CountyScore

Morrill County

Nebraska · NE

#61 in Nebraska
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Morrill County, Nebraska

Morrill County above the national curve

Morrill County's composite score of 70.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 40%, qualifying as an above-average American county for livability. This solid performance hinges on exceptional housing affordability and low taxes, despite some health and income constraints.

Performing at Nebraska's middle tier

Morrill County's score of 70.0 sits slightly below Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the middle of statewide rankings. It represents a typical Nebraska community without major standout advantages or disadvantages.

Ultra-affordable housing is the main draw

Morrill County boasts exceptional housing affordability with the lowest median home value ($112,000) among these eight counties and a cost score of 83.9. Median rent of $744/month and an effective tax rate of 1.297% keep living expenses minimal.

Health and income both present headwinds

Morrill County shows the lowest health score (70.8) among these eight counties, indicating potential healthcare access or outcome issues. With a median household income of $59,773 and income score of 22.4, wage opportunities lag significantly behind peers.

Best for remote workers with tight budgets

Morrill County appeals to remote workers and retirees prioritizing ultra-cheap housing over local job markets and robust health infrastructure. Consider it if your income is secure elsewhere and you're willing to accept modest health resources for exceptional affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax65.8Cost83.9SafetyComing SoonHealth70.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.4Risk72.2WaterComing Soon
🏛65.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡72.2
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 Morrill County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Clair County
Alabama
70
Median income: $78,993
Sumter County
Alabama
70
Median income: $37,981
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
Arkansas
70
Median income: $36,860
Pike County
Georgia
70
Median income: $84,184

Deep Dives

Morrill County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morrill County

via TaxByCounty

Morrill's rates edge slightly above national average

Morrill County's effective tax rate of 1.297% exceeds the national average by roughly half a percentage point, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. The median property tax of $1,453 remains well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to a median home value of just $112,000.

Morrill ranks among Nebraska's higher-tax counties

At 1.297%, Morrill County's effective rate ranks among Nebraska's highest, exceeding the state average of 1.281%. The median property tax of $1,453 sits below the state median of $1,972, but residents pay a higher effective rate despite lower property values.

Morrill's rate edges above surrounding counties

Morrill County's 1.297% rate is slightly higher than McPherson County (1.063%) and Logan County (1.002%), making it one of the region's higher-tax areas. However, the median property tax of $1,453 remains moderate due to lower home values.

Morrill residents pay modest tax dollars

On a median home value of $112,000, Morrill County homeowners pay approximately $1,453 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, costs reach $2,000; those owning homes outright pay about $1,258.

Challenge high effective rates through appeals

Morrill County's above-average effective tax rate means homeowners should carefully review whether their assessments reflect current market values. A successful appeal could reduce tax burden significantly, especially for properties that may be overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morrill County

via CostByCounty

Morrill County stretches renters' budgets above national norms

Morrill County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national benchmark, indicating that residents here spend a larger-than-typical share of income on rent. The $744 monthly rent is moderate, but combined with a $59,773 median household income well below the national average of $74,755, housing costs create real budget pressure.

Morrill ranks among Nebraska's tighter affordability counties

At 14.9%, Morrill County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the state average of 14.2%, placing it in Nebraska's less-affordable tier. Lower household incomes amplify the burden that even moderate rents place on resident budgets.

Morrill's rents are reasonable but income is low

Morrill County's $744 rent is competitive with neighbors like Logan ($725) and Nance ($776), yet the county's $59,773 median income is among the lowest in the region. This income-cost mismatch pushes Morrill's affordability ratio above neighbors with similar rents but higher wages.

Low income makes moderate rents feel expensive

At $744 monthly, Morrill County rents consume 14.9% of the $59,773 median household income, while homeowners pay $739 in monthly costs. The tight fit between low wages and housing expenses leaves less financial wiggle room than in higher-income neighbors.

Morrill suits relocators with stable, higher incomes

Morrill County's low median home values ($112,000) attract budget-conscious homebuyers, but renters should note the 14.9% rent-to-income ratio requires careful income planning. Compare Morrill's affordability challenges to neighbors like McPherson and Loup before relocating on a tight budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morrill County

via IncomeByCounty

Morrill County significantly below U.S. median

Morrill County's median household income of $59,773 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $14,980. This substantial gap reflects economic pressures facing rural western Nebraska, where wage growth remains limited.

Lowest in state averages among these eight

At $59,773, Morrill County ranks as the lowest-income county in this group, falling $7,107 below Nebraska's state average of $66,880. The county faces economic headwinds requiring strategic local development efforts.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Morrill County's $59,773 income ranks lowest in the cluster, $11,877 behind Logan County and nearly $6,000 below Nance and Madison counties. Only Loup and McPherson counties earn less, and the gap widens each year regionally.

Housing costs strain limited budgets

Morrill County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in this group, squeezing household discretionary spending. Combined with the county's lowest median income, this pressure underscores the need for careful budget management.

Strategic planning critical for Morrill families

Lower income and higher housing cost ratios mean Morrill County households must prioritize financial discipline to build wealth. Consider meeting with a nonprofit credit counselor or financial advisor to develop a realistic savings and investment roadmap suited to local conditions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Morrill County

via HealthByCounty

Morrill County's Longevity Concern

Morrill County's life expectancy of 74.0 years lags significantly behind Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years—a gap of 3.5 years that signals serious population health challenges. The county's 15.6% poor/fair health rate reinforces these concerns about resident wellness.

Morrill's Health Crisis in Context

Morrill County ranks among Nebraska's lowest counties for life expectancy at 74.0 years, indicating urgent health disparities. At 9.0% uninsured, it sits slightly above the state average, but this doesn't fully explain the severe longevity gap.

Morrill's Alarming Health Profile

Morrill County's 74.0-year life expectancy is dramatically lower than neighboring Madison (78.3) and Merrick (77.4), and trails all regional peers. Its 15.6% poor/fair health rate and 9.0% uninsured rate suggest compounding barriers to health and care access.

Limited Provider Network in Morrill

Morrill County has just 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and only 22 mental health providers per 100,000, both among the lowest in the region. The combination of limited providers and 9.0% uninsured residents creates significant healthcare access challenges.

Prioritize Coverage in Morrill

Morrill County faces serious health disparities, making insurance access critical. If uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov immediately or call the Nebraska insurance helpline at 1-855-324-7364 to explore coverage options and improve your access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morrill County

via RiskByCounty

Morrill County slightly above national average risk

Morrill County's composite risk score of 27.83 places it in the Very Low category but slightly above the national baseline. The county's risk is driven primarily by wildfire and tornado exposure.

Morrill County near Nebraska's average risk

Morrill County scores 27.83, just marginally above Nebraska's 25.80 state average, suggesting typical hazard exposure for the state. It occupies the mid-range of natural disaster risk across Nebraska.

Morrill County comparable to most peers

Morrill County's 27.83 score falls between Nance County (21.66) and Madison County (60.88), sitting near the regional middle. Wildfire risk is notably higher than in most neighboring counties.

Wildfire dominates Morrill County's risk profile

Morrill County's wildfire risk of 63.93 is its dominant hazard and among the highest in the state. Tornado risk (25.22) and earthquake risk (20.99) present additional, though secondary, concerns.

Prioritize fire-resistant coverage and roofing

Morrill County homeowners should ensure comprehensive policies with strong wildfire coverage and consider fire-resistant roofing materials. Standard homeowners insurance should be reviewed annually to maintain adequate limits.

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.