countyscore
58.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.8Health 89.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Saunders County, Nebraska

Saunders County Tops the National Median

Saunders County earns a composite score of 58.7, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living for its residents compared to the rest of the country.

Mirroring the Nebraska Average

With a score of 58.7, Saunders County sits almost exactly at the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It offers a balanced lifestyle that is quintessentially Nebraskan.

Wealth, Health, and Safety

The county excels with an Income Score of 91.8 and a Health Score of 89.3. Safety is also a major draw, supported by a strong Safety Score of 80.9 and an $89,395 median household income.

High Entry Costs and Taxes

Affordability is the main concern, as the Cost Score of 26.8 reflects a higher median home value of $241,100. The Tax Score of 19.0 also signals a property tax burden that is higher than many regional peers.

A Destination for Prosperous Families

Saunders County is perfect for families who prioritize health and safety and have the income to support a higher cost of living. It appeals to those seeking a secure, high-earning community within commuting distance of major hubs.

Score breakdown

Tax19Cost26.8Safety80.9Health89.3Schools63.7Income91.8Risk70.9Water86Weather44.1
🏛19
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Douglas County
Nebraska
29.6
Dodge County
Nebraska
42.2
Sarpy County
Nebraska
44.9
Lancaster County
Nebraska
32.3
Cass County
Nebraska
53.6
Washington County
Nebraska
55.3
Butler County
Nebraska
70.4
Seward County
Nebraska
60.6

Deep Dives

Saunders County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Saunders County

via TaxByCounty

Saunders taxes exceed national average rates

Saunders County's effective tax rate of 1.347% exceeds the national median, positioning it in the higher tier of American counties for property tax burden. Despite this elevated rate, the median property tax of $3,247 falls below the national median of $2,690 in raw dollars, reflecting higher home values than most rural regions.

Saunders ranks high among Nebraska counties

At 1.347%, Saunders County's effective rate surpasses Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the upper third of the state's 93 counties. The median property tax of $3,247 exceeds the state average of $1,972 by $1,275, reflecting the county's strong property values.

Mid-range taxes in eastern Nebraska corridor

Saunders County's 1.347% rate falls between nearby Saline (1.353%) and Seward (1.201%), positioning it as a moderately taxed corridor between Omaha's suburbs and rural counties. The county attracts commuters with somewhat lower taxes than Sarpy County (1.793%) but higher than distant rural peers.

What you'll pay annually on median home

A home valued at Saunders County's median of $241,100 carries an estimated annual property tax of approximately $3,247. Homeowners with mortgages pay around $3,272, while those without mortgages pay closer to $3,218.

Many homeowners could lower taxes through appeal

Saunders County homeowners with higher-value properties should verify their assessments match current market conditions, as overvaluation in this strong market could inflate tax obligations significantly. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor offers a straightforward way to identify and correct overassessments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Saunders County

via CostByCounty

Saunders balances strong income and housing

Saunders County's median household income of $89,395 significantly outpaces the national average of $74,755, while its 12.5% rent-to-income ratio beats national affordability norms. Residents enjoy above-average earning power coupled with controlled housing burden—a rare advantage.

Top-tier affordability with top-tier income

Saunders County ranks among Nebraska's best for affordability with a 12.5% rent-to-income ratio, besting the state average of 14.2%. At $89,395 median income—the state's second-highest after Sarpy—Saunders delivers both prosperity and housing relief.

Prosperity without the Omaha premium

Saunders's $89,395 income nearly matches Sarpy's $101,402, yet monthly rents ($930) remain $354 cheaper than Sarpy's $1,284. Home values at $241,100 split the difference between rural and metro, offering a balanced alternative to both extremes.

Smart earnings, smart housing allocation

Saunders households earn $89,395 annually and dedicate $930 to rent or $1,239 to ownership, consuming just 12.5% and 16.6% of income respectively. This efficiency leaves over $6,700 monthly for other essentials—among the best in the state.

Saunders: Nebraska's balanced option

If you want strong income potential without Sarpy's metro prices, Saunders County delivers: high household earnings, controlled housing costs, and reasonable home values around $241,100. You'll find both financial security and housing relief in this transitional county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Saunders County

via IncomeByCounty

Saunders County surpasses national average

Saunders County's median household income of $89,395 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about $14,640. The county ranks in the top third of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Second-highest earner in Nebraska

At $89,395, Saunders County's median household income ranks second in Nebraska, trailing only Sarpy County ($101,402) and well above the state average of $66,880. The county attracts commuters and enjoys proximity to Omaha's economy.

