countyscore
43.2
County Score
Health 71.9Income & Jobs 65.7Lawn Care 59.8

County Report Card

About Platte County, Nebraska

Challenging National Averages

Platte County receives a 44.0 composite score, falling below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that the county faces more significant hurdles in livability than the average U.S. locale.

Trailing the Nebraska Norm

The county scores well below the Nebraska state average of 59.3. While it has economic strengths, it struggles to match the comprehensive quality of life found elsewhere in the state.

Strong Incomes and Health Services

The county's primary strengths are its income score of 72.0 and health score of 71.9. A median household income of $72,335 provides residents with significant purchasing power.

Risk and School Concerns

Environmental risk and school quality are major concerns, with scores of 29.4 and 39.5, respectively. Additionally, the water score of 17.1 indicates infrastructure needs improvement.

Suited for Young Professionals

Platte County is best for career-oriented individuals who can take advantage of the high income potential. While schools and safety lag, the economic floor remains quite high.

2040608010019.440.146.671.939.565.729.417.143.9Tax19.4Cost40.1Safety46.6Health71.9Schools39.5Income65.7Risk29.4Water17.1Weather43.943.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Platte County DNA

Foverall

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

Platte County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (71.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (17.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.4-32.6
Cost
40.1
Safety
46.6-8.399999999999999
Health
71.9+21.900000000000006
Schools
39.5-14.5
Income
65.7+14.700000000000003
Risk
29.4-17.6
Water
17.1-40.9
Weather
43.9-12.100000000000001
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Platte County?

Many homeowners in Platte 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

$223,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$897/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$223,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,552/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.6

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Polk County
Nebraska
66.5
Colfax County
Nebraska
54.1
Butler County
Nebraska
70
Nance County
Nebraska
63.5
Merrick County
Nebraska
64.5
Madison County
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51.4
Boone County
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67.8
Stanton County
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66.7

Deep Dives

Platte County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Platte County

via TaxByCounty

Platte taxes right at national median

Platte County's median property tax of $2,789 exceeds the national median of $2,690, placing homeowners slightly above the national middle. The county's effective rate of 1.342% runs above the national median, indicating above-average tax pressure despite home values closer to the national average.

Above-average taxes for Nebraska

Platte County's effective rate of 1.342% exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, putting it among the higher-taxed counties in the state. Median taxes of $2,789 run 41% above the state average of $1,972, reflecting both the county's higher home values and elevated tax rate.

Second-highest taxes in the region

Platte's 1.342% rate ranks second-highest among neighbors, exceeded only by Pawnee (1.592%) and ahead of Phelps (1.377%), Otoe (1.437%), and most others. The county's median home value of $207,800 is the highest in the region, combining with above-average rates to produce the region's steepest tax bills.

Platte property taxes on median home

A homeowner with a $207,800 property in Platte County should expect approximately $2,789 in annual property taxes at the 1.342% effective rate. With mortgage considerations, that bill may reach $2,938; without mortgage, it drops to $2,589.

Especially important to verify assessments

With Platte County combining above-average tax rates with above-average home values, even modest assessment errors translate to significant annual costs. Review your property's assessed value carefully against recent comparable sales; if it appears inflated, file an appeal to potentially recover hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Platte County

via IncomeByCounty

Platte Slightly Below National Average

Platte County's median household income of $72,335 falls about $2,420 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 3.2% gap. The county sits just below national standards, reflecting solid middle-class conditions with modest income constraints.

Above Average for Nebraska

At $72,335, Platte County's median household income outperforms Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by $5,455, placing it in the upper third of the state's 93 counties. The county demonstrates earning power stronger than most statewide peers.

Mid-to-Upper Regional Earnings

Platte County's $72,335 income ranks it among the region's stronger earners, trailing only Otoe County ($81,430) and Pierce County ($75,938). It substantially exceeds lower-income neighbors like Pawnee County ($54,926) and Perkins County ($67,500).

Higher Home Values Strain Affordability

Platte County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is the highest among peer counties, indicating tighter affordability despite solid income. A median home value of $207,800—highest in the region—means substantial portions of household budgets go toward housing costs.

Invest Strategically Despite High Home Costs

Platte County households should carefully manage housing expenses to preserve wealth-building capacity in other areas. With above-average income, prioritize establishing diversified investments alongside home equity, maximizing retirement accounts, and building emergency reserves to weather future financial challenges.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Platte County

via CrimeByCounty

Platte County remains safer than national average

Platte County has a safety score of 98.1. Its total crime rate of 1,201.1 per 100,000 is approximately half the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Platte County vs Nebraska state benchmarks

Platte’s crime rate of 1,201.1 per 100,000 is nearly double the Nebraska state average of 626.7. Its safety score of 98.1 also falls slightly below the state average score of 99.0.

