countyscore
37
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 55.3Schools 54.2

County Report Card

About Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska

Scotts Bluff Trails the National Average

Scotts Bluff County has a composite score of 37.0, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a challenging environment across several key livability metrics.

A Difficult Ranking in Nebraska

The county's score of 37.0 is well below the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It ranks toward the bottom of the state’s counties for overall quality of life based on current data.

Excellent Water Quality

Infrastructure is a bright spot, as the county earns a strong Water Score of 86.0. This reliability in basic services is a core asset for local residents and industry.

Public Safety and Risk Concerns

The county faces hurdles in public safety with a score of 18.8, and a Tax Score of 13.3 indicates a high relative tax burden. Environmental and natural disaster risk also factors in with a lower Risk Score of 36.2.

Best for Reliable Utility Seekers

This county may suit individuals who value strong water infrastructure and are comfortable in a more urbanized setting with higher service needs. It is best for those with established local ties who prioritize water reliability.

Score breakdown

Tax13.3Cost38.3Safety18.8Health55.3Schools54.2Income41.8Risk36.2Water86Weather34.4
🏛13.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.1
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

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56
Goshen County
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Box Butte County
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Deep Dives

Scotts Bluff County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scotts Bluff County

via TaxByCounty

Scotts Bluff taxes rank above national average

Scotts Bluff County's effective tax rate of 1.488% significantly exceeds the national median, placing it in the higher tier of American counties. With a median property tax of $2,401 on homes valued at $161,400, residents pay closer to the national median than many Nebraska peers, though at a higher effective rate.

Scotts Bluff among highest-taxed Nebraska counties

At 1.488%, Scotts Bluff County ranks in Nebraska's top tier, exceeding the state average of 1.281% by more than two-tenths of a percentage point. The median tax bill of $2,401 runs $429 higher than the state average of $1,972, reflecting both elevated rates and solid property values.

Scotts Bluff stands out in panhandle region

Scotts Bluff County's 1.488% rate significantly outpaces the statewide average and ranks higher than most rural Nebraska neighbors, reflecting its role as the panhandle's principal economic center. This premium reflects regional service costs and local school funding priorities.

What you'll pay annually on median home

A home valued at Scotts Bluff County's median of $161,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of approximately $2,401. Homeowners with mortgages pay around $2,512, while those without mortgages pay closer to $2,230.

Many homeowners could lower taxes through appeal

Scotts Bluff County homeowners should review their property assessments to ensure valuations reflect current market conditions in the panhandle region. A free appeal to the county assessor can identify overassessments and reduce tax liability for properties exceeding their true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scotts Bluff County

via CostByCounty

Scotts Bluff struggles with affordability

Scotts Bluff County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio is the worst in this analysis and significantly exceeds national affordability benchmarks of roughly 14%. With a $60,960 median income and $889 monthly rent, residents here dedicate an unusually large share of earnings to housing.

Most unaffordable county in Nebraska

Scotts Bluff County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% stands 3.3 points above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, making it the state's least affordable option. Monthly rents of $889 substantially exceed the state average of $783, straining modest local incomes.

Rent problem amid rural Nebraska

Scotts Bluff's $889 monthly rent runs $281 higher than Rock County ($608) and $211 higher than Richardson ($692), despite comparable incomes around $57,500–$60,000. This mismatch creates the state's worst affordability crisis, leaving residents with little budget flexibility.

Housing swallows Scotts Bluff budgets

Scotts Bluff households earn $60,960 annually but allocate $889 to rent or $974 to ownership—consuming 17.5% and 19.2% of income respectively. These percentages are the highest among peer counties, leaving families with limited resources for food, healthcare, and savings.

Scotts Bluff demands income caution

Relocating to Scotts Bluff requires careful budget planning—housing costs consume an outsized share of income here, the state's worst ratio at 17.5%. Unless your household income exceeds $70,000, consider neighboring counties like Rock or Richardson for significantly better affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scotts Bluff County

via IncomeByCounty

Scotts Bluff income trails national average

Scotts Bluff County's median household income of $60,960 falls about $13,795 below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Below Nebraska's average income

Scotts Bluff County's median household income of $60,960 trails Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by roughly $6,000. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among Nebraska's 93 counties.

Struggling more than Red Willow County

Scotts Bluff County's $60,960 median household income nearly matches Red Willow County ($60,000), making it among the lowest-earning areas in western Nebraska. Both counties face similar economic headwinds from agricultural decline.

Housing costs strain modest incomes

At 17.5%, Scotts Bluff County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest among peer counties, signaling housing affordability stress for many households. The median home value of $161,400 consumes a significant share of the $60,960 median household income.

