countyscore
65
County Score
Safety 88.8Water Quality 86Cost of Living 81.2

County Report Card

About Webster County, Nebraska

Top Tier Quality of Life

Webster County achieves a composite score of 65.0, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This performance places it well into the upper bracket of livability nationwide.

Outpacing the State Average

At 65.0, the county significantly beats the Nebraska state average of 59.3. It distinguishes itself as a premier destination for value and safety within the Cornhusker State.

Unmatched Safety and Affordability

Safety and cost are the county's standout features, scoring 88.8 and 81.2 respectively. Median home values are highly accessible at $102,000, and the water score of 86.0 reflects excellent local quality.

Tax Burden and Risk Factors

The tax score of 15.6 is a primary challenge, as residents pay an effective rate of 1.439%. Additionally, a risk score of 44.5 suggests the county faces more natural hazard exposure than some neighbors.

A Budget-Friendly Safety Haven

Webster County is an excellent match for first-time homebuyers and young families who prioritize safety and low housing costs. It is ideal for those willing to trade higher property taxes for a secure and affordable community.

Score breakdown

Tax15.6Cost81.2Safety88.8Health65.2Schools71.4Income55.3Risk44.5Water86Weather36.5
🏛15.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.4
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

Franklin County
Nebraska
68.2
Nuckolls County
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75.9
Adams County
Nebraska
39.8
Smith County
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Jewell County
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Kearney County
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Clay County
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Thayer County
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61.7

Deep Dives

Webster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Webster County

via TaxByCounty

Webster County taxes slightly above national median

Webster County's effective tax rate of 1.439% exceeds the national median of 1.1%, positioning it in approximately the 65th percentile among U.S. counties. However, its median property tax of $1,468 remains significantly below the national median of $2,690, owing to a much lower median home value of $102,000.

Webster County a higher-tax Nebraska county

Webster County's effective rate of 1.439% ranks in the top 20% of Nebraska counties, considerably above the state average of 1.281%. Despite its modest median home value, the county's high effective rate means residents pay proportionally more in taxes relative to property value.

Webster County taxes high for the region

Webster County's 1.439% effective rate ranks second-highest among the five-county group, trailing only Washington County (1.475%) and substantially exceeding Wheeler County (0.912%) and Wayne County (1.194%). For a county with lower absolute home values, its tax burden is notably steep.

Annual tax on median property: $1,468

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $102,000 in Webster County pays approximately $1,468 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $1,870; without a mortgage, they decrease to $1,151—reflecting the different assessment approaches used by the county.

Challenge your assessment and save

Overassessment is common in Webster County, and homeowners can file a free property tax appeal to challenge their assessed value. Given the county's elevated effective rate, even small reductions in assessed value can meaningfully lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Webster County

via CostByCounty

Webster County: Deep affordability advantage

Webster County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most tenant-friendly markets, well below the national standard. Despite having a median income of $65,197—below the national average of $74,755—the county's rock-bottom median rent of $673 delivers exceptional affordability for renters.

Nebraska's most affordable rental county

Webster County leads Nebraska with a 12.4% rent-to-income ratio and the state's lowest median rent at $673, far below the state average of $783. This county represents peak rental affordability across the entire state, a rare combination of low costs and reasonable rent burdens.

Lowest rents, lowest home values

Webster County's $673 median rent stands $59 below Wayne County and $310 below Washington County, matching its position as the region's affordability champion. The median home value of $102,000 is also the lowest among its neighbors, making Webster an extremely budget-friendly option across all housing categories.

Rents and mortgages both minimal

Renters here spend just $673 monthly (12.4% of income) while homeowners pay $681 (12.5% of income)—remarkably balanced and both well below national standards. Webster County stands alone among the group in offering equally affordable options for both renters and buyers, an uncommon advantage.

Webster County for budget seekers

If affordability is your primary concern and you can embrace a very rural lifestyle, Webster County is Nebraska's ultimate value play. The county's minimal rent costs, low home values, and balanced affordability for renters and homeowners make it ideal for those stretching limited incomes as far as possible.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Webster County

via IncomeByCounty

Webster County Income Falls Below National Average

Webster County's median household income of $65,197 sits approximately $9,558 below the national median of $74,755. This represents a 12.8% shortfall compared to typical U.S. household earnings.

Below Average Within Nebraska

Webster County's median household income of $65,197 trails Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by about $1,683. Per capita income of $35,259 slightly underperforms the state's $36,101 average.

