Holt County
NE · Pop. 10,093 · Rural County
Holt County, Nebraska covers 2,412 square miles with a population of 10,093 and a density of 4.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, corn, soybeans. A median home price of $152,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.14% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 150-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.7°F and average winter lows of 12.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 25.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Avera St. Anthony's Hospital is 6.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.7% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $152,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Avera St. Anthony's Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 6.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, corn, soybeans means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 4.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.3% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 150-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of 12.5°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Holt County, NE is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 65/100
- Median home price
- $152k
- Property tax
- 1.14%
- Growing season
- 150 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 25.3"
- Broadband
- 88.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Avera St. Anthony's Hospital, 6.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Holt County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Holt County?
- Holt County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 150-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.7°F, and average winter lows of 12.5°F. The established crops are hay, corn, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $152,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.14%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Avera St. Anthony's Hospital is 6.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Nebraska Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Nebraska
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The closest counties to Holt 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.
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