Sheridan County scores 70.5 on the CountyScore composite index, nearly 41% higher than the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper half of U.S. counties, signaling strong livability fundamentals across multiple dimensions.
2 / 5
Right in step with Nebraska
Sheridan's 70.5 score sits just slightly below Nebraska's state average of 71.2, ranking it solidly in the middle of the state's county distribution. The county performs reliably on statewide metrics without standing out as an outlier.
3 / 5
Sheridan's real strength: affordability
The county excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 83.4 and a median home value of just $102,900—nearly 40% below the national average. Its Risk Score of 86.7 also indicates strong economic resilience and low volatility.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind housing costs
Sheridan's Income Score of just 20.5 reflects a median household income of $56,900, well below national norms and the lowest among comparable counties. While housing is cheap, wages don't stretch as far as residents might hope for long-term wealth building.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious families
Sheridan suits households seeking maximum housing affordability and economic stability over high incomes. It's ideal for retirees, remote workers, or families prioritizing low cost of living in a resilient rural community.
Sheridan County scores 70.5 on the CountyScore composite index, nearly 41% higher than the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper half of U.S. counties, signaling strong livability fundamentals across multiple dimensions.
Right in step with Nebraska
Sheridan's 70.5 score sits just slightly below Nebraska's state average of 71.2, ranking it solidly in the middle of the state's county distribution. The county performs reliably on statewide metrics without standing out as an outlier.
Sheridan's real strength: affordability
The county excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 83.4 and a median home value of just $102,900—nearly 40% below the national average. Its Risk Score of 86.7 also indicates strong economic resilience and low volatility.
Income growth lags behind housing costs
Sheridan's Income Score of just 20.5 reflects a median household income of $56,900, well below national norms and the lowest among comparable counties. While housing is cheap, wages don't stretch as far as residents might hope for long-term wealth building.
Best for budget-conscious families
Sheridan suits households seeking maximum housing affordability and economic stability over high incomes. It's ideal for retirees, remote workers, or families prioritizing low cost of living in a resilient rural community.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛63.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.376%, Sheridan County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.58%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $1,416 annually on a median home valued at $102,900—less than half the national median tax bill of $2,690.
Above Nebraska's average rate
Sheridan's 1.376% effective rate edges above Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 93 counties. The county's median tax of $1,416 runs about 28% lower than the state median of $1,972.
Moderate rates for the panhandle
Among neighboring panhandle counties, Sheridan sits in the middle: Thomas County taxes at 1.087%, while Thurston County tops out at 1.521%. Sheridan's rate and tax burden are representative of rural northwestern Nebraska.
About $1,416 per year on median home
A homeowner with a median-valued property in Sheridan County pays roughly $1,416 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,776; without one, it drops to $1,200.
Check your assessment for overvaluation
Many Nebraska property owners are overassessed relative to market value and could reduce their tax burden through an appeal. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't match recent sales in your neighborhood, contact the Sheridan County Assessor's office to discuss a formal challenge.
Sheridan County residents spend 16.3% of household income on rent, slightly above Nebraska's state average of 14.2% but well below the national squeeze. The county's median household income of $56,900 lags the national median by $17,855, yet rent remains modest at $771 per month—just $12 above the state average.
Mid-pack affordability in Nebraska rankings
Sheridan County ranks in the middle tier of Nebraska counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.3%. This positions it as moderately challenged compared to the state average, suggesting housing costs are manageable but require careful budgeting for renters.
Comparable costs with neighboring counties
Sheridan's $771 rent sits between Sherman County ($866) and Sioux County ($743), making it a middle option in the panhandle. Home values of $102,900 are the lowest among immediate neighbors, offering affordability for buyers seeking entry points into homeownership.
Renters feel the pinch more than buyers
Monthly rent of $771 consumes 16.3% of median income, while mortgage costs run $737—nearly equal but impacting smaller portions of owner-occupied households. The gap reflects Sheridan's economic reality: stable incomes around $57K support modest housing costs, but renters carry a slightly heavier burden than the state average.
Sheridan offers balance for budget-conscious movers
If you're relocating to Nebraska and seeking affordable rent with reasonable income requirements, Sheridan County delivers stability without extreme competition. The county's modest home values ($102,900) and moderate rents make it accessible for families transitioning from higher-cost metros.
Sheridan County's median household income of $56,900 falls $17,855 short of the national median of $74,755. This 24% gap reflects the rural challenges many Great Plains counties face in competing for higher-wage jobs and economic opportunities.
Below Nebraska's county average
Sheridan ranks below Nebraska's statewide median of $66,880, earning about $10,000 less per household. This places the county in the lower-income tier among Nebraska's 93 counties.
Similar to western Nebraska peers
Sheridan's $56,900 income closely mirrors neighboring Sioux County ($54,076) and Valley County ($58,902), showing consistent economic conditions across the rural northwest. Stanton County ($78,275) to the east demonstrates what stronger local industry can support.
Housing costs are comfortably manageable
A 16.3% rent-to-income ratio in Sheridan means housing costs consume roughly one-sixth of household earnings—well within the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $102,900, homeownership remains accessible here.
Build savings despite modest earnings
With housing costs under control, Sheridan households can redirect surplus income toward emergency funds and retirement accounts. Starting early with automatic transfers to savings and exploring employer 401(k) matches compounds long-term wealth regardless of current income level.
Sheridan County residents live an average of 77.3 years, just shy of the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in six residents report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 17.9%, suggesting most people here manage chronic conditions relatively well despite the modest life expectancy gap.
Near state average in longevity
At 77.3 years, Sheridan County's life expectancy tracks closely with Nebraska's 77.5-year state average. The county's 16.0% poor/fair health rate ranks better than several rural Nebraska counties, indicating residents report better health outcomes than some state peers.
Primary care access lags rural peers
Sheridan has just 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well below neighboring Sioux County's 88 per 100,000 and Valley County's 123 per 100,000. Mental health provider density is strong at 345 per 100,000, outpacing most rural Nebraska counties and suggesting robust mental health support despite primary care gaps.
Uninsured rate exceeds state average
Nearly 11% of Sheridan County residents lack health insurance, compared to Nebraska's 8.1% state average. Limited primary care availability combined with higher uninsured rates means residents may delay care and travel farther for routine checkups.
Explore coverage options this year
With one in nine residents uninsured, now is the time to investigate health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act marketplace or Medicaid. Local health departments and community health centers can help identify plans that fit your budget and healthcare needs.
With a composite risk score of 13.36, Sheridan County sits well below the national average, facing minimal overall natural disaster threat. The county's "Very Low" rating reflects relatively modest exposure to most hazard types compared to counties across the United States.
One of Nebraska's safest counties
Sheridan County's score of 13.36 places it among Nebraska's lowest-risk counties, far below the state average of 25.80. This favorable position means residents face significantly less compound hazard exposure than most of their neighbors statewide.
Safer than surrounding counties
Sheridan's 13.36 score beats most adjacent counties; Thayer County (38.39) and Thurston County (26.40) face substantially higher composite risk. Among the region, only Thomas County (0.16) and Sioux County (1.37) present notably lower overall threat profiles.
Wildfire poses the main threat
Wildfire risk dominates Sheridan County at 89.63, making it the county's most significant natural hazard despite overall low composite risk. Tornado risk (23.06) and earthquake exposure (26.18) remain secondary concerns, neither approaching wildfire's severity.
Prioritize wildfire coverage today
While Sheridan's overall risk remains very low, homeowners should ensure policies include wildfire protection given the county's elevated fire exposure. Review coverage annually and maintain defensible space around structures to reduce wildfire vulnerability.