Comparing Platte to safer nearby Pierce

Platte County reports a higher crime rate than neighboring Pierce County, which sees just 301.3 crimes per 100,000. Data from three reporting agencies show that Platte handles more incidents than its smaller neighbors.

Property crimes are the primary issue

Property crime in Platte County is 1,101.7 per 100,000, whereas the violent crime rate is 99.4. This violent crime rate is almost perfectly aligned with the Nebraska state average of 96.4.

Focusing on property protection

Since property crime is the most common concern, residents should prioritize home security systems. Visible deterrents like cameras and alarm signs can effectively reduce the risk of burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Platte County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Four-Season Interior Climate

Platte County averages 50.5°F annually, which is slightly cooler than the national median. This region is known for wide temperature swings between January and July.

Slightly Warmer than the State Average

At 50.5°F, Platte is nearly a degree warmer than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F. It also receives 2.8 inches more precipitation than the state norm of 25.9 inches.

Milder Winters than Pierce County

Platte's annual temperature is over two degrees higher than Pierce County to the north. It also sees about 4.4 inches less snow annually, though rainfall remains similar.

Snowy Winters and Toasty Summers

July averages 76.4°F with 32 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winter brings 25.6 inches of snow and a January average of 23.1°F.

Balanced Seasonal Home Maintenance

With 25.6 inches of snow and 32 heat days, residents need both reliable shovels and efficient cooling. Roof inspections are wise given the 28.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Platte County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Platte Valley

Platte County soil features an average pH of 6.69, sitting comfortably near the national median of 6.5. This pH is slightly lower than the Nebraska state average of 6.79, indicating a neutral environment that supports high nutrient availability. Although specific taxonomic data is not available, the soil score of 59.4 is right in line with the state average.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil composition is nearly equal parts sand (38.6%) and silt (40.5%), rounded out by 18.2% clay. This balanced texture offers the best of both worlds: the easy workability of sand and the nutrient-holding capacity of silt and clay. It is a versatile medium that resists the extreme drainage issues found in pure sand or heavy clay.

Consistent Moisture for Local Crops

Available water capacity in Platte County is 0.175 in/in, slightly higher than the state average of 0.172 in/in. Organic matter content stands at 2.30%, which is lower than the state average of 3.32% but remains above the national average of 2.0%. This combination creates a reliable foundation for consistent agricultural yields year after year.

Versatile Moisture Management

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the balanced texture suggests moderate to good natural drainage. The soil's ability to hold slightly more water than the state average is an asset during dry spells. Landowners should focus on maintaining organic matter to further improve the soil's structure and water-holding ability.

Hardy Harvests in Zone 5b

Platte County is in Hardiness Zone 5b, meaning plants must be able to withstand cold Nebraska winters. The balanced soil texture is perfect for a variety of garden staples, including legumes and hearty perennials. Whether you are planting a field or a flower bed, these neutral soils provide a stable starting point.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Platte County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Scores in Platte County

Platte County’s lawn score of 59.8 is comfortably above the state average of 54.2. Residents in Hardiness Zone 5b find that the environment is generally conducive to lush, healthy turf.

Moderate Heat and Healthy Growth

The 3,433 growing degree days provide a robust window for grass to flourish. Precipitation of 28.7 inches is slightly better than the state average, helping to mitigate the 32 days of extreme heat.

Favorable Soil for Nutrient Uptake

With a pH of 6.69, the soil is in the sweet spot for growing grass without heavy lime or sulfur treatments. The balance of 38.6% sand and 18.2% clay allows for decent drainage while holding some nutrients.

Coping with Sustained Abnormally Dry Conditions

While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, severe drought levels remain at zero. Lawns endured 33 weeks of drought last year, so focus on aeration to help water reach the root zone.

Leverage an Early Planting Window

A relatively early final frost on April 21 allows for a long spring growing season. Kentucky Bluegrass is a regional favorite that responds well to the county's soil and climate profile.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Platte County's county score?
Platte County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 43.2 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 Platte County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Platte County ranks #82 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 Platte County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Platte County is $2,885, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Platte County a tax score of 19.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Platte County?
The median household income in Platte County, Nebraska is $71,552 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Platte County earns an income score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Platte County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Platte County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Platte 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 Platte County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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