countyscore
62.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.7Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Sioux County, Nebraska

Sioux County Ranks High Nationally

Sioux County's composite score of 62.9 puts it significantly above the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability.

A Top Performer in Nebraska

At 62.9, Sioux County easily clears the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It stands out as a highly desirable location within the state's western region.

Maximum Resilience and Personal Safety

Sioux County is exceptionally safe from natural disasters with a Risk Score of 98.7. It pairs this with a stellar Safety Score of 97.5, creating one of the most secure environments in the state.

Low Incomes and Tax Burdens

The local economy is the main challenge, evidenced by an Income Score of 23.0 and a median household income of $54,076. A Tax Score of 24.9 suggests taxes take a significant bite out of those earnings.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Sioux County is best for those who value total peace of mind and natural security above all else. It suits remote workers or those with outside assets who can bypass the local low-income market.

Score breakdown

Tax24.9Cost65.2Safety97.5Health67Schools52.2Income23Risk98.7Water86Weather36.2
🏛24.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.2
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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Counties with similar scores

Morgan County
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Median income: $64,858
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Median income: $60,692
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Pulaski County
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Miami County
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Morgan County
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Wayne County
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Redwood County
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Nearby counties

Goshen County
Wyoming
53.7
Dawes County
Nebraska
38.8
Box Butte County
Nebraska
43.2
Scotts Bluff County
Nebraska
37
Niobrara County
Wyoming
51.9
Fall River County
South Dakota
46.6
Morrill County
Nebraska
58.7
Banner County
Nebraska
56

Deep Dives

Sioux County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sioux County

via TaxByCounty

Sioux County taxes well below national norm

At 1.214%, Sioux County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, significantly lower than the national median of 1.58%. The county's median tax of $1,721 represents just 64% of the national median of $2,690.

Among Nebraska's most affordable counties

Sioux County's 1.214% rate falls below the state average of 1.281% and places it in the lower 40% of Nebraska counties. With a median tax of $1,721, it runs 13% below the state median of $1,972.

Competitive rates across the panhandle

Sioux sits between Sherman County (1.224%) and Thomas County (1.087%), making it part of a low-tax corridor in northwestern Nebraska. All three counties offer substantially lower tax burdens than counties in central or eastern regions.

About $1,721 yearly on typical home

A median-valued home in Sioux County at $141,700 generates approximately $1,721 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders typically pay $1,692; non-mortgage owners pay $1,739.

Question your assessment if needed

Property tax appeals are available to Sioux County homeowners who believe their assessments exceed market value. The county assessor's office can guide you through the appeal process if your home's tax basis seems inaccurate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sioux County

via CostByCounty

Sioux rents strain tight panhandle incomes

Sioux County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% sits well above Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, despite rents of just $743 monthly. The challenge stems from the county's low median household income of $54,076—the lowest in this survey—which makes even modest rents feel burdensome.

Low income and moderate rents create strain

Sioux County ranks among Nebraska's most affordability-challenged counties, with a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio reflecting limited earning power. The county's median income of $54,076 is nearly $8,000 below Sheridan, intensifying the squeeze on rental households.

Cheapest rent, but hardest to afford

Sioux's $743 rent is the lowest among panhandle neighbors, yet the 16.5% burden ratio is among the highest—a paradox explained by the county's lowest median income. Home values of $141,700 are the highest in the cluster, creating a mixed picture for movers.

Income gap makes housing costs bite deeper

At just $54,076 median income, Sioux County residents allocate 16.5% to rent, while owner costs run $809 monthly (17.9% of income)—the county's highest ownership burden. Both renters and buyers face tighter margins than neighbors with stronger wage bases.

Sioux County suits self-sufficient movers

If you're relocating with stable remote income or retirement funds, Sioux County offers the region's cheapest rents and dramatic scenery. However, local job seekers should note the county's income challenges before committing; wages here lag the state significantly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sioux County

via IncomeByCounty

Sioux faces the steepest income gap

Sioux County's median household income of $54,076 represents the lowest in this eight-county group, trailing the national median of $74,755 by $20,679, or 28%. This significant gap reflects persistent challenges in rural population retention and wage growth.

Among Nebraska's lowest-income counties

Sioux ranks well below Nebraska's median of $66,880—some $12,804 short per household. The county faces structural economic pressures common to remote, rural regions with limited job diversity.

