countyscore
39.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 59.2Soil Quality 57

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Nebraska

A Challenging National Comparison

Lincoln County carries a composite score of 39.1, placing it below the national median of 50.0. It struggles to compete with national averages across safety and cost metrics.

Below the Nebraska State Average

The county ranks lower than the Nebraska state average of 59.3. Higher local costs and lower safety ratings differentiate it from more stable neighboring counties.

Great Water and Solid Schools

Reliable water quality (86.0) and decent schools (59.2) provide a solid foundation for families. The median household income of $64,342 offers a middle-ground economic experience.

Public Safety and Tax Pressures

Public safety is a notable concern with a score of 18.2, while a high tax burden (13.8) further impacts residents. The effective tax rate of 1.477% is relatively high for the region.

Suited for Infrastructure-Focused Residents

Lincoln County suits residents who need the amenities of a larger hub and value quality water and education. It is best for those who can navigate the trade-offs of urban safety and fiscal costs.

Score breakdown

Tax13.8Cost39.5Safety18.2Health55.3Schools59.2Income51.4Risk51.4Water86Weather37.8
🏛13.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.4
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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Nearby counties

McPherson County
Nebraska
68.3
Logan County
Nebraska
67.9
Hayes County
Nebraska
65.8
Frontier County
Nebraska
65.1
Keith County
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52.4
Perkins County
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Dawson County
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Thomas County
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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County taxes above national average

At 1.477%, Lincoln County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.281% by about 15%. The median property tax of $2,704 closely matches the national median of $2,690, showing typical tax burden despite higher-than-average home values.

Upper-middle tier in Nebraska

Lincoln County's 1.477% effective rate ranks in the top third of Nebraska counties, approximately 15% above the state average of 1.281%. About 25-30 Nebraska counties impose higher property tax rates than Lincoln.

Moderate taxes for western Nebraska

Lincoln County's 1.477% rate falls between the higher-taxing Keith County (1.404%) and lower-taxing Dawson County (1.4%) in west-central Nebraska. This positions Lincoln as reasonably competitive within its regional peer group.

Median home costs $2,704 yearly

A median-valued Lincoln County home at $183,100 carries an annual property tax of $2,704. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,747 total, while outright owners pay $2,637, reflecting consistent tax obligations across ownership types.

Challenge inflated assessments in Lincoln County

Many Lincoln County homeowners don't realize their assessed values may exceed fair market prices, particularly in growing communities. Filing a free assessment appeal with the county assessor is a simple way to verify your valuation and potentially reduce annual taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County renters face above-average strain

Lincoln County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio sits above national affordability comfort, with renters dedicating more than one of every six dollars to housing. At $867 monthly rent and $64,342 median household income, local residents experience meaningful affordability pressure.

Above Nebraska average in rental affordability burden

Lincoln County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Nebraska's 14.2% state average, ranking it among the state's less affordable counties for renters. Rents of $867 rank second-highest regionally, straining incomes despite modest local earnings.

High rents with middle-tier income support

Lincoln County's $867 monthly rent ranks second-highest among peers while its $64,342 income sits in the regional middle, creating above-average affordability pressure. Only Lancaster County (at $1,045) charges more for rent, making Lincoln the second-costliest rental market here.

Lincoln County's dual housing cost structure

Renters pay $867 monthly while homeowners spend $992 on mortgages for homes valued at $183,100. Together, housing claims approximately 16% of household income—roughly $10,300 annually—placing significant weight on family budgets across both tenure types.

Lincoln County suits financially prepared relocators

Lincoln County's elevated rents ($867) and affordability burden (16.2%) require careful financial planning, though homes ($183,100) remain moderately priced. If relocating, ensure income stability and compare against lower-cost counties like Knox before committing to this market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County Below National Income Average

Lincoln County's median household income of $64,342 falls $10,413 below the national median of $74,755, reflecting rural economic constraints. The county maintains modest prosperity but lags broader U.S. income trends.

Below Nebraska State Average

Lincoln County earns $64,342 against Nebraska's state average of $66,880, trailing by $2,538 per household. Per capita income of $34,117 approaches but slightly underperforms the state average of $36,101.

