countyscore
71.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.3Safety 97.5Cost of Living 88

County Report Card

About Rock County, Nebraska

Rock County Ranks Among the Nation's Best

With an impressive composite score of 71.8, Rock County far surpasses the national median of 50.0. This elite score puts it among the top tier of all counties in the United States.

A Top-Tier Nebraska Performer

Rock County significantly outpaces the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It stands out as one of the highest-performing counties in the state for overall livability.

Unrivaled Safety and Stability

The county achieves a near-perfect Risk Score of 99.3 and a Safety Score of 97.5. It is also highly affordable, with a Cost Score of 88.0 and a median gross rent of only $608.

Water Quality and Modest Incomes

The primary drawback is a very low Water Score of 8.9, suggesting a need for infrastructure attention. While housing is cheap, the Income Score of 31.6 reflects a median household income of $57,500.

A Haven for Peace and Privacy

Rock County is the ultimate destination for those seeking total security and a very low cost of living. It is perfectly suited for remote workers or retirees who value quiet landscapes and exceptionally low crime.

2040608010036.88897.576.871.231.699.38.938.8Tax36.8Cost88Safety97.5Health76.8Schools71.2Income31.6Risk99.3Water8.9Weather38.871.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Rock County DNA

Coverall

How Rock County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Rock County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (99.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (8.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.8-15.200000000000003
Cost
88+40
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
76.8+26.799999999999997
Schools
71.2+17.200000000000003
Income
31.6-19.4
Risk
99.3+52.3
Water
8.9-49.1
Weather
38.8-17.200000000000003
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Many homeowners in Rock 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

$124,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$608/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$124,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,500/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

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Hinsdale County
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Nelson County
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Floyd County
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Nemaha County
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Median income: $77,375
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Divide County
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Median income: $89,297
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Pershing County
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Median income: $72,007
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Nearby counties

Brown County
Nebraska
60.7
Keya Paha County
Nebraska
65.1
Holt County
Nebraska
67.4
Loup County
Nebraska
81.7
Boyd County
Nebraska
67.6
Garfield County
Nebraska
69.3
Gregory County
South Dakota
61.9
Blaine County
Nebraska
66.5

Deep Dives

Rock County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rock County

via TaxByCounty

Rock County offers the lowest effective tax rate

Rock County's effective tax rate of 1.016% ranks among the lowest in the nation, offering property owners substantial savings compared to national norms. With a median property tax of just $1,264, residents pay less than half the national median of $2,690.

Rock County leads Nebraska in tax efficiency

At 1.016%, Rock County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among all 93 Nebraska counties, well below the state average of 1.281%. This advantage translates to median annual taxes of $1,264 versus the state average of $1,972, saving homeowners $708 per year.

Rock County stands out as tax bargain

Rock County's 1.016% rate substantially undercuts surrounding counties including Red Willow (1.262%) and Richardson (1.377%), offering homeowners the region's most favorable tax environment. This advantage stems from local fiscal management and lower service delivery costs.

What you'll pay annually on median home

A home valued at Rock County's median of $124,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of approximately $1,264. Homeowners with mortgages pay around $1,154, while those without mortgages pay closer to $1,301.

Many homeowners could lower taxes through appeal

Even with Rock County's advantageous tax rate, property assessments can still be inaccurate, and homeowners may be paying taxes on inflated valuations. A free appeal to the county assessor could identify overassessments and reduce your already-low tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rock County

via CostByCounty

Rock County leads the affordability race

Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average of roughly 14%, delivering genuine housing relief across all income brackets. With median rent at just $608 monthly and a $57,500 median household income, residents here enjoy some of the nation's tightest housing-cost burdens.

Best affordability in all of Nebraska

Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio stands 1.5 points below Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, making it the clear winner for budget-conscious renters. At $608 monthly, rents run $175 cheaper than the state average, an exceptional advantage in rural Nebraska.

Lowest rent in the region by far

Rock County's $608 monthly rent dramatically undercuts Richardson County ($692), Red Willow ($778), and every other peer in this analysis. Despite the lowest income level at $57,500, Rock County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% proves that careful local pricing can defeat earnings differences.

Economy rents anchor tight budgets

Rock County households allocate just $608 to rent or $628 to mortgage against a $57,500 annual income, representing roughly 12–13% of earnings. This leaves substantial room for utilities, food, childcare, and emergency savings—a luxury uncommon in rural communities.

