CountyScore

Richardson County

Nebraska · NE

#49 in Nebraska
71.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Richardson County, Nebraska

Richardson ranks solidly above national standard

Richardson County's composite score of 71.4 is well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. The county outperforms roughly seven out of ten U.S. counties across the livability spectrum.

Right at Nebraska's average performance

With a score of 71.4, Richardson sits just slightly above Nebraska's state average of 71.2. The county is positioned in the middle of the state's competitive landscape.

Most affordable county in this group

Richardson County boasts the highest Cost Score (85.9) among these eight counties, with the lowest median home value at $96,500 and rock-bottom rent at $692/month. The county also demonstrates exceptional risk management with a Risk Score of 86.2, signaling strong environmental and hazard resilience.

Income and income score both significantly lower

Richardson's Income Score of 19.7 is the lowest in this group, with a median household income of $55,578—notably below peers like Saline and Sarpy counties. This reflects limited employment diversity and suggests residents may need to seek opportunities outside the county.

Ideal for budget-first homebuyers and rural seekers

Richardson County is perfect for people who prioritize ultra-affordable housing and a rural character above all else, and who are comfortable with lower median incomes. The county's exceptional cost profile and strong risk scores appeal to budget-conscious families, first-time homebuyers, and those seeking small-town living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63.5Cost85.9SafetyComing SoonHealth72.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.7Risk86.2WaterComing Soon
🏛63.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡86.2
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 Richardson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tallapoosa County
Alabama
71.4
Median income: $57,185
Van Buren County
Arkansas
71.4
Median income: $47,266
Audubon County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $54,152
Butler County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $69,651
Jones County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $73,071

Deep Dives

Richardson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Richardson County

via TaxByCounty

Richardson's tax rate ranks high for rural Nebraska

Richardson County's effective tax rate of 1.377% exceeds the national median, placing it in the higher tier of counties nationwide. Despite this higher rate, the median property tax of $1,329 remains well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to the county's lower median home values around $96,500.

Richardson taxes exceed most other Nebraska counties

At 1.377%, Richardson County's effective rate ranks among the highest in Nebraska, surpassing the state average of 1.281% by nearly a full percentage point. The county's median tax bill of $1,329 falls below the state average of $1,972, reflecting lower property values in the region.

Highest-taxed county in the southeast region

Richardson County's 1.377% rate significantly outpaces nearby Rock County (1.016%) and Red Willow County (1.262%), making it the highest-taxed neighbor in southeast Nebraska. This rate differential reflects local funding choices for schools and services.

What you'll pay annually on median home

A home valued at Richardson County's median of $96,500 results in an estimated annual property tax of around $1,329. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $1,306, while those without mortgages pay closer to $1,354.

Many homeowners could lower taxes through appeal

Even in lower-value housing markets like Richardson County, assessment errors occur, and overvalued properties may result in higher-than-necessary tax bills. The county assessor's office accepts appeals at no cost, offering homeowners a straightforward path to potential savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richardson County

via CostByCounty

Richardson punches above affordability weight

Richardson County renters dedicate just 14.9% of income to housing, nearly matching the national average despite a median household income of $55,578—well below the national median of $74,755. This unusual affordability advantage stems from modest rental costs of just $692 monthly paired with a tight-knit local economy.

Among Nebraska's most livable counties

Richardson's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% edges above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it near the middle of the affordability spectrum statewide. At $692 monthly rent, Richardson undercuts the state average of $783, making it one of the state's more budget-friendly options.

The deal county of its region

Richardson's $692 rent is the lowest among its peers—substantially cheaper than Red Willow's $778 and even undercutting Rock County's $608, delivering genuine bargain hunting. With a $55,578 median income, Richardson residents enjoy a 14.9% rent burden that's actually competitive despite lower earning power.

