countyscore
57.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.6Water Quality 86Schools 75

County Report Card

About Nemaha County, Nebraska

Consistent with National Standards

Nemaha County’s composite score of 57.7 remains above the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard of living that is competitive on a national scale.

Just Below the State Average

The county’s score sits slightly below the Nebraska state average of 59.3. While it is a solid place to live, it faces some headwinds compared to state leaders.

Environmental Safety and Strong Schools

Environmental resilience and education are bright spots, with a Risk Score of 86.6 and a School Score of 75.0. Water quality is also a strength, scoring 86.0.

Navigating a High Tax Burden

The Tax Score of 17.0 is the lowest among its metrics, driven by a 1.408% effective tax rate. Safety and income scores also trail slightly behind those of state peers.

Best for Community and Resilience

Nemaha County is a strong option for people who value environmental safety and good local schools. It is well-suited for those willing to accept higher taxes for reliable community services.

204060801001764.265.457.47539.386.68645.5Tax17Cost64.2Safety65.4Health57.4Schools75Income39.3Risk86.6Water86Weather45.557.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Nemaha County DNA

Foverall

How Nemaha County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nemaha County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (86.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (17/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17-35
Cost
64.2+16.200000000000003
Safety
65.4+10.400000000000006
Health
57.4
Schools
75+21
Income
39.3-11.700000000000003
Risk
86.6+39.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
45.5-10.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Nemaha County?

Many homeowners in Nemaha 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

$125,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$727/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$125,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,132/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.2

per 100K

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

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Meeker County
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Lincoln County
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Alfalfa County
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Baylor County
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Glasscock County
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Nearby counties

Atchison County
Missouri
58.3
Richardson County
Nebraska
60
Otoe County
Nebraska
49.3
Fremont County
Iowa
58.7
Johnson County
Nebraska
62.9
Pawnee County
Nebraska
62.5
Holt County
Missouri
57.5
Brown County
Kansas
50.4

Deep Dives

Nemaha County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nemaha County

via TaxByCounty

Nemaha's rate exceeds the national average

Nemaha County's effective tax rate of 1.408% ranks among the highest in the nation, placing it well above the national average. However, the median property tax of $1,761 remains below the national median of $2,690 due to Nemaha's lower median home value of $125,100.

Nemaha has Nebraska's highest tax rate

At 1.408%, Nemaha County boasts the highest effective tax rate of any county in this dataset, substantially exceeding Nebraska's state average of 1.281%. The median property tax of $1,761 is lower than some neighbors due to modest home values, but the effective rate signals higher tax burden.

Nemaha leads the region in tax rates

Nemaha County's 1.408% rate significantly exceeds all surrounding counties, including Madison County (1.336%) and Morrill County (1.297%). This makes Nemaha the highest-tax county in the region, a distinction that may concern budget-conscious homeowners.

Nemaha homeowners pay the highest rates here

On a median home value of $125,100, Nemaha County residents pay approximately $1,761 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, costs reach $1,606; those owning homes outright pay around $1,867.

Appeals are especially valuable in Nemaha

Given Nemaha County's position as the highest-tax county in this dataset, homeowners should rigorously challenge any assessments that appear inflated relative to market value. A successful appeal could yield meaningful savings on already-elevated tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nemaha County

via CostByCounty

Nemaha County rents put pressure on household budgets

Nemaha County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national benchmark, signaling that residents here dedicate a larger-than-typical share of income to housing costs. The $727 monthly rent is moderate, but a $60,132 median household income well below the national average of $74,755 creates real affordability strain.

Nemaha edges above Nebraska's affordability average

At 14.5%, Nemaha County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 14.2%, placing it slightly outside Nebraska's affordability sweet spot. Lower household incomes relative to housing costs mean residents experience more budget pressure than in most state counties.

Nemaha's rents are reasonable but income is tight

Nemaha County's $727 rent tracks with Logan ($725) and Morrill ($744), yet the county's $60,132 median income ranks among the region's lowest. This income-cost dynamic pushes Nemaha's affordability ratio above neighbors with similar rents but stronger paychecks.

Low income amplifies the burden of modest rents

Renters spend $727 monthly while homeowners pay $849, both consuming meaningful slices of the $60,132 median household income. At 14.5% of income going to rent, Nemaha County residents face tighter household budgets than most Nebraska neighbors.

Nemaha rewards relocators with stable income sources

Nemaha County's $125,100 median home values and $727 rents appeal to budget-conscious buyers, but renters should plan for the 14.5% rent burden. Compare Nemaha's affordability metrics to lower-cost neighbors like McPherson and Loup to ensure your income can sustain comfortable housing here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nemaha County

via IncomeByCounty

Nemaha County below U.S. income benchmark

Nemaha County's median household income of $60,132 falls approximately $14,620 below the national median of $74,755. This gap is consistent with rural Nebraska's economic profile, where household incomes typically lag metropolitan areas significantly.