Strategic savings despite tight budgets

Scotts Bluff County households earning $60,960 can still build wealth by prioritizing automatic savings, employer retirement matches, and debt reduction. Start small with consistent contributions to savings and retirement accounts—even modest amounts compound substantially over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scotts Bluff County

via CrimeByCounty

Scotts Bluff nears the national average

Scotts Bluff County reports 2,141.6 total crimes per 100K, just under the national average of 2,385.5. Its current safety score is 96.6 out of 100.

Significant activity compared to state norms

The county's crime rate of 2,141.6 is over three times higher than the Nebraska state average of 626.7. This results in a safety score that is noticeably lower than the state average of 99.0.

Scotts Bluff leads region in crime volume

Compared to counties like Saline, which reports a rate of 1,240.0, Scotts Bluff sees much higher activity. Eight reporting agencies work to manage safety in this high-traffic jurisdiction.

High property crime rates in Scotts Bluff

Property crime sits at 1,891.9 per 100K, while violent crime is 249.7. Most reported incidents involve property theft rather than physical violence.

Take proactive steps for home safety

Given the higher property crime rate, robust home security is a wise investment. Motion-sensing lights and alarm systems are effective deterrents in this area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Scotts Bluff County

via HealthByCounty

Scotts Bluff faces life expectancy challenge

At 75.3 years, Scotts Bluff County residents live nearly 1.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Its 16.9% poor/fair health rate is below the national average of 17.9%, yet the lower life expectancy signals underlying mortality pressures.

Below-average life expectancy, higher uninsured

Scotts Bluff's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks lowest among all counties in this sample, falling 2.2 years short of Nebraska's 77.5-year average. Its 9.5% uninsured rate exceeds the state's 8.1%, indicating both longevity and coverage challenges.

Strong mental health, adequate primary care

Scotts Bluff offers 70 primary care providers per 100K and 317 mental health providers per 100K, representing solid capacity for a rural county. Mental health provision is notably strong—second only to Rock County in this sample.

Higher uninsured rate, strong specialty care

Scotts Bluff's 9.5% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 10 residents lack health coverage, above the state average. The county compensates with robust mental health services (317 per 100K) and adequate primary care (70 per 100K).

Get covered in Scotts Bluff

With 9.5% uninsured, Scotts Bluff has more uninsured residents than most Nebraska counties. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans, subsidies, and resources that can protect your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Scotts Bluff County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Infrastructure in Western Nebraska

Scotts Bluff County maintains 30 public schools, including 11 elementary schools and seven high schools. These schools serve 6,704 students across six districts, providing a complete range of educational services.

Solid Performance and Regional Significance

The county maintains a graduation rate of 88.1%, which sits just above the Nebraska state average. Local districts spend $8,275 per pupil, supporting a school score of 55.3 in this vital regional hub.

Scottsbluff and Gering Anchor the County

Scottsbluff Public Schools is the largest district with 3,519 students, followed by Gering Public Schools with over 2,000. No charter schools operate here, but two alternative and two special education schools provide important specialized tracks.

Hub of Activity with Town-Centered Schools

Twenty of the county's 30 schools are in town settings, reflecting the area's role as a regional population center. Scottsbluff Senior High is the largest school with 1,118 students, creating a vibrant, high-energy environment.

Find Your Home Near Major High Schools

The robust school systems in Scottsbluff and Gering are a major draw for families in western Nebraska. Search for properties in these towns to ensure your students have access to the region's largest extracurricular and academic programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scotts Bluff County

via RiskByCounty

Scotts Bluff faces 'Relatively Low' risk

Scotts Bluff County's composite risk score of 63.84 places it in the 'Relatively Low' category, well above the national average. The county's elevated earthquake risk and wildfire exposure make it more hazardous than most U.S. counties despite its 'Relatively Low' rating.

Elevated risk profile for Nebraska

At 63.84, Scotts Bluff County substantially exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, ranking among the state's higher-risk counties. Its panhandle location and geological characteristics distinguish it from the rest of Nebraska.

Significantly riskier than neighboring panhandle counties

Scotts Bluff County's score of 63.84 dramatically exceeds those of Banner, Kimball, and Cheyenne counties in the panhandle. Its position at the base of the Scotts Bluff highlands and proximity to the North Platte River corridor create distinct hazard patterns.

