CountyScore

Red Willow County

Nebraska · NE

#46 in Nebraska
71.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Red Willow County, Nebraska

Red Willow ranks well above national baseline

Red Willow County scores 71.7 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the 72nd percentile nationally—ahead of about three out of four U.S. counties when it comes to overall livability.

Slightly above average for Nebraska

Red Willow's score of 71.7 edges out Nebraska's state average of 71.2, making it a solid performer within its peer group. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Nebraska's 93 counties.

Housing affordability and safety standout

Red Willow excels in cost of living, with a Cost Score of 82.9—homes are genuinely affordable, with a median value of $143,500 and rent at just $778/month. The county also scores 79.7 on risk factors and maintains a low effective tax rate of 1.262%, creating a financially stable environment for residents.

Income levels lag behind state peers

The county's Income Score of 22.6 is a notable weakness, reflecting a median household income of $60,000—below what many neighboring counties achieve. This gap suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities within the county itself.

Best for cost-conscious families and retirees

Red Willow County offers a practical, affordable lifestyle for families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and stable, low-tax living over high earning potential. The combination of cheap housing, decent health infrastructure (Health Score 75.2), and manageable tax burden makes it ideal for those on modest, fixed, or stable incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.8Cost82.9SafetyComing SoonHealth75.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.6Risk79.7WaterComing Soon
🏛66.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡79.7
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 Red Willow County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Yakutat City and Borough
Alaska
71.7
Median income: $80,625
Howard County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $44,492
Monroe County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $43,955
Montrose County
Colorado
71.7
Median income: $66,072
Lawrence County
Indiana
71.7
Median income: $65,551

Deep Dives

Red Willow County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Red Willow County

via TaxByCounty

Red Willow's taxes stay well below national average

Red Willow County's effective tax rate of 1.262% sits comfortably below the national median of roughly 1.1%, meaning property owners here pay less in taxes relative to home value than most Americans. With a median annual property tax of $1,811, residents pay about one-third less than the national median of $2,690, placing the county in the lower-tax tier nationally.

Red Willow ranks near middle of Nebraska counties

At 1.262%, Red Willow's effective rate falls just below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, putting it in the lower half of the state's 93 counties. The county's median tax bill of $1,811 trails the state average of $1,972 by about $160 annually.

Competitive rates in south-central Nebraska

Red Willow's 1.262% rate outperforms Rock County (1.016%) slightly but undercuts Saline County (1.353%), its nearest neighbors in the region. Among comparable south-central counties, Red Willow sits in the middle tier for tax burden.

What you'll pay annually on median home

A home valued at Red Willow County's median of $143,500 carries an estimated annual property tax of around $1,811. For homeowners with mortgages, that figure climbs to $1,855 when accounting for tax escrow; those without mortgages pay approximately $1,784.

Many homeowners could lower taxes through appeal

Property assessments aren't always accurate, and many Red Willow County homeowners may be paying taxes on overvalued properties. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market worth, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office is free and could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Red Willow County

via CostByCounty

Red Willow's rent burden tops national norm

Red Willow County residents spend 15.6% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average of roughly 14%. While the county's median household income of $60,000 lags the national median of $74,755, housing costs here consume a slightly larger share of household budgets than typical.

Mid-pack affordability among Nebraska peers

Red Willow's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% ranks above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. The $778 median monthly rent falls just under the state average of $783, yet income levels pull the affordability ratio upward.

Pricier rents than Rock County counterpart

Red Willow's $778 monthly rent is notably higher than neighboring Rock County's $608, though both counties share similar income levels around $57,500–$60,000. When stacked against Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio, Red Willow's 15.6% reveals a meaningful affordability gap between nearby communities.

Rent and ownership costs split the burden

Red Willow households allocate roughly $778 monthly to rent or $758 to ownership, both well-balanced against a $60,000 median annual income. Combined housing expenses—whether rental or mortgage-based—consume approximately 15–16% of household earnings, leaving modest room for other expenses.

Consider Red Willow for measured affordability

If you're weighing Nebraska moves, Red Willow offers stable employment and modestly priced homes at $143,500 median value, though renters may find better rates in neighboring Rock County. Compare your income needs carefully: while ownership costs are competitive, the rental market trends slightly higher than state norms.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Red Willow County

via IncomeByCounty

Red Willow lags national income average

Red Willow County's median household income of $60,000 falls about $14,755 below the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the bottom third nationally for household earnings, reflecting the rural character of the region.

Below average among Nebraska counties

Red Willow's $60,000 median household income ranks below Nebraska's state average of $66,880. The county trails 60% of Nebraska counties in household earnings capacity.

Less prosperous than nearby peers

Red Willow's median household income of $60,000 falls below neighboring Rock County ($57,500) and Scotts Bluff County ($60,960). Among rural southwest Nebraska counties, Red Willow sits in the lower-middle tier economically.

Housing costs strain household budgets

At 15.6%, Red Willow's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the sustainable 12% threshold, meaning housing consumes an outsized share of household budgets. The median home value of $143,500 requires careful financial planning for most households to achieve homeownership.

Build financial security in Red Willow

With median income at $60,000, households that budget strategically and prioritize retirement savings can build long-term wealth despite below-average earnings. Consider working with a financial advisor to optimize savings and homeownership strategies tailored to Red Willow's cost structure.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Red Willow County

via HealthByCounty

Red Willow lags on life expectancy

At 75.9 years, Red Willow County residents live nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 13.3% poor/fair health rate sits below the national average of 17.9%, suggesting manageable chronic disease burden despite shorter lifespans.

Below average within Nebraska

Red Willow's 75.9-year life expectancy ranks it below Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years. However, the county matches the state's 8.1% uninsured rate, indicating comparable insurance access to its neighbors statewide.

Primary care access stronger than peers

Red Willow offers 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—outpacing Saline (42) and Richardson (52) counties. Mental health capacity of 249 per 100K trails Rock County's exceptional 551 per 100K but exceeds most rural Nebraska counties.

Stable insurance, moderate provider access

With 8.1% uninsured, Red Willow matches the state average, ensuring most residents have coverage pathways. The county's 75 primary care providers per 100K provide reasonable access for routine care and preventive visits.

Make sure you're covered

Red Willow's 8.1% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 12 residents lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans and subsidies that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Red Willow County

via RiskByCounty

Red Willow ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 20.29, Red Willow County sits firmly in the 'Very Low' category, well below the national average. This means residents face substantially lower exposure to natural disasters compared to most U.S. counties.

Safer than average for Nebraska

Red Willow's score of 20.29 is notably lower than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the lower half of risk among the state's 93 counties. The county benefits from a natural disaster profile gentler than most of its peers.

One of the region's safest counties

Red Willow's risk profile compares favorably to adjacent counties in southwestern Nebraska, particularly against Furnas and Hitchcock counties. Rock County stands as the state's lowest-risk county overall, while Red Willow holds its own as a relatively secure location.

Tornadoes and wildfires pose the most concern

Tornado risk scores 40.97 and wildfire risk reaches 23.95, making these the county's primary natural hazards. Flooding presents a lower but still measurable threat with a risk score of 10.91, typical for southwestern Nebraska's landscape.

Secure coverage for wind and fire threats

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers tornado and hail damage, but verify your windstorm coverage applies to your property. Consider separate wildfire insurance or endorsements, especially if you own acreage or live near grassland—protection matters even in low-risk areas when severe events strike.

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.