Custer
Nebraska

What stands out

Three things set Custer County apart from the other 3,142 counties: unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.7%), high-school completion is in the top 8% of American counties (95%), and the school test score is in the top 10% of American counties (3.38 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Nebraska it ranks 7th of 93 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Custer County, Nebraska. 10,566 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +81).

Nebraska stopped taxing Social Security in 2025 and is cutting its top income-tax rate toward 3.99%. Property taxes are among the highest in the country as a share of home value, which is the state's longest-running political fight. Omaha and Lincoln hold most of the population and jobs; the state has the country's only unicameral legislature and publicly owned electric utilities.

Money

The typical household here brings in $62,288 a year, higher than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,959. Unemployment runs 1.7%, lower than almost every county in America. 6% of workers work from home.

Nebraska takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,533 a year.

Home

The median home costs $180K, cheaper than 72% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $779 a month. Property tax is 1.22% of home value, roughly $1,628 a year on that median home, higher than 73% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 87% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 7 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.2 years, longer than 86% of American counties. There are 8 active physicians in the county, about 7.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 9.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.31 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 90% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

74% of eligible voters turned out. Under Nebraska law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 51°F, highs near 64 and lows near 37, colder than 72% of American counties. About 24 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 30 out of 100, safer than 70% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 94 Mbps down, slower than 89% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.