countyscore
61.2
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.

204060801007.770.597.56752.219.398.78636.2Tax7.7Cost70.5Safety97.5Health67Schools52.2Income19.3Risk98.7Water86Weather36.261.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Sioux County DNA

Doverall

How Sioux County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Sioux County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (98.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (7.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.7-44.3
Cost
70.5+22.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
67+17
Schools
52.2
Income
19.3-31.7
Risk
98.7+51.7
Water
86+28
Weather
36.2-19.799999999999997
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Sioux County?

Many homeowners in Sioux County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$99,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$745/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$99,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,929/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

167.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Pike County
Arkansas
Median income: $49,269
61.2
Charlton County
Georgia
Median income: $61,276
61.2
Dubois County
Indiana
Median income: $75,979
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Ringgold County
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Median income: $73,346
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Brown County
Nebraska
Median income: $54,676
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Hamilton County
New York
Median income: $68,835
61.2
Johnson County
Tennessee
Median income: $53,129
61.2
Mineral County
West Virginia
Median income: $69,375
61.2

Nearby counties

Goshen County
Wyoming
52.6
Dawes County
Nebraska
40.4
Box Butte County
Nebraska
43.1
Scotts Bluff County
Nebraska
37.1
Niobrara County
Wyoming
55.1
Fall River County
South Dakota
47.1
Morrill County
Nebraska
56.6
Banner County
Nebraska
57.9

Deep Dives

Sioux County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 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 Sioux County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Sioux 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 Sioux County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Sioux County is $1,614, with an effective tax rate of 1.63%. This earns Sioux County a tax score of 7.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sioux County?
The median household income in Sioux County, Nebraska is $53,929 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sioux County earns an income score of 19.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sioux County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Sioux County scores 61.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.