Stanton County

Nebraska · NE

#37 in Nebraska
72.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Stanton County, Nebraska

Stanton scores well above national median

Stanton County's composite score of 72.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by nearly 45%, indicating strong livability across most measured dimensions. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of U.S. counties.

Stanton edges above Nebraska average

Stanton's 72.7 score exceeds Nebraska's state average of 71.2 by 1.5 points, placing it slightly above the middle of the state's county rankings. It represents a moderately strong performer within Nebraska.

Stanton's standout: highest incomes in group

Stanton boasts an Income Score of 34.5 with a median household income of $78,275—notably higher than peers and the national average. The county also scores 80.1 on Health and 83.8 on Risk, balancing good wages with stability and wellness.

Housing costs are the trade-off

Stanton's median home value of $184,300 is the highest in this group and significantly above county peers, reflecting a Cost Score of just 79.2. Higher incomes offset housing expenses, but affordability is less generous than neighboring counties.

Best for households with solid income

Stanton County suits working families and professionals who can afford higher housing costs in exchange for above-average local wages and economic security. It's ideal for those seeking a balance of income growth, health, and stability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax65.5Cost79.2SafetyComing SoonHealth80.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.5Risk83.8WaterComing Soon
🏛65.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠79.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼34.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
80.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
83.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Stanton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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