Lincoln Mid-Tier Among County Earners

Lincoln County's $64,342 median ranks fifth among eight counties profiled, above lower-earning rural counties but below Lancaster and Kearney. Knox County ($64,821) barely edges Lincoln, reflecting comparable rural economic dynamics.

Housing Costs Consume Meaningful Income Share

Lincoln County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing affordability strain relative to limited median income, approaching the 20% caution threshold. A median home value of $183,100 requires disciplined household budgeting.

Build Wealth Through Consistent Discipline

Lincoln County residents should automate savings transfers to build emergency funds and explore employer retirement benefits maximizing tax advantages. Community credit unions and local financial institutions often offer wealth-building programs tailored to rural income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Crime Stays Below National Marks

Lincoln County reports a total crime rate of 2,174.8 per 100,000, which is slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.6.

Local Statistics vs. Nebraska Averages

Its safety score of 96.6 is lower than the Nebraska average of 99.0. The total crime rate of 2,174.8 is significantly higher than the state average of 626.7.

Regional Activity vs. Neighboring Counties

Lincoln County reports more incidents than nearby Kimball County, which sits at 736.4. It serves as a regional hub with higher activity than its more rural neighbors.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

Property crime drives the statistics here, with 2,024.2 incidents per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains lower than the national average, occurring at a rate of 150.6.

Focusing on Property Security

With property crime tracking close to national levels, home security is a priority. Robust locks and well-lit entryways can help residents avoid becoming part of the local theft statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County's concerning health gap

At 75.2 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy falls 1.2 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 19.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health—the highest among all counties reviewed—Lincoln County faces a significant chronic disease burden.

State's weakest life expectancy

Lincoln County's 75.2-year life expectancy trails Nebraska's state average of 77.5 by a troubling 2.3 years, the largest gap in the state. However, its 7.3% uninsured rate matches Lancaster County and beats the state average, suggesting coverage is not the primary barrier to health.

Poorest health despite decent providers

Lincoln County's 75.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in the entire region, and its 19.4% poor/fair health rate is the worst. Yet it has strong provider availability with 53 primary care and 315 mental health providers per 100K, suggesting that access alone does not explain the poor outcomes.

Coverage okay, but health outcomes crisis

Lincoln County's 7.3% uninsured rate is competitive, and provider availability is strong at 53 primary care and 315 mental health providers per 100K. The disconnect between infrastructure and outcomes suggests underlying social factors—poverty, education, or employment—driving worse health despite available care.

Start with coverage, plan for wellness

Lincoln County faces a health crisis that extends beyond insurance; coverage is the foundation. Ensure you and your family are insured through Nebraska's marketplace, then work with your provider on preventive care and chronic disease management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Regional Education Powerhouse

Lincoln County supports 5,269 students through 22 public schools organized into 6 school districts. The system includes 12 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 6 high schools, serving as the central educational hub for west-central Nebraska.

High Graduation Success on Lean Spending

Lincoln County maintains a strong 90.8% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national averages. The districts achieve this with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,938, which is nearly $2,600 less than the Nebraska state average of $10,521.

North Platte Public Schools at the Center

North Platte Public Schools is the largest district by far, managing 12 schools and 3,782 students. Sutherland and Maxwell Public Schools also provide important regional options, though no charter schools exist in the county.

Mixing Town Hubs with Rural Outposts

The county features 10 town-based schools and 12 rural locations, with an average school size of 240 students. North Platte High School is the largest with 1,212 students, while elementary schools like Jefferson offer a smaller setting for 296 students.

Find Your Home Near North Platte Schools

With excellent graduation rates and a variety of school sizes, Lincoln County is a great place to settle. Consider homes in North Platte for urban amenities or Hershey and Sutherland for a more rural school experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County's disaster risk

Lincoln County scores 48.57 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting above the national average. This reflects moderate-to-elevated exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes.

Higher-risk county in Nebraska

Lincoln County's composite risk of 48.57 significantly exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it one of the more vulnerable counties in the state. Tornado and wildfire risks particularly contribute to this above-average profile.

Compared to nearby counties

Lincoln County's risk (48.57) is substantially higher than Keith County (13.77), Johnson County (4.58), and Kearney County (30.95), but notably lower than Lancaster County (90.74). It ranks second-most vulnerable among the counties in this region.

