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Buffalo County

NE · Pop. 50,323 · Suburban County

40/100Homestead Score

Buffalo County sits in Nebraska across 968 square miles, home to 50,323 people at 52 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $237,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.45% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 157-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.4°F and average winter lows of 15°F. Annual rainfall averages 25.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Good Samaritan Hospital is 10.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 97.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.45%
Growing Season: 157 days
Broadband: 97.1%
Density: 52/sq mi

Pros

  • Broadband reaches 97.1% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Good Samaritan Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 10.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
  • A low unemployment rate of 2.5% reflects a stable local job base.
  • A low poverty rate of 11% signals a relatively stable local economy.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • A 157-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • An effective property tax rate of 1.45% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.

At a glance

Buffalo County, NE is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.

Homestead score
40/100
Median home price
$237k
Property tax
1.45%
Growing season
157 days (zone 5b)
Annual rainfall
25.2"
Broadband
97.1%
Nearest hospital
Good Samaritan Hospital, 10.2 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.45%
Median Household Income$74,570
Poverty Rate11%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$237K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone5b
Growing Season157 days
Annual Rainfall25.2 inches
Avg Summer High84.4°F
Avg Winter Low15°F
Top CropsCorn, Soybeans, Hay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought9/10
Wildfire8/10
Tornado8/10
Flood6/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalGood Samaritan Hospital (10.2 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities3

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage97.1%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate2.5%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Buffalo County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Buffalo County?
Buffalo County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 157-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.4°F, and average winter lows of 15°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $237,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.45%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 97.1% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Good Samaritan Hospital is 10.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.

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Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.