countyscore
44.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.7Health 94.7Schools 69.3

County Report Card

About Sarpy County, Nebraska

A Wealthy County with High Costs

Sarpy County scores 44.9, placing it below the national median of 50.0 despite its high wealth. This score reflects a trade-off between economic prosperity and extreme cost pressures.

Trailing the Nebraska State Average

Sarpy County sits below the state average of 59.3, largely due to its high cost of living compared to rural neighbors. It represents a more urbanized, expensive lifestyle within the state.

Elite Income and Health Scores

Sarpy is a powerhouse of prosperity with an Income Score of 95.7 and a Health Score of 94.7. The median household income exceeds six figures at $101,402, supporting a very healthy population.

Heavy Tax and Cost Burdens

The Tax Score of 5.2 and Cost Score of 8.8 are among the lowest in the state, driven by a 1.793% tax rate. Housing is also expensive, with a median home value of $287,600 and high rents.

The Choice for High-Earners

Sarpy County is ideal for affluent professionals and families who want the best health outcomes and high incomes. It suits those willing to pay a premium in taxes and housing for a prosperous, high-status community.

204060801005.28.845.394.769.395.716.45850Tax5.2Cost8.8Safety45.3Health94.7Schools69.3Income95.7Risk16.4Water58Weather5044.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Sarpy County DNA

Foverall

How Sarpy County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sarpy County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (94.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (5.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
5.2-46.8
Cost
8.8-39.2
Safety
45.3-9.700000000000003
Health
94.7+44.7
Schools
69.3+15.299999999999997
Income
95.7+44.7
Risk
16.4-30.6
Water
58
Weather
50
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Sarpy County?

Many homeowners in Sarpy 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

$287,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,284/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$287,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$51,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $101,402/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.5

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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Gilliam County
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Darlington County
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Gibson County
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DeWitt County
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Nearby counties

Cass County
Nebraska
53.6
Douglas County
Nebraska
29.6
Mills County
Iowa
46.7
Pottawattamie County
Iowa
36.1
Saunders County
Nebraska
58.7
Washington County
Nebraska
55.3
Fremont County
Iowa
58.7
Otoe County
Nebraska
49.3

Deep Dives

Sarpy County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sarpy County

via TaxByCounty

Sarpy County taxes rank highest in Nebraska

Sarpy County's effective tax rate of 1.793% far exceeds the national median, placing it among the highest-taxed counties in America. With a median property tax of $5,157 on homes valued at $287,600, residents pay nearly double the national median tax of $2,690.

Sarpy leads Nebraska with highest effective rate

At 1.793%, Sarpy County carries Nebraska's highest effective tax rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 1.281% by more than half a percentage point. The median property tax of $5,157 dwarfs the state average of $1,972, reflecting Sarpy's suburban character and elevated service costs.

Sarpy taxes double surrounding rural counties

Sarpy County's 1.793% rate dramatically exceeds all nearby counties, including Saunders (1.347%), Saline (1.353%), and Seward (1.201%), reflecting its role as the region's primary metropolitan suburb. This premium reflects higher home values, denser development, and greater service infrastructure.

What you'll pay annually on median home

A home valued at Sarpy County's median of $287,600 carries an estimated annual property tax of approximately $5,157. Homeowners with mortgages pay around $5,394, while those without mortgages pay closer to $4,696.

Many homeowners could lower taxes through appeal

In higher-value suburban markets like Sarpy, assessment errors can translate to hundreds of dollars in unnecessary annual taxes, making appeals especially worthwhile. The county assessor's office handles free appeals—a no-risk opportunity to challenge inflated valuations and reduce your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sarpy County

via CostByCounty

Sarpy County: prosperity with affordability trade-offs

Sarpy County's median household income of $101,402 far exceeds the national average of $74,755, yet its 15.2% rent-to-income ratio slightly surpasses national norms. High absolute costs—$1,284 monthly rent and $1,709 monthly ownership—reflect the county's growing prosperity and proximity to Omaha.

Nebraska's wealthiest, priciest county

Sarpy County leads Nebraska in median household income at $101,402, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% exceeds the state average of 14.2%. While higher incomes absorb housing costs more easily, absolute prices here are the state's highest: $1,284 for rent and home values exceeding $287,600.

The Omaha metro premium is real

Sarpy's $1,284 monthly rent and $287,600 home values dwarf rural peers like Rock County ($608 rent, $124,400 homes), reflecting metropolitan growth and demand. Even Saline County's $77,027 income pale beside Sarpy's $101,402, signaling the Omaha spillover effect.

High income absorbs high housing costs

Sarpy households earn $101,402 annually and allocate $1,284 to rent or $1,709 to ownership, consuming 15.2% and 20.3% of income respectively. While percentages run slightly high, the absolute dollars remaining after housing far exceed rural county households.