Lean budgets, lean housing costs

Richardson households earn $55,578 annually yet pay only $692 for rent or $673 for ownership—the lowest owner costs in this comparison. This efficiency means housing absorbs roughly 14–15% of income, preserving resources for food, healthcare, and savings.

Richardson: Nebraska's hidden affordability gem

Relocating professionals and families seeking deep affordability should examine Richardson closely—rents and ownership costs rank among the state's lowest, with median home values around $96,500. Your income may be lower, but your dollar stretches further here than in nearly any other Nebraska county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richardson County

via IncomeByCounty

Richardson County income trails nation

Richardson County's median household income of $55,578 sits roughly $19,177 below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lowest quartile nationally for household earnings.

Among Nebraska's lowest-earning counties

At $55,578, Richardson County's median household income ranks near the bottom of Nebraska's 93 counties, trailing the state average of $66,880 by over $11,000. Only a handful of Nebraska counties earn less.

Economically distressed relative to region

Richardson County's $55,578 median household income is the lowest among its southeast Nebraska neighbors, falling below Rock County ($57,500) and Red Willow County ($60,000). The county faces steeper economic headwinds than surrounding areas.

Affordable housing offsets low income

Richardson County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the 12% comfort threshold, but the median home value of just $96,500 is the lowest in the region. For renters and first-time homebuyers, affordability is a relative advantage despite modest household earnings.

Stretch modest income into lasting wealth

Richardson County households earning $55,578 can leverage affordable housing costs to build equity and savings when income is carefully managed. Focus on employer retirement benefits, low-cost index investing, and strategic debt repayment to grow wealth despite economic constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Richardson County

via HealthByCounty

Richardson matches state life expectancy

At 77.5 years, Richardson County residents match Nebraska's state average and live about 1.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. However, its 18.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17.9%, pointing to higher chronic disease prevalence.

Right at Nebraska's middle mark

Richardson County's 77.5-year life expectancy exactly matches the state average, placing it squarely in Nebraska's middle tier. Its 8.0% uninsured rate is virtually identical to the state's 8.1%, reflecting typical insurance coverage patterns.

Lowest primary care capacity in region

Richardson's 52 primary care providers per 100K ranks lowest among its peer counties—well below Red Willow (75) and Rock (79). Mental health capacity of 130 per 100K also trails most neighbors, suggesting potential access challenges for specialty care.

Below-average provider availability

With only 52 primary care providers per 100,000, Richardson residents may face longer waits for preventive care and routine appointments. The 8.0% uninsured rate is near the state baseline, but limited mental health providers (130 per 100K) creates a gap for behavioral health needs.

Check your coverage status

Richardson's 8.0% uninsured rate means some neighbors lack protection from medical costs. Explore plans at healthcare.gov or contact local navigators to find affordable coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richardson County

via RiskByCounty

Richardson ranks among the nation's safest

Richardson County's composite risk score of 13.84 places it in the 'Very Low' category, significantly below the national average. This southeastern Nebraska county enjoys one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the country.

Nebraska's second-lowest risk county

At 13.84, Richardson County ranks as the second-lowest risk in Nebraska, just above Rock County's 0.70 score. The county sits well below the state average of 25.80, making it one of the safest places in Nebraska.

Exceptional safety in the southeast corner

Richardson County's risk profile is substantially lower than neighboring Taylor and Nemaha counties. Its remote position in Nebraska's southeastern corner, combined with lower tornado exposure than most of the state, contributes to this favorable standing.

Tornadoes pose the primary natural threat

Tornado risk scores 48.79, representing Richardson County's most significant hazard, though still moderate by state standards. Wildfire and flood risks of 66.89 and 16.67 respectively exist but are substantially lower concerns than the tornado threat.

Prioritize tornado and storm coverage

Ensure your homeowners policy includes windstorm and hail protection for Richardson County's tornado season. Given the county's overall low risk profile, standard coverage typically suffices—but verify your policy covers severe convective storms, the area's most common hazard.

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.