Sioux County's composite score of 74.7 exceeds the national median by nearly 50%, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. The county demonstrates exceptional performance across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Sioux leads Nebraska's livability rankings
At 74.7, Sioux County outscores Nebraska's state average of 71.2 by more than 3 points, ranking it among the state's best-performing counties. It stands out as a top-tier option within Nebraska.
3 / 5
Sioux excels in health and resilience
The county scores an exceptional 81.1 on Health and an outstanding 98.7 on Risk, indicating excellent community wellness and near-perfect economic stability. With a median home value of $141,700 and Cost Score of 82.8, housing remains very affordable.
4 / 5
Incomes are modest despite other strengths
Sioux's Income Score of 18.7 is the lowest among these counties, with median household income of just $54,076. Despite exceptional affordability and health metrics, limited earning potential may constrain long-term financial growth.
5 / 5
Ideal for health-first, income-flexible movers
Sioux County is perfect for retirees, remote workers, or families prioritizing community health and economic resilience over high wages. It offers top-tier livability for those whose income doesn't depend on local job markets.
Sioux County's composite score of 74.7 exceeds the national median by nearly 50%, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. The county demonstrates exceptional performance across measured dimensions.
Sioux leads Nebraska's livability rankings
At 74.7, Sioux County outscores Nebraska's state average of 71.2 by more than 3 points, ranking it among the state's best-performing counties. It stands out as a top-tier option within Nebraska.
Sioux excels in health and resilience
The county scores an exceptional 81.1 on Health and an outstanding 98.7 on Risk, indicating excellent community wellness and near-perfect economic stability. With a median home value of $141,700 and Cost Score of 82.8, housing remains very affordable.
Incomes are modest despite other strengths
Sioux's Income Score of 18.7 is the lowest among these counties, with median household income of just $54,076. Despite exceptional affordability and health metrics, limited earning potential may constrain long-term financial growth.
Ideal for health-first, income-flexible movers
Sioux County is perfect for retirees, remote workers, or families prioritizing community health and economic resilience over high wages. It offers top-tier livability for those whose income doesn't depend on local job markets.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛68.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.