countyscore
67.9
County Score
Safety 94Health 89.9Schools 86.8

County Report Card

About Stanton County, Nebraska

Stanton County Leads the Nation

Boasting a composite score of 67.9, Stanton County is a national standout, far exceeding the 50.0 median. It offers a quality of life that few counties can match.

Surpassing the Nebraska Benchmark

Stanton County significantly outperforms the Nebraska state average of 59.3. Its high scores across multiple categories make it a premier destination in the state.

Wealth, Health, and Education

Stanton excels with a high Income Score of 81.8 and a median household income of $78,275. These economic strengths are complemented by elite Health (89.9) and School (86.8) scores.

Tax and Water Vulnerabilities

The Tax Score of 20.6 is the lowest dimension, driven by a 1.307% effective rate. Water quality also trails other metrics with a score of 43.9.

A Paradise for Prosperous Families

Stanton County is the ideal fit for high-earning families seeking top-tier schools and excellent health services. It offers a rare combination of economic opportunity and community well-being.

Score breakdown

Tax20.6Cost46.8Safety94Health89.9Schools86.8Income81.8Risk83.8Water43.9Weather45.9
🏛20.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤89.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓86.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.3
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

Winneshiek County
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Hickman County
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Calhoun County
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Miner County
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Mason County
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Nearby counties

Cuming County
Nebraska
64.1
Wayne County
Nebraska
60.5
Colfax County
Nebraska
53.9
Madison County
Nebraska
52.8
Platte County
Nebraska
44
Pierce County
Nebraska
65.4
Dodge County
Nebraska
42.2
Thurston County
Nebraska
59.3

Deep Dives

Stanton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stanton County

via TaxByCounty

Stanton taxes remain below national median

Stanton County's 1.307% effective rate sits approximately 17% below the national median of 1.58%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. At $2,409 annually, Stanton's median tax is still below the national median of $2,690, despite higher home values.

Slightly above average for Nebraska

Stanton's 1.307% rate edges 2% above Nebraska's 1.281% state average, ranking it near the middle of state counties. The county's median tax of $2,409 exceeds the state median of $1,972 by about 22%, reflecting higher median home values.

Highest-taxed in the immediate region

Stanton's 1.307% rate is the highest among nearby panhandle counties—Thomas County taxes at 1.087%, Sherman at 1.224%, and Sioux at 1.214%. Still, Stanton's burden remains manageable compared to eastern Nebraska counties.

About $2,409 yearly on $184K home

Stanton County homeowners with the median property value of $184,300 pay roughly $2,409 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $2,453; those without, $2,347.

Review your assessment this year

Many Stanton County homeowners can reduce their tax liability through successful property assessment appeals, which are available to anyone who questions their valuation. The county assessor can explain how comparable sales data supports or challenges your assessed value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stanton County

via CostByCounty

Stanton's strong income eases housing costs

Stanton County residents enjoy a median household income of $78,275—above the national average of $74,755—allowing a manageable 12.5% rent-to-income ratio. At $817 monthly, rents here are moderate for a county with above-average earning power, creating genuine affordability.

Among Nebraska's most affordable counties

Stanton County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, falling well below Nebraska's 14.2% average. This places Stanton in the upper tier for housing affordability, driven by strong median income relative to rental costs.

Higher rents, but income covers the gap

Stanton's $817 rent is the highest in this panhandle cluster, yet the county's $78,275 median income (also the highest) makes it the most affordable by ratio. This income advantage ($13,200+ above Sheridan) transforms what would be a burden elsewhere into manageable housing costs.

Homeownership premium balanced by strong wages

Stanton renters spend 12.5% of income on $817 rent, while owners allocate 14.6% to $953 monthly mortgages—reflecting the county's highest home values ($184,300). The income strength absorbs these higher housing costs elegantly, leaving more discretionary income than any neighbor.

Stanton County for those with solid income

If you're relocating with a household income above $75,000, Stanton County offers the region's best affordability math and highest home values. The county's strong wage base and balanced housing costs make it ideal for families seeking stability in Nebraska's panhandle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stanton County

via IncomeByCounty

Stanton exceeds national income levels

Stanton County's median household income of $78,275 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $3,520, or 5%. This rare achievement among rural Nebraska counties reflects strong local industries and diversified economic activity.

Top performer across Nebraska

Stanton's $78,275 income exceeds Nebraska's state median of $66,880 by $11,395, ranking it among the state's highest-earning counties. This outperformance signals robust employment opportunities and economic resilience.

