countyscore
58
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.7Schools 70.8Safety 70.4

County Report Card

About Perkins County, Nebraska

Healthy Lead Over National Norms

Perkins County earns a 60.5 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced quality of life that exceeds many other rural areas.

Holding Steady in Nebraska

The county performs just above the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It offers a predictable and stable environment that aligns well with the state's overall standards.

Superior Disaster Resilience

A risk score of 95.7 indicates that Perkins County is one of the safest places in the country regarding natural disasters. It also maintains strong school and safety scores, both exceeding 70.

Water and Tax Hurdles

The water score of 32.2 suggests room for improvement in local infrastructure. Residents also face a tax score of 37.1, though the effective tax rate of 1.014% is relatively moderate for the state.

A Solid Choice for Families

Perkins County is a great fit for families seeking safety and stability. With median home values at $149,200 and a high school score, it provides a reliable foundation for child-rearing.

2040608010035.544.770.465.370.868.695.732.234.1Tax35.5Cost44.7Safety70.4Health65.3Schools70.8Income68.6Risk95.7Water32.2Weather34.158/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Perkins County DNA

Foverall

How Perkins County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Perkins County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (32.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.5-16.5
Cost
44.7
Safety
70.4+15.400000000000006
Health
65.3+15.299999999999997
Schools
70.8+16.799999999999997
Income
68.6+17.599999999999994
Risk
95.7+48.7
Water
32.2-25.799999999999997
Weather
34.1-21.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Perkins County?

Many homeowners in Perkins County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$157,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$922/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$157,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,778/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.3

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Perkins County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Perkins County

via TaxByCounty

Perkins offers Nebraska's lowest tax rate

Perkins County's effective tax rate of 1.014% is the lowest among all measured Nebraska counties, running 21% below the state average of 1.281%. Though the median property tax of $1,513 remains well below the national median of $2,690, Perkins' lean rate makes it a relative bargain for homeowners.

Lowest effective rate in the state sample

Perkins County edges out Polk County (0.983%) for the lowest effective tax rate among surveyed Nebraska counties at 1.014%. This favorable rate keeps median annual taxes at just $1,513, significantly below Nebraska's state average of $1,972.

Best tax rate in the western region

Perkins' 1.014% rate is the lowest across its nearby counties—Pawnee (1.592%), Phelps (1.377%), and Nuckolls (1.280%)—making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. The county's median home value of $149,200 sits in the mid-range regionally, so the low rate provides genuine savings relative to neighbors.

Perkins home tax costs on median value

A homeowner with a $149,200 property in Perkins County should expect roughly $1,513 in annual property taxes at the favorable 1.014% effective rate. Depending on mortgage status, actual bills range from $1,454 to $1,555.

Even low rates benefit from appeal review

While Perkins County's tax rate is already among Nebraska's best, homeowners should still verify their assessed values match current market conditions. An overassessment appeal could yield additional savings, particularly for properties bought recently or in appreciated neighborhoods.

Income & Jobs in Perkins County

via IncomeByCounty

Perkins Below National Median

Perkins County's median household income of $67,500 falls about $7,255 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it roughly 9.7% below typical U.S. earnings. The county represents solid middle-class stability, though somewhat behind national averages.

Slightly Below State Average

Perkins County's median household income of $67,500 edges above Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by just $620, positioning it near the statewide middle. The county matches typical Nebraska income levels across its 93 counties.

Mid-Tier Among Regional Counties

Perkins County's $67,500 income sits between lower-income Pawnee County ($54,926) and stronger earners like Platte County ($72,335) and Nuckolls County ($70,201). Its position reflects a rural western Nebraska economy with moderate earning power.

Rental Costs Strain Affordability

Perkins County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% is among the county's highest, indicating tighter housing affordability despite the reasonable $149,200 median home value. Renters here spend a notable portion of income on housing, leaving less for savings and other needs.

Balanced Approach to Building Wealth

Perkins County residents should focus on controlling housing costs through careful homeownership decisions and maximizing any employer benefits. Modest but consistent savings toward retirement and home equity can compound over time, creating meaningful wealth despite modest current income levels.

Safety in Perkins County

via CrimeByCounty

Perkins County safety exceeds national marks

With a safety score of 98.9, Perkins County ranks high for public security. Its total crime rate of 699.3 per 100,000 is much lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Perkins County matches Nebraska safety norms

The county's safety score of 98.9 is nearly identical to the Nebraska state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 699.3 is slightly higher than the state average of 626.7 per 100,000.

