countyscore
67.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.8Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Logan County, Nebraska

Logan County Outperforms the National Median

Logan County’s composite score of 67.9 sits nearly 18 points above the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the top tier of American counties for overall livability.

A High Rank in the Cornhusker State

With a score of 67.9, Logan County comfortably exceeds the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It remains a standout performer in a state already known for high quality of life.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

The county shines with a near-perfect Risk Score of 99.8 and a Safety Score of 97.5. Residents also benefit from a strong median household income of $71,650.

Focusing on Schools and Taxes

The School Score of 47.2 indicates room for investment in local education compared to other metrics. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 1.002% results in a modest Tax Score of 37.8.

A Haven for Secure Families

Logan County is an ideal fit for high-earning families seeking a secure, low-risk environment. It offers a premium balance of safety and economic stability.

2040608010037.858.297.585.547.270.599.88637.2Tax37.8Cost58.2Safety97.5Health85.5Schools47.2Income70.5Risk99.8Water86Weather37.267.9/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Logan County DNA

C-overall

How Logan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Logan County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (99.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.8-14.200000000000003
Cost
58.2+10.200000000000003
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
85.5+35.5
Schools
47.2
Income
70.5+19.5
Risk
99.8+52.8
Water
86+28
Weather
37.2-18.799999999999997
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Think property taxes are too high in Logan County?

Many homeowners in Logan County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$160,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$725/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$160,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,650/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Counties with similar scores

Winneshiek County
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Butler County
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Hickman County
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Gosper County
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Stanton County
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Calhoun County
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Miner County
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Mason County
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Nearby counties

Thomas County
Nebraska
78.9
Blaine County
Nebraska
66.5
McPherson County
Nebraska
68.3
Lincoln County
Nebraska
39.1
Custer County
Nebraska
58.3
Hooker County
Nebraska
66.7
Loup County
Nebraska
81.7
Arthur County
Nebraska
67.5

Deep Dives

Logan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Logan County

via TaxByCounty

Logan's tax rate beats the national average

Logan County's effective tax rate of 1.002% sits well below the national median, placing it in the lower half of American counties for property tax burden. While the national median home value exceeds $281,900, Logan's median of $160,000 means residents pay significantly less in absolute dollars—$1,603 annually versus the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes for Nebraska

Logan County ranks among Nebraska's lower-tax counties with an effective rate of 1.002%, compared to the state average of 1.281%. The median property tax of $1,603 is notably lower than Nebraska's state median of $1,972, saving homeowners about $370 annually.

Logan stays competitive regionally

Among neighboring central Nebraska counties, Logan's 1.002% rate positions it between Loup County (0.799%) and McPherson County (1.063%). Logan residents pay roughly in the middle of this cluster, making it neither a tax haven nor a high-burden area.

What a typical Logan home costs annually

A homeowner with a $160,000 property in Logan County pays approximately $1,603 per year in property taxes. When accounting for mortgage-related assessments, annual costs reach around $2,528, while those owning homes outright pay closer to $1,125.

You may be overassessed

Many Logan County homeowners carry property tax assessments higher than market value warrants. Homeowners can file a formal appeal to challenge inflated assessments and potentially recover thousands in overpaid taxes—a process that typically costs nothing to initiate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Logan County

via CostByCounty

Logan County rents stay well below national pressure

At 12.1%, Logan County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend far less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The median rent of $725 per month is competitive, while the median household income of $71,650 remains close to the national average of $74,755.

Better than most Nebraska counties on affordability

Logan County ranks favorably across Nebraska, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.1% compared to the state average of 14.2%. This advantage reflects both reasonable rents and solid household incomes that give renters more breathing room in their budgets.

Logan leads the central plains on rent

Logan County's $725 monthly rent undercuts neighbors like McPherson County ($653) and Loup County ($650), while significantly beating Madison County's $851. The county balances modest housing costs with strong median incomes, creating genuine affordability compared to surrounding rural Nebraska counties.

Housing takes a manageable slice of income

Renters spend about $725 monthly while homeowners pay $954 for mortgages—both reasonable given the $71,650 median household income. Just 12.1% of household earnings go to rent, leaving more for utilities, food, and savings than in most of the state.

A solid choice for budget-conscious relocators

If affordability matters, Logan County delivers with below-state-average rent ratios and median home values around $160,000. Compare these numbers to neighboring counties to see whether Logan's income levels and housing costs align with your relocation budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Logan County

via IncomeByCounty

Logan County earns above national average

With a median household income of $71,650, Logan County households earn about $3,100 less than the U.S. median of $74,755. This positions the county in the middle range nationally, showing solid economic standing compared to most American counties.

