Phelps County
NE · Pop. 8,983 · Rural County
Phelps County, Nebraska covers 540 square miles with a population of 8,983 and a density of 16.6 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 $173,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.38%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 169-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.7°F and average winter lows of 16.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 27 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Phelps Memorial Health Center is 4.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $173,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Phelps Memorial Health Center, with an emergency room, is just 4.9 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 16.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.38% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Phelps County, NE is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 73/100
- Median home price
- $173k
- Property tax
- 1.38%
- Growing season
- 169 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 27"
- Broadband
- 98.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Phelps Memorial Health Center, 4.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Phelps County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Phelps County?
- Phelps County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 169-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.7°F, and average winter lows of 16.5°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $173,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.38%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Phelps Memorial Health Center is 4.9 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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AcreTrader
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More counties in Nebraska
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The closest counties to Phelps 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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