CountyScore

Nemaha County

Kansas · KS

#1 in Kansas
75.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Nemaha County, Kansas

Nemaha County ranks in the top tier nationally

Nemaha County's composite score of 74.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties in America. This 48% advantage represents strong performance across multiple livability dimensions and reflects a county that offers genuine competitive appeal.

Kansas's strongest performer among these eight counties

Nemaha County ranks highest among this group with a composite score of 74.2, well above the Kansas state average of 66.0. Its lead over other sampled counties demonstrates exceptional fundamentals in both economics and affordability across the board.

Low taxes and strong incomes fuel livability

Nemaha County's standout tax score of 74.8 reflects an effective tax rate of just 0.978%—among the lowest available anywhere. Combined with a median household income of $77,375 and a cost score of 83.9 supporting affordable housing, the county delivers both fiscal relief and economic opportunity.

Limited data gaps don't diminish strong showing

While safety, health, schools, and water data are not yet available, Nemaha County's exceptional performance in tax, cost, and income dimensions provides confidence in its overall livability. Future data releases will likely paint an even more complete picture of this well-rounded county.

Ideal for families seeking tax efficiency and stability

Nemaha County appeals to families valuing low tax burdens, economic stability, and accessible housing in a community with strong fundamentals. Professionals and established families benefit most here—the county offers rare combination of fiscal responsibility and decent income potential in a small-town Kansas setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.8Cost83.9SafetyComing SoonHealth76.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.9Risk82.6WaterComing Soon
🏛74.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.6
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 Nemaha County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Dallas County
Arkansas
75.4
Median income: $44,694
Perry County
Arkansas
75.4
Median income: $60,078
Jackson Parish
Louisiana
75.4
Median income: $43,345
Grant County
Minnesota
75.4
Median income: $72,957
Chariton County
Missouri
75.4
Median income: $63,307

Deep Dives

Nemaha County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nemaha County

via TaxByCounty

Nemaha's low rate beats nation

Nemaha County's effective tax rate of 0.978% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 1.549% and setting it in the bottom quartile. This makes Nemaha one of the most tax-friendly counties in America for property owners.

Kansas's lowest-taxed county

At 0.978%, Nemaha County has the lowest effective tax rate among the eight featured counties and well below the state average of 1.549%. This exceptional rate reflects the county's approach to property taxation.

Nemaha stands out for low taxes

Nemaha's 0.978% rate is substantially lower than every comparable county in the region, including Osage (1.598%), Ottawa (1.615%), and Osborne (1.612%). Homeowners here enjoy a significant tax advantage over neighbors.

Median tax bill stays modest

On a median home value of $196,100, Nemaha County residents pay just $1,917 in annual property taxes. This is remarkably affordable given the home values and underscores the county's tax-efficient governance.

Appeal if assessed too high

Even in low-tax counties like Nemaha, some homeowners face inflated assessments. If your home's assessed value seems out of line with comparable sales in your area, an appeal—filed with your county assessor—is free and worth the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nemaha County

via CostByCounty

Nemaha County: affordable by national standards

With a rent-to-income ratio of 11.3%, Nemaha County sits comfortably within the healthy housing affordability zone and beats the national average. Median household income of $77,375 exceeds the national average by nearly $2,600, while median rent at $726/month keeps housing costs modest relative to earnings.

Top quartile affordability in Kansas

Nemaha County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio stands well above the Kansas state average of 14.7%, securing it among the state's most affordable counties for renters. The county's median income of $77,375 is also one of the stronger earnings figures in Kansas, amplifying housing affordability even further.

Nemaha County leads the neighborhood

At $726/month, Nemaha's median rent is competitive with Osage County ($810) but higher than bargain markets like Morton ($637) and Osborne ($591). However, Nemaha commands a significant homeownership advantage: a median home value of $196,100 reflects community stability and equity potential that rival any neighbor in this region.

Renters win; homeowners invest

Renters spend 11.3% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate 11.8% ($762 monthly), creating nearly identical affordability for both pathways. With median home values at $196,100—higher than most peers—homebuyers here are building equity in a county where incomes support the purchase price.

