CountyScore

Thayer County

Nebraska · NE

#42 in Nebraska
72
County Score

County Report Card

About Thayer County, Nebraska

Thayer outperforms national baseline by 44%

Thayer County's composite score of 72.0 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among the more livable counties in the country. The county demonstrates solid strength in multiple livability categories.

Thayer slightly above Nebraska average

Thayer's 72.0 score edges above Nebraska's state average of 71.2, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of Nebraska counties. The county performs consistently with a modest advantage over state norms.

Thayer leads on taxes and housing

Thayer County offers the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 1.137% and the highest Cost Score of 85.8, with median rent of just $738. Housing affordability is exceptional, and the county prioritizes favorable tax treatment.

Risk and income growth need attention

Thayer's Risk Score of 61.6 is the lowest in this group, suggesting greater economic volatility or vulnerability to shocks. The Income Score of 24.6 and median household income of $63,095 also lag behind some peers.

Perfect for tax-conscious, cost-focused families

Thayer County is ideal for retirees and budget-minded families who prioritize low taxes and affordable housing over income growth or economic resilience. It suits those seeking maximum cost savings in a stable rural setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.3Cost85.8SafetyComing SoonHealth74.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.6Risk61.6WaterComing Soon
🏛70.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡61.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Thayer County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Logan County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $54,237
Marion County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $46,953
Nevada County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $41,761
Archuleta County
Colorado
72
Median income: $76,524
Echols County
Georgia
72
Median income: $61,723

Deep Dives

Thayer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Thayer County

via TaxByCounty

Thayer County ranks among lowest nationally

At 1.137%, Thayer County's effective tax rate is among the lowest in the nation, falling in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties. The county's median tax of just $1,207 represents only 45% of the national median of $2,690.

Nebraska's most tax-friendly county

Thayer County boasts the lowest effective rate in Nebraska at 1.137%, well below the state average of 1.281%. Its median tax of $1,207 is the lowest among all Nebraska counties, about 39% below the state median of $1,972.

Lowest taxes in south-central region

Thayer's 1.137% rate is significantly lower than nearby Stanton County (1.307%) and Valley County (1.552%), making it the clear tax winner in south-central Nebraska. This affordability draws attention from homebuyers seeking maximum tax efficiency.

Just $1,207 annually on median home

On a median home value of $106,200, Thayer County homeowners pay approximately $1,207 per year in property taxes—the lowest in the state. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,405; without, it falls to $1,060.

Even low taxes can be reduced further

Even in low-tax Thayer County, some homeowners may have overassessed properties that qualify for appeal-based reductions. Contact the Thayer County Assessor if you believe recent market sales support a lower valuation than your current assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Thayer County

via CostByCounty

Thayer hits the state affordability sweet spot

Thayer County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.0% matches Nebraska's state average, a sign of balanced housing economics despite median income of $63,095. At $738 monthly, rents are well-controlled, placing Thayer among Nebraska's most fair-priced rental markets.

Right at Nebraska's affordability middle line

Thayer County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio sits precisely at the state average, reflecting neither exceptional affordability nor strain. This puts the county in the sweet spot for housing balance across Nebraska's varied landscape.

Balanced rents and moderate home values

Thayer's $738 rent undercuts Sherman ($866) and Stanton ($817) while matching Sioux ($743), offering solid value for renters. Home values of $106,200 are modest yet higher than Sheridan ($102,900), suggesting gentle appreciation potential for buyers.

Owners enjoy lowest cost burden here

Thayer County renters spend 14.0% on $738 rent, while owners allocate just 11.8% to $620 monthly mortgages—the lowest ownership burden in this entire survey. This dramatic spread favors homebuying, rewarding those who can transition from renting.

Thayer County's balance attracts practical movers

If you want Nebraska housing that doesn't require either high income or compromise, Thayer County delivers balanced rents and strong homeownership economics. The county's modest home values and fair rental market make it ideal for families seeking stability without bidding wars.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Thayer County

via IncomeByCounty

Thayer moderately lags national income

Thayer County's median household income of $63,095 falls $11,660 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 16% gap. This moderate shortfall is typical for agricultural counties across the Midwest.

Slightly below Nebraska median

Thayer's $63,095 trails Nebraska's statewide median of $66,880 by $3,785, placing it near the state average. The county performs solidly for rural Nebraska, reflecting stable agricultural and small-business foundations.

Middle-ground performer regionally

Thayer ($63,095) sits between lower-income counties like Sioux ($54,076) and higher earners like Stanton ($78,275), making it a typical rural Nebraska economic profile. This positioning reflects consistent agriculture-based employment and community stability.

Housing costs lowest in this group

Thayer's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional, leaving households with substantial room in their budgets. At $106,200, the median home value is among the most affordable here, enabling strong homeownership rates.

Turn affordability into assets

Thayer's low housing-cost burden is a strategic advantage for building net worth through property appreciation and mortgage paydown. Direct surplus income toward retirement accounts, education savings, or agricultural investments to leverage the county's land-based economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Thayer County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly below nation

Thayer County residents live 77.1 years on average, just under the U.S. average of 78.9 years. At 16.3% poor or fair health, the county's rate is slightly lower than the national 17.9%, suggesting residents navigate chronic disease reasonably well.

Near state average, room to improve

Life expectancy in Thayer County is 77.1 years, essentially aligned with Nebraska's 77.5-year state average. The 16.3% poor/fair health rate ranks in the middle of this eight-county cohort, neither notably strong nor particularly concerning.

Solid primary and mental health access

Thayer County offers 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 62 mental health providers per 100,000—solid infrastructure for a rural county. These ratios suggest reasonable access to both primary and behavioral health services.

Uninsured rate slightly below average

At 7.3%, Thayer County's uninsured rate is below the state average of 8.1%, meaning most residents have health insurance. With decent provider availability and strong coverage, access barriers appear manageable for the population.

Verify coverage, maximize benefits

If you're among the 7.3% without insurance, now is the time to explore ACA marketplace plans or Medicaid eligibility. Those with coverage should confirm their plans still fit their healthcare needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Thayer County

via RiskByCounty

Thayer faces moderate national risk

Thayer County's composite risk score of 38.39 remains in the "Very Low" category nationally but sits higher than most profiled Nebraska counties. The county's exposure reflects greater hazard complexity than neighboring areas.

Highest risk among these counties

At 38.39, Thayer County exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80, making it the most hazard-exposed among this group of eight counties. The county faces notably elevated composite risk compared to statewide peers.

Higher risk than surrounding counties

Thayer's score of 38.39 substantially exceeds most neighbors, surpassing Sheridan (13.36), Sherman (22.39), and Stanton (16.22). Only Thurston County (26.40) approaches Thayer's risk level among nearby areas.

Tornado is the dominant hazard

Tornado risk (49.27) drives Thayer County's elevated composite score, making it the county's most pressing natural disaster threat. Wildfire risk (44.72) and flood risk (22.20) contribute secondary but meaningful exposure.

Tornado safety is essential here

Thayer County residents should prioritize tornado protection through insurance and invest in a safe room or basement shelter. Ensure comprehensive coverage for wildfire and verify flood insurance is current, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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