countyscore
60.6
County Score
Health 88Income & Jobs 85Schools 82.3

County Report Card

About Seward County, Nebraska

Seward County Surpasses National Norms

Seward County earns a composite score of 60.6, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a favorable position for general quality of life and community stability.

Stronger than the Average Nebraska County

The county's 60.6 score is higher than the state average of 59.3. It stands as a premier location within Nebraska, balancing economic strength with community well-being.

Healthy, High-Earning, and Educated

Seward excels with a Health Score of 88.0 and an Income Score of 85.0. Its School Score of 82.3 also highlights a commitment to quality education, supported by a $81,122 median income.

Tax Burdens and Water Issues

A Tax Score of 25.6 and a Cost Score of 27.6 show that living here comes with a higher price tag. Additionally, the Water Score of 30.4 suggests that local infrastructure could benefit from modernization.

Top Choice for Growth-Oriented Families

Seward County is an excellent fit for families who prioritize top-tier education and health outcomes. It appeals to mid-to-high income earners who want a safe, high-performing environment for their children.

Score breakdown

Tax25.6Cost27.6Safety81.4Health88Schools82.3Income85Risk75.2Water30.4Weather40.5
🏛25.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67
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

Lancaster County
Nebraska
32.3
Saline County
Nebraska
46.4
York County
Nebraska
55
Butler County
Nebraska
70.4
Polk County
Nebraska
68.3
Fillmore County
Nebraska
69.4
Saunders County
Nebraska
58.7
Hamilton County
Nebraska
62.4

Deep Dives

Seward County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Seward County

via TaxByCounty

Seward's effective tax rate sits below national median

Seward County's effective tax rate of 1.201% falls below the national median, offering property owners favorable tax efficiency relative to home values. With a median property tax of $2,791, residents pay just above the national median of $2,690, despite lower effective rates—a benefit of higher-valued homes.

Seward ranks slightly below Nebraska average

At 1.201%, Seward County's effective rate trails Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, placing it in the lower-taxed half of the state's 93 counties. The median tax bill of $2,791 exceeds the state average of $1,972, reflecting Seward's stronger property values rather than elevated rates.

Moderate taxes in southeastern Nebraska corridor

Seward County's 1.201% rate represents some of the state's lower effective rates, undercutting nearby Saline (1.353%) and Saunders (1.347%) counties significantly. This makes Seward attractive for homebuyers seeking balance between property quality and tax burden.

What you'll pay annually on median home

A home valued at Seward County's median of $232,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of approximately $2,791. Homeowners with mortgages pay around $2,745, while those without mortgages pay closer to $2,841.

Many homeowners could lower taxes through appeal

Seward County homeowners benefit from competitive effective rates, but individual assessment errors can still result in unnecessary tax payments on overvalued properties. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor provides an opportunity to verify fair market valuation and potentially reduce annual taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Seward County

via CostByCounty

Seward offers solid affordability with good income

Seward County's median household income of $81,122 exceeds the national average of $74,755, while its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits near national affordability norms. With monthly rent at $969, residents enjoy reasonable housing costs paired with above-average earning power.

Above-average income, average affordability

Seward County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% sits just 0.1 point above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, placing it squarely at the state's median. With a strong $81,122 median income—third-highest among these eight counties—Seward offers stability without premium pricing.

Middle ground between rural and metro

Seward's $81,122 income falls between rural counties like Rock ($57,500) and wealthy Sarpy ($101,402), while monthly rents of $969 reflect this middle position. Home values at $232,400 similarly chart a balanced course between rural affordability and metro expense.

Balanced income, balanced housing costs

Seward households earn $81,122 annually and allocate $969 to rent or $1,105 to ownership, consuming 14.3% and 16.3% of income respectively. This moderate approach leaves roughly $5,700 monthly for all other expenses—solid but not exceptional.

Seward for the Nebraska middle ground

If you seek a middle path between rural and metro Nebraska, Seward County fits: solid income, reasonable housing, and home values around $232,400. You'll find neither exceptional bargains nor premium costs—just balanced, sustainable housing economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Seward County

via IncomeByCounty

Seward County income exceeds national median

Seward County's median household income of $81,122 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by about $6,367. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Strong performer in Nebraska

At $81,122, Seward County's median household income exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by roughly $14,000. The county ranks in the top fourth of Nebraska's 93 counties for household earnings.

