Dakota
Nebraska

What stands out

What stands out about Dakota County: home internet speed is in the top 3% of American counties (305 Mbps), high-school completion is in the bottom 6% of American counties (79%), and the property tax rate is in the top 10% of American counties (1.61%). Within Nebraska it ranks 2nd of 93 counties for home internet speed.

Where you are

You live in Dakota County, Nebraska. 21,308 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -206).

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 $66,112 a year, higher than 65% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,490. Unemployment runs 2.8%, lower than 71% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Nebraska takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,707 a year.

Home

The median home costs $245K, pricier than 54% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $967 a month. Property tax is 1.61% of home value, roughly $2,561 a year on that median home, higher than 90% of American counties. 65% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 85% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 8 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.5 years, longer than 70% of American counties. There are 8 active physicians in the county, about 3.8 per 10,000 people. 11.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.87 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 62% of American counties. 79% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 85 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 57% 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 50°F, highs near 62 and lows near 38, colder than 75% of American counties. About 28 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 57 out of 100, riskier than 57% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 305 Mbps down, faster than 97% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.