CountyScore

Loup County

Nebraska · NE

#1 in Nebraska
81.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Loup County, Nebraska

Loup County leads the livability chart

Loup County's composite score of 81.1 soars 62% above the national median of 50.0, ranking among the most livable counties in America. This exceptional performance reflects exceptional affordability, health outcomes, and environmental safety.

Nebraska's standout performer

Loup County ranks among the very top in Nebraska, with its 81.1 score beating the state average of 71.2 by a significant margin. It represents one of the state's best combinations of affordability, health, and low environmental risk.

Unbeatable affordability and safety

Loup County shines with an exceptionally low effective tax rate of 0.799%, the lowest among these eight counties, paired with outstanding health scores (89.6) and near-perfect environmental risk resilience (99.8). Median home values of $120,700 and median rent of just $650/month make this one of the most budget-friendly places in Nebraska.

Limited job market and wages

With a median household income of $60,156 and an income score of 22.7, Loup County offers few high-wage employment opportunities. This income limitation is the primary trade-off for its exceptional affordability and safety.

Perfect for budget-conscious rural seekers

Loup County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families who prioritize dirt-cheap housing and taxes over local job prospects. If your income comes from outside the county or you're living on a fixed income, Loup County offers extraordinary livability value.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.8Cost85.7SafetyComing SoonHealth89.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.7Risk99.8WaterComing Soon
🏛79.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤89.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡99.8
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 Loup County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Glasscock County
Texas
81.1
Median income: $106,806
Rich County
Utah
81.1
Median income: $76,875
Judith Basin County
Montana
81
Median income: $55,417
Daggett County
Utah
81
Median income: $58,750
Greenlee County
Arizona
80.9
Median income: $75,239

Deep Dives

Loup County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Loup County

via TaxByCounty

Loup offers some of America's lowest rates

At 0.799%, Loup County's effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median. With a median home value of just $120,700, the typical annual property tax of $965 is barely a third of the national median of $2,690.

Nebraska's most affordable county for property taxes

Loup County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Nebraska at 0.799%, significantly below the state average of 1.281%. Median property taxes of $965 represent less than half of Nebraska's $1,972 state median, making it exceptionally affordable for rural homeowners.

Loup leads the region in tax affordability

Loup County's 0.799% rate is the lowest among all surrounding counties in central Nebraska. Its median property tax of $965 is substantially lower than McPherson County ($1,320) and Logan County ($1,603), offering genuine tax relief for residents.

Loup's tax bill stays remarkably low

On Loup County's median home value of $120,700, the annual property tax is approximately $965. Even accounting for mortgage-related assessments, the total reaches just $1,000—making Loup one of the most affordable counties in the state.

Check your assessment even in low-tax counties

Despite Loup's favorable overall rates, individual homeowners may still be overassessed relative to their property's true market value. Filing an assessment appeal costs nothing and could reduce your already-low tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Loup County

via CostByCounty

Loup County keeps rents well below national average

With a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio, Loup County renters spend less on housing than the national average, despite a median household income of $60,156 that falls below the U.S. benchmark of $74,755. The $650 monthly rent is notably low, making this county one of Nebraska's most affordable rental markets.

Below-average rents prop up affordability across Nebraska

Loup County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.2%, placing it in the more affordable tier of Nebraska counties. Lower household incomes here are offset by some of the state's cheapest rents, creating genuine affordability despite modest wages.

Loup offers the cheapest rents in the region

Loup County's $650 monthly rent is the lowest among neighboring counties—McPherson ($653), Logan ($725), Merrick ($772), and Madison ($851) all charge more. The trade-off is lower household incomes, but renters get exceptional value on housing costs here.

Modest income, minimal housing burden

The $650 monthly rent consumes just 13% of the $60,156 median household income, while homeowners pay $739 in monthly owner costs. This lean housing-cost structure gives Loup County residents uncommon financial flexibility despite below-average wages.

Loup attracts those seeking extreme affordability

Loup County is Nebraska's answer for renters and buyers on tight budgets, with $120,700 median home values and $650 rents. Stack this data against neighboring counties to determine if Loup's low-income-low-cost model fits your relocation priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Loup County

via IncomeByCounty

Loup County lags national income average

Loup County's median household income of $60,156 falls about $14,600 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap places the county in the lower-income tier nationally, reflecting economic challenges typical of rural Nebraska.

Below Nebraska state average income

At $60,156, Loup County's median household income trails Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by $6,724. The county ranks among the lower-earning counties in the state, indicating limited wage growth compared to state peers.

Trailing most neighboring counties

Loup County households earn less than most adjacent counties, with only Morrill County ($59,773) earning slightly less. Compared to Logan County ($71,650), Loup falls nearly $11,500 behind, underscoring regional income disparities.

Affordable housing but tight budgets

Loup County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio is favorable, but the lower overall income base means less discretionary spending for other essentials. With a median home value of $120,700, housing remains accessible, yet household budgets face pressure from lower earnings.

Prioritize savings despite income constraints

Lower household income in Loup County makes disciplined financial planning essential for building long-term wealth. Even modest monthly savings and investments in retirement accounts compound significantly over time—start now, no matter the amount.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Loup County

via HealthByCounty

Loup County's Health Status

Loup County's 13.8% poor/fair health rate is relatively moderate for rural Nebraska, suggesting residents generally perceive their health favorably. Life expectancy data for Loup County isn't available, though Nebraska's statewide average of 77.5 years offers context for state-level health trends.

Loup County in the Nebraska Picture

Loup County performs well on insurance coverage, with just 4.8% of residents uninsured—well below Nebraska's 8.1% state average. This strong coverage rate suggests good access to preventive and routine care across the county.

Loup's Health Profile Among Neighbors

Loup County's 13.8% poor/fair health rate is better than McPherson (17.1%) and Nance (15.5%) counties but slightly higher than Logan (11.9%). Its 4.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among its neighboring counties, reflecting excellent insurance penetration.

Accessing Care in Loup County

Primary care and mental health provider density data for Loup County is currently limited, making detailed provider assessments difficult. The county's excellent uninsured rate of 4.8% suggests residents have strong financial access to healthcare services.

Keep Coverage Strong in Loup

Loup County already leads the region in insurance coverage at 95.2%. If you're among the 4.8% without coverage, explore options at Healthcare.gov or contact Nebraska's insurance marketplace to maintain this community strength.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Loup County

via RiskByCounty

Loup County maintains very low national risk profile

Loup County's composite risk score of 0.25 places it firmly in the Very Low category, substantially below the national average. This score reflects the county's fortunate geography and limited exposure to catastrophic natural hazards.

Among Nebraska's lowest-risk counties

Loup County scores 0.25 against Nebraska's state average of 25.80, marking it as one of the safest counties in the state. It ranks in the bottom tier for natural disaster risk across the region.

Loup County safer than most regional peers

Loup County's risk score of 0.25 compares favorably to Merrick County (42.94) and Nance County (21.66), though McPherson County (0.13) is slightly safer. It remains a low-risk area relative to state averages.

Wildfire and tornado pose modest threats

Loup County's wildfire risk of 30.09 and tornado risk of 9.96 represent its primary natural hazards, though both remain well below national averages. Flood risk (0.67) and earthquake risk (1.11) are negligible.

Standard homeowners insurance is typically sufficient

Residents of Loup County should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with attention to fire coverage given the modest wildfire risk. Standard policies usually provide adequate protection for this low-risk environment.

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.