75.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 93.8Schools 89.3

County Report Card

About Nuckolls County, Nebraska

A National Leader in Small-Town Quality

Nuckolls County earns an impressive composite score of 75.9, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score places the county among the elite tier for overall livability in the United States.

Outperforming the Nebraska Average

The county stands tall in Nebraska with a score that significantly beats the state average of 59.3. This performance demonstrates a high standard of living compared to many of its regional peers.

Exceptional Safety and Affordability

Safety is the county's crown jewel with a near-perfect score of 97.5. Residents also enjoy incredible affordability, evidenced by a cost score of 93.8 and median monthly rents of just $616.

Navigating High Property Taxes

The tax score of 21.8 presents the primary hurdle for local residents. An effective tax rate of 1.280% creates a heavier burden compared to the county's otherwise low cost of living.

A Haven for Safe, Low-Cost Living

This county is perfect for retirees or families who prioritize extreme safety and ultra-low housing costs. With median home values at $90,900, your dollar stretches much further here than almost anywhere else.

2040608010021.893.897.572.389.366.977.68637.6Tax21.8Cost93.8Safety97.5Health72.3Schools89.3Income66.9Risk77.6Water86Weather37.675.9/100
This county
National avg
7 above average2 below average

Nuckolls County DNA

C+overall

How Nuckolls County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nuckolls County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Cost of Living (93.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.8-30.2
Cost
93.8+45.8
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
72.3+22.299999999999997
Schools
89.3+35.3
Income
66.9+15.900000000000006
Risk
77.6+30.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
37.6-18.4
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Think property taxes are too high in Nuckolls County?

Many homeowners in Nuckolls 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

$90,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$616/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$90,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,201/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Nuckolls County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nuckolls County

via TaxByCounty

Nuckolls taxes well below national norm

Nuckolls County's effective tax rate of 1.28% sits comfortably below the national median effective rate of roughly 0.8%, placing the county in the middle range nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,164 annually—less than half the national median property tax of $2,690—largely because homes are valued significantly lower than the U.S. average.

Right in line with Nebraska's typical rate

At 1.28% effective rate, Nuckolls County matches Nebraska's state average of 1.281% almost exactly, making it neither a tax burden nor a bargain within the state. The county's median tax bill of $1,164 runs well below the state average of $1,972, reflecting the area's lower property values rather than preferential tax treatment.

Competitive with surrounding rural counties

Nuckolls' 1.28% rate is the lowest among its closest neighbors, beating Pawnee County (1.592%) and Perkins County (1.014%), though slightly higher than Polk County (0.983%). The county's median home value of $90,900 is among the most affordable in the region, keeping tax bills modest despite rates near the state average.

Annual taxes on typical Nuckolls home

A homeowner with a median-valued property in Nuckolls County paying $90,900 should expect to pay around $1,164 annually in property taxes at the current 1.28% effective rate. With mortgage, that bill may rise slightly to $1,270; without a mortgage, it drops to $1,116.

Check if your assessment is fair

Many Nebraska homeowners discover their properties are assessed above market value, opening a path to lower tax bills through appeals. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't match recent sales in your neighborhood, filing a property tax appeal could reduce your annual liability.

Cost of Living in Nuckolls County

via CostByCounty

Nuckolls beats the national affordability test

Renters in Nuckolls County spend just 10.5% of their income on rent, well below the national benchmark of 14.2% and significantly better than the state average. This means households here have more money left over for other essentials compared to most Americans.

Most affordable renting in Nebraska

Nuckolls County ranks among Nebraska's most affordable counties for renters, with a 10.5% rent-to-income ratio—the best in this eight-county comparison. At just $616 monthly, median rent is $167 cheaper than the state average of $783.

Cheap rent, competitive home prices

Nuckolls' $616 median rent is the lowest in this region, matching Pawnee County but beating Pierce County ($850) and Platte County ($867). Home values at $90,900 are also the most affordable, making this county attractive for both renters and first-time buyers.

Housing takes a small bite here

The typical Nuckolls household earns $70,201 annually and spends $616 on rent or $530 on mortgage payments—leaving substantial income for savings and living expenses. Renters dedicate 10.5% of earnings to housing, while homeowners spend about 9%, both well below regional and national norms.

Consider Nuckolls for budget-friendly living

If affordable housing is your priority, Nuckolls County offers the lowest rents and home values in this comparison while maintaining a solid median household income of $70,201. This combination makes it an excellent option for renters, first-time homebuyers, and anyone seeking maximum housing affordability.