Lower than Nebraska state average

At $60,132, Nemaha County's median household income trails Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by $6,748. The county ranks among the lower-earning counties in Nebraska, reflecting limited wage growth in the region.

Among the region's lower earners

Nemaha County's $60,132 income is comparable to Loup County ($60,156) and McPherson County ($61,316), but trails Nance ($65,438), Madison ($64,637), and Merrick ($62,849). The county faces similar economic pressures as other small rural communities in this cluster.

Manageable but notable housing burden

Nemaha County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing costs consume a meaningful portion of household budgets. With a median home value of $125,100, families should carefully plan homeownership to avoid stretching beyond financial comfort.

Start small, stay consistent with savings

Nemaha County's lower-than-average income requires disciplined financial planning to build meaningful wealth over time. Automate even modest monthly transfers to savings accounts and retirement vehicles—consistency compounds into substantial gains regardless of starting amount.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nemaha County

via CrimeByCounty

Nemaha County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Nemaha County holds a 98.7 safety score, with a total crime rate of 812.1 per 100,000 residents. This remains far lower and safer than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Comparing Nemaha to State Safety Trends

Nemaha County’s safety score of 98.7 is just below the Nebraska average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 812.1 exceeds the state average of 626.7, though it remains low by national standards.

Regional Comparisons Show Local Resilience

Nemaha County has a higher crime rate than some nearby rural counties but stays well below national levels. The 2022 data highlights a localized focus on managing both property and violent crime.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

The county reports 199.5 violent crimes and 612.6 property crimes per 100,000. While the violent crime rate is higher than the Nebraska average, it is still roughly half the national average of 369.8.

Visible Security Boosts Local Protection

Homeowners can boost security by focusing on lighting and yard maintenance to eliminate hiding spots. Engaging in a neighborhood watch can also help reduce the impact of local crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nemaha County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Diversity in Nemaha

Nemaha County features seven public schools and two districts, supporting a total enrollment of 1,414 students. The network includes elementary, middle, and high school levels, plus two specialized campuses.

Elite Graduation Rates in Nemaha

The county excels with a 95.3% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state. This success comes despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $7,842, which is well below the national average of $13,000.

Auburn Public Schools Leads

Auburn Public Schools is the primary district, managing 1,051 students across four schools. There are no charter schools in Nemaha County, though one school is dedicated to special education.

Town Centers and Rural Reach

Five schools are located in town settings while two are rural, offering a mix of environments for students. Calvert Elementary is the largest school with 577 students, which is significantly larger than the county average.

Find Success in Nemaha Schools

For families chasing high academic outcomes, Nemaha County’s graduation rates are a major draw. Searching for a home in Auburn provides easy access to the county's largest and most central schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nemaha County

via RiskByCounty

Nemaha County ranks among America's safest

Nemaha County's composite risk score of 13.39 places it in the Very Low category, substantially below the national average. The county benefits from a favorable natural hazard geography with minimal catastrophic exposure.

Nemaha County among Nebraska's safest

Nemaha County scores 13.39 against Nebraska's 25.80 state average, ranking among the state's lowest-risk counties. It outperforms roughly 90% of its state peers on composite risk.

Nemaha County safe, though not safest regionally

Nemaha County's 13.39 score is safer than Merrick County (42.94), Morrill County (27.83), and Nance County (21.66), but higher than McPherson County (0.13). It remains solidly in the low-risk tier.

Wildfire and tornado pose modest exposures

Nemaha County's wildfire risk (66.79) and tornado risk (49.11) represent its main hazards, though still moderate in national context. Earthquake risk (12.53) and flood risk (15.74) are minor concerns, with no meaningful hurricane exposure.

Standard coverage with wildfire consideration

Nemaha County homeowners should maintain comprehensive policies with attention to wildfire and tornado coverage, which represent the county's primary risks. Standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Nemaha County

via WaterByCounty

Excellent Drinking Water Quality

Nemaha County maintains an A grade for its drinking water, with zero health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is far superior to the Nebraska state average of 110.3. Public water systems here consistently meet federal safety requirements.

Significant Watershed Impairment

Three of the four assessed water bodies in Nemaha County are impaired, a rate of 75.0% that exceeds the state average of 66.4%. According to 2022 data, E. coli is the sole primary cause of these impairments. This indicates that while drinking water is safe, surface waters face significant biological challenges.