Rock County awaits the budget-conscious

If housing affordability is your north star, Rock County is Nebraska's destination—rents and mortgages are the state's cheapest, with median home values at just $124,400. Homebuyers and renters alike will find unmatched breathing room in their household budgets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rock County

via IncomeByCounty

Rock County income below national median

Rock County's median household income of $57,500 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $17,255. The county ranks in the lower 30% of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Below Nebraska's income average

Rock County's median household income of $57,500 falls below Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by nearly $9,400. The county ranks in the lower third among Nebraska's 93 counties.

Slightly stronger than Richardson, weaker than Red Willow

Rock County's $57,500 median household income exceeds Richardson County ($55,578) but lags Red Willow County ($60,000). Among rural northeast Nebraska communities, Rock County sits in the lower-middle range economically.

Best rent-to-income ratio in this peer group

Rock County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio is one of the healthiest among similarly-sized counties, just above the sustainable 12% threshold. The median home value of $124,400 remains manageable relative to household earnings, easing housing affordability pressures.

Favorable housing economics enable saving

Rock County's relatively low housing cost burden creates room in household budgets for investment and retirement savings despite modest median income. Households should capitalize on affordable housing to accelerate wealth-building through consistent saving and long-term investment strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rock County

via CrimeByCounty

Unprecedented safety levels in Rock County

Rock County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K, earning it a perfect safety score of 100.0. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

A top-tier safety rank in Nebraska

With zero reported crimes in 2022, Rock County ranks at the top of the state for safety. This far exceeds the Nebraska average crime rate of 626.7 per 100K.

Rock County stands alone in safety

While neighbors like Saunders and Seward report rates above 440 per 100K, Rock County shows no reported incidents. Two reporting agencies provide data for this exceptionally quiet jurisdiction.

Minimal crime activity reported locally

Data from 2022 indicates zero violent crimes and zero property crimes per 100K residents. While this suggests an extremely safe environment, it also reflects very low reporting activity.

Maintaining the perfect safety score

Even in areas with zero reported crime, basic situational awareness remains vital. Keep your property secure to ensure Rock County stays a leader in state safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Rock County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in a Single District

Rock County operates a streamlined educational system with just two public schools serving 238 total students. One elementary school and one high school provide comprehensive PK-12 coverage for the entire county.

Investing in Rural Student Success

Rock County invests $10,880 per student, which exceeds the state average for per-pupil expenditure. This investment supports a 90.0% graduation rate and a school score of 61.9, outperforming many neighboring regions.

Unified Under Rock County Public Schools

Rock County Public Schools is the sole district in the area, ensuring a consistent educational experience for all local children. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's focus entirely on this single public system.

A Truly Rural Educational Experience

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the quiet and open landscape of the region. Bassett Grade School is the larger of the two with 141 students, while Rock County High School serves 97 students.

Quiet Living Near Quality Schools

For those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Rock County offers a high-performing, unified district. Consider local real estate if you value small school sizes and high per-pupil investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rock County

via RiskByCounty

Rock County is America's safest

With a composite risk score of just 0.70, Rock County ranks as one of the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States. This exceptional safety makes it an outlier even compared to most 'Very Low' risk areas nationwide.

Nebraska's lowest-risk county by far

Rock County's score of 0.70 is dramatically lower than any other Nebraska county and nearly 37 times lower than the state average of 25.80. The county stands alone as the safest place in Nebraska for natural disaster exposure.

Dramatically safer than surrounding counties

Rock County's risk score of 0.70 is extraordinarily low compared to Loup, Garfield, and Holt counties. Its isolated location in the Sandhills region and sparse population contribute to its exceptional natural disaster profile.

Wildfire is the only material risk

Wildfire risk scores 62.37, making it Rock County's sole significant natural hazard, though still modest in absolute terms. Tornado risk of 13.39 and flood risk of 1.08 are negligible compared to most counties, presenting almost no practical threat.

Standard coverage provides ample protection

Rock County's exceptional safety profile means basic homeowners insurance covers your primary concerns effectively. If you live on acreage or near grassland, confirm wildfire coverage in your policy—but overall, Rock County residents enjoy minimal natural disaster insurance worries.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Rock County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rate Triggers Failing Grade

Rock County receives a Water Quality Grade of F due to three health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 384.6 per 100,000 residents is more than triple the Nebraska state average of 110.3. These figures highlight persistent challenges in maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Half of Assessed Waterways Meet Standards

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle shows that 50% of Rock County's 18 assessed water bodies are impaired. Top concerns include Escherichia coli (E. coli), pH levels, and unknown causes. This local impairment rate is actually better than the Nebraska state average of 66.4%.

Limited Monitoring Records in Federal Database

Rock County shows a sparse monitoring footprint with only 26 measurements recorded at two sites over the past five years. These limited samples primarily cover physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics. The lack of dense data may hide emerging trends in local water quality.

