt and 28.0% clay, this soil has a very fine, heavy texture with only 17.7% sand. This composition is excellent for holding onto essential plant nutrients and minerals. However, it can be prone to drainage issues or compaction if worked while it is too wet.

Superior Moisture Retention

Lancaster County boasts an available water capacity of 0.183 in/in, which is higher than the Nebraska average of 0.172. The organic matter content is 2.81%, beating the national average but sitting below the state's 3.32% benchmark. This high water capacity is a major asset during the hot Nebraska summers.

Dense Soils and Water Planning

No specific drainage class is documented, but the 28.0% clay content typically points toward slower water movement. The high available water capacity means the soil acts as a sponge, storing moisture deeply for plant roots. Homeowners should ensure their properties have adequate surface drainage to handle heavy rains.

Diverse Planting in Zone 6a

As one of the few Zone 6a regions in Nebraska, Lancaster County offers a slightly longer growing season. The silty, moisture-rich soil is fantastic for lush landscaping and high-yield vegetable gardens. Join the local gardening community and see what these 61.4-score soils can produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lancaster County

via LawnByCounty

Superior Growing in the State Capital

Lancaster County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 64.3, making it one of the easier places in Nebraska to keep a lawn green. It outpaces the state average of 54.2 and benefits from being in the warmer Hardiness Zone 6a. This rating reflects a climate that is more forgiving than the arid western half of the state.

Ideal Rainfall and Long Seasons

With 31.0 inches of annual precipitation, Lancaster County hits the 'sweet spot' for lawn health without constant irrigation. The 3,471 growing degree days support a vigorous growing season that stretches from late April to mid-October. Though the county sees 33 days of extreme heat, the moisture levels help cool-season grasses survive the peak of summer.

Acidic Clay Requires Attention

The soil pH of 6.11 is on the lower end of the ideal range, meaning some lawns might benefit from a light lime application to boost nutrient availability. The soil is heavy, containing 28% clay and only 17.7% sand, which can lead to drainage issues during heavy storms. Annual aeration is highly recommended to prevent soil compaction in these heavy clay conditions.

Resilience Amidst Abnormally Dry Spells

While 84.1% of the county is considered abnormally dry, there is currently no severe drought (D2+) present. Over the past year, the area faced 24 weeks of drought, which is relatively low compared to western Nebraska. Monitoring your lawn for signs of wilt during dry weeks will keep your turf ahead of any stress cycles.

Taking Advantage of Zone 6a

The warmer Zone 6a status allows for a wider variety of grasses, including high-quality Tall Fescue blends and even some Perennial Ryegrass. Start seeding projects after the April 23 frost, and you'll have until October 13 before the first fall freeze. With these favorable numbers, your lawn is set up for success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lancaster County's county score?
Lancaster County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 32.3 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 Lancaster County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Lancaster County ranks #92 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 Lancaster County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Lancaster County is $4,055, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Lancaster County a tax score of 10.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lancaster County?
The median household income in Lancaster County, Nebraska is $72,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lancaster County earns an income score of 73.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lancaster County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Lancaster County scores 32.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #92 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Lancaster 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 Lancaster County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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