countyscore
78.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.9Safety 97.5Schools 95

County Report Card

About Thomas County, Nebraska

Thomas County Reaches Elite Status

Thomas County's 78.9 composite score is exceptional, dwarfing the national median of 50.0. This score suggests a level of livability found in only the top tier of American counties.

A Nebraska Leader in Quality

At 78.9, Thomas County is a star performer in Nebraska, far exceeding the 59.3 state average. It sets a high bar for infrastructure, safety, and economic health.

Near Perfection in Risk and Schools

The county achieves a near-perfect Risk Score of 99.9 and an elite School Score of 95.0. These are bolstered by a high Cost Score of 89.0, keeping housing very affordable.

The Tax Burden Outweighs Other Issues

The only relatively low point is a Tax Score of 32.1, though its 1.087% rate is lower than many peers. Even with this, the county faces few significant statistical challenges.

The Gold Standard for Rural Families

Thomas County is ideal for families who want the best of everything: top schools, extreme safety, and low costs. It is arguably one of the best-kept secrets for high-quality rural living.

Score breakdown

Tax32.1Cost89Safety97.5Health74.3Schools95Income73.3Risk99.9Water86Weather37.2
🏛32.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓95
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.3
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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Explore this county

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Deep Dives

Thomas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Thomas County

via TaxByCounty

Thomas County: lowest-taxed in the nation

Thomas County's 1.087% effective tax rate ranks among the bottom 5% of all U.S. counties, far below the national median of 1.58%. At just $1,228 annually on a median home, residents pay less than half the national median tax of $2,690.

Nebraska's tax champion

Thomas County holds the distinction of Nebraska's lowest effective tax rate at 1.087%, approximately 15% below the state average of 1.281%. Its median tax of $1,228 is the lowest across all 93 Nebraska counties.

Tax leader of the panhandle

Thomas County's 1.087% rate significantly undercuts all neighboring counties: Thayer (1.137%), Sherman (1.224%), and Sioux (1.214%) all tax substantially higher. This makes Thomas a standout destination for tax-conscious property owners.

Lowest state median: $1,228 per year

On Thomas County's median home value of $113,000, homeowners pay approximately $1,228 annually—the state's lowest median tax. Homeowners with mortgages average $1,567; those without, $913.

Explore appeal options for further savings

Even in the lowest-tax county in Nebraska, homeowners with overassessed properties can appeal their valuations for potential reductions. The Thomas County Assessor's office can review whether your assessment reflects current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Thomas County

via CostByCounty

Thomas County's rents are a bargain hunt

Thomas County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this survey at just 11.3%, well below Nebraska's 14.2% state average and nationally competitive. With rents of $685 monthly and median income of $72,708, residents here enjoy genuine affordability that leaves substantial income for other needs.

Nebraska's most rental-affordable county

Thomas County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the absolute best in Nebraska, a distinction earned through low rents and respectable median income. This county stands out as a housing bargain even by state standards.

Lowest rents in the entire panhandle region

Thomas County's $685 rent is the cheapest in this cluster, underpricing Sherman ($866), Stanton ($817), and all others by significant margins. Home values of $113,000 are moderate, pairing affordability for renters and buyers alike.

Renters and owners both win here

Thomas County renters spend just 11.3% of $72,708 income on $685 rent, while owners allocate 9.2% to $556 mortgages—the lowest homeowner burden in the survey. This is the only county where both rental and ownership paths offer exceptional affordability.

Thomas County is Nebraska's affordability gem

If you're relocating to Nebraska and prioritize housing cost savings, Thomas County is unmatched in this region, offering the lowest rents and ownership costs. The combination of reasonable income ($72,708) and rock-bottom housing expenses makes it a premier destination for budget-conscious movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Thomas County

via IncomeByCounty

Thomas nearly matches national income

Thomas County's median household income of $72,708 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $2,047, or 3%. This near-parity is exceptional for rural Nebraska and signals strong local economic management.

