countyscore
64.7
County Score
Safety 84.7Health 81.7Schools 80.1

County Report Card

About Phelps County, Nebraska

Strong National Standing

Phelps County boasts a 64.7 composite score, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This suggests a lifestyle quality that is hard to find in many other parts of the country.

Leading the Nebraska Average

The county outperforms the Nebraska state average of 59.3 by a solid margin. Its strength lies in its consistency across essential community pillars like schools and health.

Excellence in Schools and Safety

The county is a top performer in education and safety, with scores of 80.1 and 84.7, respectively. Health services are also a standout, earning a high score of 81.7.

High Taxes and Water Issues

The tax score of 18.1 is the county's weakest link, driven by a 1.377% effective tax rate. Additionally, the water score of 42.1 indicates that utility quality is below average.

Perfect for Education-Minded Families

This county is a premier choice for those who value high-performing schools and medical access. Despite the tax burden, the combination of safety and health services makes it a high-value community.

Score breakdown

Tax18.1Cost65Safety84.7Health81.7Schools80.1Income56.7Risk60.9Water42.1Weather42.5
🏛18.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓80.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.3
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

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47.6
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Kearney County
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Franklin County
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Deep Dives

Phelps County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Phelps County

via TaxByCounty

Phelps taxes nearly match national median

Phelps County's median property tax of $2,386 sits just slightly below the national median of $2,690, putting homeowners nearly in the middle of the national distribution. The county's effective rate of 1.377% runs above the national median, reflecting moderate-to-high tax pressure on residential properties.

Above-average Nebraska tax burden

Phelps County's effective rate of 1.377% exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281% by about 7%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. Median taxes of $2,386 run 21% above the state average of $1,972, making Phelps a relatively expensive county for property taxation.

Mid-range taxes among regional peers

Phelps' 1.377% rate places it squarely between its neighbors—below Pawnee (1.592%) and Otoe (1.437%), but above Perkins (1.014%) and Nuckolls (1.280%). The county's median home value of $173,300 is typical for the region, resulting in tax bills that closely track regional averages.

Annual taxes on typical Phelps property

A homeowner with a $173,300 property in Phelps County should expect approximately $2,386 in annual property taxes at the 1.377% effective rate. With mortgage considerations, that bill may range from $2,351 to $2,423 depending on homeownership structure.

Challenge inflated assessments in Phelps

With Phelps County running above-state-average tax rates, verifying your property's assessed value against recent comparable sales becomes especially important. If your assessment exceeds what similar nearby homes recently sold for, filing an appeal could recover meaningful dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Phelps County

via CostByCounty

Phelps offers solid affordability below state average

Phelps County renters spend 13.2% of their income on housing, comfortably below Nebraska's 14.2% state average and well within national norms. The median household income of $65,988 is slightly below the national average of $74,755, but housing costs are proportionally manageable.

Above-average affordability for Nebraska renters

Phelps County ranks in the better half of Nebraska counties for rental affordability at 13.2% rent-to-income, outperforming the state average. Its $724 median rent is $59 cheaper than the state average of $783.

Moderate rent with higher home values

Phelps' $724 monthly rent is cheaper than most neighbors—only Nuckolls and Pawnee are lower—while its median home value of $173,300 is substantial. This makes Phelps attractive for renters but requiring serious commitment from buyers compared to cheaper counties.

Renters enjoy better affordability than owners

Phelps households earn $65,988 annually, with renters spending $724 (13.2% of income) and homeowners spending $844 (15.3% of income). This gap suggests Phelps' home values have risen faster than local wage growth, benefiting renters relative to buyers.

Phelps suits renters seeking good value

If you're renting, Phelps County delivers better-than-state-average affordability with moderate monthly costs and solid median income of $65,988. Prospective homebuyers should note that ownership costs rise noticeably relative to rent, making this better suited for long-term renters.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Phelps County

via IncomeByCounty

Phelps Trails National Income Mark

Phelps County's median household income of $65,988 falls about $8,767 below the national median of $74,755, representing an 11.7% shortfall. The county sits slightly below the national middle class, though not dramatically so.

Just Below Nebraska's State Average

At $65,988, Phelps County's median household income falls nearly $900 short of Nebraska's state average of $66,880. The county ranks near the middle of Nebraska's 93 counties, reflecting typical income conditions for the state.