Top earner among Nebraska counties

Logan County's $71,650 median income ranks among the highest in Nebraska, surpassing the state average of $66,880 by about $4,770. This $4,770 advantage reflects stronger-than-average earnings across the county's households.

Outearning peers across the region

Logan County households earn $6,000 to $12,000 more than neighboring counties like Loup ($60,156) and Morrill ($59,773). This income advantage makes Logan County one of the region's economic leaders.

Housing costs stay comfortably low

At 12.1%, Logan County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing absorbs only a modest share of household budgets. With a median home value of $160,000, families here enjoy solid housing affordability relative to their incomes.

Strong income foundation for investing

Logan County's above-average household income and favorable rent-to-income ratio create room in family budgets for savings and wealth building. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop a long-term investment strategy that locks in gains on your regional income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Logan County

via CrimeByCounty

Logan County Achieves Perfect Safety Score

Logan County boasts a perfect safety score of 100.0, significantly outperforming the national crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 residents. With zero reported crimes in 2022, it remains one of the safest jurisdictions in the United States.

Setting the Standard for Nebraska Safety

Within Nebraska, Logan County sets the high mark for public safety with its 100.0 score. This exceeds the state average safety score of 99.0 and the statewide average crime rate of 626.7 per 100,000.

A Benchmark for Rural Safety

Logan County’s crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 is impossible to beat compared to neighboring regions. It serves as a quiet benchmark for rural safety, standing well below the Nebraska state average total crime rate.

Zero Reported Violent or Property Crimes

Both violent and property crime rates sit at a remarkable 0.0 per 100,000 residents. Data from two reporting agencies indicates an exceptionally secure environment where major offenses are statistically absent.

Keep Logan County Safe and Secure

Even with perfect safety scores, maintaining community vigilance helps keep Logan County crime-free. Simple measures like exterior lighting and neighborly check-ins ensure this trend continues.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Logan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Logan County

Logan County operates a lean education system with two public schools—one elementary and one high school. A single district manages the entire county enrollment of 180 students.

Graduation Rates and Local Investment

The county reports a 75.0% graduation rate, which trails both the Nebraska average of 86.9% and the national mark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending sits at $10,549, nearly identical to the state average but lower than the national median.

Stapleton Public Schools Leads the Way

Stapleton Public Schools serves as the sole provider of public education for the county's youth. The district maintains 180 students and operates no charter schools.

A Close-Knit Rural School Environment

All schools are located in rural settings, where students transition together from PK through 12. Stapleton High School is the largest campus with 92 students, while Stapleton Elementary follows closely with 88.

Join the Stapleton School Community

Families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with small class sizes should consider Logan County's housing market. Proximity to Stapleton’s unified campus remains a key factor for local homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Logan County

via RiskByCounty

Logan County's risk: far below national average

Logan County scores 0.22 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and well below the national baseline. This exceptionally low score reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards that affect American communities.

Among Nebraska's safest counties

With a composite risk score of 0.22, Logan County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Nebraska, where the state average sits at 25.80. Only a handful of Nebraska counties have comparable safety profiles.

Logan County outpaces neighboring counties

Logan County's risk score of 0.22 is significantly lower than McPherson County (0.13 is only lower), Loup County (0.25), and Morrill County (27.83). It stands as one of the region's safest places.

Wildfire is the primary concern here

Logan County's wildfire risk score of 49.27 dominates its hazard profile, though this remains moderate compared to national wildfire hotspots. Tornado risk (8.40) and earthquake risk (3.37) are minimal, making fire preparedness the top priority.

Focus on wildfire-resilient coverage

Homeowners in Logan County should prioritize comprehensive property insurance with wildfire protection given the county's elevated fire risk relative to other hazards. Standard homeowners policies should be reviewed to ensure adequate coverage limits for structural damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Logan County

via WaterByCounty

Clean Drinking Water Standards Met

Logan County earns an A grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands far below the Nebraska state average of 110.3. This performance reflects consistent adherence to the Safe Drinking Water Act.

High Impairment in Assessed Waters

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 76.9% of the 13 assessed water bodies in Logan County failed to meet Clean Water Act standards. This impairment rate exceeds the state average of 66.4%. Primary causes for these failures include E. coli and mercury found in fish tissue.

