countyscore
65.4
County Score
Health 89.5Safety 86.5Disaster Risk 85.8

County Report Card

About Pierce County, Nebraska

High Rank Among National Peers

Pierce County earns a 65.4 composite score, placing it comfortably in the upper tier of U.S. counties. It offers a quality of life that is roughly 30% better than the national median.

A Nebraska Standout

The county beats the Nebraska state average of 59.3 by several points. It serves as a regional leader, particularly in the areas of public health and community safety.

Elite Health and Safety Scores

Pierce County shines with a health score of 89.5 and a safety score of 86.5. Economic health is also high, with an income score of 78.5 and a median household income of $75,938.

Significant Water Quality Issues

The water score is remarkably low at 5.4, suggesting a need for better filtration or infrastructure. Tax scores also lag at 27.6, despite an effective tax rate of 1.158%.

Great for Health-Conscious Earners

Pierce County is ideal for high-earning individuals who prioritize wellness and community safety. While water quality requires personal attention, the strong incomes and health scores are major draws.

Score breakdown

Tax27.6Cost52.1Safety86.5Health89.5Schools75.8Income78.5Risk85.8Water5.4Weather40.4
🏛27.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.2
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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Madison County
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Antelope County
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Cedar County
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Dixon County
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Bon Homme County
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Deep Dives

Pierce County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Pierce County

via CrimeByCounty

Pierce County ranks as highly safe

Pierce County holds a safety score of 99.5, indicating a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 301.3 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A leader in Nebraska safety

Pierce County’s total crime rate of 301.3 per 100,000 is less than half of the Nebraska state average of 626.7. Its safety score of 99.5 is noticeably higher than the state average of 99.0.

Safer than Perkins and Platte counties

Pierce County maintains lower crime rates than neighboring Perkins (699.3) and Platte (1,201.1). Five reporting agencies contribute to these robust safety figures for the Pierce community.

Low rates for all crime types

The county sees a violent crime rate of only 27.4 per 100,000, which is over 13 times lower than the national rate. Property crime is also low at 273.9, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Ensuring peace of mind at home

Low crime rates mean Pierce County is a safe place to live, but property protection remains important. Basic security habits, like locking car doors, help prevent the few property crimes that do occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Pierce County

via SchoolsByCounty

Six High-Performing Public Schools

Pierce County supports 1,206 students through six public schools distributed across three local districts. The system provides a balanced structure with three elementary schools and three high schools.

Strong Results and Consistent Graduation

Students in Pierce County achieve a 92.6% graduation rate, well above the state average of 86.9%. The county invests $9,047 per pupil, maintaining high academic standards and seeing consistent results.

Pierce Public Schools Leads in Size

Pierce Public Schools is the largest of the three districts, educating 690 students across its campuses. Plainview and Osmond Community Schools also provide essential education to their respective towns.

Traditional Rural School Environments

All schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average size of 201 students. Pierce JR/SR High and Pierce Elementary are the largest schools, each serving approximately 345 students.

Finding the Perfect Home Near Pierce Schools

With graduation rates exceeding 92%, Pierce County is a smart choice for families prioritizing education. Use these high school scores as a guide when searching for your next residence in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Pierce County

via WeatherByCounty

A Brisk Northern Nebraska Climate

Pierce County is notably cooler than the national median, with an average annual temperature of only 48.1°F. Its northern location brings a more pronounced winter season.

Colder and Snowier than Average

Pierce ranks below the state average of 49.7°F and receives 30.0 inches of snow, well above many other Nebraska counties. Its 27.9 inches of annual precipitation also exceeds the state norm.

Harsher Winters than Platte County

Compared to Platte County, Pierce is nearly 2.5 degrees colder on average and receives 4.4 inches more snow. It also has fewer extreme heat days, totaling only 29 per year.

Deep Freezes and Mild Summers

January is cold at 20.3°F, contributing to a winter average of 22.7°F. Summers are relatively mild for the state, with a July average of 74.6°F and fewer than 30 days of extreme heat.

Winter Preparedness is Top Priority

A heavy-duty snow blower is a necessity for the 30-inch annual snowfall. Residents should also prioritize home insulation to manage the sub-freezing January temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pierce County

via SoilByCounty

Fine Sandy Loams and Mollisols

Pierce County is defined by its Fine Sandy Loam texture and the Mollisols taxonomic order, the world's most productive agricultural soil group. The average pH of 6.63 is very close to the national median of 6.5 and slightly lower than the Nebraska average of 6.79. This creates a balanced chemical environment that supports a healthy soil ecosystem.

A Gritty, Well-Aerated Mix

The soil contains 42.4% sand and 38.9% silt, with a smaller clay portion of 17.7%. This high sand content ensures excellent aeration and prevents the soil from becoming overly compacted or sticky. It is a highly workable soil that allows roots to penetrate deeply and easily.

Reliable Water Holding for Sandy Soil

Pierce County's organic matter of 2.43% is below the state average of 3.32% but exceeds the national benchmark of 2.0%. Despite its sandy nature, the soil maintains an available water capacity of 0.178 in/in, which is slightly better than the Nebraska average of 0.172 in/in. The overall soil score of 62.9 reflects this solid agricultural potential.

Excellent Natural Drainage

Classified as 'Well drained' and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, these soils have a high infiltration rate even when thoroughly wetted. This makes Pierce County an excellent place for gardening and farming as it minimizes the risk of waterlogged roots and standing water. Builders will find these soils favorable for construction due to their predictable drainage behavior.

Resilient Growth in Zone 5b

Falling within Hardiness Zone 5b, Pierce County is well-suited for hardy crops and native prairie grasses. The well-drained Mollisols are perfect for root vegetables like potatoes and carrots that thrive in sandier loams. It is a great time to start a garden and take advantage of these naturally aerated, productive soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pierce County

via LawnByCounty

Pierce County Lawns Show Strong Potential

Pierce County earns a 55.2 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the Nebraska state average. Homeowners in this Hardiness Zone 5b area enjoy fewer extreme heat days than southern neighbors.

Mild Summers Help Turf Survive

With only 29 extreme heat days, lawns here face less sun-scorch than the state average of 34 days. Annual precipitation of 27.9 inches provides a healthy baseline, though it still falls short of the 30-inch ideal.

Well-Drained Fine Sandy Loam

The soil is characterized as well-drained with 42.4% sand, preventing waterlogged roots. A pH of 6.63 is ideal for nutrient absorption, meaning your fertilizer will work efficiently.

Navigating a Difficult Drought Year

Last year was tough, with 39 weeks spent in drought and 89% of the area currently in severe drought. Prioritize watering the most visible areas and let less-used grass go dormant if water restrictions arise.

Early Spring Start for Pierce County

The growing window begins after the last frost on April 30. Fine fescues are particularly well-suited for the well-drained sandy loam found throughout the county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pierce County's county score?
Pierce County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 65.4 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 Pierce County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Pierce County ranks #30 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 Pierce County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Pierce County is $2,115, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Pierce County a tax score of 27.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pierce County?
The median household income in Pierce County, Nebraska is $75,938 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pierce County earns an income score of 78.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pierce County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Pierce County scores 65.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Pierce 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 Pierce 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.