countyscore
58.7
County Score
Schools 81.3Disaster Risk 72.2Cost of Living 70.2

County Report Card

About Morrill County, Nebraska

Above the National Median

Morrill County’s composite score of 58.7 is nearly nine points higher than the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the upper half of counties nationwide for livability.

Matching the State Average

The county’s score is almost exactly in line with the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It provides a typical Nebraskan experience with a balanced mix of strengths and weaknesses.

Great Schools and Cheap Housing

Education is a major highlight with a School Score of 81.3. Homeownership is accessible here, with a median home value of $112,000 and a high Cost Score of 70.2.

Water and Tax Hurdles

The Tax Score of 20.9 and Water Score of 38.8 represent the county's primary hurdles. Local residents face an effective tax rate of 1.297% alongside lower water quality metrics.

Value for Budget-Conscious Parents

Morrill County is best for budget-conscious families who want strong public schools. It serves those who value low-cost housing above all other amenities.

2040608010020.970.270.256.181.338.372.238.829.6Tax20.9Cost70.2Safety70.2Health56.1Schools81.3Income38.3Risk72.2Water38.8Weather29.658.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Morrill County DNA

Foverall

How Morrill County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Morrill County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (81.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (20.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.9-31.1
Cost
70.2+22.200000000000003
Safety
70.2+15.200000000000003
Health
56.1
Schools
81.3+27.299999999999997
Income
38.3-12.700000000000003
Risk
72.2+25.200000000000003
Water
38.8-19.200000000000003
Weather
29.6-26.4
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Think property taxes are too high in Morrill County?

Many homeowners in Morrill 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

$112,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$744/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$112,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,773/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

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Nearby counties

Box Butte County
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43.2
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Scotts Bluff County
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Cheyenne County
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Sheridan County
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Grant County
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Deep Dives

Morrill County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Morrill County

via CrimeByCounty

Morrill County Safer than National Average

Morrill County earns a safety score of 98.9, with a total crime rate of 701.4 per 100,000 residents. This is roughly three times safer than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Morrill County Matches State Safety Average

Morrill County’s safety score of 98.9 matches the Nebraska state average exactly. However, its total crime rate of 701.4 is slightly higher than the Nebraska average of 626.7 per 100,000 people.

Competitive Safety in Rural Nebraska

Compared to other rural Nebraska counties, Morrill's rate of 701.4 is higher but remains competitive with regional averages. It is safer than most urban centers while maintaining low violent crime rates.

Theft Drives Most Local Crime Reports

Property crime is the main driver at 591.8 per 100,000, while violent crime stands at 109.6. These rates are significantly lower than national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Deterring Property Crime at Home

Because property crime is the most frequent occurrence, homeowners should focus on visible deterrents. Security cameras and alarm systems are effective tools for maintaining Morrill County's safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Morrill County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access in Morrill County

Morrill County operates five public schools across two districts, catering to a total enrollment of 857 students. The system is distributed across two elementary schools, two high schools, and one specialized facility.

Graduation Success Beats State Average

Academic results are strong, with a 92.8% graduation rate that beats the Nebraska average of 86.9%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $10,349, aligning closely with the state's investment levels.

Bridgeport and Bayard Districts

Bridgeport Public Schools is the larger district with 506 students, while Bayard Public Schools serves 337. There are no charter schools, as the county relies on these two primary public districts.

A Consistent Rural School Feel

Every school in the county is situated in a rural locale, creating a consistent community feel for all students. Bridgeport Elementary is the largest campus with 258 students, while Bridgeport Head Start serves as a small specialized site.

Balanced Living in Morrill County

Morrill County offers a balance of high graduation rates and steady per-pupil investment for prospective residents. Families often look for homes near Bridgeport or Bayard to stay connected to these high-performing rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Morrill County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade Declines

Morrill County received an F grade for drinking water compliance due to a health violation in the past five years. Its violation rate of 34.9 per 100,000 people is lower than the state average of 110.3, but the failing grade signals a need for system improvements. Utilities must address these issues to ensure long-term public safety.

Watershed Matches State Average

Of the 9 water bodies assessed in 2022, 6 are impaired, resulting in a rate of 66.7%. This almost exactly mirrors the Nebraska state average of 66.4%. Temperature, E. coli, and mercury are the primary factors preventing these waters from meeting Clean Water Act standards.