Lower Middle in Regional Standings

Phelps County's $65,988 income trails neighbors like Platte County ($72,335) and Nuckolls County ($70,201), while slightly outpacing Perkins County ($67,500). The county represents a lower-middle tier of earning power within its region.

Higher Home Values Press Budgets

Despite a reasonable rent-to-income ratio of 13.2%, Phelps County's median home value of $173,300 is high relative to the $65,988 median income. Homebuyers here commit a substantial portion of income to housing, limiting discretionary savings.

Thoughtful Decisions Drive Long-Term Growth

Phelps County households should carefully evaluate home purchases against long-term financial goals, as housing costs significantly impact wealth-building capacity. Prioritizing down payments, avoiding excessive debt, and taking advantage of employer retirement plans creates a foundation for steady wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Phelps County

via CrimeByCounty

Phelps County maintains high safety standards

Phelps County achieves an excellent safety score of 99.4. Its total crime rate of 356.9 per 100,000 residents is roughly 15% of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Nebraska state average

Phelps County’s crime rate of 356.9 per 100,000 is significantly better than the Nebraska average of 626.7. Its safety score of 99.4 also exceeds the statewide average score of 99.0.

Phelps is safer than Platte County

Residents in Phelps County enjoy a crime rate over three times lower than those in Platte County (1,201.1). Three local agencies report data that underscores Phelps' position as a safe community.

Analyzing violent vs property crime

The county reports 111.5 violent crimes and 245.4 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While the violent rate is slightly above the state average of 96.4, the property crime rate remains exceptionally low.

Strengthening your home security

Because property crime is the most frequent issue, homeowners should ensure all entry points are well-lit. Community awareness and neighborly vigilance are key to keeping these rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Phelps County

via HealthByCounty

Phelps matches national health benchmarks

At 78.6 years, Phelps County residents live nearly as long as the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing it among Nebraska's healthiest communities. The county's 13.7% poor or fair health rate matches the national median, suggesting residents enjoy typical chronic disease prevalence for their age.

Above-average outcomes across Nebraska

Phelps exceeds Nebraska's state average life expectancy of 77.5 years and maintains a 7.4% uninsured rate well below the state's 8.1% average. This combination positions Phelps in the top tier of county health outcomes statewide.

Strong primary and mental health support

Phelps offers 101 primary care providers per 100K and 166 mental health providers per 100K, both robust figures that exceed most rural Nebraska counties. This dual strength in medical and behavioral health infrastructure supports comprehensive community healthcare.

Strong insurance coverage fuels good health

With 92.6% of Phelps County residents insured and solid primary care availability, most residents can access preventive care and manage chronic conditions. This high insurance rate correlates with the county's above-average life expectancy and below-average poor health rates.

Maintain coverage to sustain health gains

Phelps County's success in health outcomes reflects strong insurance coverage; keeping your plan active ensures ongoing access to preventive care and chronic disease management. Renew during open enrollment (November 1–January 31) to avoid gaps in coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Phelps County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Eight-School System

Phelps County operates eight public schools across three districts, serving a total of 1,535 students. The infrastructure includes a mix of three elementary, one middle, and three high schools to meet community needs.

Top-Tier Graduation Success

The county features a standout 93.7% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% average. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,244, demonstrating efficient use of educational resources.

Holdrege Public Schools Sets the Pace

Holdrege Public Schools is the largest district, managing four schools and 1,014 total students. Loomis and Bertrand Public Schools also serve the county, enrolling 278 and 243 students respectively.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

Six of the county's schools are rural, while two are located in town settings, providing geographic variety for families. Holdrege Elementary is the largest campus with 358 students, while the county average enrollment is 192.

Invest in a Home Near Great Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Phelps County is a premier choice for families. Start your home search by looking at properties served by these high-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Phelps County

via RiskByCounty

Phelps County's tornado risk stands out

With a composite risk score of 39.15, Phelps County ranks in the Very Low category but sits well above the national average. The county's risk profile is dominated by a single hazard that creates this elevated score.

Above-average risk within Nebraska

Phelps County's score of 39.15 exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the upper half of the state's risk rankings. This elevation is driven primarily by tornado vulnerability rather than broad hazard exposure.

Higher tornado risk than most neighbors

Phelps County's 39.15 score exceeds most surrounding counties, particularly Nuckolls (22.46) and Perkins (4.36), making it one of the region's more hazard-prone areas. Only Platte County (70.58) presents notably greater overall risk.

