countyscore
62.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 78.2Cost of Living 75

County Report Card

About Valley County, Nebraska

Valley County Exceeds National Expectations

With a 62.5 composite score, Valley County ranks well above the 50.0 national median. It provides a robust balance of affordability and public services.

Outperforming the State Average

Valley County's score of 62.5 puts it ahead of the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It is a reliable performer among the state's rural counties.

Clean Water and Low Housing Costs

A high Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 75.0 are the county's primary strengths. Median gross rent is particularly attractive at just $616 per month.

High Tax Rates and Lower Incomes

The Tax Score is a low 10.7 due to a 1.552% effective tax rate, among the highest in the area. Median household income also lags at $58,902.

The Budget-Friendly Wellness Choice

Valley County is an excellent choice for remote workers or retirees looking for cheap rent and clean water. It offers a high quality of life for those who can manage the local tax structure.

Score breakdown

Tax10.7Cost75Safety78.2Health73.5Schools71.4Income35.3Risk74Water86Weather42.1
🏛10.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.3
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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Nearby counties

Sherman County
Nebraska
61.2
Garfield County
Nebraska
69.3
Greeley County
Nebraska
64
Howard County
Nebraska
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Wheeler County
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Loup County
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Custer County
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Boone County
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Deep Dives

Valley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Valley County

via TaxByCounty

Valley County taxes above national median

Valley County's 1.552% effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.58%, placing it near the national norm. At $1,897 annually on a median home of $122,200, residents pay roughly 70% of the national median tax of $2,690.

Second-highest rate in Nebraska

Valley County's 1.552% rate ranks as the second-highest in Nebraska, about 21% above the state average of 1.281%. Its median tax of $1,897 exceeds the state median of $1,972 by about 4%, reflecting slightly lower home values.

Highest taxes in the region

Valley County's 1.552% rate is the highest among area counties, surpassing Thurston (1.521%), Stanton (1.307%), and all panhandle counties. Only a handful of counties statewide match Valley's tax burden.

About $1,897 yearly on median home

Valley County homeowners with the median property value of $122,200 pay approximately $1,897 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay $2,081; those without, $1,745.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Valley County's higher-than-average tax rate makes it especially worthwhile to verify that your assessment accurately reflects your home's market value. Filing an appeal with the Valley County Assessor could substantially reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Valley County

via CostByCounty

Valley's rock-bottom rents defy income gaps

Valley County features the survey's lowest rent at $616 monthly, paired with a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio that beats Nebraska's 14.2% state average. Despite a median income of $58,902—below state norms—the extraordinarily low rents create genuine affordability.

Exceptionally affordable rental market in Nebraska

Valley County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Nebraska's best for housing affordability, driven by rents that are dramatically lower than the state average. This county stands out as a rental bargain even by state standards.

The panhandle's cheapest monthly rent

Valley's $616 rent is the lowest in this entire cluster, undercutting Thomas County ($685) and all others by substantial margins. Home values of $122,200 are moderate, suggesting balanced economics for both renters and buyers.

Renters thrive; owners face the burden

Valley County renters spend just 12.6% on $616 rent, but owners allocate 16.3% to $803 mortgages—the highest ownership burden in the survey. The county's appeal is unmistakable for renters but challenging for those seeking to build home equity.

Valley County for renters seeking lowest costs

If you're relocating to Nebraska and prioritize absolute lowest rent, Valley County is unbeatable at $616 monthly. However, prospective buyers should know that homeownership costs climb steeply here; the county favors long-term renters seeking maximum affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Valley County

via IncomeByCounty

Valley earnings lag national benchmark

Valley County's median household income of $58,902 trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,853, or 21%. This gap reflects the rural employment constraints typical of sparsely populated Sandhills regions.

Below Nebraska's state median

Valley's $58,902 falls short of Nebraska's median of $66,880 by $7,978, placing it in the lower-middle range of county performance. The shortfall suggests limited economic diversification beyond agriculture and ranching.

Similar to other western counties

Valley ($58,902) nearly matches Sheridan ($56,900) and outpaces Sioux ($54,076), reflecting typical Sandhills economic patterns. All three share dependence on agriculture with few alternative employment centers nearby.

