Skip to content

Cheyenne County

NE · Pop. 9,478 · Rural County

49/100Homestead Score

Cheyenne County is a rural county in Nebraska, spanning 1,196 square miles with 9,478 residents at a density of 7.9 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, corn, millet. A median home price of $129,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.74% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 143-day growing season, average summer highs of 85°F and average winter lows of 15.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 17 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Cheyenne County Hospital Association, Inc is 6.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.5% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.74%
Growing Season: 143 days
Broadband: 87.5%
Density: 7.9/sq mi

Pros

  • A median home price of $129,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Cheyenne County Hospital Association, Inc, with an emergency room, is just 6.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, corn, millet means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
  • At 7.9 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • A low unemployment rate of 2.8% reflects a stable local job base.

Cons

  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • A 143-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Annual rainfall of just 17 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
  • An effective property tax rate of 1.74% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.

At a glance

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

Homestead score
49/100
Median home price
$129k
Property tax
1.74%
Growing season
143 days (zone 5b)
Annual rainfall
17"
Broadband
87.5%
Nearest hospital
Cheyenne County Hospital Association, Inc, 6.2 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.74%
Median Household Income$57,594
Poverty Rate11.1%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$129K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone5b
Growing Season143 days
Annual Rainfall17 inches
Avg Summer High85°F
Avg Winter Low15.8°F
Top CropsWheat, Corn, Millet

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought10/10
Wildfire5/10
Tornado4/10
Flood3/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalCheyenne County Hospital Association, Inc (6.2 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage87.5%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate2.8%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Cheyenne County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Cheyenne County?
Cheyenne County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 143-day growing season, average summer highs of 85°F, and average winter lows of 15.8°F. The established crops are wheat, corn, millet.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $129,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.74%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 87.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Cheyenne County Hospital Association, Inc is 6.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

Explore Nebraska Resources

Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Nearby counties

The closest counties to Cheyenne County by distance, including across state lines.

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.