countyscore
44.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.3Soil Quality 72.3Lawn Care 63.1

County Report Card

About Saline County, Nebraska

Saline County Faces National Headwinds

Saline County’s composite score of 46.4 falls slightly below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that the county trails the average US county in several key livability metrics.

Below the Nebraska State Average

The county's score of 46.4 is notably lower than the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It ranks in the lower half of counties across the state for overall desirability.

Strong Local Earnings Potential

A standout Income Score of 80.1 demonstrates that Saline County residents earn well, with a median household income of $77,027. This financial strength provides a cushion against other regional challenges.

High Taxes and Social Pressures

The Tax Score of 18.8 reflects a heavy property tax burden of 1.353%. Low scores in Safety (44.6) and School (45.5) indicate room for improvement in community services and public security.

Best for Established Professionals

This county is a strong fit for workers in high-paying local industries who can leverage the strong income profile. It suits those who prioritize earning power and can navigate a slightly higher cost of public services.

2040608010016.741.744.657.545.581.357.639.545Tax16.7Cost41.7Safety44.6Health57.5Schools45.5Income81.3Risk57.6Water39.5Weather4544.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Saline County DNA

Foverall

How Saline County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Saline County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (81.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (16.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
16.7-35.3
Cost
41.7
Safety
44.6-10.399999999999999
Health
57.5
Schools
45.5-8.5
Income
81.3+30.299999999999997
Risk
57.6+10.600000000000001
Water
39.5-18.5
Weather
45-11
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Saline County?

Many homeowners in Saline County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$197,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$914/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$197,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,910/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.7

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
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Nearby counties

Seward County
Nebraska
61
Jefferson County
Nebraska
53
Lancaster County
Nebraska
32.2
Gage County
Nebraska
51.7
Fillmore County
Nebraska
70.9
Thayer County
Nebraska
62.4
York County
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55.1
Johnson County
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64

Deep Dives

Saline County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Saline County

via TaxByCounty

Saline's taxes near national median levels

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Saline County

via IncomeByCounty

Saline County edges above national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Saline County

via CrimeByCounty

Saline County beats the national average

Saline County's total crime rate of 1,240.0 per 100K is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a respectable safety score of 98.0.

Saline tracks above state crime norms

The county's rate of 1,240.0 is nearly double the Nebraska state average of 626.7. This results in a safety score that sits one point below the state-wide average of 99.0.

Comparing Saline to regional neighbors

Saline County's crime rate is very similar to Sarpy County, which reports 1,221.8 per 100K. However, it is significantly higher than Seward County's much lower rate of 442.1.

Understanding Saline's crime breakdown

Violent crime sits at 203.2 per 100K, while property crime is much higher at 1,036.8. Property offenses are more than five times as common as violent incidents here.

Priority on property protection

Since property crime is the primary concern in Saline, residents should invest in smart home security. Simple door and window sensors can provide extra peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Saline County

via WeatherByCounty

The Heart of the Plains Climate

Saline County’s 49.7°F annual average temperature reflects a classic continental climate, sitting below the national median. It experiences a wide swing between seasonal extremes typical of the American Midwest.

Defining the Nebraska Average

Saline County perfectly mirrors the Nebraska state average temperature of 49.7°F. However, it is slightly wetter than its peers, receiving 30.0 inches of precipitation compared to the state average of 25.9 inches.

More Moisture than Western Neighbors

The county receives a healthy 30.0 inches of annual precipitation, providing more agricultural moisture than counties further west. It balances this with 25.4 inches of snow and 26 days of extreme heat.

Balanced Seasons with Sharp Winters

July averages reach a warm 73.9°F, while January dips to a chilly 22.8°F. The county experiences 26 days per year where temperatures top 90°F, concentrated mostly in the 72.2°F average summer months.

Equip for Variable Weather

Dual-fuel heating systems are effective here to manage the 25.4-degree winter average. Residents should also prepare for 26 days of extreme heat by ensuring attic ventilation is up to code.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Saline County

via SoilByCounty

Saline County’s Acidic Soil Profile

The soil in Saline County is noticeably acidic with an average pH of 6.20. This is lower than both the national median of 6.5 and the Nebraska state average of 6.79. Local growers may need to monitor acidity to ensure optimal nutrient availability for certain crops.

Silt and Clay Provide Structure

The soil composition is 55.9% silt and 27.3% clay, with a small 16.8% sand fraction. This combination creates a heavy, fine-textured soil that is excellent for retaining nutrients. The high clay content ensures the soil remains firm and productive.

Exceptional Water Retention Levels

Saline County boasts an available water capacity of 0.207 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.172. Organic matter is also healthy at 2.73%, beating the national 2.0% average. This soil acts as a massive sponge for crops during the growing season.

Moisture-Rich Soils and Slow Infiltration

The dominant soil classes are not recorded, but the high clay and silt levels suggest a tendency to hold water tightly. This is beneficial for surviving Nebraska heat waves but can lead to slow drainage after heavy storms. Proper field leveling is often key to managing these moisture-rich fields.

High-Yield Potential in Zone 6a

Located in USDA Zone 6a, this county is a prime location for high-yield grain production and gardening. The soil’s superior water capacity supports thirstier vegetables like melons and squash. Adding lime can help balance the 6.20 pH for more acid-sensitive garden plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Saline County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Growth in Saline County

With a lawn difficulty score of 63.1, Saline County offers a more hospitable environment than the national average. Situated in Zone 6a, it sits comfortably above the state ease-of-maintenance score of 54.2. Homeowners here benefit from a balanced climate that avoids the extreme aridity found further west.

Perfect Precipitation for Nebraska Lawns

The county receives 30.0 inches of annual precipitation, hitting the exact threshold for ideal lawn growth. Extreme heat is relatively manageable with only 26 days reaching 90°F or higher. This balance results in 3,163 growing degree days, supporting a steady and predictable mowing rhythm through the summer.

Acidic Soil with Significant Clay

The soil pH stands at 6.20, which is perfectly suited for nutrient availability in turfgrass. The texture includes 27.3% clay, providing strong water-holding capacity but increasing the risk of compaction in high-traffic areas. Regular core aeration is recommended to ensure air and water can reach the root zone through the clay.

Moderate Drought Exposure

Saline County saw 24 weeks of drought over the last year, reflecting typical regional patterns. Currently, 79.7% of the county is abnormally dry, which is better than many neighboring counties that are fully dry. Utilizing rain barrels or smart irrigation controllers can help maintain lawn health during these moderate dry spells.

Planting for a Zone 6a Climate

Turf-type tall fescue is highly recommended for its deep roots and ability to thrive in Saline's clay-heavy soils. The growing season typically kicks off after the last frost on April 26. Plan to finish any fall overseeding by mid-September to beat the first frost on October 13.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saline County's county score?
Saline County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 44.1 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 Saline County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Saline County ranks #80 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 Saline County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Saline County is $2,663, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Saline County a tax score of 16.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Saline County?
The median household income in Saline County, Nebraska is $79,910 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Saline County earns an income score of 81.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Saline County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Saline County scores 44.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Saline 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 Saline County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.