Housing costs remarkably low

Valley's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the best here, demonstrating exceptional housing affordability. The median home value of $122,200 remains moderate, giving households meaningful purchasing power and financial breathing room.

Leverage low cost of living

Valley County's advantage lies in its extraordinarily low cost of living relative to income—a powerful wealth-building tool. Use housing savings to fund emergency reserves, participate in employer retirement matching, and explore long-term investment strategies suited to rural economies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Valley County

via CrimeByCounty

Valley County is safer than the national norm

Valley County earns a high safety score of 99.2, with a total crime rate of 518.1 per 100,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Ranking well among Nebraska counties

The county's safety score of 99.2 is slightly above the state average of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 518.1 also beats the Nebraska state average of 626.7.

Consistently secure regional performance

Three different reporting agencies keep watch over Valley County, maintaining high safety standards. These numbers show the county is a very safe place compared to both the state and the nation.

Property crime is the primary concern

The property crime rate of 345.4 is twice as high as the violent crime rate of 172.7. While the violent crime rate is higher than the state average of 96.4, it still remains well below national figures.

Practical security for your home

Because property crimes are the most frequent incidents, simple deterrents like porch cameras can be very effective. Keeping vehicles locked and valuables out of sight helps ensure you don't become a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Valley County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy above national average

Valley County residents live 78.1 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years and just above Nebraska's 77.5-year state average. Only 13.9% report poor or fair health—the second-lowest rate in this cohort—reflecting a relatively healthy population overall.

Solid health outcomes for rural county

Valley County's 78.1-year life expectancy ranks above the state average, and its 13.9% poor/fair health rate is among the best in Nebraska. This county demonstrates strong health metrics for a rural region.

Best primary care access in cohort

Valley County leads these eight counties with 123 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 249 mental health providers per 100,000. This robust infrastructure supports preventive care and early intervention, contributing to the county's favorable health outcomes.

Uninsured rate higher than peers

At 9.3%, Valley County's uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 8.1%—the highest among these counties. Despite strong provider availability, nearly one in eleven residents lack health insurance, potentially limiting their access to preventive and routine care.

Close coverage gap, use local resources

If you're among the 9.3% uninsured, Valley County's excellent primary and mental health provider network is waiting to serve you once you're covered. Enroll through Healthcare.gov or explore Medicaid to take full advantage of the county's health infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Valley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Valley County

Valley County manages 686 students across four public schools and two districts. The system is split evenly between two elementary schools and two high schools, providing a clear pathway for students.

Excellent Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 91.4% graduation rate, which is significantly higher than the Nebraska average of 86.9%. Education is delivered efficiently with a $9,388 per-pupil expenditure, yielding a school score of 59.4.

Ord and Arcadia School Districts

Ord Public Schools is the primary district with 562 students across two schools, while Arcadia Public Schools serves 124 students. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a 100% public school enrollment.

Small Rural Schools with a Large Hub

All four schools are rural, and the average school size is 172 students. Ord Elementary is the centerpiece of the county with 316 students, while Arcadia High School remains very small with only 46 students.

Proven Academic Success in Valley County

Valley County's 91.4% graduation rate makes it a top choice for families moving to central Nebraska. Look for homes in Ord to be near the county's largest and most central elementary and junior-senior high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Valley County

via RiskByCounty

Valley ranks near national average

Valley County's composite risk score of 26.02 sits marginally above the national average while maintaining a "Very Low" overall rating. The county faces moderate but manageable natural disaster exposure.

Comparable to state average

At 26.02, Valley County mirrors Nebraska's state average of 25.80 almost exactly, indicating it represents typical hazard exposure across the state. The county sits at the midpoint of statewide risk distribution.

Mid-range risk regionally

Valley's 26.02 exceeds low-risk counties like Sheridan (13.36) and Stanton (16.22) but trails the more hazard-exposed Thayer (38.39). The county ranks near Thurston County (26.40) in regional risk comparison.

Wildfire and tornado are primary

Wildfire risk (66.35) and tornado risk (30.53) represent Valley County's major natural hazards, with wildfire substantially dominating the risk profile. Flood risk (12.05) and earthquake exposure (7.95) remain relatively minor.

