countyscore
49.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.3Disaster Risk 82Health 78.1

County Report Card

About Otoe County, Nebraska

Meeting the National Median

Otoe County scores a 49.3, placing it almost exactly at the national median for livability. While it holds its own nationally, it faces steep competition from higher-scoring neighbors.

Room to Grow in Nebraska

The county trails the Nebraska state average of 59.3 by ten points. This indicates that while Otoe provides a baseline of quality, it lags behind the top-tier counties in the state.

High Incomes and Environmental Stability

The county excels in income potential with a score of 85.3, supported by a strong median household income of $81,430. Additionally, a risk score of 82.0 suggests a very stable environment with low natural disaster threats.

Critical Water and Tax Concerns

Water quality is a major concern with a low score of 14.9. Furthermore, a tax score of 15.8 reflects a relatively high 1.437% effective tax rate that impacts take-home pay.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Otoe County suits career-focused individuals who can capitalize on the $81,430 median income. The trade-off involves higher taxes and lower water scores in exchange for economic stability.

Score breakdown

Tax15.8Cost40.2Safety50.3Health78.1Schools51.8Income85.3Risk82Water14.9Weather44.3
🏛15.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.9
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

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58.7
Nemaha County
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Cass County
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Johnson County
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Deep Dives

Otoe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Otoe County

via TaxByCounty

Otoe taxes track close to national median

Otoe County's median property tax of $2,658 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, putting homeowners here squarely in the middle of the national distribution. The county's effective rate of 1.437% sits above the national median rate, reflecting slightly higher tax pressure on residential properties.

Above average taxes for Nebraska

Otoe County ranks above Nebraska's state average effective rate of 1.281%, with its 1.437% rate placing it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. At $2,658 in median property taxes, Otoe homeowners pay about 35% more than the state average of $1,972.

Steeper bills than most nearby counties

Otoe's 1.437% effective rate exceeds all measured neighboring counties—Pawnee (1.592%), Phelps (1.377%), Pierce (1.158%), and Platte (1.342%)—making it one of the region's higher-taxed areas. Only Pawnee County's rate is notably higher, though Pawnee's lower home values keep actual tax bills more affordable.

What a median Otoe home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a $185,000 property in Otoe County should expect roughly $2,658 in annual property taxes under the current 1.437% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises to about $2,867; without one, it drops to $2,496.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Otoe County's above-average tax rate makes property tax appeals especially worthwhile—even a small reduction in assessed value translates to meaningful savings. Review recent comparable sales in your neighborhood; if your home's assessment exceeds market reality, Nebraska's appeal process offers a clear path to relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Otoe County

via CostByCounty

Otoe's rent burden sits just below state average

Otoe County renters spend 13.3% of their income on housing, slightly below Nebraska's 14.2% average and closer to the national affordability standard. With a median income of $81,430—above the national average of $74,755—households here have above-average earning power to manage housing costs.

Balanced affordability ranking in Nebraska

Otoe County ranks in the middle tier of Nebraska counties for rental affordability, with a 13.3% rent-to-income ratio that reflects moderate housing pressure. Its $905 monthly rent is notably higher than the state average of $783, though incomes are also proportionally stronger.

Higher rents, but stronger incomes balance it

Otoe's $905 median rent is the second-highest in this region, behind only Platte County ($867 rounded—actually $935 for owner costs), but its median household income of $81,430 is the highest here. This strong earning power helps offset the steeper housing costs.

Renters and owners split costs fairly evenly

Otoe households earn $81,430 annually and split nearly evenly between rental ($905/month) and ownership ($909/month) costs. Both renter and homeowner housing burdens sit around 13%, leaving ample income for other priorities.

Otoe offers earning potential with moderate costs

If you're seeking a Nebraska county with strong job market signals (reflected in higher incomes) and reasonable housing affordability, Otoe delivers both. Your housing costs will be moderate relative to your earning power, especially for homeowners.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Otoe County

via IncomeByCounty

Otoe Outearns the National Average

Otoe County's median household income of $81,430 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly $6,700, placing it in the top tier of American counties. This 8.9% advantage reflects robust local employment opportunities and wage levels above typical U.S. standards.

Nebraska's Top Income Earners

Otoe County ranks among Nebraska's wealthiest counties, with a median household income of $81,430 compared to the state average of $66,880—a difference of $14,550. The county's earning power significantly outpaces most of its 93 statewide peers.

