countyscore
51.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.7Property Tax 95.3Cost of Living 71.4

County Report Card

About Niobrara County, Wyoming

Above Average National Ranking

Niobrara County earns a composite score of 51.9, exceeding the national median of 50.0. While it faces economic challenges, its exceptional safety and low taxes elevate its overall standing. It represents a unique niche in the American rural landscape.

A Rural Outlier in Wyoming

The county's score of 51.9 sits below the state average of 56.5. Its profile is defined by extreme highs in fiscal security and notable lows in school and income metrics. It offers a very different experience than the state's more affluent western counties.

Unrivaled Fiscal and Personal Security

Niobrara boasts an elite risk score of 96.7 and a tax score of 95.3. Homeowners benefit from an incredibly low effective tax rate of 0.376%. These scores suggest one of the most financially and environmentally stable environments in the country.

Economic and Educational Headwinds

Income and schools are primary concerns, scoring 12.4 and 11.5 respectively. The median household income of $48,987 is significantly lower than state peers. Water quality also ranks at the bottom of the scale with a score of 2.0.

Best for Self-Sufficient Retirees

Niobrara is perfect for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low taxes and absolute peace of mind. While local schools and incomes are low, the $194,200 median home value makes it highly accessible for those with external savings. It is a quiet, safe harbor for those seeking minimal government footprint.

Score breakdown

Tax95.3Cost71.4Safety45.5Health46.5Schools11.5Income12.4Risk96.7Water2Weather31.3
🏛95.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓11.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Fall River County
South Dakota
46.6
Sioux County
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62.9
Converse County
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58.8
Weston County
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Platte County
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Dawes County
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Goshen County
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Deep Dives

Niobrara County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Niobrara County

via TaxByCounty

Niobrara offers extreme tax relief

Niobrara County's effective tax rate of 0.376% ranks in the bottom 5% nationally, with median taxes of just $731 against the national median of $2,690. Homeowners here enjoy one of the nation's lowest property tax burdens.

Wyoming's lowest tax rate

Niobrara County's 0.376% effective rate is the lowest in Wyoming by a wide margin, running 32% below the state average of 0.556%. Its median property tax of $731 is less than half the state median of $1,666.

Dramatically cheaper than peers

Niobrara County's 0.376% rate undercuts every neighboring county, with Johnson County (0.552%) nearly 50% higher and Platte County (0.588%) more than 50% steeper. It stands alone as the region's most tax-advantaged option.

Median home tax just $731

Niobrara County homeowners with a median-valued property of $194,200 pay only $731 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $1,048; without one, they drop to just $676.

Verify accuracy of low assessments

While Niobrara's overall rates are exceptionally low, individual properties can still be misassessed. Ensure your assessment accurately reflects your property's recent comparable sales value—even here, appeals can correct overvaluations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Niobrara County

via CostByCounty

Niobrara County: Rural Affordability, Low Wages

Niobrara County's rent-to-income ratio of 19% reflects the harsh reality of rural Wyoming: low housing costs ($775/month rent) paired with notably low median household income of just $48,987, nearly 35% below the national average. This county demonstrates how rural affordability can mask underlying economic fragility.

Second-Most Strained in Wyoming

Niobrara County's 19% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-highest among Wyoming's eight surveyed counties, trailing only Johnson County's crisis-level 20.3%. Despite the lowest rents in the survey, Niobrara's weak income base pushes residents into significant housing cost burden.

Lowest Rents, Lowest Incomes

Niobrara's median rent of $775/month is Wyoming's lowest, running 17% below the state average, yet median household income of $48,987 is the lowest in the survey—a 34% gap below state median earnings. This imbalance explains why low rent doesn't translate to affordability.

Niobrara's Economic Strain

Renters pay $775 monthly while homeowners carry $674—ownership costs are the second-lowest in the survey—yet median household income of $48,987 forces families to allocate 19% to rent. That leaves Niobrara households with limited cushion for savings, healthcare, and unexpected expenses despite rock-bottom rents.

Niobrara County: Proceed With Income Caution

Cheap rent alone doesn't make a county affordable; Niobrara's low wages ($48,987 median) mean housing cost burden rivals more expensive counties with better jobs. Only relocate here if you have remote income or a specific job opportunity; otherwise, compare to counties like Lincoln or Platte where wages offer real relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Niobrara County

via IncomeByCounty

Niobrara significantly trails nation

Niobrara County's median household income of $48,987 falls roughly $25,800 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. The county faces one of the steepest income gaps among Wyoming's 23 counties.

Lowest income county in Wyoming

Niobrara's $48,987 trails Wyoming's state average of $73,360 by more than $24,000, making it the state's lowest-income county by a significant margin. The gap reflects limited economic diversity and population decline.