Sarpy offers prosperity with premium pricing

Relocating to Sarpy means embracing the Omaha metro lifestyle: higher incomes, strong job markets, and yes, significant housing costs that demand $100,000+ household earnings. If you're considering the move, ensure your salary matches the county's premium—it's not affordable for modest-income households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sarpy County

via IncomeByCounty

Sarpy County ranks among America's wealthiest

Sarpy County's median household income of $101,402 ranks 26% above the national median of $74,755. The county places in the top quartile nationally for household earnings, driven largely by the Omaha metropolitan area.

Nebraska's wealthiest county by far

Sarpy County's median household income of $101,402 towers above Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by over $34,000. The county ranks first in Nebraska—no other county comes close to this earning level.

Dramatically outearns all rural peers

Sarpy County's $101,402 median household income nearly doubles that of neighboring Saunders County ($89,395) and triples rural counties like Red Willow ($60,000). The Omaha suburbs have fundamentally different economic dynamics than agricultural Nebraska.

High income supports premium housing market

Sarpy County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio reflects a premium real estate market where median home values reach $287,600. High incomes make expensive housing attainable, though households should ensure mortgage and rent don't exceed 30% of gross income.

Aggressive wealth-building is within reach

Sarpy County's $101,402 median income positions households to aggressively save, invest, and build generational wealth. Consider maxing retirement contributions, diversifying into real estate and equities, and working with a wealth advisor to optimize tax strategy and asset allocation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sarpy County

via CrimeByCounty

Sarpy County provides a safe environment

Sarpy County's total crime rate of 1,221.8 per 100K is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. It earns a strong safety score of 98.1 out of 100.

Higher activity than the state average

The county's crime rate of 1,221.8 is higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. Six reporting agencies coordinate to manage this volume in one of the state's more active areas.

Sarpy compares well to regional peers

Sarpy County is slightly safer than nearby Saline County, which has a rate of 1,240.0. However, it sees nearly triple the crime rate of neighboring Saunders County.

Sarpy focuses on property crime prevention

The violent crime rate is a low 112.9, while property crime is the main driver at 1,108.9 per 100K. Residents are roughly ten times more likely to experience a property crime than a violent one.

Stay vigilant in Sarpy County

With property crime being the dominant local issue, visible deterrents are effective. Installing a doorbell camera can help reduce the likelihood of neighborhood theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sarpy County

via SchoolsByCounty

Massive Suburban Educational Infrastructure

Sarpy County hosts an expansive system of 75 public schools, including 46 elementary schools and 10 middle schools. This robust network serves 34,571 students, making it one of the largest educational hubs in the state.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Efficiency

The county achieves a stellar 94.5% graduation rate despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of only $7,615. This suggests high operational efficiency and strong community support for the various suburban districts.

Major Districts Define the Region

Papillion La Vista Community Schools and Bellevue Public Schools are the largest districts, combined serving over 21,500 students. While there are no charter schools, the six local districts provide specialized services through 11 different 'other' category schools.

Suburban Living with Large-Scale Schools

The vast majority of schools are located in suburban settings, with an average school size of 480 students. Papillion La Vista South High School is the county's largest, enrolling nearly 2,000 students in a modern facility.

Premium Suburban Homes Near Great Schools

Families moving to Sarpy County often prioritize the highly-rated districts in Papillion and Gretna. Explore the booming real estate market in these areas to secure a home near Nebraska's most sought-after high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sarpy County

via RiskByCounty

Sarpy faces 'Relatively Moderate' disaster risk

Sarpy County's composite risk score of 83.59 places it in the 'Relatively Moderate' category, significantly above the national average. This makes Sarpy one of the nation's higher-risk counties for natural disasters—a serious consideration for residents and property owners.

Nebraska's riskiest county by a wide margin

Sarpy County's score of 83.59 dramatically exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80 and far surpasses any other county in the state. The county faces natural disaster exposure more than three times greater than typical Nebraska locations.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Sarpy County's risk profile dwarfs those of neighboring Cass, Lancaster, and Douglas counties, with a score roughly double that of its closest regional competitor. Its location in the Omaha metropolitan area places it at the intersection of multiple hazard zones.

Tornadoes and floods pose extreme threats

Tornado risk scores an exceptional 97.17—the highest in Nebraska—while flood risk of 73.57 ranks among the state's most severe. Wildfire risk of 81.46, though less impactful than tornadoes, remains significantly elevated, and earthquake risk of 28.94 adds complexity.

Invest in comprehensive, robust insurance coverage

Sarpy County residents must prioritize windstorm coverage, tornado protection, and flood insurance—do not rely on basic homeowners policies alone. Review coverage annually, especially after severe events; consider multiple policies and endorsements to address this county's exceptional multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Sarpy County

via WaterByCounty

Sarpy County Maintains Mid-Range Compliance Grade

Sarpy County currently holds a Water Quality Grade of C, having recorded four health violations over the past five years. Despite the grade, the violation rate of 8.0 per 100,000 people is much lower than the Nebraska state average of 110.3. This indicates relatively stable performance for a high-population area.

Chloride and E. Coli Impact Local Streams

EPA ATTAINS data from 2022 shows that 62.5% of the 16 assessed water bodies in Sarpy County are impaired. Top causes for these failures include Escherichia coli (E. coli), chloride, and other unknown stressors. This impairment level is slightly better than the 66.4% state average.