Clear Income Leader in Region

Otoe County's $81,430 median household income substantially exceeds neighboring Pierce County ($75,938) and Nuckolls County ($70,201). Only Platte County ($72,335) approaches Otoe's earning levels, making it one of the region's most prosperous communities.

Income Supports Higher Home Values

Though Otoe County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% is slightly elevated for the county, the median home value of $185,000 remains achievable for most households with the county's strong income levels. Higher housing costs reflect desirable amenities and strong local demand rather than affordability strain.

Premier Earning Power for Wealth Building

Otoe County households benefit from above-average incomes that create substantial capacity for investment and savings beyond basic needs. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying into real estate, or building education funds—the county's strong income base makes aggressive wealth-building strategies viable.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Otoe County

via CrimeByCounty

Otoe County remains safer than national averages

Otoe County maintains a safety score of 98.2, keeping it well within the top tier of secure counties. Its total crime rate of 1,119.1 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Otoe to Nebraska state averages

Otoe’s total crime rate of 1,119.1 per 100,000 is higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. Its safety score of 98.2 sits slightly below the state average of 99.0.

Otoe County vs neighboring Pawnee County

Otoe County faces higher incident rates than neighboring Pawnee County, which reports only 391.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. Three reporting agencies track the crime data across Otoe's jurisdiction.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime accounts for 994.1 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 125.0. Although higher than the state violent average of 96.4, it remains far below the national violent rate of 369.8.

Simple steps to secure your property

With property crime being the most common issue, residents should consider installing smart locks and alarm systems. These deterrents are effective ways to protect your home and discourage local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Otoe County

via HealthByCounty

Otoe leads on longevity among peers

Otoe County residents live to 78.4 years on average, exceeding the national average of 78.9 years by a narrow margin. Despite strong life expectancy, 15.2% of residents report poor or fair health, a rate notably higher than the U.S. median of 13.7%.

Above-average life expectancy in Nebraska

At 78.4 years, Otoe County ranks above Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years, placing it in the upper tier of county health outcomes. The county's 7.3% uninsured rate is among the best in the state, falling below Nebraska's 8.1% average and improving access to routine care.

Strong mental health resources, fewer primary care providers

Otoe's 135 mental health providers per 100K residents exceeds most neighboring counties, supporting robust behavioral health access. However, primary care availability at 75 per 100K lags Nuckolls (123 per 100K), meaning residents may wait longer for routine appointments.

Low uninsured rate masks health disparities

Though only 7.3% of Otoe County residents lack insurance—better than state and national averages—15.2% still report poor or fair health. This suggests that insurance alone doesn't guarantee good health; underlying chronic diseases and limited primary care access play significant roles.

Keep your coverage current in Otoe

Otoe County's strong health insurance enrollment means more residents have access to preventive care, but gaps remain for that 7.3% without coverage. Renew your plan during open enrollment or contact local providers to explore marketplace options designed for your income level.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Otoe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Balanced School System

Otoe County supports 10 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 2,532 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced with three elementary, three middle, and three high schools, plus a dedicated special education facility.

Stable Performance with Efficient Investment

The county maintains an 87.3% graduation rate, which aligns with national averages. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $8,207, which is lower than both the state average and the national benchmark of $13,000.

Nebraska City Public Schools Anchors Education

Nebraska City Public Schools is the largest district, educating 1,428 students across four distinct campuses. Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Schools also plays a major role, serving 793 students in its three schools.

A Blend of Town and Country

The county features an even split between town and rural school settings, offering diverse environments for students. Nebraska City High School is the largest campus with 428 students, contributing to a county-wide average school size of 281.

Locate Your Home Near Quality Schools

From town-based campuses to rural schoolhouses, Otoe County provides educational options for every preference. Start your home search today to find a property within these well-regarded school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Otoe County

via RiskByCounty

Otoe's low risk significantly beats national average

Otoe County's composite risk score of 18.00 ranks in the Very Low category, placing it well below the national average. This strong performance indicates residents face fewer natural disaster threats than the typical American county.

Among the safest in Nebraska

Otoe County's score of 18.00 ranks notably below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. This favorable position reflects balanced hazard exposure with no dominant catastrophic threats.

Lower risk than adjacent counties

Otoe County's 18.00 score sits below neighboring Pawnee County (3.85), though Pawnee holds the most exceptional safety rating in the region. Most surrounding counties score between 22 and 39, making Otoe one of the area's more favorable locations.

