Pawnee County
NE · Pop. 2,539 · Rural County
Pawnee County sits in Nebraska across 431 square miles, home to 2,539 people at 5.9 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, hay. A median home price of $75,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.59% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 170-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F and average winter lows of 17°F. Annual rainfall averages 32.5 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Pawnee County is 5.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.7% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $75,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Pawnee County, with an emergency room, is just 5.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 5.9 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.1% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.59% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- At 5.9 people per square mile, services, labor, and suppliers are spread thin.
At a glance
Pawnee County, NE is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 84/100
- Median home price
- $75k
- Property tax
- 1.59%
- Growing season
- 170 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 32.5"
- Broadband
- 87.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Pawnee County, 5.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Pawnee County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Pawnee County?
- Pawnee County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 170-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F, and average winter lows of 17°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $75,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.59%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Pawnee County is 5.4 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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More counties in Nebraska
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The closest counties to Pawnee 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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