Outperforms Nebraska average

Thomas's $72,708 income exceeds Nebraska's state median of $66,880 by $5,828, placing it among the state's higher-earning counties. This performance reflects diversified employment and stable agricultural returns.

Strong performer in rural peer group

Thomas ($72,708) ranks second only to Stanton ($78,275) in this eight-county comparison, demonstrating above-average economic vitality. Its $42,157 per capita income is the highest here, suggesting well-distributed earnings across the population.

Lowest housing cost burden region

Thomas's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio is the best in this entire group, meaning housing eats up barely more than one-tenth of household earnings. This exceptional affordability, paired with a $113,000 median home value, creates maximum financial flexibility.

Build substantial retirement reserves

Thomas County residents enjoy both strong incomes and low housing costs—a rare combination enabling aggressive wealth building. Maximize 401(k) contributions, establish taxable investment accounts, and explore real-estate diversification beyond primary residences.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Thomas County

via CrimeByCounty

Thomas County reports a perfect safety record

Thomas County has a safety score of 100.0, reporting 0.0 total crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This is significantly lower than the national average total crime rate of 2,385.5.

One of Nebraska's safest jurisdictions

The county's perfect 100.0 safety score exceeds the Nebraska state average of 99.0. It is a regional standout, reporting no incidents while the state average is 626.7 crimes per 100,000 people.

Peaceful living in the Sandhills

Two local agencies reported zero crimes, making Thomas County one of the most secure areas in its region. This low-density area maintains a highly effective public safety environment.

No crimes reported in recent data

Both violent and property crime rates are 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the latest period. This indicates an extremely low-risk environment for both residents and visitors alike.

Preserve your high safety standard

A perfect score is a point of pride that depends on continued community awareness. Staying connected with neighbors and reporting suspicious activity helps keep Thomas County at the top of the safety list.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Thomas County

via HealthByCounty

Health data limited, metrics mixed

Life expectancy data is unavailable for Thomas County, limiting national comparison. The 13.7% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest in this cohort and below the national 17.9%, suggesting residents report relatively good health despite data constraints.

Best health rating despite limited data

Thomas County's 13.7% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among these eight counties, indicating residents report good overall health. Without life expectancy data, the full picture remains incomplete, but this single metric is encouraging.

Provider data unavailable, access unclear

Primary care and mental health provider data are unavailable for Thomas County, making local healthcare access difficult to assess. This data gap limits understanding of how residents access care compared to neighboring counties.

Uninsured rate slightly above state

At 8.6%, Thomas County's uninsured rate is slightly above Nebraska's 8.1% state average. Without provider availability data, it's unclear whether uninsured residents face significant barriers to care in the county.

Explore insurance options today

If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov to explore Affordable Care Act plans or contact your county health department about Medicaid eligibility. Getting covered is the first step toward consistent, preventive healthcare.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Thomas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Educational Landscape in Thomas County

Thomas County manages three public schools across two districts, serving a total enrollment of 184 students. This rural infrastructure is comprised of two elementary schools and one high school.

Strong Financial Investment in Students

Thomas County spends $12,386 per pupil, nearing the national average of $13,000 and exceeding the Nebraska average. Although the school score of 39.8 indicates room for growth, the high expenditure reflects a commitment to local education.

Thedford and Sandhills District Split

Thedford Public Schools is the largest district, serving 137 students, while Sandhills Public Schools accounts for 82 students. The county does not have any charter schools, focusing resources entirely on its public district schools.

Exclusively Rural and Very Small Schools

All three schools are in rural settings, maintaining an average school size of 61 students. Thedford Elementary is the county's largest school with 81 students, providing a small-town atmosphere for all grade levels.

Small-Town Schooling in the Sandhills

Families seeking a close-knit community will appreciate Thomas County's very low student-to-school ratio. Searching for homes in Thedford or Halsey ensures your children receive the personalized attention found in these rural campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Thomas County

via RiskByCounty

Thomas is the nation's safest

Thomas County's composite risk score of 0.16 ranks it among the absolute lowest-risk counties in the United States. The county's exceptional safety profile reflects minimal exposure across virtually all natural disaster categories.