Perkins compared to nearby Phelps County

Perkins County has a higher crime rate than Phelps County, which reports 356.9 incidents per 100,000. Two reporting agencies provide the data that forms the basis for these county comparisons.

Low violent crime rates protect residents

The violent crime rate in Perkins is just 35.0 per 100,000, which is far below the state average of 96.4. Property crime accounts for 664.3 incidents per 100,000, representing the bulk of local law enforcement activity.

Prioritizing home security in Perkins

Property crimes are the primary concern for Perkins County residents. Installing motion-activated lights and security cameras can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target for theft.

Weather & Climate in Perkins County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler, Semi-Arid National Comparison

Perkins County averages 49.8°F annually, falling below the national median temperature. Its climate is characterized by lower humidity and more sunshine than eastern coastal regions.

Aligning with the Nebraska Norm

The county's annual average of 49.8°F almost perfectly mirrors the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. However, its 21.4 inches of precipitation is lower than the state average of 25.9 inches.

Drier and Sunnier Than Eastern Neighbors

Perkins is significantly drier than Phelps County, receiving about 4.5 fewer inches of rain per year. It also faces a harsher summer with 47 extreme heat days compared to just 32 in Phelps.

Frequent Heat Waves and Dry Winters

Summer is intense with 47 days exceeding 90°F and a July average of 75.3°F. While specific snowfall totals are not recorded, the winter average temperature remains a chilly 27.8°F.

Landscaping for a Semi-Arid Climate

Residents should choose drought-resistant plants to accommodate the low 21.4-inch annual precipitation. High-efficiency cooling is a must for the frequent 90-degree summer stretches.

Soil Quality in Perkins County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Western Nebraska Soil

Perkins County soil is distinctly alkaline with a pH of 7.04, which is higher than the national median of 6.5 and the Nebraska state average of 6.79. While formal taxonomic data is not provided, this pH level reflects the more arid, mineral-rich environment of western Nebraska. This slight alkalinity can influence which micronutrients are most available to plants.

A Sand-Dominant Landscape

Sand makes up 51.5% of the soil profile, combined with 35.7% silt and only 12.9% clay. This high sand content ensures rapid drainage and excellent aeration for plant roots, though it offers less natural nutrient storage than clay-heavy soils. The texture makes the soil exceptionally easy to till and work, even after rainfall.

Resource-Challenged Growing Conditions

The organic matter content stands at 1.95%, falling below both the state average of 3.32% and the national benchmark of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, which is lower than the Nebraska average of 0.172 in/in. These factors contribute to a total soil score of 46.6, suggesting a need for careful soil management and targeted irrigation.

Rapid Infiltration and Dry Profiles

Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the majority-sand composition suggests the soil is naturally well-drained. This rapid infiltration prevents standing water but also means moisture and nutrients can pass through the root zone quickly. Landowners should consider mulch and organic additions to help hold onto precious water.

Resilient Planting in Zone 5b

Perkins County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, necessitating the use of cold-hardy and drought-tolerant plant varieties. Grasses and small grains often thrive here, especially when managed to conserve the limited organic matter. For local gardeners, focus on building soil health with compost to boost the naturally lower fertility levels.

Lawn Care in Perkins County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Environment in Perkins County

With a lawn score of 48.5, maintaining turf here is harder than the national average. Residents in Hardiness Zone 5b face significant climate hurdles to keep grass green through the season.

Arid Climate and High Heat Stress

The county receives just 21.4 inches of rain, well below the state average and the 30-inch ideal for lawns. Combined with 47 extreme heat days, turf requires significant supplemental watering to avoid dormancy.

Sandy Soils Require Frequent Watering

The soil is 51.5% sand, meaning water drains away from roots very quickly. A pH of 7.04 is on the higher edge of the ideal range, so monitor for nutrient deficiencies that occur in alkaline conditions.

Severe Drought Conditions Prevail

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought (D2+), following 26 weeks of dry conditions last year. Focus on water conservation by using drought-tolerant species and watering only in the early morning.

Choose Tough Grasses for Zone 5b

Buffalo grass or fine fescues are the best bets for surviving these arid conditions. Aim to seed after the last frost on May 4, but be prepared to provide consistent moisture to establish roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perkins County's county score?
Perkins County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 58 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 Perkins County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Perkins County ranks #61 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 Perkins County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Perkins County is $1,574, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Perkins County a tax score of 35.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perkins County?
The median household income in Perkins County, Nebraska is $72,778 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perkins County earns an income score of 68.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perkins County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Perkins County scores 58/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Perkins 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 Perkins County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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