CountyScore

Pierce County

Nebraska · NE

#18 in Nebraska
74.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Pierce County, Nebraska

Strong Performer Nationally

Pierce County scores 74.2, well above the national median of 50.0 and among the highest-scoring counties measured. The county demonstrates broad strength across livability metrics.

Nebraska's Upper Tier

At 74.2, Pierce ranks above Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it among the state's strongest-performing counties. Few Nebraska communities score higher on the composite index.

Health Leadership and Tax Efficiency

Pierce County achieves the highest Health Score of 80.0 among these counties, indicating excellent health outcomes and medical access. The Tax Score of 69.7 reflects an effective rate of just 1.158%, and the Risk Score of 85.8 demonstrates strong resilience to disasters.

Income Levels Below Peers

Despite overall strength, Pierce's Income Score of 33.0 reflects median household income of $75,938—solid but trailing the highest-earning counties. Housing costs are moderate at $182,700 median value and $850 rent.

Excellent for Health-Oriented Families

Pierce County suits families and retirees prioritizing excellent healthcare, low taxes, and disaster resilience over maximum earning potential. Its combination of top-tier health infrastructure, tax efficiency, and strong community stability makes it ideal for those seeking quality of life over economic growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax69.7Cost80.7SafetyComing SoonHealth80SchoolsComing SoonIncome33Risk85.8WaterComing Soon
🏛69.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pierce County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fayette County
Alabama
74.2
Median income: $50,733
Gem County
Idaho
74.2
Median income: $66,245
Fulton County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $62,878
Pike County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $66,250
Starke County
Indiana
74.2
Median income: $62,933

Deep Dives

Pierce County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pierce County

via TaxByCounty

Pierce taxes remain well below national mark

Pierce County's median property tax of $2,115 falls short of the national median of $2,690, giving homeowners a tax advantage relative to the rest of the country. The county's effective rate of 1.158% sits above the national median rate, though lower home values keep the actual tax bill manageable.

Below-average Nebraska tax rate

Pierce County's effective rate of 1.158% runs below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it among the more favorably taxed counties statewide. At $2,115 in median taxes, Pierce residents pay 7% less than the state average of $1,972.

Favorable rates across northeastern region

Pierce's 1.158% effective rate beats most neighbors including Pawnee (1.592%), Phelps (1.377%), Otoe (1.437%), and Nuckolls (1.280%), making it one of the region's more affordable options. The county's median home value of $182,700 is near regional average, so the favorable rate translates to tangible savings.

Pierce County median home annual taxes

A homeowner with a $182,700 property in Pierce County should expect roughly $2,115 in annual property taxes under the 1.158% effective rate. Depending on mortgage status, actual bills range from $1,911 to $2,320.

Appeal overassessments to maximize savings

Pierce County's below-average tax rate is a good starting point, but homeowners should still verify their assessments haven't drifted above market value. If your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales prices, filing an appeal could lower your bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pierce County

via CostByCounty

Pierce balances above-average income with fair costs

Pierce County renters spend 13.4% of their income on housing, just slightly above Nebraska's 14.2% state average. With a median household income of $75,938—above both the state and national average of $74,755—Pierce households have strong earning power to manage costs.

Solid affordability with strong earning potential

Pierce County ranks favorably among Nebraska counties for rental affordability at 13.4% rent-to-income, outperforming the state average. Its median household income of $75,938 is the second-highest in this eight-county comparison, suggesting robust local economic conditions.

Higher rent offset by higher income

Pierce's $850 median rent is the third-highest in this region, yet its $75,938 median income is second-best, making costs manageable relative to earnings. Home values of $182,700 are competitive and reflect strong housing demand.

Renters and owners bear nearly equal burdens

Pierce households earn $75,938 annually and spend $850 on rent (13.4% of income) or $815 on mortgages (12.9% of income). This near-parity suggests a balanced housing market where both renters and owners find reasonable affordability.

Pierce combines income strength with affordability

If you're seeking a Nebraska county with above-average wages and balanced housing affordability for both renters and owners, Pierce delivers both. The county's economic strength and moderate housing burden make it an attractive option for workers and families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pierce County

via IncomeByCounty

Pierce Slightly Outearns National Median

Pierce County's median household income of $75,938 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,183, placing it just above typical American earnings. The county represents solid upper-middle-class stability with incomes performing at national benchmarks.

Nebraska's Higher-Income Counties

Pierce County's median household income of $75,938 surpasses Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by $9,058, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 93 counties. The county demonstrates earning power notably stronger than most Nebraska peers.

Regional Income Leader

Pierce County's $75,938 income places it among the region's strongest earners, trailing only Otoe County ($81,430) and near Platte County ($72,335). The county outpaces Nuckolls County ($70,201) and substantially exceeds lower-income neighbors.

Housing Costs Manageable at Income Levels

Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% reflects moderate housing affordability, with a median home value of $182,700 achievable for most households earning the county's median. Income levels support homeownership without extreme financial strain.

Strong Position for Wealth Accumulation

Pierce County households benefit from income that exceeds national averages, creating real capacity for retirement savings and investment diversification. Leverage this advantage by maximizing 401(k) contributions, exploring home equity building, and planning for long-term wealth goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pierce County

via HealthByCounty

Pierce leads Nebraska on longevity

At 79.4 years, Pierce County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years, making it the longevity leader in this Nebraska sample. Just 13.4% report poor or fair health, the second-lowest rate profiled, suggesting exceptional disease management and prevention.

Healthiest county in this Nebraska profile

Pierce exceeds Nebraska's state average life expectancy of 77.5 years by nearly two years and maintains the lowest uninsured rate in this dataset at just 6.0%. This combination places Pierce at the top of county health performance statewide.

Limited primary care, minimal mental health access

Pierce's success coexists with provider scarcity: only 41 primary care providers per 100K and just 14 mental health providers per 100K, the lowest mental health figure in this sample. This suggests Pierce residents access care effectively despite limited provider density, possibly through strong prevention and community health programs.

High insurance coverage compensates for provider gaps

Pierce's exceptional 94% insurance coverage rate—the best in this dataset—enables residents to access care even with limited local providers, likely driving to neighboring counties when needed. This model shows that insurance access matters as much as provider density for health outcomes.

Keep piercing through barriers to care

Pierce County's outstanding health outcomes reflect strong insurance coverage; only 6% lack coverage, but closing this gap entirely would eliminate a final barrier to preventive care. If you're among the uninsured, open enrollment (November 1–January 31) offers subsidized plans at Healthcare.gov.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pierce County

via RiskByCounty

Pierce County sits well below national risk

Pierce County's composite risk score of 14.19 places it solidly in the Very Low category, performing better than the national average. This favorable position indicates residents face fewer disaster threats than most American counties.

Lower risk than state average

Pierce County's score of 14.19 sits well below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it among the state's safer counties. This below-average profile reflects moderate hazard exposure without dominant catastrophic threats.

Safer than most surrounding area

Pierce County's 14.19 score ranks better than most surrounding counties, particularly those scoring above 25, making it one of the region's relatively safer locations. Only the exceptional counties like Perkins (4.36) and Pawnee (3.85) present notably lower risk.

Wildfire and tornado are main concerns

Wildfire risk scores 67.14 and tornado risk scores 41.60, making these Pierce County's primary natural disaster threats. Flood (20.45), earthquake (8.33), and hurricane risks remain relatively minimal.

Focus on wind and fire coverage

Given wildfire and tornado risks substantially outpace other hazards, ensure your homeowners policy provides robust wind damage coverage and evaluate wildfire mitigation measures around your property. Review your coverage limits and deductibles to confirm adequate protection against these two main threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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