Economic hub among central counties

Saunders County's $89,395 median household income significantly exceeds Seward County ($81,122) and rural neighbors like Red Willow ($60,000). The county serves as a regional economic anchor for southeastern Nebraska.

Strong income supports robust homeownership

Saunders County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio sits right at the sustainable threshold, indicating well-balanced housing costs. The median home value of $241,100 is easily supported by the county's median household income.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

With median income approaching $90,000, Saunders County households enjoy substantial capacity for retirement savings, investment, and wealth accumulation. Develop a comprehensive financial plan that maximizes employer benefits, tax-advantaged savings, and long-term asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Saunders County

via CrimeByCounty

Saunders County is remarkably safe

With a total crime rate of 455.9 per 100K, Saunders County is five times safer than the national average. It boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.3.

A leader in Nebraska state safety

Saunders County outperforms the Nebraska average crime rate of 626.7. Its safety score of 99.3 is also higher than the state-wide average of 99.0.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Saunders County is nearly three times safer than neighboring Sarpy County, which reports 1,221.8 crimes per 100K. It tracks very closely with Seward County's rate of 442.1.

Violent crime is rare in Saunders

The county reports just 40.2 violent crimes per 100K, one of the lowest rates in the region. Property crime accounts for 415.7 incidents, which remains far below national averages.

Maintain the Saunders safety standard

Community awareness keeps these numbers low across the five reporting agencies. Continue practicing basic home safety to preserve this peaceful environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Saunders County

via HealthByCounty

Saunders exceeds national health benchmarks

At 78.0 years, Saunders County residents live 1.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Its 12.5% poor/fair health rate is one of the lowest in this sample, well below the national average of 17.9%.

Above-average longevity, strong coverage

Saunders County's 78.0-year life expectancy surpasses Nebraska's 77.5-year average by 0.5 years. Its 5.3% uninsured rate is significantly better than the state's 8.1%, placing it among Nebraska's best for insurance coverage.

Moderate primary care, limited mental health

Saunders offers 44 primary care providers per 100K—mid-range for the region—and 43 mental health providers per 100K, the lowest in this sample. This mental health gap may create barriers for residents needing behavioral health services.

Good coverage, tight mental health capacity

With 5.3% uninsured, Saunders County ensures most residents have insurance protection. However, at just 43 mental health providers per 100K, the county faces a significant shortage in behavioral health services relative to its peers.

Stay covered in Saunders

Saunders County's 5.3% uninsured rate is well below state average—but if you're among the uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Saunders County

via SchoolsByCounty

Wide-Ranging Options Across Seven Districts

Saunders County offers 17 public schools that serve a total student population of 3,732. These facilities are managed by seven different districts, providing residents with an unusually high variety of administrative choices.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county's 91.4% graduation rate easily clears the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending is $8,145, which is lower than the state average but still yields solid results with a school score of 56.7.

Ashland-Greenwood and Wahoo Districts Lead

Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools and Wahoo Public Schools are the primary districts, each educating over 1,000 students. No charter schools exist in the county, leaving local education to the traditional public district structure.

Rural Roots with Growing Town Centers

Most of the county's ten rural schools offer a quiet environment, while seven town-based schools provide larger peer groups. Ashland-Greenwood Elementary is the largest school with 562 students, contrasting with the county's overall average of 249.

Educational Choice in Saunders County

With seven different districts to choose from, families can find the exact school culture they desire. Consider homes in Ashland or Wahoo to benefit from the county's largest and most established educational programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Saunders County

via RiskByCounty

Saunders sits slightly above national average

Saunders County's composite risk score of 29.10 falls in the 'Very Low' category but moderately exceeds the national average. Residents face somewhat more natural disaster exposure than typical U.S. counties, though risk remains manageable.

Middle-range risk profile for Nebraska

At 29.10, Saunders County slightly exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, ranking it in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county presents a more challenging hazard profile than most Nebraska locations but remains safer than its eastern and central neighbors.

Comparable to central Nebraska counties

Saunders County's risk score of 29.10 aligns closely with neighboring Dodge and Butler counties but runs higher than western and southern neighbors. Its location in east-central Nebraska places it in a transitional zone between lower-risk western counties and higher-risk eastern areas.