Broad Monitoring Network

Eighteen monitoring sites across Nemaha County have recorded 4,547 measurements over the last five years. Researchers prioritize physical characteristics and nutrients, providing a deep data set for the county. This high site density allows for precise tracking of water quality trends.

Little Nemaha River Flow Low

The Little Nemaha River at Auburn is flowing at 91 cubic feet per second, just 28% of its long-term mean. These low flow conditions are well below the historical average for this time of year. Reduced flows often negatively impact water quality by allowing pollutants to remain more concentrated.

Practice Surface Water Caution

Despite excellent drinking water, the 75% impairment rate in local watersheds means residents should be cautious of E. coli in rivers. The low flow on the Little Nemaha River (28% of normal) increases the importance of managing agricultural and urban runoff. Supporting local watershed protection can help improve these recreational waters.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nemaha County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Humid in Nemaha

Nemaha County is one of Nebraska's warmer regions, with an annual average of 52.4°F that nears the national median. This humid continental climate receives significantly more rain than much of the state.

The State's Rainy Corner

Nemaha is much warmer and wetter than the average Nebraska county. Its 32.3 inches of precipitation is over 6 inches higher than the state average of 25.9 inches.

Warmest Summer in the Region

Nemaha stands out as a regional hotspot, with a summer average of 75.3°F that is higher than its western neighbors. It is also one of the wettest counties in the state, receiving over 32 inches of rain.

Hot Summers and Mild Snow

July is hot with an average of 77.2°F and 39 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are relatively mild for the state, averaging 27.6°F with 30.4 inches of snow.

Gutter Care for Heavy Rain

Homeowners should ensure proper drainage and gutter maintenance to handle the high 32.3 inches of annual rainfall. With nearly 40 days of extreme heat, energy-efficient cooling is a top priority.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nemaha County

via SoilByCounty

Premier Soil Quality in Nemaha County

Nemaha County features an impressive soil score of 66.4, far exceeding the Nebraska state average of 58.9. The average pH is 6.64, which is very close to the ideal national median of 6.5. This slightly acidic to neutral range is perfect for the diverse agriculture of Southeast Nebraska.

Silt-Rich Profiles and Heavy Clays

This county has a distinct composition of 54.1% silt and 28.5% clay, with only 15.7% sand. This high silt and clay content creates a heavy, nutrient-dense soil that holds onto minerals extremely well. While it can be harder to till when wet, its ability to support plant life is superior.

Top-Tier Moisture Storage for Gardens

The available water capacity is 0.185 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.172 and the highest in this group. Organic matter is 2.65%, comfortably above the national 2.0% average. These factors combine to create a resilient soil that can withstand heatwaves by holding deep moisture reserves.

Managing Heavier Soils and Runoff

The low sand content and high clay levels suggest slower drainage and a higher potential for runoff compared to western counties. This requires careful erosion control on sloped land to protect the valuable topsoil. For builders, the clay content means soil may expand or contract, requiring robust foundation designs.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 5b

Nemaha County is a gardener's dream in Zone 5b, capable of producing massive yields of corn, beans, and heavy-feeding vegetables. The high clay and silt levels are perfect for fruit orchards and berries that need consistent moisture. Your garden here has the potential to be the most productive in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nemaha County

via LawnByCounty

Nebraska's Premium Lawn Climate

Nemaha County is a gardener's paradise with a high score of 69.5, far exceeding the state average of 54.2. Its position in zone 5b offers some of the best lawn-growing conditions in all of Nebraska.

Abundant Rain and Long Seasons

Annual precipitation of 32.3 inches finally hits the national ideal range of 30-50 inches. This abundant moisture, combined with a long growing season of 3,766 degree days, leads to naturally lush and thick turf.

Clay-Rich Soil Holds Nutrients

Unlike its sandy neighbors, this soil has 28.5% clay, which holds water and nutrients exceptionally well. The 6.64 pH is ideal, though the clay content may require occasional aeration to prevent soil compaction.

The State's Drought Leader

This is the most drought-resilient county on the list, with only 16 weeks in drought and no current severe drought. However, 69% of the area is still abnormally dry, so occasional irrigation remains helpful.

Select Your Favorite Variety

You have the luxury of choosing premium Kentucky Bluegrass or durable Tall Fescue here. With a last frost date of April 24th, you can get a head start on the season compared to much of the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nemaha County's county score?
Nemaha County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 57.7 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 Nemaha County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Nemaha County ranks #63 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 Nemaha County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Nemaha County is $1,761, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Nemaha County a tax score of 17/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nemaha County?
The median household income in Nemaha County, Nebraska is $60,132 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nemaha County earns an income score of 39.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nemaha County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Nemaha County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Nemaha 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 Nemaha 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.