CountyScore

Wheeler County

Nebraska · NE

#2 in Nebraska
80.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Wheeler County, Nebraska

Wheeler County tops Nebraska's livability rankings

Wheeler County's composite score of 80.8 ranks it in the 86th percentile nationally, far above the U.S. median of 50.0. This exceptional performance makes Wheeler one of America's most livable rural counties, driven by outstanding health, risk resilience, and affordability.

Clear leader among Nebraska's 93 counties

Wheeler County scores 80.8 compared to Nebraska's state average of 71.2, placing it decisively at the top of the state's county rankings. The 9.6-point advantage is the largest gap among the five profiled counties, establishing Wheeler as Nebraska's livability standout.

Outstanding across three critical dimensions

Wheeler County excels with a risk score of 94.6 (highest resilience), cost score of 90.5 (most affordable), and health score of 87.7 (top wellness outcomes). Median home values of $135,900 and rent at $525 per month combine with the lowest effective tax rate in Nebraska (0.912%) for remarkable overall value.

Limited income-earning opportunities locally

Wheeler County's income score of 19.9 reflects a median household income of $55,893—the lowest among the five counties profiled. This rural reality means most households must accept lower wages or rely on outside income sources to maintain the county's livability advantages.

Premier choice for cost-conscious rural living

Wheeler County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum affordability with genuine health security and economic resilience. It represents the rare combination of rural charm, financial relief, and stability—though only for those comfortable with limited local earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.6Cost90.5SafetyComing SoonHealth87.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.9Risk94.6WaterComing Soon
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤87.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡94.6
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 Wheeler County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McCone County
Montana
80.7
Median income: $71,842
Greenlee County
Arizona
80.9
Median income: $75,239
Harding County
South Dakota
80.9
Median income: $74,766
Judith Basin County
Montana
81
Median income: $55,417
Daggett County
Utah
81
Median income: $58,750

Deep Dives

Wheeler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wheeler County

via TaxByCounty

Wheeler County offers the lowest tax burden

Wheeler County's effective tax rate of 0.912% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in approximately the 30th percentile—among the lowest-taxed counties in the nation. The median property tax of $1,240 is less than half the national median of $2,690, making it a genuinely affordable county for homeowners.

Nebraska's most tax-friendly county

Wheeler County's effective rate of 0.912% ranks at the bottom of Nebraska counties, significantly below the state average of 1.281%. With a median property tax of just $1,240 compared to the state median of $1,972, Wheeler County offers the most favorable property tax environment in Nebraska.

Wheeler County stands apart as low-tax haven

Wheeler County's 0.912% rate substantially undercuts all four neighboring counties—Washington County (1.475%), Webster County (1.439%), Wayne County (1.194%), and York County (1.202%). It's the clear tax bargain of this five-county region.

Median annual property tax: $1,240

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $135,900 in Wheeler County pays approximately $1,240 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $1,563; without one, it falls to $1,096—among the lowest annual tax burdens in the state.

Even in low-tax Wheeler, appeals matter

Although Wheeler County offers low overall rates, some homeowners remain overassessed, and filing a free property tax appeal can still yield savings. Every dollar counts, especially for lower-income residents in rural communities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wheeler County

via CostByCounty

Wheeler County offers exceptional rent relief

Wheeler County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's lowest rent burdens, a significant advantage for cost-conscious renters. The median household income of $55,893 lags the national average of $74,755, but the median rent of just $525 more than compensates with extraordinary affordability.

Nebraska's most relaxed rent burden

Wheeler County boasts the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 11.3%, nearly 3 percentage points below Nebraska's 14.2% average. With a median rent of $525—the lowest across all Nebraska counties reviewed—Wheeler delivers the state's most tenant-friendly housing market.

Cheapest rents in the region

Wheeler County's median rent of $525 undercuts every neighboring county, running $207 below Webster County and $360 below Washington County. The county's lowest median income of $55,893 reflects a very rural economy, but the extremely low rent burden makes up for lower earnings potential.