Income & Jobs in Nuckolls County

via IncomeByCounty

Nuckolls Keeps Pace With Nation

Nuckolls County's median household income of $70,201 sits just shy of the national median of $74,755, putting it within striking distance of typical American earnings. While the county falls about 6% below the national figure, it demonstrates solid middle-class stability across its households.

Above Average in Nebraska

At $70,201, Nuckolls County's median household income outperforms Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by nearly $3,300. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of Nebraska's 93 counties, reflecting stronger earning power than most of its peers statewide.

Strong Showing Among Regional Peers

Nuckolls County edges out neighboring Perkins County ($67,500) and stands well ahead of Pawnee County ($54,926). Its income level aligns closely with fellow rural central Nebraska counties, positioning it as one of the more economically stable areas in the region.

Housing Costs Remain Very Affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 10.5%, Nuckolls County residents spend well below the recommended 30% threshold for housing affordability. A median home value of $90,900 means homeownership remains accessible for most households, leaving room in the budget for savings and other needs.

Build on Your Strong Foundation

Nuckolls County households have favorable conditions to invest in retirement and long-term wealth building, given affordable housing costs. Financial advisors recommend directing the savings from low housing burden toward 401(k) plans, IRAs, or education investments to compound growth over time.

Safety in Nuckolls County

via CrimeByCounty

Nuckolls County sets a national safety standard

Nuckolls County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, which is drastically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Leading the state in public safety

With its perfect 100.0 safety score, Nuckolls County exceeds the Nebraska average safety score of 99.0. While the state average crime rate sits at 626.7 per 100,000, Nuckolls remains one of the safest jurisdictions in the region.

Outstanding safety compared to regional peers

Nuckolls County maintains a significantly lower crime rate than Otoe County, which reports 1,119.1 crimes per 100,000 residents. Across three reporting agencies, the county demonstrates a consistent track record of zero reported incidents.

Zero reported violent or property crimes

The county reports 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 people. These figures represent an exceptionally secure environment compared to the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining your community's safety

Even with zero reported crimes, residents should remain vigilant and practice basic home security. Simple measures like outdoor lighting help maintain the county's impressive safety record.

Schools in Nuckolls County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Rural Education Infrastructure

Nuckolls County operates seven public schools serving a total of 646 students through a single school district. The landscape includes two elementary, two middle, and two high schools, providing a complete educational track for local families.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Efficient Funding

The county boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $10,901 is lower than the national average, it remains above the Nebraska state average of $10,521.

Superior Public Schools Leads the Region

Superior Public Schools is the primary district, managing three schools and educating 410 students. No charter schools operate in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional public education systems.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a tight-knit atmosphere with an average of 92 students per school. Superior Elementary is the largest site with 196 students, while Lawrence/Nelson High serves just 63 students.

Small-Town Schools for Growing Families

Nuckolls County offers high graduation rates and small class sizes that many families find ideal. Consider exploring local home listings to take advantage of this high-performing rural school system.

Disaster Risk in Nuckolls County

via RiskByCounty

Nuckolls ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 22.46, Nuckolls County sits firmly in the Very Low category, performing better than the national average. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties, though some specific hazards still warrant attention.

Among Nebraska's safer counties

Nuckolls County scores below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the lower half of risk among the state's 93 counties. This favorable position reflects relatively moderate hazard exposure across the board.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Neighboring Phelps County (39.15) and Polk County (25.70) face notably higher composite risks, while Nuckolls' score of 22.46 offers relative safety. Among nearby counties, only Perkins County (4.36) presents less overall risk.

Wildfire and tornado pose main threats

Wildfire risk scores 42.08 in Nuckolls County, substantially higher than the county's overall composite risk, making it the leading hazard concern. Tornado risk follows at 38.42, while flood and earthquake risks remain minimal at 10.62 and 7.22 respectively.

Prepare for wind and fire damage

Homeowners should prioritize wind damage coverage for tornadoes and consider wildfire-resistant building improvements given the elevated wildfire risk scores. Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage, but reviewing your policy's limits and deductibles ensures adequate protection against these primary threats.

Water Quality in Nuckolls County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance for Nuckolls County Drinking Water

Nuckolls County maintains a stellar 'A' grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents far outperforms the Nebraska state average of 110.3.

Sixty Percent of Local Waterways Face Impairment

The 2022 reporting cycle shows that 6 out of 10 assessed water bodies in the county fail Clean Water Act standards. Top impairment causes include E. coli and Atrazine, though the 60% impairment rate remains slightly below the state average of 66.4%.

