Sherman County's composite score of 71.2 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This well-rounded performance reflects strength across multiple livability dimensions.
2 / 5
Sherman matches Nebraska's standard
Sherman's 71.2 score is exactly tied with Nebraska's state average, positioning it as a representative example of mid-range livability across the state. The county performs consistently without major advantages or disadvantages.
3 / 5
Sherman balances affordability and health
The county scores 81.1 on Cost with median housing under $135,000, plus a strong Health Score of 75.0 and favorable tax rate of 1.224%. Sherman offers solid fundamentals for families seeking a healthy, affordable rural setting.
4 / 5
Income remains the limiting factor
Sherman's Income Score of 23.8 reflects a median household income of $61,935, below state and national expectations. This modest earning power constrains the ability to build wealth despite low housing costs.
5 / 5
Right fit for health-conscious value seekers
Sherman appeals to families and retirees who value health outcomes and affordable living over high wages. It's a solid choice for those working remotely or relying on fixed incomes who want balanced community conditions.
Sherman County's composite score of 71.2 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This well-rounded performance reflects strength across multiple livability dimensions.
Sherman matches Nebraska's standard
Sherman's 71.2 score is exactly tied with Nebraska's state average, positioning it as a representative example of mid-range livability across the state. The county performs consistently without major advantages or disadvantages.
Sherman balances affordability and health
The county scores 81.1 on Cost with median housing under $135,000, plus a strong Health Score of 75.0 and favorable tax rate of 1.224%. Sherman offers solid fundamentals for families seeking a healthy, affordable rural setting.
Income remains the limiting factor
Sherman's Income Score of 23.8 reflects a median household income of $61,935, below state and national expectations. This modest earning power constrains the ability to build wealth despite low housing costs.
Right fit for health-conscious value seekers
Sherman appeals to families and retirees who value health outcomes and affordable living over high wages. It's a solid choice for those working remotely or relying on fixed incomes who want balanced community conditions.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛67.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Sherman County's 1.224% effective rate ranks in the bottom quarter nationally, well below the U.S. median of 1.58%. At $1,652 annually on a $135,000 median home, residents pay about 39% less than the national median tax of $2,690.
Below-average taxes for Nebraska
With a 1.224% rate, Sherman County sits below Nebraska's 1.281% state average and ranks in the lower half of state counties. The county's median tax of $1,652 trails the state median of $1,972 by about 16%.
Second-lowest among area counties
Sherman's 1.224% rate is the second-lowest in its region, just above Thomas County's 1.087%, while Sioux County nearby taxes at 1.214%. This cluster of low-tax panhandle counties reflects the rural character of northwestern Nebraska.
Median annual tax: $1,652
On Sherman County's median home value of $135,000, homeowners pay approximately $1,652 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,620; those without, $1,672.
Appeal if your assessment seems high
Even in lower-tax counties, many homeowners face overassessments that could be successfully challenged. Contact the Sherman County Assessor to request a formal review if your property's assessed value appears inflated compared to comparable homes.
Sherman County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% exceeds both the state average (14.2%) and reflects tight affordability despite a median income of $61,935. At $866 monthly, rents here are the highest in the surveyed panhandle counties, straining budgets in ways that outweigh the county's above-state-average income.
Among Nebraska's most rent-burdened counties
Sherman County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the least affordable counties in Nebraska for renters. This places it in the upper tier of housing cost burden, signaling affordability challenges that extend beyond the state's typical patterns.
Highest rents in the panhandle cluster
Sherman County's $866 rent exceeds Sheridan ($771) and Sioux ($743), making it the priciest option for renters in this corner of Nebraska. However, home values of $135,000 offer middle-ground purchasing power compared to neighbors, suggesting investment potential for buyers.
Renters squeeze harder than homeowners here
Sherman renters allocate 16.8% of $61,935 annual income to $866 monthly rent, while owners spend $767 on mortgages—a 2.1% of income difference that favors homeownership. The county's income advantage ($7,000+ above Sheridan) doesn't fully offset the rental premium.
Sherman suits buyers more than renters
If you're planning to buy in Nebraska's panhandle, Sherman's $135,000 median home value and strong income base ($61,935) support sustainable ownership. Renters considering the region should explore Sheridan or Sioux County for lower monthly costs.
Sherman County's median household income of $61,935 lags the national median of $74,755 by $12,820, or 17%. While this gap is smaller than many rural Nebraska counties, it still reflects limited access to high-wage employment centers.
Moderately positioned statewide
Sherman's $61,935 income ranks below Nebraska's state median of $66,880, placing it in the middle-lower range of county performance. The county outperforms its western rural neighbors but trails more developed eastern counties.
Strong performer among rural northwest
Sherman ($61,935) significantly exceeds neighboring Sioux County ($54,076) and matches Sheridan County ($56,900) closely. This relative strength likely reflects more diversified agriculture and small business activity than its immediate neighbors.
Housing remains affordable here
A 16.8% rent-to-income ratio is nearly ideal for affordability, keeping housing payments well below the 30% threshold. Sherman's median home value of $135,000 is competitive with the region while remaining accessible to working families.
Leverage stable rural economy
Sherman households enjoy stable agricultural and business income with low housing burdens, creating room for wealth-building. Consider diversifying beyond land assets through employer retirement plans and tax-advantaged savings accounts to reduce economic vulnerability.
Sherman County residents live to 79.5 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years and notably outpacing Nebraska's 77.5-year state average. Yet 17.3% report poor or fair health, suggesting that while longevity is strong, chronic disease remains a daily reality for some.
Top quartile for life expectancy
Sherman County ranks among Nebraska's healthiest by life expectancy at 79.5 years, two full years above the state average. This exceptional outcome places the county among the state's best-performing rural regions for longevity.
Mental health providers abundant
Primary care provider data is unavailable for Sherman County, making provider-to-patient ratios difficult to assess. However, 34 mental health providers per 100,000 residents suggest reasonable access to behavioral health services compared to rural state peers.
Low uninsured rate supports access
Sherman County's 7.7% uninsured rate is below the state average of 8.1%, meaning most residents have insurance coverage for healthcare. This favorable coverage rate likely contributes to the county's strong life expectancy outcome.
Keep coverage continuous and strong
With strong insurance coverage already in place, focus on maintaining your health benefits during life transitions. Annual plan reviews ensure you're still getting the best value and access for your family's needs.
Sherman County's composite risk score of 22.39 places it in the "Very Low" category nationally, indicating substantially lower disaster exposure than average U.S. counties. The county faces manageable natural hazard risk overall.
Below-average risk within Nebraska
At 22.39, Sherman County performs better than Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as a lower-risk county statewide. This margin reflects relatively moderate exposure across most hazard categories.
Moderate risk in the region
Sherman's 22.39 sits between Stanton County (16.22) to the southeast and higher-risk counties like Thayer (38.39) to the south. The county faces more hazard exposure than ultra-low-risk Thomas County (0.16) but less than most neighboring areas.
Wildfire and tornado drive risk
Wildfire risk (67.46) and tornado risk (24.97) represent Sherman County's primary natural hazards, with wildfire significantly dominating. Flood risk (9.41) remains minimal, and earthquake exposure (6.49) poses negligible threat.
Get wildfire and tornado coverage
Sherman County residents should ensure homeowners policies include wildfire protection and verify tornado coverage is adequate. Consider a safe room or storm shelter given tornado exposure, and maintain property defensibility against fire risk.