60.5
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.

Score breakdown

Tax37.1Cost58.2Safety70.4Health65.3Schools70.8Income60.2Risk95.7Water32.2Weather34.1
🏛37.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠58.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼60.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡70.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
65.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓70.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
95.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧32.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤34.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨46.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱48.5
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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Deep Dives

Perkins County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Cost of Living in Perkins County

via CostByCounty

Perkins edges close to Nebraska's state burden

Perkins County renters spend 13.9% of their income on housing, just slightly below Nebraska's 14.2% state average. The median household income of $67,500 trails the national average of $74,755, placing this county slightly behind national earning benchmarks.

Near-average affordability in Nebraska context

Perkins County ranks near the middle of Nebraska counties for rental affordability, with a 13.9% rent-to-income ratio hovering just under the state average. Its $783 median rent exactly matches the state average, reflecting typical Nebraska housing market conditions.

State-median rent with moderate home values

Perkins' $783 monthly rent is precisely the Nebraska state average and more affordable than Otoe ($905), Pierce ($850), and Platte ($867). Home values of $149,200 fall in the middle range for this region.

Balanced housing costs relative to income

Perkins households earn $67,500 annually and spend $783 on rent or $840 on mortgages, representing 13.9% and 14.9% of income respectively. This split shows renters enjoy slightly better affordability than homeowners in this county.

Perkins offers typical Nebraska housing market

If you want a straightforward Nebraska experience with state-average housing costs and moderate home values, Perkins delivers predictable affordability. The county's middle-ground positioning makes it a solid choice for those seeking balance without extremes.

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.

Health in Perkins County

via HealthByCounty

Perkins exceeds national life expectancy

At 78.7 years, Perkins County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing it among Nebraska's healthier counties. However, 16.4% report poor or fair health, a rate exceeding the national median of 13.7%, indicating chronic disease challenges persist despite longevity.

Top-tier life expectancy in Nebraska

Perkins exceeds Nebraska's state average life expectancy of 77.5 years by 1.2 years, ranking among the state's best-performing counties. At 10.8% uninsured, however, Perkins has the highest uninsured rate in this dataset, suggesting insurance gaps undermine what could be stronger health outcomes.

Moderate primary care, no mental health data

Perkins provides 106 primary care providers per 100K residents, matching Nuckolls and exceeding several rural neighbors. Mental health provider availability remains unmeasured for Perkins, limiting insight into behavioral health infrastructure in this county.

Uninsured rate undercuts health potential

Despite strong life expectancy, Perkins's 10.8% uninsured rate is the highest among all profiled counties, affecting approximately 2,100 residents' access to routine care. This insurance gap may explain why 16.4% report poor or fair health despite above-average longevity.

Bridge the coverage gap in Perkins

Perkins County's elevated uninsured rate means many residents skip preventive care or delay treatment due to cost—patterns that worsen chronic disease. Open enrollment for marketplace plans begins November 1st each year; visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find affordable options.

Schools in Perkins County

via SchoolsByCounty

Consolidated Education for Perkins County

A single school district manages the county's educational needs through two public schools. Together, these campuses serve a total enrollment of 419 students from across the region.

Outperforming State and National Standards

Perkins County achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the Nebraska state average and the 87% national benchmark. Education is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $10,677, which slightly exceeds state average spending.

Perkins County Schools Leads the Way

Perkins County Schools is the sole provider of public education in the county, operating without any charter school competition. This unified approach allows the district to focus all resources on its 419 students.

Rural Schools with Strong Enrollment

Both schools are situated in rural settings, with an average school size of 210 students. Perkins County Elementary is the larger facility with 250 students, while the Junior-Senior High School enrolls 169 students.

Education Excellence in a Rural Setting

Strong graduation rates and a unified district make Perkins County an attractive destination for families. Consider the local schools as a primary factor as you explore housing options in the area.

Disaster Risk in Perkins County

via RiskByCounty

Perkins County's exceptional low-risk profile

Perkins County's composite risk score of 4.36 places it firmly in the Very Low category, performing far better than the national average. This minimal exposure means residents face dramatically fewer natural disaster threats than typical American communities.

Among Nebraska's safest counties

Perkins County scores 4.36, well below Nebraska's state average of 25.80 and among the state's lowest-risk counties overall. This favorable position reflects balanced, minimal hazard exposure across all major disaster types.

Notably safer than surrounding counties

Perkins County's 4.36 score ranks among the very safest in the region, with only Pawnee County (3.85) presenting lower composite risk nearby. Most neighboring counties score between 14 and 40, making Perkins an exceptionally protected area.

Wildfire and tornado pose minor threats

Wildfire risk scores 17.21 and tornado risk scores 19.72, making these the county's primary concerns, though both remain relatively low. Earthquake (8.68), flood (2.26), and hurricane risks are all minimal.

Standard homeowners insurance should suffice

Given Perkins County's exceptional low-risk profile, a standard homeowners insurance policy should adequately protect your property against the region's modest tornado and wildfire threats. Verify coverage limits and maintain property maintenance to minimize exposure to these minor hazards.

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 60.5 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 #54 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 $1,513, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Perkins County a tax score of 37.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Perkins County?
The median household income in Perkins County, Nebraska is $67,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Perkins County earns an income score of 60.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Perkins County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Perkins County scores 60.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 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.