countyscore
68.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.9Safety 89.4Cost of Living 82.4

County Report Card

About McPherson County, Nebraska

Superior Standing on the National Stage

McPherson County earns a composite score of 68.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking reflects a superior standard of living for its residents.

A Rural Leader in Nebraska

The county’s score of 68.3 beats the Nebraska state average of 59.3 by nearly nine points. It stands out as a high-performer within the state’s rural landscape.

Elite Affordability and Low Risk

Housing affordability is exceptional with a Cost Score of 82.4 and median rent at just $653. Environmental risk management is also elite, with the Risk Score hitting a near-perfect 99.9.

Improving Schools and Information

Educational metrics show room for growth, as the School Score currently sits at 52.1. While other indicators are strong, water quality metrics are not yet available for this county.

Best for Peace and Value

McPherson County is perfect for those seeking extreme peace of mind and low housing costs. It appeals to people who prioritize safety and financial breathing room over urban amenities.

2040608010033.782.489.477.552.143.199.941Tax33.7Cost82.4Safety89.4Health77.5Schools52.1Income43.1Risk99.9Water—Weather4168.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

McPherson County DNA

C-overall

How McPherson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

McPherson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (99.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (33.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33.7-18.299999999999997
Cost
82.4+34.400000000000006
Safety
89.4+34.400000000000006
Health
77.5+27.5
Schools
52.1
Income
43.1
Risk
99.9+52.900000000000006
Weather
41-15
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Think property taxes are too high in McPherson County?

Many homeowners in McPherson 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

$124,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$653/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$124,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,316/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

Green County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,087
68.3
Polk County
Nebraska
Median income: $71,771
68.3
Yancey County
North Carolina
Median income: $54,961
68.3
Brown County
Indiana
Median income: $72,644
68.2
Ohio County
Indiana
Median income: $67,942
68.2
Franklin County
Nebraska
Median income: $57,692
68.2
Wells County
North Dakota
Median income: $61,346
68.2
Perry County
Tennessee
Median income: $50,489
68.2

Nearby counties

Hooker County
Nebraska
66.7
Arthur County
Nebraska
67.5
Logan County
Nebraska
67.9
Thomas County
Nebraska
78.9
Lincoln County
Nebraska
39.1
Keith County
Nebraska
52.4
Grant County
Nebraska
69.6
Blaine County
Nebraska
66.5

Deep Dives

McPherson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McPherson County

via TaxByCounty

McPherson keeps taxes well below national median

McPherson County's effective tax rate of 1.063% falls comfortably below the national average, placing it in the lower tier of American counties. The median property tax of $1,320 represents less than half the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $124,200.

McPherson ranks mid-range for Nebraska taxes

At 1.063%, McPherson County's effective rate falls slightly below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%. The median property tax of $1,320 is substantially lower than the state median of $1,972, saving homeowners around $650 annually.

McPherson sits in the middle of the pack

McPherson County's 1.063% rate positions it between Loup County's tax-friendly 0.799% and Logan County's 1.002%. With a median property tax of $1,320, McPherson offers moderate tax burden compared to higher-tax counties like Madison (1.336%) and Nemaha (1.408%).

McPherson taxes are modest for rural Nebraska

On a median home value of $124,200, McPherson County homeowners pay approximately $1,320 in annual property taxes. With mortgage assessments included, costs reach $1,741; those owning homes outright pay closer to $800.

Review your assessment for potential refunds

Even in a relatively affordable county like McPherson, individual properties may be overassessed by local authorities. Homeowners who believe their assessment exceeds fair market value can file a no-cost appeal to challenge it.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McPherson County

via CostByCounty

McPherson County keeps housing costs remarkably lean

McPherson County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national standard, thanks to the lowest monthly rent in the region at $653. Even though median household income ($61,316) falls short of the national average ($74,755), renters here enjoy exceptional affordability.

McPherson ranks among Nebraska's most affordable counties

At 12.8%, McPherson County's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.2%, placing it in Nebraska's affordability sweet spot. Modest wages are paired with some of the state's lowest rents, creating genuine housing security for residents.

McPherson and Loup compete for cheapest rents

McPherson County's $653 monthly rent is virtually identical to Loup County's $650, making both rural Nebraska's most affordable rental markets. Logan ($725), Merrick ($772), and Madison ($851) all command significantly higher rents, giving McPherson renters a clear advantage.