Economic leader among central counties

Seward County's $81,122 median household income exceeds Saline County ($77,027) and far outpaces rural neighbors like Red Willow ($60,000) and Rock County ($57,500). The county is an economic standout in central Nebraska.

Healthy income supports homeownership

Seward County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing costs relative to earning power, though slightly elevated. The median home value of $232,400 remains achievable for households earning the county median.

Build substantial long-term wealth

With median income above $81,000, Seward County households can aggressively fund retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and homeownership goals. Develop a multi-decade wealth-building strategy that balances immediate needs with long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Seward County

via CrimeByCounty

Seward County among the nation's safest

Seward County's total crime rate of 442.1 per 100K is five times lower than the national average. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 99.3.

Better than the Nebraska state average

The county's crime rate of 442.1 is well below the Nebraska average of 626.7. Its safety score of 99.3 ranks higher than the state-wide average of 99.0.

Seward leads the way in safety

Seward County reports lower crime than neighbor Saunders County, which sits at 455.9. It is significantly safer than nearby Saline County, where the rate is 1,240.0.

Low rates for all crime types

Violent crime is reported at 90.7 per 100K, and property crime is only 351.4. Across four reporting agencies, these figures represent some of the lowest crime volumes in the state.

Securing your Seward County home

Even in low-crime areas, preventing crimes of opportunity is key. Locking doors and keeping valuables out of sight helps maintain Seward's excellent safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Seward County

via HealthByCounty

Seward County excels in health metrics

At 79.1 years, Seward County residents live nearly 2.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Its 11.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among this sample's best, well below the national average of 17.9%.

Strong life expectancy, excellent coverage

Seward County's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds Nebraska's 77.5-year average by 1.6 years. Its 6.7% uninsured rate is notably better than the state's 8.1%, reflecting strong insurance uptake across the county.

Solid provider access across the board

Seward offers 63 primary care providers per 100K and 159 mental health providers per 100K, ranking mid-to-high within its peer group. These figures support reliable access to both preventive and behavioral health services.

Good coverage and balanced care access

Seward's 6.7% uninsured rate ensures strong insurance protection, and its 63 primary care and 159 mental health providers per 100K deliver well-rounded healthcare access. Residents enjoy both preventive care pathways and mental health support.

Keep coverage strong in Seward

Seward County's 6.7% 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 coverage that fits your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Seward County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Performing Schools in Three Districts

Seward County manages eight public schools that provide education for 2,811 local students. The infrastructure is evenly distributed with three elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools.

State-Leading Graduation Success

Seward County excels with a 96.2% graduation rate, one of the highest in Nebraska. The county's school score of 59.9 also outperforms the state average, despite spending $8,457 per student which is lower than state benchmarks.

Seward Public Schools Sets the Pace

Seward Public Schools is the largest district, serving nearly 1,500 students across three campuses. The county relies entirely on traditional districts like Seward, Milford, and Centennial, with zero charter schools in operation.

Rural Identity with Robust Enrollment

While six of the eight schools are in rural settings, the average school size is a healthy 351 students. Seward Elementary is the largest campus with 573 students, offering a community-focused learning environment.

Secure a Future in a Top School District

Seward County is an ideal destination for families who prioritize high graduation rates and reliable public schools. Explore the quiet neighborhoods in Seward or Milford to find a home within these top-tier districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Seward County

via RiskByCounty

Seward sits slightly below national average

Seward County's composite risk score of 24.87 falls in the 'Very Low' category and slightly underperforms the national average. Residents face relatively modest natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties, positioning Seward as a safer-than-average location.

Marginally safer than Nebraska overall

At 24.87, Seward County falls just slightly below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, placing it in the lower-middle portion of the state's risk distribution. The county presents a nearly average hazard profile compared to other Nebraska locations.

Comparable to surrounding central-eastern counties

Seward County's risk score of 24.87 aligns closely with neighboring York, Thayer, and Fillmore counties. Its location in south-central Nebraska provides relative stability compared to higher-risk counties to the east or south.

Wildfire and tornado risks are the primary hazards

Wildfire and tornado risks score nearly identically at 72.07 and 59.92 respectively, making them Seward County's dominant natural threats. Flood risk of 22.96 presents a minor secondary concern for properties near drainage areas or river bottoms.