Wildfire and tornado coverage essential

Valley County homeowners should prioritize insurance that covers both wildfire and tornado damage given these elevated dual threats. Maintain property defensibility against fire, ensure adequate tornado shelter access, and keep coverage current.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Valley County

via WeatherByCounty

A dry, temperate inland climate

Valley County averages 48.6°F annually, which is cooler than the national median. It receives a moderate 25.4 inches of precipitation, making it drier than many coastal or eastern regions. This climate is characterized by low humidity and clear skies.

Cooler than the Nebraska norm

At 48.6°F, Valley County is cooler than the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. Its precipitation level of 25.4 inches is also slightly lower than the state's 25.9-inch average. It represents the cooler, drier profile typical of central Nebraska.

Cooler and drier than Sherman

Valley County is notably cooler than its neighbor, Sherman County, which averages 50.1°F. It also receives about 2 inches less annual precipitation than Sherman. This makes it a slightly more arid environment within the same geographic region.

Balanced snowfall and summer heat

The county sees 28 extreme heat days per year with a July average of 73.8°F. Winter brings 30.6 inches of snowfall and an average January temperature of 23.5°F. These conditions offer a classic four-season experience without the extreme humidity of the east.

Adapt to moderate winter snow

Homeowners should prepare for over 30 inches of snow by maintaining reliable snow blowers or plows. The 28 days of extreme heat suggest that while cooling is necessary, it is less demanding than in southern Nebraska. Xeriscaping can be an effective landscaping strategy given the moderate 25.4-inch rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Valley County

via SoilByCounty

Ideally Balanced Neutral Soils

Valley County features a pH of 6.65, sitting very close to the national median of 6.5. This provides an optimal chemical environment where most soil nutrients remain easily accessible to plants.

A Versatile Loamy Mix

The composition includes 44.3% sand, 37.5% silt, and 16.0% clay. This balanced distribution offers the best of both worlds: good drainage from the sand and nutrient capacity from the silt and clay.

Competitive Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is strong at 3.26%, nearly reaching the state average of 3.32%. The available water capacity of 0.185 in/in also beats the state average, making the soil naturally resilient to drought.

Reliable and Productive Hydrology

While detailed drainage classes are not provided, the balanced texture suggests moderate drainage that supports healthy root growth. The soil manages to hold onto plenty of water without becoming waterlogged.

High Potential in Zone 5b

A high soil score of 69.3 makes Valley County an excellent location for any gardening project. In hardiness zone 5b, you have the perfect soil foundation for everything from orchards to expansive vegetable patches.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Valley County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Lawn Care in Valley County

Valley County scores a 55.3 for lawn difficulty, placing it just slightly above the Nebraska average. It is situated in Hardiness Zone 5b, which is typical for central Nebraska. This score suggests that most homeowners will find success with standard lawn maintenance routines.

Stable Temperatures and Average Rainfall

The county sees 25.4 inches of annual precipitation, which matches the state average almost exactly. With 28 extreme heat days, summer stress is slightly lower than the state average of 34 days. The 2,887 growing degree days provide a consistent, though not overly aggressive, growing pace.

Balanced Soils for Better Growth

The soil pH is 6.65, sitting in the ideal range for turf health and nutrient availability. The texture is a mix of 44.3% sand and 16.0% clay, offering a balance of drainage and moisture retention. This combination helps prevent the rapid drying seen in sandier counties while avoiding the compaction of heavy clay.

Navigating Moderate Drought Conditions

Valley County faced 30 weeks of drought in the past year, though severe conditions are currently at 0%. While the area is abnormally dry, the balanced soil helps retain moisture longer than in sandier regions. Practice smart irrigation by watering early in the morning to reduce water loss from wind and heat.

Best Time to Seed in Valley

The frost-free window runs from May 5 to October 3, providing a standard Nebraska growing season. Homeowners should consider Buffalo grass for its low water needs or a Turf-type Tall Fescue for durability. Late August to mid-September is the prime time to seed to take advantage of cooler fall nights.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valley County's county score?
Valley County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 62.5 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 Valley County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Valley County ranks #45 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 Valley County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Valley County is $1,897, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns Valley County a tax score of 10.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Valley County?
The median household income in Valley County, Nebraska is $58,902 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Valley County earns an income score of 35.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Valley County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Valley County scores 62.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Valley 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 Valley 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.