Owner costs are the county's real bargain

McPherson County's $653 rent and $680 monthly owner cost are both among the lowest in the state, consuming just 12.8% of the $61,316 median household income. This lean structure means residents have more income left for savings and other necessities.

McPherson delivers affordable housing for rural seekers

McPherson County offers one of Nebraska's best rent-to-income ratios and median home values of just $124,200, ideal for budget-conscious relocators. Cross-reference McPherson's numbers against neighboring counties to confirm whether this affordable corner of the state suits your needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McPherson County

via IncomeByCounty

McPherson County significantly below national

McPherson County's median household income of $61,316 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $13,440. This gap reflects the economic realities of rural Nebraska, where household earnings typically trail national averages.

Lower earnings than Nebraska average

At $61,316, McPherson County's median household income falls about $5,564 below Nebraska's state average of $66,880. The county ranks in the lower-middle segment of Nebraska counties by income.

Among the region's lower earners

McPherson County households earn less than Logan ($71,650), Madison ($64,637), and Nance ($65,438), but slightly more than Morrill ($59,773) and Loup ($60,156). The $11,534 spread between Logan and Morrill highlights income disparities across this rural cluster.

Housing remains affordable here

McPherson County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the group, providing breathing room for household budgets. The median home value of $124,200 is also modest, making housing genuinely accessible for families in the county.

Leverage affordability into long-term gains

McPherson County's low housing costs relative to income create an opportunity to save aggressively for retirement and investments. Consult a financial advisor about automating savings—even small, consistent contributions build substantial wealth over 20–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McPherson County

via CrimeByCounty

McPherson County Shows Elite Safety Levels

McPherson County maintains an elite safety score of 99.7, with a total crime rate of 219.3 per 100,000. This is more than ten times lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Nebraska's Typical Safety Score

The county ranks high among its peers, with a 99.7 safety score that beats the state average of 99.0. Its crime rate of 219.3 is less than half the Nebraska state average of 626.7.

Secure Standing Among Rural Neighbors

McPherson County is considerably safer than many Nebraska neighbors, reporting a total crime rate far below the state average. This low activity highlights the security found in the county's two reporting jurisdictions.

Property Offenses Occur at Low Rates

Property crime makes up the entire crime rate at 219.3 per 100,000, while violent crime is non-existent at 0.0. This means residents face zero statistical risk of violent offenses.

Maintaining Deterrents in Rural Areas

Low crime rates are best preserved through consistent home maintenance and visible security. Locking vehicles and outbuildings helps prevent rare property incidents in McPherson County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in McPherson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Highly Focused Education Infrastructure

McPherson County manages a focused education system with only two public schools serving the entire region. Total enrollment stands at 52 students, all overseen by a single school district.

Top Scores and High Investment

The county achieves a high school score of 70.4, well above the state average of 59.1. This is supported by an intensive per-pupil expenditure of $18,492, despite a graduation rate of 75.0%.

Unified McPherson County Schools

McPherson County Schools operates both local campuses without any competition from charter schools. The district provides a unified educational journey for its 52 enrolled students.

Tiny Class Sizes in Rural Nebraska

Schooling in this county is defined by its rural setting and tiny class sizes, averaging only 26 students per school. McPherson County Secondary is the larger campus with 37 students, while Tryon Elementary serves just 15.

The Ultimate Small-School Experience

Buyers looking for high school scores and high per-pupil spending will find McPherson County attractive. Local real estate offers the chance to be part of a very small, dedicated school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McPherson County

via RiskByCounty

McPherson County: Nebraska's safest county

McPherson County's composite risk score of 0.13 represents the absolute lowest risk profile among all Nebraska counties profiled here. This exceptionally minimal score places it among America's safest communities for natural disasters.

The gold standard for Nebraska safety

McPherson County scores just 0.13 against Nebraska's 25.80 state average, making it roughly 200 times safer in composite terms. No other Nebraska county profiled here approaches its low-risk profile.

McPherson County dramatically outperforms region

McPherson County's 0.13 score is far below Logan County (0.22), Loup County (0.25), and every other neighboring county. It stands alone as the region's safest area.

Wildfire is the only modest concern

McPherson County's wildfire risk of 38.45 represents its only notable hazard, though still modest in national terms. Tornado risk (5.28), flood risk (0.32), and earthquake risk (0.70) are all minimal.