Ensure windstorm and fire protection coverage

Verify your homeowners policy includes comprehensive windstorm, hail, and tornado protection—standard coverage typically applies, but confirm it explicitly. If you own acreage or live near grassland, consider wildfire endorsements; standard coverage usually suffices for Seward County's moderate overall risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Seward County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced and Steady Plains Weather

Seward County maintains a 50.0°F annual average temperature, placing it in the typical range for the central United States. It experiences the full range of continental weather, from thunderstorms to blizzards.

The Epitome of Nebraska Weather

Seward's 50.0°F average nearly matches the state average of 49.7°F. Its 29.1 inches of precipitation is slightly higher than the state mean, providing a fertile but occasionally volatile climate.

Less Snow Than Northern Neighbors

With 21.0 inches of annual snowfall, Seward is less snowy than Sarpy or Scotts Bluff. However, it faces 35 days of extreme heat, making it one of the warmer spots for summer peaks in the region.

Summer Heat and Dry Winters

July averages 75.4°F, with 35 days reaching over 90°F to drive the summer energy. Winters are cold but relatively dry, with a January average of 22.5°F and modest snowfall.

Prepare for Peak Summer Heat

With 35 days of extreme heat, ensuring air conditioning systems are serviced by May is critical. The 21.0 inches of snowfall is manageable, but residents should still prepare for the 22.5°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Seward County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Alfisols of Seward County

Seward County features Alfisols with an average pH of 6.41, sitting just below the national median of 6.5. This county earns an impressive soil score of 79.2, one of the highest in the region. These soils are naturally fertile and have a history of high agricultural productivity.

Dense Silty Clay Loam Structure

The soil is a silty clay loam, containing 53.7% silt and 27.5% clay. This fine texture is excellent for holding onto nutrients and providing a sturdy anchor for plant roots. While it can be heavy to work when wet, its productivity is difficult to beat.

Peak Organic Matter and Moisture

Organic matter is outstanding at 3.53%, surpassing the state average of 3.32% and the national 2.0%. Available water capacity is also elite at 0.202 in/in. This soil is a nutrient powerhouse that holds massive amounts of water for plant use.

Well Drained and Stable Hydrology

These soils are well drained and classified in Hydrologic Group B. This is an ideal combination, as it provides a moderate infiltration rate while ensuring excess water moves away from roots. It is arguably the most versatile soil type for both farming and urban development.

A Gardener's Dream in Zone 5b

Zone 5b gardeners can grow almost anything here, from heirloom tomatoes to vibrant flower beds. The high organic matter means you will need less fertilizer than your neighbors in other counties. Start your garden today to take advantage of some of Nebraska's best soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Seward County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing Conditions in Seward

Seward County earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 67.0, making it a very accessible place for turf management. This Zone 5b county sits well above the state average of 54.2, offering a predictable environment for homeowners. You can expect your grass to thrive here with standard Nebraska maintenance routines.

Steady Rains and Typical Summer Heat

Annual precipitation of 29.1 inches is nearly identical to the state's ideal threshold. The county faces 35 extreme heat days, which matches the state average and requires attentive watering in July. With 3,295 growing degree days, the climate supports a robust and healthy growing season from spring through fall.

Well-Drained Silty Clay Loam

The soil pH of 6.41 is in the 'sweet spot' for grass health, promoting deep green color and strong roots. This silty clay loam contains 27.5% clay and 18.8% sand, offering excellent water-holding capacity. Because it is well-drained, it avoids the soggy conditions found in some neighboring counties, reducing disease risk.

Stable Moisture Levels for Lawns

Seward County has experienced only 20 weeks of drought over the past year, indicating a relatively stable moisture profile. While 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, none of the area is in severe drought. The clay-loam soil acts as a moisture reservoir, helping turf survive short dry spells with minimal stress.

Start Your Seward Lawn Right

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass blends are the top performers for Seward's well-drained soils. Plan your seeding after the last spring frost on April 26 to maximize the spring growth spurt. Fall maintenance is most effective if completed before the first frost on October 12.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seward County's county score?
Seward County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 60.6 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 Seward County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Seward County ranks #52 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 Seward County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Seward County is $2,791, with an effective tax rate of 1.20%. This earns Seward County a tax score of 25.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Seward County?
The median household income in Seward County, Nebraska is $81,122 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Seward County earns an income score of 85/100 on CountyScore.
Is Seward County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Seward County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Seward 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 Seward 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.