countyscore
59.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Cost of Living 80.8

County Report Card

About Thurston County, Nebraska

Thurston County Beats National Median

The county's 59.3 composite score puts it ahead of the 50.0 national median. It offers a more resilient and affordable profile than the typical U.S. county.

Matching the Nebraska Average

Thurston County scores exactly 59.3, mirroring the Nebraska state average. It represents the quintessential Nebraska experience in terms of overall livability.

Incredible Safety and Affordability

Safety is a standout with a score of 97.5, making it one of the safest spots in the region. Housing is also highly accessible, reflected in a Cost Score of 80.8 and $698 median rent.

Significant Health and Tax Hurdles

The Tax Score of 11.9 is a major drag on the profile, fueled by a high 1.521% effective rate. Health outcomes also struggle with a low score of 30.3.

A Budget Haven for Safety Seekers

This county suits residents who prioritize low-cost housing and personal security above all else. It is a strong fit for those who are comfortable traveling for healthcare to save on daily living costs.

Score breakdown

Tax11.9Cost80.8Safety97.5Health30.3Schools52.6Income53.8Risk73.6Water86Weather39.6
🏛11.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.5
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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Nearby counties

Dakota County
Nebraska
35.8
Monona County
Iowa
59.3
Woodbury County
Iowa
50.9
Cuming County
Nebraska
64.1
Burt County
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64.7
Dixon County
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Wayne County
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60.5
Plymouth County
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47.3

Deep Dives

Thurston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Thurston County

via TaxByCounty

Thurston County taxes higher than most

At 1.521%, Thurston County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.58% by a small margin, placing it slightly above the national norm. The county's median tax of $1,599 on a median home of $105,100 is still about 41% below the national median of $2,690.

Above-average taxes for Nebraska

Thurston County's 1.521% rate ranks among the highest in Nebraska, about 19% above the state average of 1.281%. Its median tax of $1,599 exceeds the state median of $1,972 by a modest amount despite lower home values.

Priciest taxes in the panhandle

Thurston's 1.521% rate is substantially higher than nearby counties: Sheridan (1.376%), Sherman (1.224%), and Thomas (1.087%). Among panhandle counties, only Valley County (1.552%) approaches Thurston's tax burden.

About $1,599 yearly on median home

On Thurston County's median home value of $105,100, homeowners pay roughly $1,599 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $1,958; without, it drops to $1,356.

Assessment appeals could yield savings

Given Thurston County's higher tax rate, homeowners should carefully review their assessments for accuracy and consider appealing if their homes appear overvalued. The county assessor can walk through the valuation process and help identify any discrepancies with comparable properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Thurston County

via CostByCounty

Thurston balances modest income and rents well

Thurston County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% beats Nebraska's state average of 14.2%, reflecting smart housing economics despite a median income of $64,838. At $698 monthly, rents are among the region's lowest while incomes remain solid.

Strong affordability ranking statewide

Thurston County's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio places it in Nebraska's upper tier for housing affordability. The county delivers genuine relief for renters without requiring exceptional income levels.

Low rent with stable income base

Thurston's $698 rent is the second-lowest after Thomas County ($685), while median income of $64,838 exceeds Sheridan and Sioux. This creates a favorable rental environment with income support that backs up long-term stability.

Renters enjoy the bulk of the advantage

Thurston renters allocate 12.9% of income to $698 rent, while owners spend 12.2% on $662 mortgages—nearly equal despite owners' higher absolute costs. The county's affordability benefit flows primarily to renters seeking low-cost housing.

Thurston County attracts cost-conscious renters

If you're relocating to rent affordably in Nebraska while maintaining stable employment, Thurston County offers low housing costs paired with reasonable income levels. The county's combination of modest rents and fair home values makes it competitive for both renters and modest-budget buyers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Thurston County

via IncomeByCounty

Thurston earnings notably below national

Thurston County's median household income of $64,838 falls $9,917 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 13% gap. This modest shortfall reflects lower-wage employment opportunities typical of rural regions.

Slightly below state average

Thurston's $64,838 trails Nebraska's median of $66,880 by just $2,042, placing it very near the statewide norm. The county's performance is representative of typical Nebraska rural economies.

Mid-range among county peers

Thurston ($64,838) outperforms Sioux ($54,076) and Sheridan ($56,900) but trails higher earners like Thomas ($72,708) and Stanton ($78,275). This positions it solidly in the middle tier of regional economic performance.

