Education, Employment and Housing

Cuming County, NE hosts several schools, including 4 public school districts and 1 private school, serving around 1,200 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, while about 20% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ratings consistently score above 8/10. Educational programs feature advanced placement, career-technical education, and dual-credit courses. Adult education opportunities include community college classes in West Point. Overall, Cuming County schools are known for strong academics, comprehensive extracurricular offerings, and community involvement.

As of 2022, Cuming County, NE had an employment rate of approximately 66.2%. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting is the leading industry, employing about 23% of workers, followed by manufacturing at 18% and healthcare at 12%. The most common occupation types are management (18%), production (14%), and sales (12%). Roughly 70% of residents commute less than 15 minutes to work, with West Point being the primary employment hub. About 82% of workers are employed within the county, while 18% commute to neighboring areas.

Cuming County, NE, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $149,000 and median gross rents near $726 (2022 ACS). The housing market remains stable, with modest yearly appreciation of 2–3%. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, with some multi-unit buildings in towns like West Point. Leading neighborhoods include West Point, Wisner, and Beemer. Property taxes average 1.6% of a home’s assessed value, above the national average. The area offers a small-town atmosphere with affordable housing compared to statewide and national figures.

County Crime & Safety

Cuming County, NE, boasts a low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported only 32 total crimes, including 3 violent crimes and 29 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of approximately 5.3 per 1,000 residents. The local sheriff’s office promptly addresses incidents, promoting safety and regular reporting. Community policing and proactive initiatives contribute to high public safety, making Cuming County one of the safer regions in Nebraska.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Cuming County, Nebraska had a population of 9,013. The median age was 42.7 years. About 50.4% were male and 49.6% female. The racial makeup was 91.8% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 4.9% from other races; 7.7% of residents identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Elections

Cuming County, NE has approximately 5,000 registered voters, predominantly Republican (over 70%), followed by Democrats and nonpartisan voters. The county holds elections for federal, state, and local offices, with recent turnout around 65% in general elections. Polling locations include the Cuming County Courthouse and local community centers in West Point, Wisner, and Beemer. Major election issues have included agriculture policy, taxes, and rural healthcare. The Cuming County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance with Nebraska statutes and secure voting procedures. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans received over 80% of the county vote.