CountyScore

Lancaster County

Nebraska · NE

#91 in Nebraska
60.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Lancaster County, Nebraska

Lancaster County above national average

Lancaster County's composite score of 60.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 21%, indicating solid livability. Though lowest among these eight counties, it still outperforms the nation overall.

Trails Nebraska significantly

Lancaster County scores 60.7 versus Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it notably behind the state baseline. Among these eight counties, it ranks eighth and represents Nebraska's weakest livability profile.

Health and income lead

Lancaster County's health score of 78.3 is strong, and its income score of 30.8 is second-highest in this group, backed by median household income of $72,625. It reflects an urban center dynamic.

Risk and housing costs are major issues

Lancaster County's risk score of 9.3 is critically low—the worst in this group—suggesting significant environmental or economic vulnerability, likely tied to urban density. Housing costs are steep, with median home values at $258,900 and median rent at $1,045/month.

Urban professionals with caution

Lancaster County suits higher earners and families accepting urban costs and risks for job opportunities and services. It's Nebraska's most urban profile here, but livability trade-offs are substantial.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax58.2Cost69.6SafetyComing SoonHealth78.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.8Risk9.3WaterComing Soon
🏛58.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤78.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lancaster County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Imperial County
California
60.7
Median income: $56,393
Fulton County
Illinois
60.7
Median income: $58,617
Iroquois County
Illinois
60.7
Median income: $62,439
Reno County
Kansas
60.7
Median income: $60,498
Charles County
Maryland
60.7
Median income: $120,592

Deep Dives

Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Lancaster County

via HealthByCounty

Lancaster County's longevity leads

At 79.1 years, Lancaster County residents live 2.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 13.7% report poor or fair health—the lowest among all comparison counties—indicating strong disease management and wellness.

Nebraska's health excellence

Lancaster County's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds Nebraska's state average of 77.5 by 1.6 years, making it one of the state's healthiest counties. Its 7.3% uninsured rate beats the state average of 8.1%, ensuring broad coverage access.

Best-in-region health outcomes and resources

Lancaster County's 79.1-year life expectancy is the highest in the region, and its 13.7% poor/fair health rate is the lowest. With 69 primary care and 448 mental health providers per 100K, it has by far the most robust healthcare infrastructure—reflecting its anchor city of Lincoln.

Excellent coverage, outstanding provider access

Only 7.3% of Lancaster County residents lack health insurance, and the county hosts Nebraska's densest network of mental health providers at 448 per 100K. This exceptional combination of coverage and access enables early intervention and comprehensive care.

Maintain your advantage

Lancaster County's health outcomes rank among the nation's best, powered by excellent coverage and provider access. Keep your insurance active by reviewing your plan annually at healthcare.gov and taking advantage of local preventive care services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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