Housing exceptionally affordable

Thurston's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates excellent housing affordability, second-best in this group. The median home value of $105,100 remains one of the lowest, making homeownership accessible to most working families.

Prioritize consistent savings discipline

Thurston's strong housing affordability creates opportunities for wealth building despite moderate income levels. Establish automatic monthly transfers to savings, utilize employer retirement plans fully, and seek financial literacy resources to compound small, consistent investments over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Thurston County

via CrimeByCounty

Thurston County achieves peak safety scores

Thurston County reports 0.0 total crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in a perfect safety score of 100.0. This makes it significantly safer than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the state's safety average

With a perfect safety score, Thurston County outperforms the Nebraska average of 99.0. It reports zero crimes while the state average sits at 626.7 per 100,000 residents.

Quiet and secure regional profile

Three reporting agencies work within Thurston County to maintain this level of public safety. The lack of reported incidents makes it a remarkably quiet pocket within the state.

No violent or property crimes recorded

Data from 2022 shows 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 people. This suggests that residents face extremely low risk in their daily lives.

Active communities stay safer

Zero reported crimes is a stellar achievement that benefits from community engagement. Ensuring your property is well-maintained and following basic safety protocols can help maintain this perfect record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Thurston County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy crisis demands action

Thurston County residents live just 63.2 years on average—a startling 15.7 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years and 14.3 years below Nebraska's 77.5 years. With 23.5% reporting poor or fair health, the highest rate in this cohort, the county faces a significant public health emergency.

Nebraska's most urgent health crisis

Thurston County's 63.2-year life expectancy is drastically below Nebraska's state average, marking it as the state's most challenged county in this metric. The 23.5% poor/fair health rate—eight percentage points above the state norm—underscores deep, systemic health disparities.

Provider access paradox

Despite strong infrastructure with 91 primary care providers and 488 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county faces severe health outcomes. This suggests barriers extend beyond provider availability into social determinants, historical inequities, and systemic health access patterns.

Insurance coverage and access gap

At 7.3%, Thurston County's uninsured rate is below the state average, yet health outcomes remain dire. This gap between insurance coverage and actual health status signals deeper issues—possibly transportation, health literacy, or historical medical mistrust—that numbers alone cannot capture.

Coverage is first step, not solution

If you're uninsured, prioritize getting covered through Medicaid or ACA plans; if you're insured, ensure you're using preventive services. For Thurston County's health to improve, communities need sustained investment in health equity, cultural trust, and addressing root causes of disparity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Thurston County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Public Schooling in Thurston County

Thurston County supports a large student population of 2,116 through 11 public schools and five districts. The diverse infrastructure includes four elementary, two middle, and five high schools.

Significant Funding and Competitive Scores

The county invests a high $16,208 per pupil, well above the national average of $13,000. This funding supports a school score of 66.0, which beats the state average of 59.1, despite a lower graduation rate of 75.9%.

Umo N Ho N Nation and Pender Districts

Umo N Ho N Nation Public Schools is the largest district with 631 students, followed by Pender Public Schools with 443. The county relies on its five public districts and currently hosts zero charter schools.

Rural Schools with Mid-Size Enrollment

All 11 campuses are rural, but they maintain a healthy average enrollment of 192 students. Winnebago Elementary is the county's largest school with 429 students, while Pender High School serves 182.

High-Investment Schools for Thurston Families

Thurston County stands out for its high per-pupil spending and above-average school scores. Families researching homes in Pender or Winnebago will find a district network that is better funded than most in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Thurston County

via RiskByCounty

Thurston ranks slightly above average

Thurston County's composite risk score of 26.40 sits slightly above the national average, yet still maintains a "Very Low" risk rating overall. The county faces manageable hazard exposure comparable to typical American counties.

Near Nebraska's average risk

At 26.40, Thurston County closely mirrors Nebraska's state average of 25.80, positioning it as a middle-ground county for natural hazard exposure. The county represents typical risk conditions across the state.

Moderate risk in local context

Thurston's 26.40 exceeds many regional neighbors like Stanton (16.22) and Sherman (22.39), but falls below Thayer County (38.39). The county ranks in the mid-range of this eight-county analysis.