No Active USGS Streamgages Monitored

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data within Rock County. Without real-time discharge figures, officials rely more heavily on periodic compliance sampling and watershed assessments. This data gap makes it difficult to track how flow variations affect contaminant levels.

Prioritize Filtration and Well Testing

Because of the F grade and high violation rate, residents should prioritize water filtration and regular testing of private wells. Since E. coli and pH issues affect half of assessed water bodies, caution is advised for any non-potable water use. Be aware that limited monitoring means local conditions can change without immediate detection.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rock County

via WeatherByCounty

A Distinctly Chilly Northern Profile

Rock County averages just 46.7°F annually, placing it well below the national median for temperature. This cool climate is typical of the northern Nebraska Sandhills, where winters are long and rigorous.

Colder Than the Nebraska Average

The county's 46.7°F average temperature sits three degrees below the state average of 49.7°F. While the state averages 25.9 inches of moisture, Rock County sees slightly more at 27.1 inches annually.

Heavier Snowfall Than Southern Peers

Rock County faces 41.5 inches of annual snowfall, nearly double what some southern Nebraska counties experience. Despite the cold, it sees 26 extreme heat days, proving that summer still packs a punch.

Brisk Winters and Mild Summers

Winter temperatures average a cold 23.2°F, with January lows often bottoming out near 21.2°F. Summer provides relief with a July average of 73.1°F and a manageable summer mean of 70.4°F.

Winterize for Significant Snowfall

Residents must invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage the 41.5 inches of annual snow. High-performance home insulation is a necessity to combat the sustained sub-freezing winter averages.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rock County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Extremely Sandy Soils

Rock County soil maintains a pH of 6.63, which sits comfortably near the national median of 6.5 and just below the state average of 6.79. While the taxonomic order data is currently unavailable, the chemical profile is neutral and balanced. This makes it versatile for a range of Nebraska plant species.

A Gritty, Sand-Dominant Profile

This soil is incredibly sandy, containing 79.4% sand and only 7.4% clay. This high sand content creates a gritty texture that offers very little resistance to root growth. However, such a high sand percentage means nutrients can wash through the soil quickly.

Moderate Organic Matter, Low Storage

Organic matter is decent at 2.74%, exceeding the national average of 2.0%. Unfortunately, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.112 in/in compared to the state average of 0.172. This indicates that despite the organic content, the soil struggles to hold onto moisture.

Rapid Drainage Characteristics

Though specific hydrologic classes are not listed, a 79% sand composition naturally results in rapid drainage. Water moves through these soils quickly, which prevents root rot but requires frequent replenishment. Builders will find these soils stable, though farmers must manage irrigation carefully.

Prairie Plants Thrive in 5a

In hardiness zone 5a, native prairie grasses and drought-tolerant plants are the most successful choices. The sandy soil is perfect for root vegetables like carrots if they receive consistent water. Consider using mulch to help maintain the limited moisture these soils can hold.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rock County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Sandy Soil of Zone 5a

Rock County holds a lawn difficulty score of 56.7, placing it slightly above the state average for ease of maintenance. This USDA Hardiness Zone 5a region experiences cooler average temperatures than the rest of Nebraska. The primary challenge here isn't heat, but the unique physical properties of the soil foundation.

Moderate Rain and Cool Summers

Annual precipitation of 27.1 inches is just below the ideal range but slightly above the Nebraska average. With only 26 extreme heat days per year, grass faces less atmospheric stress than in southern counties. The shorter growing season is driven by 2,676 growing degree days, leading to a more compressed mowing schedule.

High Sand Content Requires Management

The soil is remarkably sandy at 79.4%, with a very low clay content of only 7.4%. While the pH is excellent at 6.63, the high sand percentage means water and nutrients leach away rapidly. Frequent, light fertilization and consistent watering are necessary to keep turf healthy in this fast-draining environment.

Adapting to Abnormally Dry Conditions

The county faced 27 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Because the sandy soil lacks natural water retention, lawns here will show drought stress faster than in other parts of the state. Mulching clippings back into the lawn is a vital strategy for adding organic matter.

Cool-Season Grasses for the North

Fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are ideal for the cooler summers and Zone 5a winters of Rock County. Wait for the spring ground to thaw after the May 6 frost date before you start your seeding projects. Ensure your new grass is established well before the early first frost, which typically arrives by October 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rock County's county score?
Rock County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 71.8 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 Rock County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Rock County ranks #6 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 Rock County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Rock County is $1,264, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Rock County a tax score of 36.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rock County?
The median household income in Rock County, Nebraska is $57,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rock County earns an income score of 31.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rock County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Rock County scores 71.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Rock 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 Rock 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.