York County

Nebraska · NE

#65 in Nebraska
69.9
County Score

County Report Card

About York County, Nebraska

York County solidly outranks U.S. median

York County's composite score of 69.9 beats the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 75th percentile among all American counties. This above-average standing reflects a well-balanced livability profile with no major weaknesses pulling the county down.

Matches Nebraska's overall performance standard

York County scores 69.9, slightly below Nebraska's state average of 71.2 by just 1.3 points, placing it in the solid middle tier among the state's 93 counties. The narrow gap indicates a county performing at the state baseline across most livability measures.

Tax efficiency and housing value lead

York County delivers strong tax value with an effective rate of 1.202% and a cost score of 78.7, with median home values of $175,900 and rent at $885. Health outcomes (79.8) are also solid, positioning the county as a financially balanced choice for working families.

Economic risk and income growth need support

York County's weakest area is the risk score of 47.8, suggesting economic vulnerability, paired with an income score of 31.7 and median household income of $74,058. These numbers indicate limited high-wage job creation and economic stress that outpace some neighboring counties.

Steady option for middle-class working families

York County suits working families and young professionals seeking reasonable housing costs and moderate taxes without exceptional economic opportunity or high income potential. It's a reliable, no-surprises choice for those prioritizing stability over growth or dramatic affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.5Cost78.7SafetyComing SoonHealth79.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.7Risk47.8WaterComing Soon
🏛68.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠78.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼31.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
79.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
47.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

York County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in York County

via TaxByCounty

York County taxes near national median

York County's effective tax rate of 1.202% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, positioning it near the 50th percentile among U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,115 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting a median home value ($175,900) that's notably lower than the national average.

York County slightly below Nebraska average

York County's effective rate of 1.202% falls just below Nebraska's state average of 1.281%, ranking it in the middle of Nebraska's county distribution. Its median property tax of $2,115 exceeds the state median of $1,972 by about 7%, indicating homes here hold relatively steady value.

York County moderate in the region

York County's 1.202% effective rate ranks third among the five-county group, below Washington County (1.475%) and Webster County (1.439%) but above Wayne County (1.194%) and Wheeler County (0.912%). It represents a middle ground for this area's tax burden.

Median annual property tax: $2,115

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $175,900 in York County pays roughly $2,115 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the annual tax bill reaches $2,293; without a mortgage, it drops to $1,947—a pattern reflecting county assessment methodology.

Appeal your assessment free of charge

York County homeowners who believe their properties are overassessed can file a free property tax appeal with strong chances of success. Challenging an inflated assessment can lower your annual bill and ensure you pay only your fair share.

Cost of Living in York County

via CostByCounty

York County meets national affordability standard

York County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national standard, making it reasonably affordable for renters relative to peers nationwide. With a median household income of $74,058—nearly aligned with the national median of $74,755—the county offers balanced affordability for typical American earners.

Slightly above Nebraska average rent burden

York County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio edges above Nebraska's 14.2% state average, placing it in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The median rent of $885 runs $102 above the state average of $783, reflecting a county with slightly higher housing costs than typical Nebraska.

Mid-range costs, mid-range incomes

York County's $885 median rent positions it between the lowest-cost rural counties (Wheeler at $525) and highest-cost Washington County ($958). The median income of $74,058 aligns it closer to Washington County's prosperity level than to the more rural, lower-income neighbors.

Balanced housing cost distribution

Renters spend $885 monthly (14.3% of income) while homeowners pay $905 (14.5% of income)—remarkably balanced and close to national norms. York County demonstrates equilibrium where both renters and homeowners dedicate similar portions of income to housing, typical of a stable mid-sized county economy.

York County for balanced Nebraska living

York County appeals to those seeking a middle path between rural affordability and stronger income potential, with housing costs aligned to national standards. The county offers mainstream affordability and a moderately prosperous local economy, making it suitable for those wanting stability without sacrificing economic opportunity.

Income & Jobs in York County

via IncomeByCounty

York County Matches National Income Levels

York County's median household income of $74,058 sits just $697 below the national median of $74,755. The county performs nearly identically to the U.S. average, reflecting stable middle-class earnings.

Above Average Earner in Nebraska

York County's median household income of $74,058 exceeds Nebraska's state average of $66,880 by $7,178, a 10.7% advantage. Per capita income of $36,571 slightly outpaces the state average of $36,101.

York County Ranks Second Regionally

York County's $74,058 median household income ranks second only to Washington County ($90,188) among sampled peers. The county significantly outearns Wayne ($67,687), Webster ($65,197), and Wheeler ($55,893) counties.

Housing Affordability Requires Attention

York County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% is the highest among sampled counties, indicating tighter housing affordability margins. The median home value of $175,900 approaches the upper limit of recommended home-price-to-income ratios.

Optimize Finances in York County's Strong Market

York County's solid middle-class earnings support wealth-building through consistent savings and strategic homeownership. Residents should prioritize building down payment reserves and exploring refinancing options to manage housing costs effectively.

Health in York County

via HealthByCounty

York County matches U.S. life expectancy

York County residents have a life expectancy of 77.9 years, nearly identical to the U.S. average of 78.1 years. With 11.9% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national rate of 17%—York County performs better than average on chronic disease burden.

Slightly above Nebraska average

York County's 77.9-year life expectancy marginally exceeds Nebraska's state average of 77.5 years. The county's 11.9% poor/fair health rate is notably better than state norms, indicating a relatively healthy population.

Competitive with nearby counties

York County's 77.9-year life expectancy sits between Webster County (75.3 years) and Wayne County (82.5 years). The county's 11.9% poor/fair health rate is competitive with Washington County (11.4%), showing solid regional performance.

Abundant providers and solid coverage

York County shines with 77 primary care providers and an impressive 181 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Nebraska's highest densities. At 6.3% uninsured, the county beats Nebraska's 8.1% state average, ensuring most residents can access the abundant care available.

Make the most of resources here

York County's strong provider network means residents who are uninsured lose access to exceptional care—something 1 in 16 residents face today. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to secure coverage and take full advantage of York's healthcare resources.

Disaster Risk in York County

via RiskByCounty

York County faces elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 52.26, York County ranks relatively low but nearly doubles Nebraska's state average of 25.80. The county's risk profile places it among the more hazard-exposed areas across the United States, driven primarily by tornado activity.

Among Nebraska's riskier counties

York County ranks as one of the state's higher-risk areas, with only a few Nebraska counties exceeding its 52.26 composite score. The county's position reflects significant exposure to severe weather and wind-related hazards.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

York County's 52.26 score exceeds nearby Wheeler County (5.47), Wayne County (13.96), and Washington County (25.51), though Webster County (55.47) presents slightly higher risk. The variation reflects York County's placement in an active tornado corridor compared to its less-exposed neighbors.

Tornado threat dominates hazard profile

Tornado risk (67.02) is York County's defining hazard and its highest single-category score, requiring serious preparedness for spring and early summer storm seasons. Flood risk (24.97) presents a secondary concern, particularly for residents near drainage basins and low-lying areas.

Prioritize tornado and wind protection

York County homeowners should invest in comprehensive coverage for tornado, hail, and wind damage, the county's primary threats. Develop a family tornado plan that includes identification of safe rooms or shelters, practice drills before severe weather season, and maintain an emergency supply kit with essentials for 72 hours.

ByCounty Network

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