Jefferson County
NE · Pop. 7,155 · Rural County
Jefferson County, Nebraska covers 570 square miles with a population of 7,155 and a density of 12.6 people 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 $118,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.45%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 170-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.6°F and average winter lows of 16.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 32.4 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Jefferson Community Health Center Inc is 2.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.1% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $118,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 96.1% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Jefferson Community Health Center Inc, with an emergency room, is just 2.2 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.
- At 12.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
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.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.45% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Jefferson County, NE is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 82/100
- Median home price
- $118k
- Property tax
- 1.45%
- Growing season
- 170 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 32.4"
- Broadband
- 96.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Jefferson Community Health Center Inc, 2.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Jefferson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Jefferson County?
- Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 170-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.6°F, and average winter lows of 16.4°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $118,000 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 96.1% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Jefferson Community Health Center Inc is 2.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Nebraska Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Nebraska
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The closest counties to Jefferson 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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