Struggles relative to nearby counties

Sioux's $54,076 income trails both Sheridan County ($56,900) and Sherman County ($61,935), making it the weakest performer in the immediate area. This suggests fewer employment opportunities despite proximity to agricultural corridors.

Housing affordable despite low income

A 16.5% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, and the median home value of $141,700 is surprisingly robust given the county's income level. This suggests either strong housing equity from long-time residents or below-market pricing.

Maximize every income dollar

Lower incomes demand disciplined financial planning; Sioux residents should prioritize building even small emergency reserves of $500–$1,000. Explore federal programs, credit unions, and low-cost investment vehicles designed for modest-income households seeking long-term stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sioux County

via CrimeByCounty

Sioux County defines national safety standards

Sioux County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, earning a perfect safety score of 100.0. This is an exceptional performance compared to the national average total crime rate of 2,385.5.

The gold standard for Nebraska security

The county ranks at the very top of Nebraska's safety list, beating the state average safety score of 99.0. It reports significantly less activity than the state average total crime rate of 626.7.

Unmatched safety in the Panhandle

Two reporting agencies work to keep Sioux County crime-free, outperforming several neighboring counties. It is currently one of the safest places to live in the entire Great Plains region.

Reporting zero incidents of crime

Data shows 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents for the 2022 reporting period. This indicates an extremely secure environment where crime is practically non-existent.

Secure your peace of mind

In a county with zero reported crimes, the biggest threat is often complacency. Keeping your property well-lit and your equipment secured ensures that Sioux County remains a bastion of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sioux County

via HealthByCounty

Health data limited but needs clear

Life expectancy data is unavailable for Sioux County, making national comparisons incomplete. However, 18.8% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate among these eight counties—suggesting significant health challenges despite what limited data exists.

Highest poor health rate in cohort

Sioux County's 18.8% poor/fair health rate stands above Nebraska's typical profile and significantly exceeds several peer counties. This elevated rate warrants closer attention to health determinants and access barriers affecting the population.

Strong primary care density

Sioux County offers 88 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, a solid rate for rural Nebraska that matches or exceeds several neighbors. With 87 mental health providers per 100,000, the county balances primary and behavioral health capacity reasonably well.

Low uninsured rate despite challenges

At 6.2%, Sioux County's uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties and well below the 8.1% state average. Strong insurance coverage combined with available providers suggests barriers to health may stem from social or economic factors rather than access infrastructure.

Maintain insurance coverage year-round

With nearly everyone covered, the focus shifts to using your benefits proactively. Regular preventive visits with primary care providers can address the elevated poor/fair health rate and catch early warning signs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sioux County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District Serving Nebraska’s Northwest

Sioux County Public Schools operates the county's only four schools, serving a total enrollment of just 89 students. This small-scale infrastructure includes three elementary schools and one high school.

Elite Investment and High School Scores

The county spends a remarkable $18,861 per pupil, which is well above the national average of $13,000. This high investment correlates with a school score of 71.2, even though the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%.

A Single, All-Encompassing School District

Sioux County Public Schools is the sole provider for the region, managing every student and all four rural campuses. There are zero charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus for all 89 enrolled students.

The State's Smallest Rural Classrooms

With an average school size of just 22 students, the educational experience here is incredibly personalized. Harrison Grade School is the largest campus with 44 students, while the Pink School serves as a unique micro-school with only 7 students.

Unmatched Individual Attention for Students

Sioux County offers a unique value proposition for families seeking the highest per-pupil spending and smallest class sizes in the region. Real estate here caters to those who want a deeply personalized rural education for their children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sioux County

via RiskByCounty

Sioux is exceptionally low-risk nationally

With a composite risk score of just 1.37, Sioux County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in the entire nation. The county's "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to most natural disaster types.

Among Nebraska's safest counties

Sioux County's score of 1.37 far exceeds Nebraska's average safety, landing it as one of the state's most protected areas. The county's risk profile sits dramatically below Nebraska's state average of 25.80.

Lowest risk in the region

Only Thomas County (0.16) presents lower overall risk than Sioux County's 1.37, making this area exceptionally safe compared to surrounding counties. Sheridan County (13.36) and other neighbors face significantly higher composite risk.

Wildfire is the primary concern

Wildfire risk (69.78) substantially outweighs other hazards in Sioux County, though overall composite risk remains remarkably low. Tornado (11.48) and earthquake (9.45) exposures are minimal by comparison.

