Sheridan
Nebraska

What stands out

Three things set Sheridan County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), population growth is in the bottom 4% of American counties (-1.6% a year), and unemployment is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2.0%). Within Nebraska it ranks 69th of 93 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Sheridan County, Nebraska. 5,102 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -57).

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 $53,609 a year, lower than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,267. Unemployment runs 2.0%, lower than 95% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 16 minutes each way.

Nebraska takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,138 a year.

Home

The median home costs $141K, cheaper than 87% of American counties, about 1.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $738 a month. Property tax is 1.43% of home value, roughly $1,383 a year on that median home, higher than 82% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 76% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 77.4 years, longer than 69% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 7.8 per 10,000 people. 10.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.20 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 74% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

66% 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 49°F, highs near 63 and lows near 35, colder than 79% of American counties. About 18 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 21 out of 100, safer than 79% of American counties; the county has had 9 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 93 Mbps down, slower than 90% 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.