Wildfire and tornado dominate hazard profile

Wildfire risk scores notably high at 67.49, and tornado risk follows at 50.38, making these the two primary concerns in Otoe County. Flood risk (21.12) and earthquake risk (11.29) remain manageable, while hurricane risk is essentially zero.

Prioritize wind and fire insurance coverage

With wildfire and tornado risks significantly elevated relative to other hazards, ensure your homeowners policy provides adequate wind damage coverage and consider wildfire mitigation improvements. Check your deductibles and coverage limits to guarantee protection against these two main threats to your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Otoe County

via WeatherByCounty

Otoe County's Temperate Continental Climate

Otoe County maintains an average annual temperature of 51.3°F, which sits just below the national median. This humid continental environment offers a full range of seasonal shifts throughout the year.

Warmer than the Nebraska Average

The county's 51.3°F annual average makes it warmer than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. Its location in the southeastern corner of the state contributes to this relatively milder profile.

A Humid Standout in the Region

With 33.1 inches of annual precipitation, Otoe is notably wetter than its neighbors to the west like Platte County, which sees only 28.7 inches. It also experiences slightly fewer extreme heat days than southern neighbor Pawnee County.

Icy Winters and Steamy July Afternoons

Summer peaks in July with a 76.3°F average and 35 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters bring an average of 24.8 inches of snow and January lows that dip to 23.6°F.

Preparing for Significant Moisture and Heat

Residents should invest in high-capacity air conditioning to handle over a month of extreme heat. Reliable snow removal equipment is essential for managing the two feet of snow that falls each winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Otoe County

via SoilByCounty

Naturally Acidic River-Region Soil

Otoe County has an average soil pH of 6.36, making it more acidic than the Nebraska average of 6.79 and slightly below the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic order data is not recorded here, the soil score of 68.5 indicates a high-quality growing environment. This acidity level is generally favorable for most traditional Midwestern crops and gardens.

Rich Silt with Clay Influence

The soil composition is 53.0% silt and 28.7% clay, with a relatively low 16.0% sand content. This high clay and silt mix provides excellent nutrient retention and helps prevent fertilizers from leaching away. However, the lower sand content means the soil may take longer to warm up in the spring and requires careful tilling to avoid clods.

Strong Water Retention for Dry Years

At 2.88%, the organic matter content is slightly below the Nebraska state average of 3.32% but still above the national average of 2.0%. The soil excels at moisture management, with an available water capacity of 0.186 in/in compared to the state average of 0.172 in/in. This extra storage capacity provides a critical buffer for plants during the heat of a Nebraska summer.

Planning for Heavy Moisture

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high clay content suggests the soil may hold onto water longer than the state's sandier western regions. Gardeners and farmers should monitor for standing water after heavy rains to prevent root rot. This soil structure is well-suited for ponds or moisture-tolerant landscaping but may require drainage tile for large-scale agriculture.

A Productive Patch in Zone 6a

Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, Otoe County is a prime spot for growing everything from orchard fruits to hearty leafy greens. The high available water capacity makes this an excellent location for deep-rooted perennials and grain crops. Get your hands dirty this season and capitalize on soil that outperforms the state average score by nearly ten points.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Otoe County

via LawnByCounty

Otoe County Outperforms State Lawn Averages

With a score of 68.9, Otoe County is one of the friendliest places in Nebraska for home lawns. This score easily beats the state average of 54.2, thanks to reliable rainfall and a moderate Hardiness Zone 6a.

Plentiful Rainfall Supports Turf Growth

The county receives 33.1 inches of rain annually, reaching the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy lawns. This natural moisture, combined with 3,512 growing degree days, fuels a vigorous and long growing season.

Clay-Rich Soils Retain Moisture

The soil features 28.7% clay, which is excellent for holding onto the county's abundant rainfall. A pH level of 6.36 is nearly perfect for nutrient uptake, requiring very few chemical amendments.

Strong Resilience Against Dry Cycles

Despite 25 weeks in drought last year, only 20% of the area is currently dry. The higher clay content helps Otoe County lawns survive these periods better than counties with sandier soils.

Prime Growth Between Frost Dates

Wait until after the last frost on April 25 to begin your lawn projects. Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in this climate, especially if established before the first fall frost on October 19.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Otoe County's county score?
Otoe County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Otoe County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Otoe County ranks #77 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 Otoe County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Otoe County is $2,658, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Otoe County a tax score of 15.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Otoe County?
The median household income in Otoe County, Nebraska is $81,430 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Otoe County earns an income score of 85.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Otoe County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Otoe County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Otoe 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 Otoe 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.