Minimal housing costs across the board

Renters spend $525 monthly (11.3% of income) while homeowners pay $578 (12.4% of income)—both the lowest figures in the group. Wheeler County demonstrates that very affordable housing costs can offset lower incomes, creating genuine opportunity for those prioritizing affordability.

Wheeler County for maximized affordability

Wheeler County suits those seeking the absolute lowest housing costs and willing to embrace deep rural Nebraska in exchange. With the region's cheapest rents, lowest rent-to-income ratio, and minimal homeownership costs, Wheeler County stretches any income furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wheeler County

via IncomeByCounty

Wheeler County Faces Significant Income Gap

Wheeler County's median household income of $55,893 trails the national median of $74,755 by $18,862—a 25.2% shortfall. This represents one of the lower median incomes among comparable counties nationwide.

Lowest Income County in Nebraska

Wheeler County's median household income of $55,893 falls substantially below Nebraska's state average of $66,880, a gap of $10,987. Per capita income of $39,076 ranks highest among the five sampled counties, suggesting some income inequality within households.

Wheeler County Faces Regional Income Challenges

Wheeler County's $55,893 median household income lags all sampled neighbors, with the nearest peer—Webster County—earning $9,304 more. The county's median sits $34,295 below neighboring Washington County.

Strong Housing Affordability Offsets Lower Wages

Wheeler County's 11.3% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among sampled counties, providing genuine housing relief. The median home value of $135,900 remains attainable, though the income-to-price ratio requires careful household budgeting.

Start Small, Build Steadily in Wheeler County

Wheeler County residents should focus on stable employment and skill development to increase earning potential. Even small, consistent savings contributions and exploring affordable homeownership can build financial resilience over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wheeler County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data tells partial story

Life expectancy data for Wheeler County is not currently available, making detailed national comparisons difficult. However, 14.6% of residents report poor or fair health, approaching the U.S. average of 17%, suggesting moderate health challenges.

Small county, sparse health data

Wheeler County's specific life expectancy is unavailable, but its 14.6% poor/fair health rate sits below Nebraska's typical burden of chronic disease. The county remains understudied in health surveillance, making it harder to assess full health status versus state averages.

Data gaps obscure comparisons

Without life expectancy data for Wheeler County, direct comparison to surrounding counties like Wayne (82.5 years) and Webster (75.3 years) is incomplete. The 14.6% poor/fair health rate suggests conditions somewhere between healthier and more challenged neighbors.

Promising coverage, unknown provider access

Wheeler County's 5.4% uninsured rate beats Nebraska's 8.1% state average, a bright spot for healthcare access. However, specific data on primary care and mental health provider availability is not available, leaving a gap in understanding the full care landscape.

Don't let coverage lapse

Even with a low uninsured rate, Wheeler County residents should verify their coverage is current and adequate. Contact your local health department or visit healthcare.gov to confirm you have the protection your family needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wheeler County

via RiskByCounty

Wheeler County is exceptionally safe

At just 5.47, Wheeler County's composite risk score ranks among the lowest in the nation and represents only 21% of Nebraska's state average of 25.80. This very low rating reflects a genuinely protective natural environment across virtually all major hazard categories.

State's safest county for disasters

Wheeler County holds Nebraska's lowest composite risk score, making it the safest county in the state against natural disasters. The county's remote location and geographic characteristics create exceptional protection against multiple hazard types.

Far safer than all nearby counties

Wheeler County's 5.47 score dwarfs nearby Wayne County (13.96), Washington County (25.51), Webster County (55.47), and York County (52.26). The county stands out as an island of minimal hazard exposure in its region.

Wildfire is only notable hazard here

Wildfire risk (45.93) is Wheeler County's primary natural disaster concern, though still moderate compared to state and national standards. All other hazards—flood (2.42), tornado (17.18), and earthquake (2.10)—present minimal risk to residents.

Minimal coverage needs in safest county

Wheeler County residents need only standard homeowner's insurance with basic wildfire and wind coverage to address the county's modest hazards. Consider maintaining defensible space around your home and keeping gutters clear, especially during wildfire season in neighboring counties.

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.