Wildfire and tornado risks are principal concerns

Wildfire risk scores 72.23 and tornado risk reaches 59.41, making these Saunders County's dominant natural hazards. Flood risk of 32.47 presents a secondary threat, particularly for properties near the Platte River and its tributaries.

Prioritize wind and flood protection

Ensure your homeowners policy includes comprehensive windstorm and tornado coverage—essential for Saunders County's severe convective storm season. Evaluate flood insurance carefully, especially if you're in a mapped floodplain or near waterways; wildfire coverage matters for rural properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Saunders County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Four-Season Continental Climate

Saunders County averages 50.3°F annually, falling just below the national median for temperature. The area is characterized by reliable rainfall and a mix of hot summers and cold winters.

Slightly Warmer and Much Wetter

Saunders County stays just above the state average temperature at 50.3°F. Its 31.7 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the Nebraska average of 25.9 inches by a significant margin.

Middle Ground for Regional Snow

With 26.5 inches of annual snowfall, Saunders sits between the lighter snow of Seward and the heavier accumulations of Sarpy. It also faces 30 days of extreme heat, making it slightly hotter than its eastern neighbor.

Hot July and Cold January

The July average reaches 75.5°F, supported by 30 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. Winter is cold and steady, with a January average of 22.6°F and 26.5 inches of total snowfall.

Insulate for Extreme Temperature Swings

Homeowners should plan for a 50-degree swing between January and July averages. Investing in moisture-resistant building materials is wise given the 31.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Saunders County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Mollisols in Saunders

Saunders County is dominated by Mollisols, the world's most productive agricultural soils, with a neutral pH of 6.83. This pH is slightly higher than the national 6.5 median and the state 6.79 average. These dark, fertile soils are the backbone of the region's farming success.

Silt Loam Provides Ideal Balance

The texture is a silt loam, containing 49.1% silt and roughly 25% each of sand and clay. This balanced composition offers the best of all worlds: drainage, nutrient retention, and easy workability. It is a highly desirable texture for both large-scale farming and home gardening.

Solid Moisture Storage and Fertility

The organic matter content is 2.57%, which is healthy compared to the 2.0% national average. Water capacity is also strong at 0.186 in/in, comfortably beating the state average of 0.172. These soils can support heavy plant growth even through Nebraska's peak summer heat.

Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group D

Despite the good texture, these soils are often classified as poorly drained and belong to Hydrologic Group D. This means they have high runoff potential and can stay wet for long periods after rain. Growers must often utilize tiling or drainage ditches to manage excess water.

Hardy Crops for Zone 5b

Hardiness zone 5b supports classic Nebraska crops like corn and soybeans alongside cool-weather vegetables. Gardeners should consider raised beds to bypass the slow drainage of the native soil. These soils are naturally rich, so your garden will thrive with minimal extra fertilizer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Saunders County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Silt Loam in Zone 5b

Saunders County offers a favorable lawn difficulty score of 67.3, making it a rewarding place for homeowners. Situated in Zone 5b, it is notably easier to maintain a lawn here than the Nebraska average of 54.2. Local gardeners just need to account for specific soil drainage challenges to see the best results.

High Rainfall with a Shorter Season

The county receives 31.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average. While 30 extreme heat days are common, the 3,344 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for turf establishment. This extra moisture helps lawns stay green longer into the summer months compared to western counties.

Management for Poorly Drained Soils

The soil is classified as poorly drained silt loam, consisting of 24.9% clay and 26.0% sand. With a near-perfect pH of 6.83, nutrient availability is high, but the poor drainage can lead to root rot if overwatered. Homeowners should focus on leveling to prevent standing water and aerating to improve infiltration.

Low Drought Impact in Saunders

Saunders County has only spent 20 weeks in drought over the past year, one of the lowest rates in the region. Currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry, but the presence of severe drought is non-existent. The silt loam soil helps store water effectively, allowing the lawn to bridge short dry spells.

Cool-Season Favorites for Saunders

Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in these silt loam soils. Your spring planting window opens after the frost date of April 23, providing a strong start for the season. Be sure to wrap up your fall seeding before the first expected frost on October 15.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saunders County's county score?
Saunders County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Saunders County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Saunders County ranks #60 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 Saunders County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Saunders County is $3,247, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Saunders County a tax score of 19/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Saunders County?
The median household income in Saunders County, Nebraska is $89,395 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Saunders County earns an income score of 91.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Saunders County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Saunders County scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Saunders 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 Saunders County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.