countyscore
60.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 79.7Schools 78.4Safety 74.8

County Report Card

About Red Willow County, Nebraska

Red Willow Outperforms the National Median

With a composite score of 60.1, Red Willow County sits well above the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the top 40% of all counties across the United States for overall quality of life.

A Reliable Performer in Nebraska

The county's overall score slightly exceeds the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It holds its own as a balanced rural hub compared to the state's other 92 counties.

Safety and Schools Lead the Way

Red Willow excels in disaster resilience and education, boasting a Risk Score of 79.7 and a School Score of 78.4. Public safety also remains a hallmark of the area with a solid Safety Score of 74.8.

Navigating Water and Tax Pressures

Infrastructure presents a challenge, as seen in a low Water Score of 10.5. Residents also navigate a notable tax burden, reflected by a Tax Score of 22.6 and an effective property tax rate of 1.262%.

The Perfect Fit for Quiet Family Life

This county suits families and retirees who value excellent schools and physical safety above all else. With a median home value of $143,500, it remains highly accessible for those seeking a stable, low-risk environment.

2040608010022.664.574.870.378.43979.710.536.9Tax22.6Cost64.5Safety74.8Health70.3Schools78.4Income39Risk79.7Water10.5Weather36.960.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Red Willow County DNA

Doverall

How Red Willow County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Red Willow County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (79.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (10.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
22.6-29.4
Cost
64.5+16.5
Safety
74.8+19.799999999999997
Health
70.3+20.299999999999997
Schools
78.4+24.400000000000006
Income
39-12
Risk
79.7+32.7
Water
10.5-47.5
Weather
36.9-19.1
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Many homeowners in Red Willow County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$143,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$778/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$143,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,000/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.4

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
Compare Red Willow County with Fannin County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Decatur County
Kansas
54.3
Frontier County
Nebraska
65.1
Hitchcock County
Nebraska
60.5
Furnas County
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Rawlins County
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Norton County
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Hayes County
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Gosper County
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Deep Dives

Red Willow County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Red Willow County

via CrimeByCounty

Red Willow surpasses national safety standards

Red Willow County maintains a total crime rate of 598.7 per 100K residents, which is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 99.1 out of 100.

Outperforming the Nebraska state average

The county's crime rate of 598.7 per 100K sits comfortably below the Nebraska state average of 626.7. Its safety score of 99.1 slightly edges out the state-wide average score of 99.0.

Red Willow leads its regional neighbors

Compared to nearby Richardson County, which reports a rate of 980.9, Red Willow is significantly safer for residents. It manages to keep crime lower than many surrounding jurisdictions through its three reporting agencies.

Low violent crime defines Red Willow

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 84.2 per 100K, while property crime accounts for the remaining 514.5 cases. Both metrics remain far below national levels, making violent incidents rare in this community.

Keep Red Willow safe and secure

While crime is low, maintaining home security awareness helps preserve this community's safety record. Consider basic measures like motion-sensor lighting to deter property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Red Willow County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Across Three Local Districts

Red Willow County supports 1,670 students across eight public schools and three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools to serve the region's youth.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county boasts an impressive 94.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $8,579 is lower than the $13,000 national median, the school score of 59.3 remains slightly above the state average.

McCook Public Schools Leads the Region

McCook Public Schools is the county's largest district, managing five schools and educating 1,376 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with traditional districts providing all public education services.

Small-Town Feel with Mid-Sized Schools

Most students attend one of the six schools located in town settings, while two schools serve the surrounding rural areas. Enrollment ranges from 464 students at McCook Senior High to 179 at Southwest Elementary-Indianola.

Establish Your Roots Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates exceeding state benchmarks, this county is a strong choice for families prioritizing academic success. Explore local home listings to find a residence within the McCook or Southwest school boundaries.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Red Willow County

via WaterByCounty

Red Willow Drinking Water Earns Failing Grade

Red Willow County carries a Water Quality Grade of F after recording 27 health violations over the last five years. The county's violation rate of 315.9 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the Nebraska state average of 110.3. This represents a significant challenge to local Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

Majority of Local Waterways Show Impairment

According to the 2022 EPA ATTAINS report, 80% of the five assessed water bodies in Red Willow County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Officials identify Escherichia coli (E. coli) and unknown causes as the primary drivers of these impairments. This exceeds the Nebraska state average impairment rate of 66.4%.

Targeted Monitoring Focuses on Inorganics and Nutrients

Over the past five years, agencies recorded 1,185 water-quality measurements from three monitoring sites across the county. Data collection focuses primarily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganics. This dataset provides the backbone for understanding the local environmental footprint.