Clear economic leader in region

Stanton ($78,275) substantially outpaces every county in this group—exceeding Thayer by $15,180 and Sioux by $24,199. This leadership likely stems from stronger manufacturing, agriculture processing, or regional commerce centers.

Best affordability in this group

Stanton's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest here, meaning housing costs consume far less of household earnings. With a median home value of $184,300, residents enjoy both homeownership access and meaningful disposable income.

Invest aggressively while you can

Stanton's above-average income and low housing burden create an ideal window for wealth accumulation through retirement accounts, brokerage investments, and diversified assets. Families should work with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged strategies and build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stanton County

via CrimeByCounty

Stanton County is remarkably safe

Stanton County boasts an elite safety score of 99.9, reflecting a total crime rate of only 34.4 per 100,000 residents. This is nearly 70 times lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Nebraska's high safety standards

The county's safety score of 99.9 sits well above the state average of 99.0. Its crime rate is just a fraction of the Nebraska state average of 626.7 per 100,000 residents.

A quiet leader among neighbors

With only two reporting agencies, Stanton County maintains one of the lowest crime footprints in its region. It serves as a benchmark for public safety in Northeast Nebraska.

Balanced and extremely low crime rates

The county records a perfectly balanced rate of 17.2 violent crimes and 17.2 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Both figures are negligible compared to national trends, where violent crime alone averages 369.8.

Keep your community secure

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but home security remains a wise investment. Use smart locks and perimeter lighting to deter any opportunistic activity and maintain your county's high safety ranking.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stanton County

via HealthByCounty

Leads region in life expectancy

At 80.2 years, Stanton County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years and well above Nebraska's 77.5-year state average. Just 14.3% report poor or fair health—the second-lowest rate among these counties—pointing to a generally healthy population.

Exceptional longevity for rural Nebraska

Stanton County's 80.2-year life expectancy is among the best in Nebraska and nearly three years above the state average. The 14.3% poor/fair health rate also ranks favorably, marking this as one of the state's healthier rural counties.

Limited provider data, strong outcomes

Primary care provider data is unavailable for Stanton County, but only 17 mental health providers per 100,000 residents suggest limited behavioral health infrastructure. Despite this gap, the county's longevity and low poor/fair health rates suggest residents are maintaining good health overall.

Lowest uninsured rate in cohort

At just 5.8%, Stanton County has the lowest uninsured rate among these eight counties—well below the state average of 8.1%. Nearly universal coverage likely supports the exceptional health outcomes and high life expectancy residents enjoy.

Sustain excellent coverage trends

Stanton County's health success is built on nearly universal insurance coverage; keep that advantage by maintaining continuous enrollment. Regular health screenings and preventive care will help sustain the county's leading life expectancy for future generations.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stanton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated High-Performing District

Stanton County serves 591 students across three public schools, including two elementary buildings and one high school. The county operates primarily through a single local district with additional service from a neighboring district.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Solid Value

The county achieves an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 86.9%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $9,974 is lower than the state average, the county still maintains a strong school score of 62.6.

Stanton Community Schools and Local Hubs

Stanton Community Schools is the primary local district, enrolling 383 students across two schools. Woodland Park Elementary also serves the county with 208 students under the Norfolk Public Schools umbrella, and no charter schools are present.

A Mix of Rural and Town Locales

The county offers a diverse setting with schools in both rural and town locales, resulting in an average school size of 197 students. Woodland Park Elementary is the largest campus with 208 students, closely followed by Stanton Elementary at 207.

Sought-After Success in Stanton County

A 95.0% graduation rate makes Stanton County a premier destination for families focused on academic results. Prospective buyers should look at homes in the Woodland Park or Stanton areas to secure a spot in these high-achieving schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stanton County

via RiskByCounty

Stanton faces low national risk

Stanton County's composite risk score of 16.22 places it well below the national average, with a "Very Low" rating indicating minimal disaster exposure. The county enjoys substantially safer conditions than typical U.S. counties.

Safer than most Nebraska counties

At 16.22, Stanton County ranks below Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as a relatively low-risk area statewide. The county outperforms most of its peer counties across the state.

Lower risk than most neighbors

Stanton's score of 16.22 beats Thayer County (38.39) and Thurston County (26.40) significantly, though it trails only Sheridan County (13.36) and the ultra-safe Thomas County (0.16). The county ranks favorably within its regional context.

