CountyScore

Webster County

Nebraska · NE

#73 in Nebraska
68.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Webster County, Nebraska

Webster County leads in affordability nationally

Webster County's composite score of 68.3 significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 74th percentile among all U.S. counties. This above-average standing is driven primarily by exceptional housing affordability that makes it stand out in national comparisons.

Slightly below Nebraska's overall average

Webster County scores 68.3 versus Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it slightly behind mid-tier counties within the state's 93-county ranking. The 2.9-point gap reflects a community that meets state standards but faces particular economic headwinds.

Extremely affordable housing is the draw

Webster County boasts the state's strongest cost score of 86.1, with median home values of just $102,000 and monthly rent at $673—exceptionally low even for rural Nebraska. Combined with a health score of 73.0 and reasonable tax burden (1.439%), the county offers rare affordability.

Economic stability and income lag significantly

Webster County struggles most with income (25.9) and risk (44.5), with median household income of $65,197 and economic indicators suggesting vulnerability to downturns. These dual challenges suggest a community facing real economic constraints that affordability alone cannot fully offset.

Best for retirees seeking ultra-low costs

Webster County suits fixed-income retirees and extremely budget-conscious households where maximizing purchasing power takes absolute priority. The tradeoff: economic fragility and limited income growth mean this county works best for those not dependent on local job markets.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax61.8Cost86.1SafetyComing SoonHealth73SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.9Risk44.5WaterComing Soon
🏛61.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Webster County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Etowah County
Alabama
68.3
Median income: $53,070
Greene County
Arkansas
68.3
Median income: $56,793
Charlton County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $48,534
Wilkes County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $52,542
Greene County
Illinois
68.3
Median income: $60,976

Deep Dives

Webster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.