Strong income, accessible housing, proven value

Nemaha County attracts families balancing affordability with long-term stability: above-average income, near-bottom-quartile rent burden, and homes appreciating in value. If you're trading up from cheaper but stagnant markets, Nemaha offers the rare combination of affordability and investment potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nemaha County

via IncomeByCounty

Nemaha County leads Kansas in income

Nemaha County's median household income of $77,375 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $2,620, marking it among Kansas's strongest-performing counties. The county outearns the state average of $64,428 by nearly $13,000 annually.

Top earner among Kansas counties

Nemaha County ranks near the very top of Kansas counties for household income, commanding one of the state's highest median household earnings. Its per capita income of $38,996 significantly exceeds Kansas's state average of $34,748.

Clear income advantage over region

Nemaha County's $77,375 median household income substantially outpaces nearby Norton County ($50,305) and Neosho County ($55,704), showcasing the strongest earning power in this region. Only Ottawa County ($76,755) comes close to Nemaha's income levels.

Strong income supports local living costs

Nemaha County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates minimal housing cost burden, freeing households to pursue other financial goals. The county's median home value of $196,100 remains within reach for its well-earning population.

Capitalize on Nemaha's strong earnings

Nemaha County's above-average income positions residents to build substantial wealth through disciplined saving and investment strategies. Consider diversifying into real estate, retirement accounts, and long-term securities to compound your county's income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Nemaha County

via HealthByCounty

Nemaha County outperforms national health benchmarks

Nemaha County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 79.0 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.6 years—a remarkable advantage. Only 15.1% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 17.0%, suggesting strong community health outcomes.

Nemaha County ranks among Kansas's healthiest

With a life expectancy of 79.0 years, Nemaha County significantly outperforms Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, placing it in the upper tier of Kansas counties. The uninsured rate of 8.1% also beats the state average of 11.5%, indicating better health security.

Nemaha County leads regional health outcomes

Nemaha County's 79.0-year life expectancy surpasses nearby Norton County (78.8 years) and substantially outpaces Morton County (74.0 years), signaling consistent investment in health and wellbeing. The uninsured rate of 8.1% is among the lowest in the region.

Strong primary care access supports health gains

Nemaha County provides 127 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among the highest in its region, enabling accessible preventive and routine care. With only 8.1% uninsured, most residents can afford to use these providers, supporting the county's exceptional health outcomes.

Keep coverage strong in your community

Nemaha County's low uninsured rate reflects strong enrollment in health plans—continue exploring employer coverage and Kansas marketplace options to maintain this health advantage. Community commitment to accessible healthcare has made a measurable difference in how long and how well Nemaha residents live.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nemaha County

via RiskByCounty

Nemaha County: low risk below state average

Nemaha County's composite risk score of 17.43 places it well below Kansas's state average of 29.89, earning a very low risk rating nationally. This county faces substantially less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties, though vigilance remains important for localized hazards.

Among Kansas's safest counties

Ranking near the bottom of Kansas counties for overall disaster risk, Nemaha County scores significantly lower than the state average across most hazard categories. Its very low composite score reflects relatively minimal exposure to major natural threats statewide.

Lower risk than eastern Kansas peers

Nemaha County's 17.43 score outperforms neighboring Doniphan and Marshall Counties in overall safety, though wildfire risk (82.82) does exceed regional norms. The county's tornado risk (58.30) mirrors typical northeast Kansas exposure patterns.

Wildfire emerges as primary hazard

Wildfire risk at 82.82 significantly outpaces other hazards in Nemaha County, reflecting grassland conditions and seasonal drought patterns common to the region. Tornado risk follows at 58.30, while flood risk (23.31) and earthquake risk (21.85) pose secondary concerns.

Secure wildfire and tornado coverage

Homeowners in Nemaha County should prioritize comprehensive wildfire insurance and wind damage coverage given the county's high wildfire exposure relative to other risks. Bundle these protections with standard homeowner's insurance and create a defensible space plan around your property.

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.