Focused Water Quality Monitoring

Federal records show 3 monitoring sites across the county that have recorded 236 measurements over the past five years. Researchers focus primarily on inorganic chemicals and metals. This data provides a baseline for tracking changes in local water chemistry.

Limited Streamflow Data Available

Logan County currently has no representative USGS streamgage recording live flow data. Without active river monitoring, local water intelligence relies heavily on groundwater data and drinking water compliance records. The county maintains high safety marks for its available public water supplies.

Focus on Watershed Safety

While drinking water systems perform well, the high watershed impairment rate suggests caution during recreational activities. Residents should check for local advisories regarding E. coli and fish consumption. Support for local conservation programs can help reduce these contaminants at the source.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Logan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Profile in the Heartland

Logan’s annual average of 48.2°F sits well below the national median for a typical continental climate. Residents experience a cooler environment than many other regions across the central United States.

Trailing the Nebraska State Average

Logan ranks on the cooler side of Nebraska’s 93 counties with an average temperature of 48.2°F. This is 1.5 degrees below the state average of 49.7°F.

Snowy Winters Compared to Neighbors

The county receives 23.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly lower than the state average of 25.9 inches. However, its 37.4 inches of annual snowfall surpasses many of its central Nebraska neighbors.

Cold Winters and Brief Heat

Summers reach a comfortable average of 70.6°F, though residents face 34 extreme heat days above 90°F annually. Winters bring a chill with a December-to-February average of 26.2°F and significant snow accumulation.

Insulate for Snow and Chill

Homeowners should prioritize robust insulation to handle the 37.4 inches of annual snowfall and cold winters. Efficient cooling systems are also essential for the month’s worth of extreme 90°F heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Logan County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Alkaline Ground in Logan County

Logan County features a near-neutral soil pH of 6.80, which sits slightly above the national median of 6.5 and the Nebraska average of 6.79. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this pH level supports excellent nutrient availability for common crops. This profile contributes to an overall soil score of 57.7, nearly matching the state benchmark of 58.9.

Sand-Heavy Soil Promotes Rapid Infiltration

The county's soil composition is 54.6% sand, 30.6% silt, and 13.4% clay. This high sand content ensures easy workability and prevents compaction, though it requires careful management of irrigation. Silt and clay levels provide just enough structure to keep the soil from being purely granular.

Steady Organic Matter for Sand Hills Growth

Organic matter stands at 2.92%, outperforming the national average of 2.0% but trailing the Nebraska average of 3.32%. The available water capacity is 0.162 in/in, which is slightly below the state average of 0.172. These figures suggest moderate fertility that responds well to supplemental organic amendments.

Fast Drainage Patterns in Semi-Arid Fields

While specific drainage classes are not officially recorded here, the high sand percentage implies rapid drainage and low runoff potential. This allows the ground to dry quickly after heavy rains, facilitating timely field operations. Building projects must account for these permeable layers to ensure structural stability.

Hardy Options for Zone 5b Gardens

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Logan County is ideal for drought-tolerant grasses and cold-hardy perennials. The sandy soil and neutral pH create a perfect environment for root vegetables and prairie natives. Start a native wildflower patch or a windbreak of evergreens to anchor your local landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Logan County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Regional Lawn Challenges in Logan

Logan County's lawn difficulty score of 47.8 makes it more challenging than the Nebraska average of 54.2. Residents in hardiness zone 5b face tougher conditions than the national median, requiring more deliberate care to keep grass green.

Limited Rain Drives Watering Needs

With only 23.8 inches of annual rain, lawns here fall short of the 30-50 inches needed for ideal growth. Mowing slows during the 34 extreme heat days each year, especially with 2,737 growing degree days recorded.

Sandy Soils Require Moisture Management

The local soil pH of 6.80 sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. However, a high sand content of 54.6% means water drains quickly, so organic matter is helpful to boost retention.

Persistently Dry Conditions Test Resilience

The county spent 33 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to help roots reach deeper into the soil to survive these periods.

Seeding for Success in Logan

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best matches for this zone and climate. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on May 8th to give your new lawn a strong start before the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Logan County's county score?
Logan County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 67.9 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 Logan County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Logan County ranks #18 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 Logan County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Logan County is $1,603, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Logan County a tax score of 37.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Logan County?
The median household income in Logan County, Nebraska is $71,650 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Logan County earns an income score of 70.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Logan County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Logan County scores 67.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Logan 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 Logan 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.