Valley
Nebraska

What stands out

If you had to describe Valley County in numbers, start here: the average commute is in the bottom 2% of American counties (13 minutes), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 5% of American counties ($547 a month). Within Nebraska it ranks 3rd of 33 counties for the average commute, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Valley County, Nebraska. 4,053 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -38).

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 $62,321 a year, higher than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,900. Unemployment runs 2.2%, lower than 92% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 13 minutes each way.

Nebraska takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,535 a year.

Home

The median home costs $190K, cheaper than 67% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $547 a month. Property tax is 1.53% of home value, roughly $1,920 a year on that median home, higher than 86% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 89% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.5 years, longer than 80% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 14.8 per 10,000 people. 10.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.96 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 65% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

73% 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 63 and lows near 38, colder than 74% of American counties. About 29 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 26 out of 100, safer than 74% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 182 Mbps down, slower than 58% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1 brewery.