countyscore
61.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 77.6Health 73

County Report Card

About Sherman County, Nebraska

Strong National Standing for Sherman County

The county earns a composite score of 61.2, placing it well ahead of the 50.0 national median. This indicates a high overall standard of living compared to the rest of the country.

Beating the Nebraska Average

Sherman County outperforms the Nebraska state average score of 59.3 by nearly two points. It maintains a competitive position within the state's rural landscape.

Unmatched Public Safety and Wellness

Safety is a premier feature here, boasting a near-perfect Safety Score of 97.5. Health outcomes also remain high with a score of 73.0, reflecting a vibrant and secure community.

Infrastructure and Tax Concerns

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of only 20.0, the lowest in its profile. Residents also face a tax burden represented by a 24.5 Tax Score and a 1.224% rate.

Ideal for Seekers of Security

This county is perfect for retirees or families where personal safety is the top priority. The blend of high safety and solid health scores makes it a standout choice for peaceful living.

Score breakdown

Tax24.5Cost53.3Safety97.5Health73Schools60.8Income45Risk77.6Water20Weather44.4
🏛24.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57
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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Henry County
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Louisa County
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Nearby counties

Valley County
Nebraska
62.5
Howard County
Nebraska
65.4
Greeley County
Nebraska
64
Buffalo County
Nebraska
38.6
Hall County
Nebraska
35.5
Custer County
Nebraska
58.3
Garfield County
Nebraska
69.3
Nance County
Nebraska
63.3

Deep Dives

Sherman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sherman County

via TaxByCounty

Sherman undercuts national tax median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sherman County

via CostByCounty

Sherman rents outpace state average markedly

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sherman County

via IncomeByCounty

Sherman edges closer to national earnings

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sherman County

via CrimeByCounty

Sherman County reports zero crime incidents

Sherman County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, reporting 0.0 total crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This stands in stark contrast to the national crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 people.

Leading the state in public safety

With a perfect safety score, Sherman County ranks among the safest jurisdictions in Nebraska. It outperforms the already high state average safety score of 99.0 and the average state crime rate of 626.7.

Exceptional safety compared to regional peers

Two local reporting agencies confirmed no incidents of crime during the data year. This makes the county a quiet outlier even within the generally safe Central Nebraska region.

Zero violent and property crimes reported

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100,000 residents. While this represents a high level of security, it also reflects the peaceful, low-density nature of the local community.

Stay vigilant to keep scores perfect

Maintaining a crime-free environment starts with active community participation and neighborhood watch habits. Simple measures like locking outbuildings and sharing safety tips with neighbors help preserve this rare status.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sherman County

via HealthByCounty

Longest life expectancy among peers

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sherman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Public Schooling in Sherman County

Sherman County manages its 445 students through four public schools and two districts. The infrastructure is streamlined, consisting of two elementary schools and two high schools that serve the entire county.

Consistent Performance and Healthy Spending

The county maintains a graduation rate of 86.3% and a school score of 60.3, which sits slightly above the state average. Education is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $11,030, exceeding the Nebraska state average of $10,521.

Loup City and Litchfield Districts

Loup City Public Schools is the larger of the two districts, enrolling 330 students across two campuses. Litchfield Public Schools serves the remaining 115 students, and the county currently offers no charter school alternatives.

An Entirely Rural Learning Environment

All four campuses in Sherman County are rural, creating a tight-knit environment with an average school size of 111 students. Loup City Elementary is the largest facility with 201 students, while Litchfield High School provides a very small-scale experience for its 42 students.

Personalized Education in a Rural Setting

For home buyers prioritizing small class sizes, Sherman County's average of 111 students per school is a significant draw. Exploring properties near Loup City or Litchfield places families within a high-investment, rural education system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sherman County

via RiskByCounty

Sherman ranks well below national average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sherman County

via WeatherByCounty

A central plains continental climate

Sherman County maintains an average annual temperature of 50.1°F, sitting slightly below the national median. This typical continental climate experiences significant temperature swings throughout the year. Annual precipitation averages 27.6 inches, providing more moisture than many counties further west.

