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Colfax County

NE · Pop. 10,541 · Suburban County

70/100Homestead Score

Colfax County sits in Nebraska across 411 square miles, home to 10,541 people at 25.6 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $129,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.25%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 158-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.5°F and average winter lows of 13.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 29.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Alegent Creighton Health Memorial Hosp Schuyler is 8.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.3% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.25%
Growing Season: 158 days
Broadband: 98.3%
Density: 25.6/sq mi

Pros

  • A median home price of $129,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 98.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Alegent Creighton Health Memorial Hosp Schuyler, with an emergency room, is just 8.4 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 2.8% reflects a stable local job base.

Cons

  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • A 158-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Average winter lows of 13.4°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.

At a glance

Colfax County, NE is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
70/100
Median home price
$129k
Property tax
1.25%
Growing season
158 days (zone 5b)
Annual rainfall
29.2"
Broadband
98.3%
Nearest hospital
Alegent Creighton Health Memorial Hosp Schuyler, 8.4 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.25%
Median Household Income$79,720
Poverty Rate8.7%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$129K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone5b
Growing Season158 days
Annual Rainfall29.2 inches
Avg Summer High83.5°F
Avg Winter Low13.4°F
Top CropsCorn, Soybeans, Hay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought8/10
Wildfire6/10
Tornado6/10
Flood4/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalAlegent Creighton Health Memorial Hosp Schuyler (8.4 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage98.3%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate2.8%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Colfax County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Colfax County?
Colfax County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 158-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.5°F, and average winter lows of 13.4°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $129,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.25%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 98.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Alegent Creighton Health Memorial Hosp Schuyler is 8.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Colfax 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.