Tornado and wildfire threats

Tornado risk (38.90) and wildfire risk (68.92) represent Stanton County's main natural hazards, with wildfire presenting the highest numerical exposure. Flood risk (25.22) poses a secondary but notable threat, while earthquake risk (4.77) remains minimal.

Secure wildfire and tornado coverage

Stanton County homeowners should prioritize policies that include both wildfire and tornado protection given these dual threats. Ensure adequate flood insurance if near creeks or drainage areas, and consider a storm shelter for tornado safety.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stanton County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic midwestern temperature cycles

Stanton County averages 48.9°F annually, reflecting a typical continental climate found in the American heartland. It receives 26.2 inches of precipitation, aligning closely with the national median for interior states. The weather here is defined by four distinct and roughly equal seasons.

Tracking near the state average

The county's annual average of 48.9°F is just slightly cooler than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. Precipitation is also consistent with state norms, coming in at 26.2 inches versus the state's 25.9. It serves as a representative sample of Nebraska's overall climate.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Stanton County is slightly warmer than neighboring Wayne County, which averages 48.3°F. It is also drier than Thurston County to the northeast, which sees nearly 30 inches of annual precipitation. This makes Stanton a middle-ground for temperature and moisture in the region.

Consistent snow and manageable heat

Summers are warm with 22 days of extreme heat and a July average of 74.3°F. Winters bring 25.9 inches of snow and a January average that drops to 21.5°F. This creates a balanced cycle of weather extremes without being the harshest in the state.

Focus on winterization and cooling

Standard winter maintenance is necessary to handle the 25.9 inches of annual snowfall. Air conditioning is required for the 22 days of 90°F plus temperatures, though it is less intense than in southern counties. Proper drainage planning helps manage the 26.2 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stanton County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent Neutral Soil Chemistry

Stanton County maintains an average pH of 6.73, making it nearly identical to the Nebraska state average of 6.79. This neutral chemical profile is highly hospitable for most garden plants and agricultural crops.

Equal Parts Silt and Sand

The composition is nearly balanced with 40.3% silt and 39.4% sand. With 18.6% clay, this soil offers a solid compromise between easy tilling and the ability to hold onto moisture and minerals.

Above-Average Water Capacity

At 0.175 in/in, the available water capacity is higher than the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for crops. Organic matter stands at 2.29%, which is healthy by national standards but below the state average of 3.32%.

Reliable Moisture Management

Specific drainage classifications are not available, but the high silt and clay content indicates effective water retention. These soils are less likely to suffer from the rapid drying seen in sandier neighboring counties.

Prime Zone 5b Growing Conditions

A respectable soil score of 58.3 suggests Stanton County is a great place to start a vegetable garden. In zone 5b, you can successfully grow everything from leafy greens to heavy-feeding pumpkins.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stanton County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growth in Stanton County

Stanton County offers a lawn difficulty score of 56.3, outperforming the state average of 54.2. In Zone 5b, the conditions are relatively balanced for cool-season grasses. You can expect a standard level of maintenance that rewards consistent care.

Moderate Rain and Manageable Heat

The county receives 26.2 inches of rain annually, which is on par with the state average of 25.9 inches. Stanton enjoys a warm growing season with 3,090 growing degree days and only 22 extreme heat days. This lower frequency of heat spikes reduces the risk of turf scorch during mid-summer.

Strong Soil Base for Healthy Turf

The soil pH is a favorable 6.73, requiring little adjustment for most grass types. With 18.6% clay and 39.4% sand, the soil structure offers a decent balance for nutrient retention. While specific drainage data is not available, the balanced sand and clay content typically prevents both pooling and rapid leaching.

Mitigating Moderate Drought Cycles

Despite 33 weeks of drought over the past year, no part of the county currently faces severe (D2+) stress. While the area is abnormally dry, simple adjustments like raising your mower blade to 3.5 inches can shade the soil. Focus on deep watering once or twice a week rather than light daily sprinkling.

Maximize Your Growing Window

The frost-free period runs from April 30 to October 9, providing plenty of time for established grass to thrive. Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for this region due to its deep roots and heat tolerance. Aim to overseed in early September when the night air cools but the soil remains warm.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stanton County's county score?
Stanton County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 67.9 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 Stanton County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Stanton County ranks #19 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 Stanton County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Stanton County is $2,409, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Stanton County a tax score of 20.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stanton County?
The median household income in Stanton County, Nebraska is $78,275 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stanton County earns an income score of 81.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stanton County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Stanton County scores 67.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Stanton 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 Stanton 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.