Lower Earnings Than Most Regional Peers

Webster County's $65,197 median household income ranks below Wayne County ($67,687) and York County ($74,058). Only Wheeler County at $55,893 earns meaningfully less within the regional comparison.

Affordability Advantage With Low Home Values

Webster County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates solid housing affordability, well below the 30% benchmark. The median home value of just $102,000 provides genuine opportunity for first-time homebuyers despite moderate incomes.

Leverage Affordable Housing to Build Wealth

Webster County's low median home value of $102,000 creates a rare opportunity to build home equity on modest incomes. Prioritize down payments and stable employment to take advantage of the county's affordability advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Webster County

via CrimeByCounty

Unrivaled Safety in Webster County

Webster County stands out with an impressive safety score of 99.6, significantly higher than the national average. Its total crime rate of 234.7 per 100,000 is about 10% of the national rate.

A Top Performer in Nebraska

This county is a safety leader, easily outperforming the Nebraska state average safety score of 99.0. Its total crime rate of 234.7 is less than half of the statewide average of 626.7.

Webster Outpaces Regional Neighbors

Webster County is considerably safer than York County, which has a crime rate nearly four times higher at 886.6. It remains one of the most peaceful jurisdictions in this part of the state.

Serious Incidents are Exceptionally Rare

Property crime occurs at a low rate of 176.0 per 100,000, and violent crime is even lower at 58.7. These numbers mean that serious physical threats are very rare occurrences for the local population.

Keep Your Community Secure

While risks are minimal, small investments in home security ensure Webster County stays safe. Basic measures like well-lit entryways continue to deter the few opportunistic crimes that might occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Webster County

via HealthByCounty

Webster County faces health headwinds

At 75.3 years, Webster County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 78.1 years by nearly 3 years. With 16.4% of residents in poor or fair health—approaching the national average of 17%—this county carries a heavier disease burden than most of America.

Struggles show in state rankings

Webster County's 75.3-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years below Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years. At 16.4% poor/fair health, Webster's chronic disease rate outpaces state norms, placing it among Nebraska's most health-challenged counties.

Behind other regional counties

Webster County's 75.3-year life expectancy lags significantly behind Wayne County (82.5 years) and Washington County (79.9 years). The county's 16.4% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than both neighbors, indicating persistent health struggles.

Provider shortages compound challenges

Webster County has only 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below most Nebraska counties—making it harder for residents to access preventive care. At 7.0% uninsured, the county's uninsured rate slightly exceeds Nebraska's 8.1% state average, leaving fewer people connected to healthcare.

Health coverage matters even more here

With limited providers and higher health risks, Webster County residents need strong insurance more than ever to manage chronic conditions. Visit healthcare.gov or call your county health department today to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and community health center options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Webster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Nebraska

Webster County's education system is intimate, with just 710 students enrolled across five public schools. The infrastructure is streamlined into two school districts containing three elementary schools and two high schools. This small scale allows for a tight-knit community feel throughout the educational journey.

High Scores and Dedicated Funding

Webster County excels with a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national benchmarks. The county invests $10,993 per pupil, which is higher than the Nebraska state average of $10,521. This investment pays off, as evidenced by a composite school score of 62.2, well above the state average of 59.1.

Blue Hill and Red Cloud Districts

The Blue Hill Community Schools district is the largest in the county, educating 318 students across two schools. Red Cloud Community Schools follows closely, serving 269 students in its own two-school system. All local education is provided through these traditional districts, with no charter schools present in the county.

A Purely Rural School Experience

Every school in Webster County is classified as rural, providing a consistent environment for all 710 students. The average school size is just 142 students, with Blue Hill Elementary being the largest at 176 and Red Cloud High School the smallest at 106. This ensures a high level of familiarity between students, teachers, and parents.

Settle in a Top-Scoring District

With school scores and graduation rates that beat state averages, Webster County is a hidden gem for families. The high per-pupil spending reflects a community that truly values its youth and their future. Explore homes in Blue Hill or Red Cloud to benefit from this dedicated rural educational setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Webster County

via RiskByCounty

Webster County faces above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 55.47, Webster County ranks relatively low but significantly exceeds Nebraska's state average of 25.80. The county's risk profile aligns with more hazard-prone regions across the United States, particularly due to concentrated tornado exposure.