High Monitoring Result Volume

Seven monitoring sites in Morrill County have generated 4,767 measurements over the last five years. Agencies are closely tracking physical attributes and nutrients to understand watershed health. This robust data set is critical for addressing the impairments noted in recent assessments.

No Live Streamgage Data

Morrill County does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage recording live flow data. This absence of real-time surface water information makes it harder to track drought impacts or flood risks instantly. Management relies instead on the county's extensive historical monitoring records.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing

Given the F grade for drinking water, residents should consider home filtration and stay informed about utility updates. Watershed health also faces challenges from E. coli and mercury, suggesting a need for caution with local fish and recreational water. Regular testing is recommended for those using private wells.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morrill County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid High Plains Climate

Morrill County’s 48.5°F annual average is slightly cooler than the national median. This high-plains region is characterized by a semi-arid climate with significant temperature swings.

Notably Dry Conditions

At 48.5°F, Morrill is cooler than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F but notably drier. It receives only 16.6 inches of precipitation annually, far below the state average of 25.9 inches.

High Heat vs Neighbors

Morrill is one of the driest counties in the region, receiving 10 inches less rain than its eastern counterparts. However, it faces 53 extreme heat days, which is much higher than most neighboring counties.

Intense Summers and Dry Snow

Summers are intense with 53 days over 90°F, while winters are dry and cold with 33.1 inches of snow. January averages a relatively mild 26.2°F compared to the state's more humid eastern counties.

Smart Xeriscaping for Dryness

Xeriscaping is a smart choice for homeowners due to the low 16.6 inches of annual rainfall. Residents also need robust air conditioning to handle nearly two months of extreme 90°F heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morrill County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Western Soils in Morrill County

Morrill County features an alkaline soil profile with a pH of 7.23, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.79. This higher pH is typical of more arid western climates where minerals aren't leached away. The county's soil score is 45.9, reflecting the challenges of gardening in this environment.

High Sand Content Limits Soil Cohesion

The soil is 64.1% sand, 21.2% silt, and 10.9% clay, creating a loose, coarse texture. This high sand percentage means the soil warms up quickly in the spring but has a limited ability to store nutrients. Silt and clay are low, which reduces the soil's risk of compaction under heavy equipment.

Moderate Fertility in a Semi-Arid Zone

Organic matter is a respectable 2.90%, which is well above the national 2.0% benchmark but below the Nebraska average of 3.32%. The available water capacity is 0.147 in/in, trailing the state average of 0.172. Gardeners here must focus on adding mulch to compensate for the lower water-holding potential.

Rapid Drainage Across the Western Plains

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the 64.1% sand content points toward very rapid drainage and low runoff. This helps prevent standing water but can lead to localized erosion if not protected by cover crops. For builders, these soils generally offer good stability but require dust control during construction.

Tough Plants for Zone 5a Conditions

In Zone 5a, Morrill County gardeners should choose plants that tolerate both alkaline pH and sandy conditions, such as sage or lavender. The high sand content is excellent for peppers and other crops that dislike 'wet feet.' With supplemental water and organic amendments, this ground can be surprisingly productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morrill County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Morrill

Maintaining a lawn in Morrill County is a major challenge, reflected in a low difficulty score of 32.3. The combination of zone 5a weather and harsh western conditions makes it one of the toughest spots in the state.

Scarcity of Rain and Intense Heat

Annual precipitation is a sparse 16.6 inches, which is nearly half the national ideal for healthy lawns. The 53 days of extreme heat—well above the state average—can quickly scorch unprotected grass.

Alkaline Soils and Sandy Texture

A slightly alkaline pH of 7.23 may require sulfur to bring it down into the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The high sand content of 64.1% exacerbates the water deficit by allowing moisture to escape the root zone too quickly.

Severe Drought Demands Water Savings

The county is currently in 100% severe drought, having spent every week of the past year in dry conditions. Water conservation is mandatory here, and traditional high-water lawns are increasingly difficult to justify.

Adapting to the High Plains

Drought-hardy native grasses like Buffalograss or Blue Grama are the only sustainable choices for Morrill. Aim to seed in late May, well after the late last frost date of May 13th, to ensure survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morrill County's county score?
Morrill County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Morrill County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Morrill County ranks #59 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 Morrill County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Morrill County is $1,453, with an effective tax rate of 1.30%. This earns Morrill County a tax score of 20.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morrill County?
The median household income in Morrill County, Nebraska is $59,773 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morrill County earns an income score of 38.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morrill County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Morrill County scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Morrill 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 Morrill 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.