Valley County's composite score of 69.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by roughly 40%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates solid livability across most dimensions.
2 / 5
Valley slightly trails Nebraska average
Valley's 69.9 score falls modestly below Nebraska's state average of 71.2 by 1.3 points, placing it just below the midline of state counties. It represents a respectable but not standout performer within Nebraska.
3 / 5
Valley's economy is notably stable
Valley County scores 85.3 on Cost and boasts the lowest median rent in this group at $616, along with a Health Score of 75.4. The county offers attractive affordability, especially for renters seeking minimal housing costs.
4 / 5
High taxes and low incomes create friction
Valley's effective tax rate of 1.552% is the highest in this group, while its Income Score of 21.8 reflects a median household income of just $58,902. Combined with a modest Risk Score of 74.0, these factors limit wealth-building potential.
5 / 5
Best for renters and minimal-expense living
Valley County appeals to renters, minimalists, and those on fixed incomes seeking the lowest possible monthly housing costs. It's ideal for highly mobile workers or those indifferent to higher tax burdens who want ultra-affordable housing in a stable rural setting.
Valley County's composite score of 69.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by roughly 40%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates solid livability across most dimensions.
Valley slightly trails Nebraska average
Valley's 69.9 score falls modestly below Nebraska's state average of 71.2 by 1.3 points, placing it just below the midline of state counties. It represents a respectable but not standout performer within Nebraska.
Valley's economy is notably stable
Valley County scores 85.3 on Cost and boasts the lowest median rent in this group at $616, along with a Health Score of 75.4. The county offers attractive affordability, especially for renters seeking minimal housing costs.
High taxes and low incomes create friction
Valley's effective tax rate of 1.552% is the highest in this group, while its Income Score of 21.8 reflects a median household income of just $58,902. Combined with a modest Risk Score of 74.0, these factors limit wealth-building potential.
Best for renters and minimal-expense living
Valley County appeals to renters, minimalists, and those on fixed incomes seeking the lowest possible monthly housing costs. It's ideal for highly mobile workers or those indifferent to higher tax burdens who want ultra-affordable housing in a stable rural setting.
Score breakdown
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🏛58.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.