Standard homeowners insurance covers routine needs

Residents of McPherson County can rely on basic homeowners policies for adequate protection in this exceptionally safe environment. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage remains aligned with property value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in McPherson County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Records Limited

McPherson County does not currently have available grading or violation data in the federal SDWIS database. Residents are encouraged to review the annual water quality reports provided by their local utility or the state health department. Nebraska's state average violation rate is 110.3 per 100,000 residents.

High Impairment in Local Waters

Of the 16 water bodies assessed in McPherson County, 68.8% are classified as impaired under the Clean Water Act. The 2022 cycle highlights E. coli, mercury in fish, and high temperatures as the leading causes. This impairment level is slightly higher than the state average of 66.4%.

No Recent Monitoring Records

There are currently no recent water-quality monitoring records for McPherson County in the federal Water Quality Portal. This lack of data makes it difficult to track real-time trends in local water chemistry. Strengthening the monitoring footprint would improve local watershed management.

No USGS Streamgage Present

McPherson County lacks a primary USGS streamgage to provide real-time discharge and flow percentage data. Without live river data, the county relies on periodic assessments to judge water quantity. This highlights the importance of maintaining consistent groundwater and watershed health checks.

Prioritize Watershed Awareness

With nearly 69% of assessed water bodies impaired, residents should be cautious of E. coli and mercury risks. The absence of live monitoring data suggests a need for private well owners to conduct regular independent testing. Protecting local watersheds from runoff remains a key priority for maintaining water quality.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in McPherson County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Sands of McPherson County

McPherson County maintains a soil pH of 6.70, which is close to the state average of 6.79 and just above the national median of 6.5. This neutral environment is conducive to a wide variety of biological activity and nutrient cycling. The county's overall soil score of 58.5 sits right near the state benchmark.

Highly Porous and Coarse Textures

With a sand content of 69.8%, this is some of the coarsest soil in the region, balanced by only 8.1% silt and 5.6% clay. Such high sand levels mean the soil has very little natural cohesion or surface area for nutrient storage. Workability is high, but the soil lacks the 'body' needed for heavy moisture retention.

Extreme Organic Matter in Sandy Ground

The county reports an unusually high organic matter level of 13.36%, dwarfing the state average of 3.32%. Despite this organic wealth, the available water capacity is very low at 0.093 in/in, well below the state average of 0.172. This suggests that while carbon is present, the sandy structure prevents effective water storage.

Rapid Infiltration Requires Careful Planning

The dominant sand fraction leads to rapid drainage, which can cause nutrients to leach away quickly during heavy rains. This hydrology is better suited for deep-rooted native grasses than for shallow-rooted crops without irrigation. Building foundations benefit from the lack of expansive clays, though soil stability varies.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5b

In Zone 5b, McPherson County is a prime location for native prairie restoration and drought-hardy xeriscaping. The high organic matter provides a unique boost, even if the sandy soil dries out quickly between rains. Focus on native perennials like Little Bluestem or Bee Balm that thrive in these porous, neutral conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McPherson County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf Tactics in McPherson

McPherson County faces a difficult lawn score of 46.5, which is significantly lower than the Nebraska average of 54.2. Homeowners in this 5b zone must work harder to maintain lush green spaces compared to the national average.

Navigating High-Altitude Growing

While specific local climate data is limited, the regional trend suggests a shorter window for peak growth. Lawns here generally require attentive watering to compensate for the semi-arid conditions of the Nebraska Sandhills.

Sand Dominates the Soil Profile

The soil is predominantly sandy at 69.8%, leading to very rapid drainage that can leave grass thirsty. A neutral pH of 6.70 means you won't need much lime, but extra fertilizer may be needed to replace leached nutrients.

High Drought Stress for Homeowners

Drought resilience is a major concern as the county spent 42 weeks in drought over the past year. Since 100% of the county is abnormally dry, choosing drought-tolerant grasses is the most practical path forward for local lawns.

Choosing Hardy Native Varieties

Buffalograss or Fine Fescues are excellent choices for their ability to survive with minimal water. Focus your efforts on establishing new growth once the soil finally warms in late May.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McPherson County's county score?
McPherson County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 68.3 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 McPherson County rank among counties in Nebraska?
McPherson County ranks #14 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 McPherson County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in McPherson County is $1,320, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns McPherson County a tax score of 33.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McPherson County?
The median household income in McPherson County, Nebraska is $61,316 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McPherson County earns an income score of 43.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is McPherson County, Nebraska a good place to live?
McPherson County scores 68.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate McPherson 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 McPherson 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.