Saline County scores 68.0, well above the national median of 50.0 and in the 68th percentile nationally. The county performs better than roughly two-thirds of U.S. counties across livability measures.
2 / 5
Slightly below state average for Nebraska
Saline's score of 68.0 falls slightly short of Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the lower-middle range of the state's 93 counties. However, it remains a competitive performer within Nebraska.
3 / 5
Higher incomes distinguish this county
Saline County's Income Score of 33.7 is the second-highest in this group, reflecting a median household income of $77,027—substantially above most rural Nebraska counties. The county also maintains a reasonable Cost Score of 80.7, making it a strong performer on the income-affordability balance.
4 / 5
Risk factors present a notable concern
Saline's Risk Score of 57.6 is the lowest among these eight counties, indicating higher exposure to environmental hazards or natural disaster potential. This warrants attention from prospective residents considering the county's long-term resilience.
5 / 5
Suits families seeking decent income and stability
Saline County appeals to families and professionals who have achieved above-average earnings and want to stay rooted in rural or small-town Nebraska. The county offers a middle ground between income growth and affordability, though prospective residents should research local risk profiles carefully.
Saline County scores 68.0, well above the national median of 50.0 and in the 68th percentile nationally. The county performs better than roughly two-thirds of U.S. counties across livability measures.
Slightly below state average for Nebraska
Saline's score of 68.0 falls slightly short of Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it in the lower-middle range of the state's 93 counties. However, it remains a competitive performer within Nebraska.
Higher incomes distinguish this county
Saline County's Income Score of 33.7 is the second-highest in this group, reflecting a median household income of $77,027—substantially above most rural Nebraska counties. The county also maintains a reasonable Cost Score of 80.7, making it a strong performer on the income-affordability balance.
Risk factors present a notable concern
Saline's Risk Score of 57.6 is the lowest among these eight counties, indicating higher exposure to environmental hazards or natural disaster potential. This warrants attention from prospective residents considering the county's long-term resilience.
Suits families seeking decent income and stability
Saline County appeals to families and professionals who have achieved above-average earnings and want to stay rooted in rural or small-town Nebraska. The county offers a middle ground between income growth and affordability, though prospective residents should research local risk profiles carefully.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Saline County's effective tax rate of 1.353% significantly exceeds the national median, but its median property tax of $2,445 falls just shy of the national median of $2,690. The county's higher home values of $180,700 place it in the middle tier of national property tax burdens.
Saline ranks among Nebraska's highest-tax counties
At 1.353%, Saline County's effective tax rate exceeds Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking in the upper tier of the state's 93 counties. The median tax bill of $2,445 runs $473 higher than the state average, reflecting both higher property values and elevated rates.
Highest-taxed neighbor in central Nebraska
Saline County's 1.353% rate outpaces all nearby counties, including Red Willow (1.262%) and Rock County (1.016%), making it the costliest tax environment in the immediate region. This reflects Saline's higher property values and service demands from its larger population centers.
What you'll pay annually on median home
A home valued at Saline County's median of $180,700 carries an estimated annual property tax of approximately $2,445. Homeowners with mortgages pay around $2,756, while those without mortgages pay closer to $2,184.
Many homeowners could lower taxes through appeal
With higher property values comes a greater potential impact from assessment errors, and Saline County homeowners should verify their assessments against comparable sales. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor could identify overvaluation and yield significant annual savings.
Saline County's median household income of $77,027 exceeds the national median of $74,755, yet residents maintain a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio—well below typical national affordability thresholds. This combination of above-average earning power and controlled housing costs creates genuine economic breathing room.
Sweet spot for Nebraska affordability
Saline County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% ranks second-best statewide, undercutting Nebraska's state average of 14.2% by a meaningful margin. With above-state-average income and moderate rent of $833 monthly, Saline represents the rare county that marries prosperity with affordability.
More income, smarter housing costs
Saline's $77,027 median income dwarfs Rock County ($57,500) and Red Willow ($60,000), yet rents remain reasonable at $833—only $50 above the state average. This income advantage transforms housing costs into a smaller slice of the household pie.
High earners, moderate housing burden
Saline households earn $77,027 annually and dedicate $833 to rent or $840 to ownership, consuming just 13% of income for housing. This efficiency leaves $5,600+ monthly for all other expenses—substantially more than lower-income counties despite similar absolute rent levels.
Saline: prosperity and affordability unite
Consider Saline if you seek Nebraska's sweet spot: strong household incomes, reasonable housing costs, and a healthy median home value of $180,700. You'll enjoy both financial security and housing affordability—a rare pairing in today's market.
Saline County's median household income of $77,027 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by about $2,272. This puts the county just above the national average, ranking in the upper-middle tier nationally.
Strong performer among Nebraska counties
At $77,027, Saline County's median household income exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by over $10,000. The county ranks in the upper third of Nebraska's 93 counties for household earnings.
Economic leader in central Nebraska
Saline County's $77,027 median household income significantly outpaces rural neighbors like Red Willow ($60,000) and Rock County ($57,500). The county is a relative economic powerhouse in its region.
Strong income supports homeownership
Saline County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing costs relative to earning power. The median home value of $180,700 is accessible to households earning the county median, with room for savings and investment.
Build substantial wealth in Saline County
With median income above the national average, Saline County households have above-average capacity to save, invest, and build long-term wealth. Prioritize retirement accounts, diversified investments, and strategic homeownership to maximize financial security and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Saline leads on longevity despite health challenges
Saline County residents enjoy a 79.2-year life expectancy—nearly 3 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Yet its 19.0% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17.9%, revealing a paradox of longer lives alongside higher reported illness.
Highest life expectancy in state sample
At 79.2 years, Saline County tops Nebraska's average of 77.5 years by 1.7 years—among the highest in this sample. However, its 11.5% uninsured rate is the worst in the state, indicating coverage gaps despite strong longevity.
Fewest primary care doctors in region
Saline County has only 42 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest in its peer group and well below Richardson (52) and Red Willow (75). Mental health capacity of 110 per 100K is also minimal for a county of its size.
High uninsured rate, lowest primary care access
Saline's 11.5% uninsured rate—the highest in Nebraska's sample—leaves roughly 1 in 9 residents vulnerable to medical debt. With just 42 primary care providers per 100K, residents face significant barriers to preventive care and routine appointments.
Get covered now
Saline County's 11.5% uninsured rate is the state's highest—leaving families at financial risk. Visit healthcare.gov today or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable plans and tax credits you may qualify for.
Saline County's composite risk score of 42.40 sits firmly in the 'Very Low' category but well above the national average, placing it among the more exposed counties. While still relatively safe, Saline residents face more natural hazard risk than most Americans.
Higher-risk profile than most Nebraska counties
At 42.40, Saline County exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80 and ranks in the upper third of the state's risk distribution. The county faces notably higher exposure to tornadoes, floods, and wildfires than typical Nebraska locations.
Riskier than surrounding agricultural counties
Saline County's score of 42.40 substantially exceeds neighboring Clay, Hamilton, and Fillmore counties' risk profiles. Its geographic position in central Nebraska exposes it to stronger convective storm activity than counties to the east or west.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate the hazard landscape
Tornado risk scores 69.02 and wildfire risk reaches 68.86, making these equally serious threats for Saline County residents. Flood risk of 38.61 adds a tertiary concern, particularly for properties near river bottoms or low-lying areas.
Comprehensive coverage protects against multiple threats
Saline County residents need robust windstorm and hail coverage—standard homeowners policies typically include this, but verify your protection explicitly. Consider flood insurance if you're in a mapped floodplain, and wildfire endorsements for acreage; comprehensive coverage is essential here.