Tornado risk dominates the hazard picture

Tornado risk scores 45.01 in Phelps County, far exceeding all other hazards and driving the county's composite score. Earthquake (13.61) and flood (17.02) risks remain secondary, while wildfire (7.86) presents minimal concern.

Prioritize tornado-resistant construction

Phelps County residents should invest in tornado safety features like reinforced safe rooms or interior bathroom refuges, as tornado risk substantially outpaces all other hazards. Ensure your homeowners insurance includes comprehensive wind damage coverage and understand your policy's tornado-related provisions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Phelps County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic High Plains Temperature Profile

Phelps County averages 49.9°F annually, sitting just below the national median. This climate provides a balanced mix of cold winters and warm, bright summers.

The Definition of Nebraska Weather

Phelps County matches the state average for precipitation exactly at 25.9 inches. Its annual temperature of 49.9°F is also remarkably close to the statewide 49.7°F average.

Moderation Compared to Western Neighbors

Phelps experiences only 32 extreme heat days, far fewer than the 47 days seen in Perkins County to the west. It also enjoys more consistent rainfall than the drier western plains.

Crisp Winters and Predictable Heat

The county sees 21.4 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 25.0°F. Summers are warm but manageable, with July averaging 74.8°F.

Prepped for Every Nebraska Season

Insulated piping is recommended for the 25.0°F January lows. Residents should also maintain standard AC units to handle the month-long span of 90-degree days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Phelps County

via SoilByCounty

Sweet Soils of the Central Plains

Phelps County has a pH of 6.92, making it slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Nebraska average of 6.79. While specific taxonomic classification is not recorded in the data, the overall soil score of 68.2 reflects high productivity. This pH range is ideal for many common crops, as it keeps most essential nutrients readily available.

Balanced Silt and Sand Texture

The soil composition is 48.7% silt, 32.8% sand, and 18.5% clay, providing a versatile physical structure. This balanced mix allows for good drainage while maintaining enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients. The significant silt content gives the soil a smooth feel and makes it relatively easy to cultivate.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

At 0.200 in/in, the available water capacity in Phelps County is significantly higher than the Nebraska state average of 0.172 in/in. Although the organic matter of 2.89% is lower than the state average of 3.32%, the soil score remains strong at 68.2. This high water-holding potential acts as a natural insurance policy against irregular rainfall.

Reliable Subsurface Moisture

While official drainage classes are not listed, the combination of moderate sand and high water capacity suggests a stable moisture profile. The soil is capable of supporting intensive agriculture due to its ability to absorb and store water efficiently. Developers should account for this high moisture retention when planning drainage for foundations.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6a

Phelps County is in Hardiness Zone 6a, allowing for a wide variety of vegetables and flowers to flourish. The high available water capacity makes this an excellent region for thirsty crops like sweet corn or tomatoes. Whether you are farming hundreds of acres or a small backyard plot, these soils provide a robust foundation for growth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Phelps County

via LawnByCounty

Phelps County Meets Regional Norms

A lawn difficulty score of 51.3 places Phelps County slightly below the state average but right in line with national standards. This Hardiness Zone 6a region offers a standard level of challenge for Nebraska growers.

Average Rainfall Meets Steady Heat

The 25.9 inches of annual precipitation matches the state average exactly. With 32 extreme heat days and 3,130 growing degree days, the climate supports steady growth if irrigation is consistent.

Neutral pH and Balanced Drainage

A soil pH of 6.92 is virtually perfect for most turfgrass species. The mix of 18.5% clay and 32.8% sand creates a foundation that avoids the extreme drainage issues found in sandier neighboring counties.

Struggling with Prolonged Dryness

Lawns faced 36 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire county is currently abnormally dry. Mulch your grass clippings to return moisture and nitrogen to the soil during these dry periods.

Planting Around the Frost Window

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue perform well here if planted after the May 2 spring frost. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first fall frost arrives around October 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phelps County's county score?
Phelps County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 64.7 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 Phelps County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Phelps County ranks #37 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 Phelps County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Phelps County is $2,386, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. This earns Phelps County a tax score of 18.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Phelps County?
The median household income in Phelps County, Nebraska is $65,988 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Phelps County earns an income score of 56.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Phelps County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Phelps County scores 64.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Phelps 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 Phelps County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.