Earthquakes and wildfires dominate the risk profile

Earthquake risk scores an exceptional 50.60—by far the highest in Nebraska—reflecting the county's proximity to seismic activity zones. Wildfire risk of 64.19 and tornado risk of 59.99 also pose significant threats, creating a multi-hazard environment uncommon in the state.

Address earthquake and wildfire coverage specifically

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage; Scotts Bluff residents should strongly consider separate earthquake insurance given the county's exceptional risk. Verify windstorm and wildfire coverage in your policy; this county's unique hazard profile requires specialized attention.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scotts Bluff County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid and High-Contrast Climate

Scotts Bluff County averages 49.3°F annually, reflecting its high-altitude, semi-arid position. It is much drier than the national median, creating a climate of intense sun and sharp temperature shifts.

Dryness Defines the West

The county receives only 15.6 inches of annual precipitation, far below the state average of 25.9 inches. Despite this, it records a high 41.1 inches of snowfall due to cold winter storms.

The Region's Heat Leader

Scotts Bluff endures 44 days of extreme heat over 90°F, significantly more than eastern Nebraska counties. This heat is paired with a very dry atmosphere, contrasting with the humid east.

Extreme Heat and Heavy Snow

Summer temperatures average 71.4°F, but the 44 extreme heat days define the season. Winter is surprisingly moderate on average at 28.7°F, yet produces a substantial 41.1 inches of snow.

Focus on Water and Snow

Low precipitation of 15.6 inches makes drought-resistant landscaping and water conservation essential. Residents also need robust snow removal tools to handle the 41.1 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scotts Bluff County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Mollisols of the West

Scotts Bluff County features Mollisols with a notably alkaline pH of 7.44. This is much higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.79. Such alkaline conditions are typical for the drier, western regions of Nebraska where minerals accumulate.

Loam Texture with a Sandy Lean

The dominant texture is loam, though it contains a high sand content of 57.6% and only 13.2% clay. This provides a coarse feel that allows for excellent aeration and root penetration. It is an ideal texture for crops that require well-drained conditions to prevent rot.

Low Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.49%, falling below the state average of 3.32% and the national 2.0%. The available water capacity is also lower than the state benchmark, measuring 0.156 in/in. Irrigation is essential here to compensate for the soil's lower storage capacity.

Moderate Drainage and Group B Hydrology

The soils are moderately well drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B. This indicates a moderate infiltration rate, making the soil efficient at soaking up irrigation water without excessive runoff. These characteristics make it a stable environment for both farming and construction.

Western Staples in Zone 5a

In hardiness zone 5a, sugar beets and dry beans are legendary successes for this soil type. Gardeners should focus on drought-tolerant species and use compost to improve the low organic matter. With the right water management, these soils are highly productive despite the dry climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scotts Bluff County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Aridity in the Panhandle

Scotts Bluff County presents a difficult environment for traditional lawns, with a score of 32.1. This is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0 and the Nebraska average of 54.2. Success in Zone 5a requires a specialized approach focused on water efficiency and heat tolerance.

Low Rainfall and High Evaporation

With only 15.6 inches of annual precipitation, this county receives barely half the ideal minimum for a standard lawn. Despite being in the cooler north, the area endures 44 extreme heat days per year. These factors, combined with 2,811 growing degree days, create a climate that favors drought-resistant native grasses over thirsty turf.

Alkaline Loam and High Sand Content

The soil pH is slightly alkaline at 7.44, which may require amendments to help some grass types absorb nutrients. The texture is a sandy loam featuring 57.6% sand and 13.2% clay, which is moderately well-drained. This composition helps prevent waterlogging but means moisture evaporates quickly from the root zone.

Extreme Drought Conditions Persist

Scotts Bluff has spent a staggering 53 weeks in drought over the past year, with 100% of the county currently in severe drought (D2+). This is the most critical challenge for local lawn care, necessitating strict adherence to water restrictions. Utilizing xeriscaping or ultra-drought-tolerant species is the most sustainable path forward.

Selecting the Right Seeds for the West

Buffalograss and Blue Grama are the best choices for this high-altitude, low-water environment. Planting should wait until after the last frost on May 7 to ensure the soil has sufficiently warmed. Aim to establish your lawn early, as the first fall frost arrives quickly by October 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scotts Bluff County's county score?
Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 37 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 Scotts Bluff County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Scotts Bluff County ranks #89 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 Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Scotts Bluff County is $2,401, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Scotts Bluff County a tax score of 13.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scotts Bluff County?
The median household income in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska is $60,960 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scotts Bluff County earns an income score of 41.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Scotts Bluff County scores 37/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Scotts Bluff 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 Scotts Bluff County with other counties side by side.

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