Saunders County
NE · Pop. 22,761 · Suburban County
Saunders County, Nebraska covers 749 square miles with a population of 22,761 and a density of 30.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $241,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.35% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 167-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.8°F and average winter lows of 14.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 32.4 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Saunders Medical Center is 2.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 94.8% 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
- Broadband reaches 94.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Saunders Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 2.1 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 2.5% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 6.4% signals a relatively stable local economy.
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 1.35% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 14.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Saunders County, NE is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 62/100
- Median home price
- $241k
- Property tax
- 1.35%
- Growing season
- 167 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 32.4"
- Broadband
- 94.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Saunders Medical Center, 2.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Saunders County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Saunders County?
- Saunders County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 167-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.8°F, and average winter lows of 14.9°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $241,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.35%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 94.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Saunders Medical Center is 2.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Nebraska Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Nebraska
All Nebraska countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Saunders 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.