Tornado and wildfire dominate

Tornado risk (51.65) and wildfire risk (85.97) represent Thurston County's principal natural hazards, with wildfire showing the highest exposure levels. Flood risk (18.96) poses a secondary concern, while earthquake risk (6.74) remains negligible.

Prioritize wildfire and tornado

Thurston County residents should ensure comprehensive coverage for both wildfire and tornado, given these dual elevated threats. Consider a tornado safe room or shelter and maintain defensible space around structures to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Thurston County

via WeatherByCounty

A typical eastern plains climate

Thurston County averages 49.0°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median for temperature. It receives 29.8 inches of precipitation, which is quite high for the Great Plains region. This creates a humid continental climate with significant seasonal variance.

Cooler but wetter than average

The county's 49.0°F average is just below the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. However, its 29.8 inches of annual precipitation is well above the state average of 25.9 inches. This makes Thurston one of the more moisture-rich counties in the northeastern part of the state.

Wetter and warmer than Wayne

Thurston County is slightly warmer than neighboring Wayne County, which averages 48.3°F. It also receives nearly 3 more inches of annual precipitation than Wayne. These differences highlight the county's position as a transition zone between the drier west and wetter east.

Frigid winters and humid summers

January is particularly cold here, with an average temperature of only 20.3°F. The county receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, paired with 33 days of extreme summer heat over 90°F. These extremes define the year, shifting from deep freezes to high heat.

Prepare for extreme winter cold

With January averages near 20°F, heavy-duty home heating and vehicle winterization are top priorities. The 33.2 inches of snow require reliable clearing equipment for rural and town roads. High-quality moisture barriers are also important given the nearly 30 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Thurston County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Rich Silty Earth

Thurston County’s soil has a pH of 6.96, nearly a perfect neutral 7.0. This makes it slightly more alkaline than the state average and provides an excellent chemical baseline for most agriculture.

Heavy Silt and High Clay

With 54.8% silt and 25.2% clay, this soil is much heavier than the state average. This fine texture creates a nutrient-rich environment that can be harder to till but offers great stability for plant roots.

Premium Water Retention

Thurston provides a high available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, well above the Nebraska average of 0.172. Organic matter is 2.71%, offering a solid foundation for plant health and biological activity.

Moisture-Rich Silt Profiles

Specific drainage data is not listed, but the low sand content (20.0%) indicates that water stays in the root zone much longer. This helps crops survive during the hotter, drier parts of the Nebraska summer.

Success in Hardiness Zone 5a

A soil score of 66.6 confirms that this is highly productive land. In zone 5a, gardeners can leverage the high water capacity to grow thirsty crops like melons and squash with great success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Thurston County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Nebraska Lawn Care in Thurston

Thurston County’s lawn difficulty score of 54.5 is almost identical to the state average. It sits in Zone 5a, requiring grass that can survive temperatures as low as -20°F. Overall, the conditions provide a predictable environment for residential lawn care.

Wet and Warm Growing Conditions

The county receives 29.8 inches of rain annually, nearly reaching the ideal 30-inch mark for lawns. There are 3,234 growing degree days, providing ample heat for vigorous growth. However, 33 extreme heat days mean you'll need to watch for heat stress and fungal diseases in the mid-summer.

Clay-Rich Soil Retains Nutrients

With 25.2% clay content, Thurston soils are better at holding water and nutrients than most neighboring counties. The pH is nearly neutral at 6.96, which is ideal for nutrient uptake. This clay-heavy soil can be prone to compaction, so annual aeration is recommended to keep roots healthy.

Weathering Long Dry Spells

Thurston has experienced 37 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire county remains abnormally dry. The clay content provides a buffer against short dry periods, but long-term drought still requires careful irrigation management. Water deeply to ensure moisture reaches the lower root zones in the heavier soil.

Spring and Fall Planting Windows

The season typically starts with a last frost on May 1 and ends by October 6. These dates give you a solid five-month window to manage your turf. Kentucky Bluegrass is a favorite here, as it can recover well from the summer heat and survive the 5a winter cold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thurston County's county score?
Thurston County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Thurston County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Thurston County ranks #58 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 Thurston County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Thurston County is $1,599, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Thurston County a tax score of 11.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Thurston County?
The median household income in Thurston County, Nebraska is $64,838 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Thurston County earns an income score of 53.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Thurston County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Thurston County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Thurston 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 Thurston 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.