Your top natural hazards

Tornado risk is Lincoln County's most significant hazard at 62.79, followed closely by wildfire risk at 74.62. Flood risk (48.47) and earthquake risk (31.81) represent secondary concerns, creating a diverse hazard profile.

Insurance for peace of mind

Lincoln County residents should prioritize tornado and wildfire coverage, as both hazards pose notably elevated risk compared to state and national averages. Review your policy to ensure comprehensive protection; standard homeowners policies often exclude tornadoes and wildfires.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

A dry, temperate environment

Lincoln County averages 49.5°F, placing it below the national median temperature. It features the low humidity and wide temperature ranges of the Great Plains.

Drier than the Nebraska norm

The county's 21.2 inches of precipitation is lower than the state average of 25.9 inches. Its 49.5°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the state norm of 49.7°F.

Wetter than its western neighbors

Lincoln is wetter than Keith County, which receives 19.9 inches of rain. However, it receives much less snow than Kimball County's 40.7-inch average.

Heat waves and crisp winters

Residents experience 38 extreme heat days per year with a July average of 74.6°F. Snowfall averages 26.2 inches, occurring mostly between December and February.

Prepare for temperature swings

Versatile wardrobes are necessary to handle the 50-degree difference between winter and summer averages. The 38 extreme heat days require reliable cooling and hydration.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Entisols in the Platte Valley

Lincoln County has an average pH of 7.02, making it slightly more alkaline than the national median but very close to the state average. The soil primarily consists of Entisols and holds a soil score of 57.0, which is near the state average of 58.9. This provides a reliable, neutral environment for a wide range of plant life.

Versatile Silt Loam Texture

The dominant texture is silt loam, characterized by 47.1% sand and 35.7% silt. This combination allows for both decent drainage and adequate nutrient retention, with 14.8% clay providing structure. It is a highly versatile soil that is easy to manage for both large-scale farming and small-scale gardening.

Healthy Organic Matter Levels

Lincoln County's organic matter content is 3.20%, which is very close to the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. Its available water capacity of 0.169 in/in is also nearly identical to the state average of 0.172. This consistency makes the county's soil predictable and generally fertile for local growers.

Well-Drained Hydrologic Group B

The soil is classified as well drained and falls into hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate infiltration rate. This is often considered the ideal drainage class for most plants, as it prevents root rot while keeping moisture accessible. It also provides a stable environment for building foundations and infrastructure.

Grow with Confidence in Zone 5b

Lincoln County is located in Hardiness Zone 5b, a region well-suited for traditional Midwestern crops and gardens. The silt loam soil is particularly good for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes that prefer fewer stones and balanced drainage. Start your planting season with confidence in these reliable, well-drained soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

A Steely Challenge in Lincoln County

Lincoln County scores a 43.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, indicating a tougher-than-average environment for homeowners. This score is over 10 points lower than the state average and trails the national median significantly. Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, the county requires focused effort to maintain healthy turf.

Dry Air and Sustained Summer Heat

Annual precipitation is just 21.2 inches, forcing homeowners to bridge a nearly 10-inch gap to reach ideal lawn moisture levels. The county experiences 38 extreme heat days, which can quickly brown out lawns that aren't properly hydrated. With 2,962 growing degree days, the growth rate is steady but limited by the semi-arid climate.

Healthy Silt Loams Provide a Boost

Lincoln County benefits from well-drained silt loam soils that offer a great medium for grass roots. A pH of 7.02 is virtually perfect, ensuring that whatever fertilizer you apply is fully utilized by the plants. With 47.1% sand and 14.8% clay, the soil provides a rare balance of drainage and stability for this part of the state.

Managing Widespread Dry Conditions

Drought is a major factor, with 100% of the county currently abnormally dry and 18.6% in severe drought. The region has struggled through 42 weeks of drought over the past year, emphasizing the need for water-wise gardening. Prioritize watering deeply once or twice a week rather than light daily sprinkling to build drought resilience.

Building a Climate-Ready Lawn

Heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue or native Buffalograss are the smartest choices for local conditions. Aim to get your seeds in the ground after the May 4 frost, and be prepared for the first autumn freeze around October 9. With the right species and the county's excellent soil, a great lawn is possible even in dry years.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 39.1 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Lincoln County ranks #86 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 Lincoln County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $2,704, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 13.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Nebraska is $64,342 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 51.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 39.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.