Republican River Flows Fall Below Normal

The USGS gauge on the Republican River at McCook currently records a discharge of 30 cfs. This flow is only 28% of the long-term mean of 109 cfs for this location. Such reduced levels can impact the concentration of local pollutants and source water availability.

Protect Your Drinking Water at Home

Given the F grade and high violation rate, residents should consider installing certified home filtration systems and testing private wells frequently. Be mindful of E. coli risks in local streams, especially while water levels remain critically low. Monitoring local alerts is essential for managing these drinking water challenges.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Red Willow County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Sunny Southwestern Plains

Red Willow County averages 52.2°F annually, which is very close to the national median. This area is characterized by high sun exposure and a dry, breezy atmosphere.

One of Nebraska's Warmest Spots

At 52.2°F, Red Willow is significantly warmer than the Nebraska average of 49.7°F. It is also quite dry, receiving only 20.9 inches of precipitation compared to the 25.9-inch state average.

The Heat Leader of the Region

Red Willow endures 61 extreme heat days, far more than the 47 days in Perkins County. It is also the driest in the immediate vicinity, receiving roughly 5 fewer inches of rain than Phelps.

Hot Summers and Mild Winters

July is hot with a 77.6°F average and two full months worth of 90°F+ days. Winters are relatively mild for Nebraska, featuring 20.4 inches of snow and a 30.0°F average.

Surviving the Intense Summer Sun

With 61 days of extreme heat, a high-efficiency HVAC system is the most critical home investment. Outdoor planning should account for the low 20.9-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Red Willow County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Entisols Lead the Way

Red Willow soils belong to the Entisol order and show an average pH of 7.06. This is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Nebraska state average of 6.79. These young soils provide a unique chemical foundation for local agriculture.

A Fine Sandy Loam Texture

The soil contains 52.4% silt and 27.7% sand, resulting in a fine sandy loam classification. While the 17.8% clay content provides some structure, the high silt levels ensure a smooth texture that remains relatively easy to work with machinery. This mix facilitates decent airflow to plant roots.

Low Organic Matter, High Water Storage

The organic matter sits at 1.88%, which falls below both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 3.32%. However, the available water capacity of 0.192 in/in beats the state average of 0.172. This soil stores moisture efficiently despite its lower carbon content.

High Infiltration and Moderate Drainage

Classified as moderately well drained, these soils allow water to move through the profile at a steady pace. They belong to Hydrologic Group A, meaning they have a high infiltration rate even when thoroughly wetted. This reduces the risk of surface runoff and erosion during heavy rains.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6a

Sitting in USDA Zone 6a, this county is ideal for growing winter wheat, corn, and hardy perennials. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to boost the lower organic matter levels. With consistent irrigation, the high water capacity supports vibrant summer vegetable harvests.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Red Willow County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Grass in High-Heat Red Willow

Red Willow County earns a lawn difficulty score of 46.9, falling below both the state average of 54.2 and the national median. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners here face tougher conditions than most Nebraskans due to significant heat stress. Maintaining a lush turf requires more active management than in neighboring eastern counties.

Low Precipitation Meets Intense Summer Heat

With only 20.9 inches of annual precipitation, this area falls short of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally need. The county endures 61 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 34 days. These conditions, paired with 3,508 growing degree days, demand a rigorous irrigation schedule to prevent summer dormancy.

Neutral pH in Fine Sandy Loam

The soil foundation is solid with a pH of 7.06, sitting right at the upper edge of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. This fine sandy loam is 27.7% sand and 17.8% clay, providing moderately well-drained conditions for root development. Most lawns here benefit from organic matter additions to improve water retention in the sandy profile.

Battling Persistent Dry Spells

The county spent 32 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought is not presently recorded, the low annual rainfall makes water conservation essential. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass survive these persistent dry stretches.

Heat-Tolerant Turf for Zone 6a

Tall fescue and buffalograss are the most resilient choices for this climate's high heat and low moisture. Wait until after the last spring frost on May 1 to begin significant seeding or sodding projects. With the first frost arriving by October 9, late summer remains the best window for establishing new growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Willow County's county score?
Red Willow County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 60.1 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 Red Willow County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Red Willow County ranks #56 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 Red Willow County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Red Willow County is $1,811, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Red Willow County a tax score of 22.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Red Willow County?
The median household income in Red Willow County, Nebraska is $60,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Red Willow County earns an income score of 39/100 on CountyScore.
Is Red Willow County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Red Willow County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Red Willow 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 Red Willow County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.