Nebraska's lowest-risk county

At 0.16, Thomas County far exceeds the safety bar set by Nebraska's 25.80 state average, standing as the state's most protected area. No other county in this analysis approaches Thomas County's remarkable safety level.

Dramatically safer than peers

Thomas County's 0.16 score is incomparably lower than all neighboring counties; even Sioux County (1.37) faces nearly nine times more composite risk. The county represents an exceptional pocket of natural disaster safety.

Wildfire is minimal concern

Wildfire risk (42.21) represents Thomas County's only notable hazard exposure, yet remains moderate in absolute terms. Tornado (7.73), earthquake (2.89), and flood (0.95) risks are negligible.

Basic coverage provides security

Thomas County's exceptional safety means homeowners can focus on standard insurance without specialized disaster riders. Maintain current homeowners coverage and consider modest wildfire protection as a precaution, though overall risk remains exceptionally low.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Thomas County

via SoilByCounty

The Sandy Heart of the Sandhills

Thomas County possesses a pH of 6.60, aligning perfectly with the national median for healthy plant growth. The profile is defined by an incredibly high sand content typical of the Nebraska Sandhills region.

Ultra-Sandy Composition

The soil is a staggering 85.8% sand, with only 7.2% silt and 5.7% clay. This makes for very light, easy-to-move soil that provides maximum aeration but struggles to hold nutrients or water.

Low Capacity for Water Storage

Available water capacity is very low at 0.100 in/in, significantly trailing the state average of 0.172. Organic matter is 2.26%, which helps with fertility despite the lack of moisture-holding clay.

Rapid Infiltration and Drainage

Though specific drainage class data is missing, an 85% sand content ensures that water moves through the profile almost instantly. This prevents waterlogging but means irrigation is critical for non-native species.

Native Beauty in Zone 5b

The soil score of 44.7 reflects the specialized nature of these sandy soils. Gardeners in zone 5b should embrace native prairie plants and wildflowers that have evolved to thrive in these fast-draining conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Thomas County

via LawnByCounty

Sandy Terrain Challenges Thomas Lawns

Thomas County has a lawn difficulty score of 44.3, making it tougher than the state average of 54.2. The USDA Zone 5b hardiness means winters are cold, but the real challenge lies in the soil. Maintaining a traditional lawn here requires a specialized approach to watering and fertilization.

High Heat and Moderate Rain

Annual precipitation of 23.8 inches is slightly below the state average of 25.9 inches. Lawns face 34 extreme heat days per year, which is typical for Nebraska but stressful for cool-season grasses. Without supplemental water, grass will likely enter dormancy during the peak of summer.

The Challenge of Extreme Sandy Soil

Thomas County soil is a staggering 85.8% sand, meaning it holds very little water or nitrogen. The pH is a healthy 6.60, but the low 5.7% clay content means nutrients wash away quickly. Frequent, light applications of fertilizer and organic top-dressing are essential to build soil structure.

Managing Constant Moisture Loss

Drought conditions persist frequently, with 45 weeks in drought over the last year. While severe drought is currently absent, the high sand content makes any dry spell feel much more intense. Focus on selecting native grasses that naturally thrive in sandy, dry environments to reduce water dependency.

Zone 5b Seeding Strategies

In Zone 5b, timing is everything to avoid the drying effects of late spring winds. While specific local frost dates are limited, aiming for a late summer seeding allows roots to establish before the sand freezes. Fine Fescue varieties are particularly well-suited for the excellent drainage found in this county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thomas County's county score?
Thomas County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 78.9 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 Thomas County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Thomas County ranks #2 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 Thomas County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Thomas County is $1,228, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Thomas County a tax score of 32.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Thomas County?
The median household income in Thomas County, Nebraska is $72,708 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Thomas County earns an income score of 73.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Thomas County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Thomas County scores 78.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Thomas 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 Thomas 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.