Education, Employment and Housing

Burt County, NE, hosts several public schools, including 3 high schools, serving a combined K-12 enrollment of around 1,100 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 93%, while about 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average school test scores are slightly above the state average. School safety is prioritized, with minimal reported incidents annually. Educational programs include agriculture, STEM, and vocational training. Adult education options are limited locally, but nearby community colleges serve residents.

As of 2022, Burt County, NE, had an employment rate of approximately 58%. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (19.5%), Educational Services (13.6%), and Manufacturing (13%). Occupationally, most residents work in Management, Business, Science, and Arts occupations (30%), followed by Sales and Office (21%). About 74% of the workforce commutes alone by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes; over 75% of workers are employed within the county, while others commute to neighboring areas like Fremont and Sioux City.

Burt County, NE has a homeownership rate of about 77%, higher than the national average. The median home value is around $110,000, while the median gross rent is $720 per month. Property values have remained stable with slight increases in recent years. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some multi-family and rental units, particularly in Tekamah and Oakland neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 1.7% of home value. The area offers affordable living with a mix of historic and newer homes, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.

Demographics

As of 2022, Burt County, Nebraska had a population of approximately 6,455. The median age is about 46.6 years, reflecting an older demographic. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 50.3% male and 49.7% female. The county is predominantly White (over 94%), with smaller representations of Hispanic or Latino (2.3%), Native American (1.2%), and other races.

Elections

Burt County, NE, had 4,427 registered voters as of 2022, predominantly Republican (approx. 70%), with Democrats and nonpartisan voters comprising the rest. Elections include general, primary, and local issues; recent turnout was 59% in the 2022 general election. Major polling locations are in Tekamah, Lyons, and Oakland. The Burt County Election Office oversees administration, ensuring compliance with Nebraska law. Recent ballot issues involved school funding. Republicans consistently win local races, with 75% of county votes going to GOP candidates in 2020. Common voter concerns involve agriculture policy and rural infrastructure.

County Crime & Safety

Burt County, NE, maintains a low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county recorded approximately 110 reported crimes, including 10 violent offenses and 100 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of about 13.8 per 1,000 residents. Crime reports are handled by the Burt County Sheriff's Office, with most incidents involving theft or minor property damage. Violent crime is rare, and the community emphasizes public safety through regular patrols and neighborhood watch programs, contributing to Burt County’s reputation as a safe, rural area.