Substantially below all neighbors

Niobrara's $48,987 lags every adjacent county: Platte ($66,299), Laramie ($77,884), and Hot Springs ($64,375) all earn $15,000–$28,000 more per household. Isolation and limited industry diversity drive this substantial income gap.

Housing is relative bright spot

Niobrara's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio, while manageable, approaches the affordability ceiling given low overall income. At $194,200, median home values are the state's lowest, making homeownership the most accessible path to housing stability.

Focus on income growth first

Given tight household budgets, Niobrara residents should prioritize skills development and job transitions that unlock higher earning potential. Even modest income increases compound significantly—pair this with automatic modest savings to build emergency reserves.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Niobrara County

via CrimeByCounty

Niobrara County's National Safety Standings

Niobrara County holds a 98.1 safety score, which is well above the national average for safety. Its total crime rate of 1,219.6 per 100,000 remains far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Below the State Average

The county sits just below the Wyoming state average safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 1,219.6 is higher than the state average of 978.0 per 100,000 residents.

Higher Crime Density Than Neighbors

Niobrara faces a higher crime rate than neighboring Johnson County, which stands at 1,054.4. Two local reporting agencies manage the data for this rural Wyoming community.

Analyzing Violent vs. Property Incidents

Violent crime is recorded at 365.9 per 100,000, which is very close to the national average. Property crime is lower at 853.7, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Strengthening Your Personal Security

Because violent crime rates are higher than the state average, residents should prioritize home and personal safety. Installing reliable security systems and well-lit entryways can improve overall security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Niobrara County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national average

Niobrara County residents reach 78.3 years on average, slightly below the U.S. average of 79 years. However, 19.3% report poor or fair health—the highest rate among all sampled counties and well above the national average, indicating widespread health vulnerability despite decent longevity.

Longest health-adjusted life expectancy gap

At 78.3 years, Niobrara County's life expectancy exceeds Wyoming's state average of 77.0 years, yet its 19.3% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the state sample. This paradox suggests residents are living longer but in poorer health—a pattern that demands attention.

High life expectancy, poorest health quality

Niobrara County's 78.3-year life expectancy matches Park County's closely, but its 19.3% poor/fair health rate far exceeds all peers, including the second-worst Natrona County at 16.9%. Mental health support is severely limited at just 85 per 100K, the lowest among sampled counties.

Highest poor/fair health rate, limited mental health

Nearly 1 in 5 Niobrara County residents (19.3%) report poor or fair health, the highest concentration in the sample, while only 16.3% lack insurance—slightly above the state average. With just 85 mental health providers per 100K and 82 primary care providers, healthcare access is critically sparse relative to need.

Health coverage and preventive care matter

Niobrara County's high rate of poor health outcomes makes securing insurance and preventive care essential. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health office to enroll in coverage and connect with primary care providers who can help address underlying health challenges.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Niobrara County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Smallest Schools in the State

Niobrara County operates a tiny network of 4 public schools, consisting of two elementary, one middle, and one high school. A single district serves the 842 students enrolled here. All schools are situated in rural locales, reflecting the county’s sparse population.

Critical Gaps in Academic Outcomes

Niobrara County faces significant challenges, with a graduation rate of just 42.0%, well below the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is only $6,387, roughly half of the national average. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 26.9.

Unified Niobrara County School District

All 842 students are served by Niobrara County School District #1 across four rural campuses. The county has no charter schools, keeping all educational activity within the public district. This centralization is essential for managing resources in such a sparsely populated area.

Ultra-Rural and Small-Scale

The school experience here is incredibly intimate, with an average school size of 211 students. Lusk Elementary is the largest with 302 students, while Lance Creek Elementary provides an extremely small-scale education for just 7 students. Rural life is the defining characteristic of every campus here.

Rural Living and Local Schools

For those seeking a truly rural lifestyle, Lusk offers the primary hub for education in Niobrara County. Homebuyers in this region prioritize community ties and the small-school atmosphere. Explore local property options to become part of this unique Wyoming landscape.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Niobrara County

via RiskByCounty

Niobrara is Wyoming's safest county

Niobrara County scores just 3.34 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it among the safest counties in America. The county experiences roughly 95% less disaster risk than the national average.

By far Wyoming's lowest-risk county

Niobrara County's 3.34 score is dramatically lower than Wyoming's state average of 37.86, making it the clear safest county in the state. The county's low exposure across flood (6.93) and earthquake (28.40) hazards creates exceptional resilience.

Vastly safer than all surrounding counties

Niobrara County's 3.34 score is nearly unmatched in the region—Hot Springs (16.09), Johnson (19.31), and Platte (25.73) counties all face significantly higher risk. Only Niobrara maintains such minimal overall disaster exposure.

