Harlan
Nebraska

What stands out

Three things set Harlan County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the school test score is among the highest in America (3.97 where 3.0 is grade level), unemployment is in the bottom 3% of American counties (1.9%), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Nebraska it ranks 2nd of 77 counties for the school test score.

Where you are

You live in Harlan County, Nebraska. 3,094 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +37).

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 $64,583 a year, higher than 61% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,165. Unemployment runs 1.9%, lower than 97% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

Nebraska takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,638 a year.

Home

The median home costs $167K, cheaper than 77% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $806 a month. Property tax is 1.24% of home value, roughly $1,685 a year on that median home, higher than 75% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.9 per 1,000 residents, lower than 95% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.7 years, longer than 82% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 9.7 per 10,000 people. 10.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.71 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than almost every county in America. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

75% 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 53°F, highs near 67 and lows near 40, colder than 60% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 51 out of 100, riskier than 51% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 154 Mbps down, slower than 69% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.