Sheridan County
NE · Pop. 5,058 · Rural County
Sheridan County, Nebraska covers 2,440 square miles with a population of 5,058 and a density of 2.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, corn, wheat. The median home price is $103,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.38%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 133-day growing season, average summer highs of 85°F and average winter lows of 11.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 17.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Gordon Memorial Hospital District is 22.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 81.7% 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 $103,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, corn, wheat means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 2.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 10.7% 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.
- A 133-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 17.2 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.38% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Sheridan County, NE is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 44/100
- Median home price
- $103k
- Property tax
- 1.38%
- Growing season
- 133 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 17.2"
- Broadband
- 81.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Gordon Memorial Hospital District, 22.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Sheridan County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Sheridan County?
- Sheridan County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 133-day growing season, average summer highs of 85°F, and average winter lows of 11.8°F. The established crops are hay, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $103,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.38%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 81.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Gordon Memorial Hospital District is 22.4 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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AcreTrader
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More counties in Nebraska
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The closest counties to Sheridan 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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