countyscore
83.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.8Schools 99.5Safety 97.5

County Report Card

About Loup County, Nebraska

Loup County Reaches Elite National Standing

Achieving a remarkable composite score of 81.7, Loup County far exceeds the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it among the highest-rated jurisdictions in the United States.

Setting the Standard in Nebraska

Loup County significantly outpaces the Nebraska state average of 59.3. This performance establishes it as a premier destination within the state for overall well-being.

Leading in Schools and Security

The county boasts elite scores in education at 99.5 and safety at 97.5. Housing is also highly affordable, with a median home value of just $120,700.

Addressing Income and Data Gaps

The Income Score of 39.5 reflects a median household income of $60,156, which is lower than some regional peers. Specific water quality data is currently unavailable for this area.

Perfect for Education and Affordability

Loup County is a haven for remote workers or families who prioritize top-tier schools and safety. It provides a quiet, affordable lifestyle with minimal environmental risk.

2040608010059.178.397.593.399.565.999.840Tax59.1Cost78.3Safety97.5Health93.3Schools99.5Income65.9Risk99.8Water—Weather4083.9/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Loup County DNA

B+overall

How Loup County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Loup 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
59.1
Cost
78.3+30.299999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
93.3+43.3
Schools
99.5+45.5
Income
65.9+14.900000000000006
Risk
99.8+52.8
Weather
40-16
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Think property taxes are too high in Loup County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$182,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$688/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$182,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,667/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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Nearby counties

Garfield County
Nebraska
68
Blaine County
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64.8
Valley County
Nebraska
63.2
Rock County
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Custer County
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Brown County
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Wheeler County
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Holt County
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Deep Dives

Loup County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Loup County

via CrimeByCounty

Loup County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Loup County achieves a flawless safety score of 100.0, far surpassing the national average crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000. It reports zero total crimes, making it a statistical leader in national safety metrics.

Top-Tier Safety in the Cornhusker State

Loup County ranks at the very top of Nebraska's safety standings with its 100.0 score. This performance is notably better than the state average safety score of 99.0 and the typical crime rate of 626.7.

Leading the Region in Peace

Compared to other rural Nebraska counties, Loup County’s crime rate of 0.0 is significantly lower than the state average. It maintains a peaceful environment through consistent local reporting from two agencies.

Clean Slate for Major Crime Categories

There are zero reported incidents of violent or property crime per 100,000 people in Loup County. This pristine record reflects a community where residents face no statistical threat of major offenses.

Preserving a High Standard of Safety

Residents can preserve this high standard of safety by staying involved in local watch programs. Proactive home security remains a wise choice to maintain the county's exceptional peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Loup County

via WeatherByCounty

Distinct Seasons in Loup County

With an annual average temperature of 47.5°F, Loup County maintains a cooler-than-average profile compared to the national median. This continental climate features distinct seasonal shifts typical of the Great Plains.

Wetter Than the Average County

Loup ranks as one of Nebraska's cooler counties, trailing the state average of 49.7°F by more than two degrees. Its 26.8 inches of annual precipitation actually beats the state average of 25.9 inches.

Moderate Heat Compared to West

Loup shares a similar summer average of 70.6°F with Logan County but experiences fewer extreme heat days at 27 per year. It is wetter than several western neighbors, receiving nearly 27 inches of rain annually.

Cold Januaries and Snowy Peaks

Winters are cold with an average temperature of 24.6°F and 30.2 inches of annual snowfall. The July peak of 73.1°F offers moderate warmth compared to the intense heat found in the southern part of the state.

Prepare for Steady Winter Snow

Outdoor planning should account for a shorter but intense extreme heat season of 27 days. Residents need reliable heating systems to manage the winter average of 24.6°F and frequent snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Loup County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal pH Balance in Loup County

Loup County boasts a pH of 6.68, placing it very close to the ideal national median of 6.5. This makes the soil less alkaline than the Nebraska average of 6.79, offering a versatile chemical base for plant life. The soil earns a score of 57.4, reflecting solid agricultural potential despite its light texture.

Granular Mix Defines the Local Landscape

The soil is predominantly sand at 61.8%, with silt at 22.5% and a low clay content of 10.4%. This mix indicates very light soil that is easy to till but may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients like nitrogen. The low clay percentage suggests minimal risk of heavy clods or crusting.

Superior Organic Wealth for Better Yields

At 3.93%, Loup County's organic matter significantly exceeds both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity is relatively low at 0.139 in/in, compared to the state’s 0.172 average. This high organic content helps mitigate the soil's natural tendency to dry out quickly.

Managing High Permeability in the Sandhills

Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 61.8% sand content ensures the ground drains exceptionally fast. This minimizes standing water but requires more frequent, light watering rather than deep, infrequent irrigation. High permeability is a primary consideration for any local septic or foundation design.

Lush Possibilities in Zone 5a

As a Zone 5a region, Loup County supports cold-season grains and hardy shrubs that can handle the fast-draining soil. The high organic matter provides a head start for gardening enthusiasts looking to grow leafy greens or native tallgrasses. Consider raised beds with extra mulch to preserve moisture in this sandy environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Loup County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Growing Potential in Loup

Loup County earns a lawn difficulty score of 58.0, making it easier to maintain than both the state and national averages. Hardiness zone 5a provides a stable environment for cool-season grasses to thrive with standard care.

Favorable Temps Aid Grass Growth

Annual precipitation of 26.8 inches is slightly above the state average, though still below the 30-inch national ideal. The 27 days of extreme heat are fewer than the Nebraska average, which reduces summer stress on your turf.

Balanced pH and Rapid Drainage

A balanced pH of 6.68 ensures that fertilizers work efficiently without heavy lime applications. Because the soil is 61.8% sand, gardeners should focus on adding compost or mulch to improve moisture-holding capacity.

Monitoring Moisture Levels

While Loup spent 24 weeks in drought recently, the current lack of severe drought is an advantage for homeowners. Still, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, so keeping an eye on moisture levels remains a top priority.

Start Early for the Best Results

Hardy cool-season varieties like Tall Fescue perform well in this specific climate. Plan your seeding projects after the May 3rd frost date to ensure the soil is warm enough for healthy germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Loup County's county score?
Loup County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 83.9 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 Loup County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Loup County ranks #1 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 Loup County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Loup County is $1,295, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Loup County a tax score of 59.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Loup County?
The median household income in Loup County, Nebraska is $71,667 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Loup County earns an income score of 65.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Loup County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Loup County scores 83.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Loup 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 Loup County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.