Dense Monitoring Network Tracks Diverse Pollutants

Sarpy County features a massive monitoring footprint with 29,911 measurements recorded at 69 sites over five years. This intensive data collection covers physical properties, organics, pesticides, and nutrients. Such a robust record allows for high-precision tracking of urban runoff and environmental health.

Platte River Flows Below Historical Mean

Current discharge at the Platte River near Louisville is 3,860 cfs, roughly 52% of the long-term mean of 7,485 cfs. As a primary regional drainage, the Platte's reduced flow can affect everything from wildlife habitat to water treatment processes. These levels reflect broader regional moisture deficits.

Monitor Chloride and Bacteria Trends

Residents should stay informed about chloride levels and bacteria alerts, as these are primary stressors in over 60% of local assessed waters. While the tap water violation rate is low, the C grade suggests room for improvement in system management. High monitoring density means local data is reliable for checking your specific neighborhood's water health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sarpy County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but Snowy Plains Living

Sarpy County averages 50.7°F annually, keeping it cooler than the national median but comfortable for the region. Its climate is defined by reliable precipitation and distinct seasonal shifts.

Warm and Wet for Nebraska

At 50.7°F, Sarpy is warmer than the 49.7°F state average and significantly wetter, with 33.0 inches of annual precipitation. This extra moisture often translates into 36.4 inches of annual snowfall.

A High Snowfall Anchor

Sarpy County receives 36.4 inches of snow, which is considerably higher than Seward or Saline. It also maintains a higher July average of 76.0°F, making it one of the warmer spots in the eastern part of the state.

Warm Summers and Icy Winters

Summer temperatures average 73.8°F, though the county only sees 22 extreme heat days over 90°F. Winter brings a sharp contrast, with a December-February average of 25.9°F and frequent snow.

Prepare for Snow and Storms

With 36.4 inches of snow and 33.0 inches of total precipitation, reliable drainage and snow tires are local essentials. The 22 days of extreme heat are manageable, but efficient HVAC systems remain a top priority.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sarpy County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in a Developing Region

Sarpy County features a very balanced pH of 6.93, which is slightly higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.79. This nearly neutral chemical profile is excellent for a wide variety of plants. It supports both agricultural uses and suburban landscaping efforts.

The Silt-Dominant Foundation

The soil is comprised of 56.2% silt and 25.2% clay, resulting in a smooth, productive texture. With only 18.6% sand, the soil retains its shape and moisture well without being overly gritty. This mix is common in the Missouri River valley areas of the state.

Balanced Organic Matter and Storage

Organic matter averages 2.27%, which stays above the national average of 2.0% but below the state’s 3.32%. The available water capacity is 0.184 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.172. This provides a reliable buffer for plants during periods of low rainfall.

Consistent Moisture for Urban Landscapes

While specific drainage and hydrologic data are missing, the silt-heavy composition generally allows for steady, predictable water movement. These soils are reliable for home building and gardening because they don't dry out too rapidly. They provide a stable medium for the county's growing infrastructure.

Garden Success in Zone 6a

Sarpy County's 6a hardiness zone is perfect for everything from turfgrass to vegetable gardens and orchards. The neutral pH means you can plant immediately with very few chemical adjustments. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard garden or maintain a lush lawn.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sarpy County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in the East

Sarpy County is one of the easier places in Nebraska to maintain a lawn, scoring 68.0 on the difficulty scale. This Zone 6a county benefits from higher humidity and rainfall than much of the state. It remains significantly easier to grow grass here than the national median of 50.0.

Generous Rain and Manageable Heat

Annual precipitation reaches 33.0 inches, well within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy turf. The county only experiences 22 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly lower than the state average of 34. This combination of moisture and moderate heat creates 3,402 growing degree days for consistent growth.

Well-Balanced Soil Profile

The soil pH is nearly ideal at 6.93, ensuring that most fertilizers work with maximum efficiency. With 25.2% clay and 18.6% sand, the soil provides a good balance of moisture retention and structural support. While drainage class data is missing, the texture suggests a loamy profile that supports vigorous root systems.

Current Dry Trends in Sarpy

Despite 33 inches of rain annually, 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Sarpy has faced 24 weeks in drought over the past year, requiring supplemental irrigation during the peak of summer. Using a mulching mower helps retain soil moisture during these temporary dry periods.

Optimal Planting Window for Sarpy

Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue blends perform exceptionally well in this region's moist climate. The best time to start your lawn is after the April 21 frost date when soil temperatures begin to rise. You have a generous window for fall maintenance before the first frost arrives on October 19.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sarpy County's county score?
Sarpy County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 44.9 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 Sarpy County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Sarpy 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 Sarpy County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Sarpy County is $5,157, with an effective tax rate of 1.79%. This earns Sarpy County a tax score of 5.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sarpy County?
The median household income in Sarpy County, Nebraska is $101,402 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sarpy County earns an income score of 95.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sarpy County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Sarpy County scores 44.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Sarpy 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 Sarpy County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.