Wildfire coverage remains important

Even in low-risk Sioux County, homeowners should include wildfire protection in their insurance policies given the county's fire exposure. Maintaining defensible space around structures provides cost-effective additional protection against this primary hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sioux County

via WeatherByCounty

A cool and arid highland climate

Sioux County is significantly cooler than the national median with an annual average temperature of 46.2°F. It is also quite dry, receiving only 16.5 inches of precipitation annually. This high-plains environment creates a distinct climate profile compared to the rest of the country.

One of Nebraska's coolest counties

At 46.2°F, Sioux County sits well below the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. It represents the cooler, western frontier of the state's weather patterns. This temperature gap is driven by higher elevation and a more northern latitude.

Drastically drier than eastern peers

Sioux County receives 16.5 inches of precipitation, which is less than half of what Washington County gets in the east. Even central neighbors like Sherman are nearly 11 inches wetter per year. Temperatures here are also much cooler than the state's southern border counties.

Long winters and heavy snow

The county endures 48.6 inches of annual snowfall, making it one of the snowiest regions in Nebraska. While summers reach a July average of 70.9°F, the county still sees 29 extreme heat days annually. Winter averages linger at a chilly 25.9°F during the December to February corridor.

Equip for heavy snow and dry air

Residents need high-capacity snow removal tools to manage the nearly 50 inches of annual accumulation. Water conservation is vital given the low 16.5-inch precipitation average. Winter vehicle kits and home weatherization are essential for surviving the cold, snowy winters.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sioux County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Gravelly Sandy Loams

Sioux County's soil consists of gravelly sandy loam and falls within the Entisols order. Its pH of 7.29 is significantly more alkaline than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.79.

Coarse Texture and Rapid Transit

The soil is 53.4% sand and contains a significant 16.9% clay fraction. This coarse, gravelly texture means the soil is very easy to dig but may lose nutrients quickly due to low retention capacity.

Lower Organic Matter Reserves

The 1.74% organic matter content falls below both the national and state averages, indicating a need for soil amendments. Available water capacity is also low at 0.147 in/in, trailing the Nebraska average of 0.172.

High-Speed Drainage Profile

Classified as excessively drained and in hydrologic group A, this soil allows water to infiltrate almost instantly. While this prevents pooling and runoff, it requires gardeners to monitor moisture levels closely during summer months.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5a

The county's low soil score of 35.8 reflects the challenges of gravelly, dry earth. In hardiness zone 5a, focus on native prairie species and xeriscaping to create a thriving, low-maintenance landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sioux County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Demands in Sioux

With a score of 32.2, Sioux County presents one of the most difficult environments for lawn care in Nebraska. This score is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0 and the state average. Gardeners in Hardiness Zone 5a must contend with a short season and extremely arid conditions.

Arid Climate Limits Mowing Needs

Annual precipitation is just 16.5 inches, less than half the ideal minimum for a standard lawn. Low thermal accumulation of 2,269 growing degree days means grass grows slowly compared to the rest of the state. Expect infrequent mowing but constant demand for supplemental irrigation to prevent dormancy.

Managing Alkaline, Gravelly Soils

The soil pH is slightly alkaline at 7.29, which can sometimes limit the availability of iron and phosphorus to the grass. Sioux's texture is a gravelly sandy loam that is excessively drained, losing moisture rapidly. Applying sulfur can help lower the pH, while organic amendments are necessary to improve water retention.

Total Coverage of Severe Drought

Sioux County has spent the entire year in drought, with 100% of the area currently under severe (D2+) conditions. This extreme environment makes water conservation a necessity rather than an option. Native, drought-resistant grasses like Blue Grama are better suited for these conditions than high-water alternatives.

A Short Window for Success

The growing season is tight, starting after the May 20 frost and ending by September 28. Choose the most cold-hardy varieties available for Zone 5a to ensure survival through the long winters. Late spring seeding is recommended only if you have a reliable irrigation system to combat the dry winds.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sioux County's county score?
Sioux County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Sioux County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Sioux County ranks #43 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 Sioux County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Sioux County is $1,721, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Sioux County a tax score of 24.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sioux County?
The median household income in Sioux County, Nebraska is $54,076 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sioux County earns an income score of 23/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sioux County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Sioux County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Sioux 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 Sioux 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.