Wildfire only notable hazard

Wildfire risk reaches 80.88 in Niobrara County, making it the primary concern despite the county's overall very low risk profile. All other hazards—flood (6.93), tornado (13.52), and earthquake (28.40)—remain minimal compared to state and national standards.

Wildfire coverage makes sense here

While Niobrara County is Wyoming's safest, wildfire coverage remains worthwhile given the 80.88 risk score and the hazard's catastrophic potential. Standard homeowners insurance often excludes wildfire; a rider or separate policy provides essential protection for this singular exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Niobrara County

via WeatherByCounty

A High Plains Climate Profile

Niobrara County’s annual average temperature of 46.5°F is cool by national standards but typical for the High Plains. It is relatively dry, with 15.6 inches of annual precipitation compared to the much higher national average.

Surpassing the State Average

The county is roughly 2.7 degrees warmer than the Wyoming state average of 43.8°F. It benefits from a lower elevation that helps keep its annual temperature profile in the state's upper quartile.

Wetter and Warmer Neighbors

Niobrara is slightly cooler than Platte County to the southwest (47.2°F). However, its 15.6 inches of precipitation makes it wetter than many interior Wyoming counties like Natrona.

The State's Summer Hotspot

Niobrara County experiences 38 days of extreme heat over 90°F, the highest among these eight counties. Winters still bring 48.9 inches of snow, though January remains slightly warmer than the state average at 24.7°F.

Cooling is a Priority

Because of the 38 extreme heat days, reliable air conditioning is more critical here than in most of Wyoming. Residents should also prepare for moderate snowfall that can total nearly 50 inches annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Niobrara County

via SoilByCounty

Niobrara’s Alkaline Prairie Soils

Niobrara County maintains an average soil pH of 7.22, slightly more alkaline than the Wyoming state average of 7.18. This level is much higher than the national median of 6.5, requiring careful selection of salt-tolerant plants.

A Balanced Grain Mix

The soil contains 48.0% sand, 28.9% silt, and 20.6% clay. This mixture provides a stable structure that is easier to work than heavy clay while still retaining some moisture.

Room for Organic Growth

Organic matter sits at 1.76%, which is below the national average of 2.0% and well behind the state average of 5.40%. The available water capacity of 0.145 in/in suggests the soil needs frequent, light watering.

Predicting Water Flow

Though formal drainage classes are not listed, the nearly 50% sand content typically allows for moderate water infiltration. This structure helps prevent the root rot often seen in heavier Wyoming soils.

Ready for Zone 5a Growth

With a Hardiness Zone of 5a, Niobrara County is perfect for growing root vegetables and hardy herbs. Enrich your soil with compost this spring to see your garden flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Niobrara County

via LawnByCounty

Niobrara County's Alkaline High-Plains Turf

With a lawn difficulty score of 33.3, Niobrara County is slightly easier for lawn care than the Wyoming state average of 32.6. In hardiness zone 5a, you still face a challenging environment that is significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. Success hinges on managing the heat and the soil's natural chemistry.

Managing High Heat and Limited Rain

Niobrara County sees 38 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 23. This heat, combined with only 15.6 inches of rain, creates a high-evaporation environment for your grass. The 2,417 growing degree days suggest a vigorous growing season if moisture is managed carefully.

Sandy, Alkaline Soil Challenges

The local soil has a pH of 7.22, which is slightly alkaline and outside the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With 48.0% sand and 20.6% clay, drainage is generally good, but the soil may struggle to hold onto nutrients. You may need to use acidifying fertilizers or sulfur to bring the pH down for optimal grass health.

Watering Wisely During Drought

The county has spent 41 weeks in drought this past year, and 100% of the land area is currently abnormally dry. About 15.5% of the county faces severe drought conditions, making water conservation a high priority. Incorporating drought-resistant native grasses can significantly reduce your outdoor water usage.

Optimizing Your Planting Schedule

Buffalo grass is an excellent, heat-tolerant choice for this county's high number of extreme heat days. Time your seeding for late May to avoid the last frost on May 17 and give the grass a head start. Be mindful that the first fall frost typically hits by September 25, ending the season's growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Niobrara County's county score?
Niobrara County, Wyoming has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Niobrara County rank among counties in Wyoming?
Niobrara County ranks #17 among all counties in Wyoming 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 Niobrara County, Wyoming?
The median annual property tax in Niobrara County is $731, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Niobrara County a tax score of 95.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Niobrara County?
The median household income in Niobrara County, Wyoming is $48,987 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Niobrara County earns an income score of 12.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Niobrara County, Wyoming a good place to live?
Niobrara County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Wyoming. The best way to evaluate Niobrara 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 Niobrara County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.