Limited Monitoring at a Single Strategic Site

One active monitoring site has provided 904 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical properties, nutrients, and major inorganic substances to track environmental trends.

Little Blue River Flow Drops Significantly

The primary gauge near Deweese currently records a discharge of 34 cfs, which is only 25% of its long-term mean. This substantial decrease from the typical 133 cfs reflects significantly drier conditions for the 984 square mile drainage area.

Focus on Watershed Contaminants and Low Flows

While tap water is safe, residents should be aware of E. coli and Atrazine levels in local streams during recreational use. The severely low streamflow may also impact the concentration of these contaminants in source water basins.

Weather & Climate in Nuckolls County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Nebraska's Sun and Heat

With an annual average of 51.3°F, Nuckolls County is slightly warmer than the national median for its latitude. This southern Nebraska county experiences long, hot summers and relatively light snowfall.

Beating the State Average

Nuckolls ranks above the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F for temperature. It receives 27.8 inches of precipitation, placing it on the wetter side of the state average.

High Heat and Less Snow

Nuckolls faces 50 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly more than its northern neighbors. However, it sees much less snow, with only 22.1 inches compared to the 30-inch averages found elsewhere.

Persistent Summer Heat Waves

The summer average of 74.4°F includes a July peak of 76.7°F and persistent extreme heat. Winters are drier than the state average, with only 22.1 inches of snowfall and a 27.5°F winter average.

Budget for Summer Cooling

Budgeting for high cooling costs is essential given the 50 days of extreme heat each year. Residents can worry less about heavy snow removal compared to northern Nebraska, as annual totals are quite low.

Soil Quality in Nuckolls County

via SoilByCounty

A Near-Perfect pH Balance

Nuckolls County soil sits at a pH of 6.62, placing it remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity level is lower than the Nebraska state average of 6.79. While formal taxonomic classification data is limited for this area, the chemical balance suggests a versatile foundation for local plant life.

Silt-Heavy Soils for Easy Tilling

The county's soil profile is dominated by 54.9% silt and 23.6% sand, with a 21.5% clay component. This high silt percentage creates a fine texture that is generally easy to work and resists excessive compaction. The balance between sand and clay helps manage the flow of water and nutrients through the root zone.

Top-Tier Fertility and Water Storage

Nuckolls County boasts a high soil score of 80.0 out of 100, far exceeding the state average of 58.9. Its organic matter content of 3.71% outperforms the Nebraska average of 3.32% and the national average of 2.0%. With an available water capacity of 0.205 in/in, these soils hold significantly more moisture than the state average of 0.172 in/in.

Efficient Water Management Potential

Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this county, but the high silt content suggests a moderate natural drainage rate. Farmers and builders should note the high available water capacity, which indicates the soil's ability to retain moisture during dry spells. Proper site-specific testing is recommended for any major construction or irrigation projects.

Flourishing in Zone 6a

This county falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, which provides a long enough growing season for diverse crops. The combination of high organic matter and excellent water storage makes it ideal for corn, soybeans, and vibrant vegetable gardens. Start your local garden today to take advantage of some of the state's best-scoring soil.

Lawn Care in Nuckolls County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Nuckolls County Lawns

Nuckolls County earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.6, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6a, local lawns benefit from a more stable climate than much of the state.

High Heat Challenges Mow Schedules

The county experiences 50 extreme heat days annually, which is much higher than the Nebraska average of 34 days. While 27.8 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the state average, the high temperature peaks require diligent summer irrigation.

Ideally Balanced Soil pH

The soil pH of 6.62 sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. With 21.5% clay and 23.6% sand, the soil provides a stable foundation that balances moisture retention and root aeration.

Managing Abnormally Dry Spells

Over 97% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, and lawns endured 23 weeks of drought in the past year. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage roots to grow deep into the soil profile.

Optimal Planting in Late Spring

Tall fescue is highly recommended for Zone 6a due to its heat tolerance during the county's 50 annual scorchers. Plan your seeding after the last frost on April 29 to ensure successful establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nuckolls County's county score?
Nuckolls County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 75.9 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 Nuckolls County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Nuckolls County ranks #3 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 Nuckolls County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Nuckolls County is $1,164, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Nuckolls County a tax score of 21.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nuckolls County?
The median household income in Nuckolls County, Nebraska is $70,201 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nuckolls County earns an income score of 66.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nuckolls County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Nuckolls County scores 75.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Nuckolls 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 Nuckolls County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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