Warmer than the Nebraska average

The county's 50.1°F annual average is slightly warmer than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. It ranks among the warmer central counties in the state. While it isn't the hottest, it consistently tracks ahead of the state's typical temperature profile.

Warm and wet relative to neighbors

Compared to nearby Valley County at 48.6°F, Sherman County stays noticeably warmer year-round. It also receives 27.6 inches of rain annually, which is roughly two inches more than Valley's 25.4-inch average. This makes it a relatively lush pocket within the central Nebraska region.

Hot summers and snowy winters

July brings an average high of 75.5°F, including 29 days where temperatures soar above 90°F. In the winter, the county averages 30.7 inches of snowfall while January temperatures dip to 24.9°F. These conditions require residents to prepare for both extreme heat and significant winter accumulation.

Prepare for variable central weather

Homeowners should prioritize efficient HVAC systems to handle nearly a month of extreme heat days. With over 30 inches of snow annually, reliable removal equipment is essential for winter safety. Robust attic insulation helps manage the 50-degree difference between summer and winter averages.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sherman County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Heart of Nebraska

Sherman County features an average pH of 6.89, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This neutral range is ideal for a wide variety of crops and matches the general Nebraska profile.

A Balanced Silt and Sand Blend

The soil composition is evenly split with 42.9% sand and 40.1% silt, paired with 16.9% clay. This mix provides a stable structure that balances drainage with the ability to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Strong Water Storage Potential

The soil provides an available water capacity of 0.180 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.172. While organic matter is 2.56%—lower than the state average—it remains higher than the national average of 2.0%.

Steady Hydration for Local Roots

Specific drainage class data is limited for this area, but the high water capacity suggests the soil retains moisture effectively. This trait helps local farms and gardens withstand short dry spells without immediate yield loss.

Diverse Planting in Zone 5b

With a soil score of 59.0, Sherman County is well-suited for traditional Nebraska staples like corn and sunflowers. Gardeners in hardiness zone 5b can expect success with robust root vegetables and hardy perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sherman County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Sherman County

Sherman County earns a lawn difficulty score of 57.0, making it easier to maintain grass here than in many other parts of the state. This score exceeds both the Nebraska average of 54.2 and the national median. Located in USDA Zone 5b, the climate supports a variety of cool-season grass species.

Near-Ideal Precipitation for Growth

The county receives 27.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is close to the ideal range for healthy turf and slightly higher than the state average. With 3,198 growing degree days, lawns have plenty of warmth to flourish. Only 29 extreme heat days occur annually, reducing the stress typically seen in hotter Nebraska summers.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

Soil pH in the county averages 6.89, placing it squarely within the 6.0 to 7.0 sweet spot for lawn health. The soil contains 42.9% sand and 16.9% clay, creating a balanced texture for root development. While specific drainage data is limited, the sand-to-clay ratio generally supports good aeration.

Monitor Moisture During Dry Spells

Sherman County experienced 29 weeks in drought over the last year, though none of the area currently faces severe (D2+) conditions. Even with 100% of the county being abnormally dry, basic conservation measures can keep lawns green. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and maximize efficiency.

Planting for a Productive Season

The window between the May 2 last frost and the October 8 first frost provides a solid growing window for Zone 5b. Buffalo grass or Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for this climate. Early fall is the prime time to aerate and overseed to repair any summer wear.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sherman County's county score?
Sherman County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 61.2 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 Sherman County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Sherman County ranks #50 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 Sherman County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Sherman County is $1,652, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Sherman County a tax score of 24.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sherman County?
The median household income in Sherman County, Nebraska is $61,935 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sherman County earns an income score of 45/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sherman County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Sherman County scores 61.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Sherman 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 Sherman 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.