Among Nebraska's higher-risk counties

Webster County ranks as one of the state's more hazard-vulnerable areas, with its 55.47 score placing it well above the state mean. Only a handful of Nebraska counties face comparable composite risk levels.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Webster County's 55.47 score exceeds nearby Wayne County (13.96), Washington County (25.51), and Wheeler County (5.47), though York County (52.26) presents similar exposure. The county's elevation in risk reflects its position in a more active tornado corridor.

Tornados pose significant seasonal threat

Tornado risk (42.53) and wildfire risk (42.68) drive Webster County's elevated composite score, with both hazards requiring serious preparedness planning. Flood risk remains moderate at 18.64, though residents in low-lying areas should remain vigilant during heavy rainfall events.

Strengthen tornado and storm preparedness

Webster County homeowners should ensure insurance covers both tornado damage and hail, with particular attention to basement or safe-room construction for extreme events. Maintain updated emergency contacts, a disaster supply kit, and a family communication plan practiced annually before severe weather season arrives.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Webster County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Hub in the High Plains

Webster County maintains an annual average temperature of 51.0°F, placing it slightly below the national median for continental climates. Its 26.4 inches of annual precipitation align with the transition zone between the humid east and the arid west.

Exceeding the Nebraska Temperature Average

The county's 51.0°F average temperature makes it warmer than the statewide average of 49.7°F. This southern location contributes to a climate profile that is generally milder than the Nebraska panhandle or northern tiers.

Bringing the Heat Compared to Neighbors

While neighboring York County experiences 37 days of extreme heat, Webster County endures 50 days over 90°F annually. It also receives about 7 inches less snow each year than Wheeler County to the north.

Steamy Summers and Moderate Winters

July brings an average high of 77.2°F, supported by 50 days of extreme heat annually. Winters remain manageable with an average January temperature of 24.9°F and approximately 19.7 inches of total snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration Systems

The high volume of 90°F days requires efficient HVAC systems and reliable water planning for the summer months. Residents should prepare for moderate winter precipitation, though snow totals remain lower than much of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Webster County

via SoilByCounty

Optimal pH Levels in Webster

Webster County perfectly matches the state average with a pH of 6.79, providing an ideal environment for nutrient uptake. This neutral rating is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, favoring local crop productivity.

Silt-Heavy Soils Provide Structure

The composition is 53.3% silt and 20.7% clay, creating a smooth texture that manages water efficiently. With a sand content of 24.7%, the soil maintains enough porosity to allow for healthy root respiration.

Exceptional Organic Richness

At 3.68%, the organic matter content in Webster County exceeds both the state and national averages. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.195 in/in, this soil is naturally fertile and drought-resistant.

Productive Land with High Scores

Although specific drainage classes are unavailable, the impressive soil score of 71.7 suggests very few physical limitations. This rating is much higher than the Nebraska average of 58.9, marking it as premium agricultural land.

A Gardener’s Dream in Zone 5b

The combination of high organic matter and zone 5b weather makes this an excellent place to start a garden. You can expect high yields of leafy greens and root vegetables in this nutrient-dense Nebraska earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Webster County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Heat and Sunny Skies

Webster County has a lawn difficulty score of 60.4, making it friendlier for grass than both the state and national averages. Despite being in Hardiness Zone 5b, this county presents unique challenges due to its significant summer heat.

High Heat Demands Diligent Watering

With 50 extreme heat days per year, this county is significantly hotter than the state average of 34. Combined with 26.4 inches of rain, you will need to prioritize a rigorous mowing and watering schedule to combat heat stress.

Stable Soil with Excellent pH

The soil pH of 6.79 is ideal for most turfgrass species, requiring very little lime or sulfur adjustment. The 20.7% clay content provides a decent moisture buffer, though local drainage conditions can vary by site.

Focusing on Morning Hydration

Webster County faced 20 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry today. To keep your lawn resilient during those 50 annual heat days, water deeply in the early morning to minimize evaporation.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Turf Species

Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for this climate, as it can survive the 3,430 growing degree days. Plan to seed after May 1, but be mindful of the relatively early October 5 frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Webster County's county score?
Webster County, Nebraska has a composite county score of 65 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 Webster County rank among counties in Nebraska?
Webster County ranks #34 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 Webster County, Nebraska?
The median annual property tax in Webster County is $1,468, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Webster County a tax score of 15.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Webster County?
The median household income in Webster County, Nebraska is $65,197 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Webster County earns an income score of 55.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Webster County, Nebraska a good place to live?
Webster County scores 65/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Nebraska. The best way to evaluate Webster 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 Webster 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.